2011 NFL Mock Draft: Will Jake Locker Tumble Down the Board on Draft Day?
2011 NFL Mock drafts are in a constant state of flux.
Everything from final standings to positions of need will ultimately determine how a team proceeds next year in April.
Jake Locker, once one of the hottest prospects in college football, has seen his stock plummet after he was widely considered one of the top prospects in the league. After a poor season, he's no longer the consensus No. 1 pick as a new player has taken that mantle.
The regular season comes to a close next week and the playoffs are just after that.
The draft picture is starting to get very clear and teams out of contention will be looking towards the 2011 NFL draft to fill their biggest weaknesses.
No. 32, New England Patriots: Allen Bailey, DE/DT, Miami
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Allen Bailey was once projected as a much higher pick, but his stock has fallen in recent weeks.
New England is set on offense and just needs to bolster its defense.
Having taken a cornerback earlier, Bailey should complement him well as a pressure-generating defensive lineman.
No. 31, Atlanta Falcons: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
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Atlanta has a tenuous situation. Tony Gonzalez is leaning toward retirement and that will leave a gaping hole at the tight end position. However, if he stays, they should aim for another offensive player.
It wouldn't hurt to grab a defensive back to bolster a solid, but beatable secondary. However, there's only so much that Matt Ryan can do with only Roddy White to throw to.
Michael Floyd could pair up with White to form one of the most fearsome receiving duos in the league.
No. 30, Pittsburgh Steelers: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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Pittsburgh has a lot of trouble protecting Ben Roethlisberger. There's only so much his strength, improvisation and scrambling abilities can do to extend plays.
Carimi has good technique and he'll be a welcome addition to a weak offensive line, and he happens to work well in their scheme.
While Carimi is a bit slow and he's not much of an athlete, his size makes up for that. He's an excellent run blocker and he can open up holes for Rashard Mendenhall to dance through.
Carimi will fit in at right tackle.
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No. 29, Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
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The Baltimore Ravens defense has been vulnerable this year against the pass and the run.
While they're still one of the best defensive units, they're getting older and could really use some help in the secondary.
If Ed Reed decided to inexplicably retire, Rahim Moore would probably be the best pick. However, the Ravens need to add a cornerback, especially if they want to use nickel packages at all next season.
Aaron Williams is a solid corner out of Texas and the Ravens would be lucky to have him.
No. 28, New Orleans Saints: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
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New Orleans doesn't really have many glaring weaknesses on the team.
However, it couldn't hurt to upgrade at defensive tackle and give Sedrick Ellis a partner in crime.
Drake Nevis would be a great pick for the Saints. He uses leverage to break through offensive lines to get upfield.
Nevis is great against both the rush and the pass, and if the Saints want to contend with the Atlanta Falcons, they'll need someone to stop Michael Turner and get to Matt Ryan.
No. 27, Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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The Chicago Bears have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL.
With a quarterback that holds onto the ball too long and often goes into interception mode when he gets pressure, they have to address their protection issues.
Derek Sherrod is extremely athletic and can face up against some of the fearsome pass rushers in the NFC North.
No. 26, Philadelphia Eagles: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston
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The Philadelphia Eagles have a porous offensive line. They have the most elusive quarterback in the NFL, yet he gets abused in the backfield.
Anthony Castonzo out of Boston College should help to improve their offensive line immediately.
He's smart and you can always count on him to make the right play.
No. 25, New York Jets: Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California
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Cameron Jordan will help rejuvenate the New York Jets defense. Their pass rush has not been as effective as it was last season.
He's a perfect fit in the Jets defensive scheme and he can generate pressure on his own.
If the Jets want to overcome the likes of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, they'll need someone like Jordan to get into the backfield.
No. 24, Green Bay Packers: Akeem Ayers, DE/OLB, UCLA
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The Green Bay Packers could really use another running back with Ryan Grant's health a concern, but Mark Ingram is the only running back worth taking in the first round.
Akeem Ayers is a versatile player with elite athleticism.
The Packers could really use someone to pair up with Clay Matthews to make for one of the most fearsome pass rushes.
No. 23, Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
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Kansas City needs to find a reliable wide receiver to pair across from Dwayne Bowe.
Bowe has turned in a solid season, but Matt Cassel needs more than one weapon to throw the ball to. After all, Jamaal Charles can only do so much for the Chiefs' offense.
At 6'5", 230 lbs., Baldwin is an imposing and physical beast.
No. 22, Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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Nate Solder is a massive 6'9", 313 lbs. offensive tackle.
Peyton Manning needs someone to protect him and Solder happens to be one of the rare elite offensive tackles available in this year's draft class.
He's a physical freak with great skills that should start from day one.
No. 21, St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
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Sam Bradford is having a stellar rookie season, and this is without a true No. 1 receiver.
The Rams really need to find a true weapon to pair with Bradford and Justin Blackmon is the next best receiver in a great receiving class.
Blackmon is having an amazing year and his stock has shot through the roof. He has a good combination of speed and size to make an impact at the next level.
St. Louis cannot afford to walk away without a stud receiver in the first round. They have to address this need here.
No. 20, New York Giants: Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma
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The New York Giants went from one of the worst defenses to one of the best this season.
While they clearly still need some work, they're much improved and their biggest weakness comes at linebacker. Akeem Ayers is a higher rated linebacker, but he's a hybrid player that's better suited for a 3-4 defense.
Lewis fits in well with the Giants defensive scheme and Perry Fewell would love to have him.
No. 19, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made great strides this season.
They found their franchise quarterback in Josh Freeman, and Mike Williams is turning out to be a special talent at wide receiver.
However, their defense is another story.
If the Buccaneers ever hope to make any noise in the NFC South, they need to be able to generate pressure against the likes of Matt Ryan and Drew Brees.
Adrian Clayborn's stock has gone down this season after a disappointing year, but that's due to the increased attention he has seen. He represents a lot of value this late in the first round.
Clayborn will complement Gerald McCoy nicely to create a great pass-rush tandem.
No. 18, Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
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If Jacksonville ever hopes to have any success in the AFC South, they'll need to find ways to pressure Peyton Manning.
Ryan Kerrigan falling to the Jaguars this low would be an absolute steal for them. He can blow by offensive lineman and tear through double teams to get into the backfield.
No. 17, San Diego Chargers: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
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San Diego is going to lose Vincent Jackson, but they should be fine in the receiving corps. As long as they retain Malcom Floyd, they'll be in good shape.
Philip Rivers seems like he can turn a mediocre receiver into a great one, so they'll need to address their defense. Particularly at linebacker.
Von Miller is a great pass rusher that can really get off the line and around the edge to rack up sacks. He'll be a great replacement to the once-great Shawne Merriman and he'll be an immediate upgrade over Larry English. He also fits into their defensive scheme perfectly.
No. 16, Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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Chad Henne is not the answer at quarterback, but there are no quarterback prospects worth taking here.
Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are going to be free agents, and I doubt they come back after both played abysmal this season.
Mark Ingram can be their replacement at running back. He's capable of being an every down back that they can really use to pound opposing defenses.
He doesn't have that burner speed, but he's physical and has a good burst off the line.
No. 15, New England Patriots: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
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This pick comes courtesy of the Oakland Raiders.
People seem to think that New England will go after Mark Ingram, but I don't buy it. They have two competent running backs in BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead. They aren't great, but they fit well in the Patriots system and they've been playing well.
Upgrading at wide receiver could also be an option, but with Tom Brady having an MVP season with his current weapons, I believe that Bill Belichick will look to bolster their defense.
The Patriots give up the third-most yards through the air with 262 yards. The secondary should be their primary concern and Brandon Harris is having a great season.
No. 14, Minnesota Vikings: Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
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The Minnesota Vikings are probably aiming for Ryan Mallett, Cam Newton or Jake Locker, but with them all already off the board, they'll have to look to address another area.
Tarvaris Jackson and Joe Webb have shown flashes of some potential, so they may take a risky approach and hope that one of them develops into a competent enough quarterback. Especially after Webb played well against the Eagles last night.
The Vikings need to improve their secondary and Janoris Jenkins happens to be the next best cornerback available. He has the physical tools to excel in the NFL.
If Minnesota hopes to compete in the NFC North, it'll need someone to cover the likes of Greg Jennings and Calvin Johnson.
No. 13, Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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The Seattle Seahawks need to replace Matt Hasselbeck sooner or later, and while Locker's draft stock has plummeted since last year, he could still turn out to be a solid pro quarterback.
A year or two learning under Hasselbeck should help his development considerably.
Locker has the prototypical size for a quarterback, he's athletic and has a good arm.
His experience in a pro-style system should only help.
No. 12, Tennessee Titans: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
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Robert Quinn is a top-10 talent, but red flags after his year of ineligibility will probably have him drop.
Quinn is a freak athlete with great speed and pass rushing ability.
The Titans need to be able to generate pressure to stop Peyton Manning and disrupt Matt Schaub.
The Titans have a pressing need for a quarterback, but I believe they address that in free agency. Jeff Fischer doesn't have the time to develop a prospect like Jake Locker.
No. 11, Houston Texans: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
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While the Houston Texans have an absolutely putrid secondary, with a number of good cornerbacks available in free agency, I believe that they will throw enough money to lure one of them to Houston.
Houston needs to fill many holes on defense, but none of the other positions have a prospect worth taking this high.
If the Texans ever hope to have any success in their division, defense is a top priority. With Chris Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew making multiple visits against the Texans, they need to be able to stop the run.
Mario Williams can generate pressure from the outside, while Paea fills up the gaps inside.
No. 10, Washington Redskins: Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama
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The Washington Redskins really need to upgrade their defensive line with whiny malcontent, Albert Haynesworth, being absolutely useless.
Dareus is capable of playing against the run and the pass and his versatility to move from defensive end to tackle make him a good fit.
Washington may consider Jake Locker here, but I doubt Mike Shanahan will go after him. Perhaps he's satisfied enough with Rex Grossman—yes, I too am shocked that I just wrote that—to stick with him for next season.
No. 9, Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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Colt McCoy appears to have a fairly bright future as quarterback, and if the Browns want to develop him further, they'll pair him up with a competent wide receiver.
Julio Jones had a great junior season with Alabama and he has all the physical tools to be a special receiver in the NFL.
Jones proved that he's tough enough to play at the next level having played through an injury.
At 6'4" with the ability to create separation, he'll quickly become McCoy's favorite target.
No. 8, San Francisco 49ers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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A few weeks earlier and I probably wouldn't even have Cam Newton in the first round.
However, his draft stock has really shot up and he could solidify a spot in the top 10 with a great game against Oregon, a solid pro day and combine.
None of the other quarterbacks projected within this range can come even remotely close to matching Newton in athleticism and physical ability.
He has the arm, competitive nature, winning pedigree and improving skills to make for a solid quarterback. Just don't expect him to be an impact player right away.
No. 7, Dallas Cowboys: Nick Fairley, DE/DT, Auburn
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The Dallas Cowboys need help on several fronts, but more than anything else, they need to improve their defense.
They could really use a defensive back, but with the Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara already off the board, there's a fairly wide gap between them and the next best prospects.
Nick Fairley is a versatile defensive lineman that can play defensive end or tackle. Dallas would be lucky to land him with the No. 7 pick.
No. 6, Arizona Cardinals: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
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The Arizona Cardinals need to address a number of holes on their roster, but quarterback is the most pressing need for the team.
Ryan Mallett has a big enough arm to get the ball to Larry Fitzgerald, he's patient and shows a lot of poise.
Depending on how you evaluate the other quarterbacks, there's a serious drop after Mallett. They can't afford to pass up on him.
No. 5, Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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If the Detroit Lions were smart, they'd go after a cornerback. Their defense has made great strides this season and a strong cover corner could do wonders for them.
Prince Amukamara is just behind Patrick Peterson in the cornerback prospect list and is nipping at his heels for the top spot.
No. 4, Buffalo Bills: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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Simply put, Da'Quan Bowers is an animal.
This massive defensive end decimates offensive lineman and he can do serious damage in the backfield.
Bowers is a sack machine and there's pretty much no way he falls out of the top five.
If the Bills ever want to give themselves a fighting chance in the AFC East, they'll need someone like Bowers to generate pressure.
No. 3, Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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Normally, Da'Quan Bowers would occupy this position, but it's looking likely that Chad Ochocinco will be following Terrell Owens out of town. That leaves a very young and underwhelming receiving core in place for Cincinnati.
Carlos Dunlap has played well lately and the Bengals could be satisfied enough with him that they decide to go in another direction.
A.J. Green is a one-of-a-kind talent and he's just too hard to pass up on. They'll look at the impact Calvin Johnson had for Detroit's offense and hope he can do the same for them.
Plus, with a long rebuilding mode ahead for Cincinnati, the Bengals will need an exciting young player to keep fans at least remotely interested in the team.
No. 2, Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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The Denver Broncos need to upgrade their defense on numerous fronts.
Champ Bailey is a free agent this offseason and I think he will find a new home.
The Broncos have had the luxury of having a dominant corner in Bailey for all these years and they'll look to replace him fast.
Patrick Peterson is a special talent, and while it's rare to take a cornerback this high, he certainly has the talent and potential to live up to expectations.
No. 1, Carolina Panthers: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
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Jimmy Clausen has not played well and Carolina will have to try its hand with a new quarterback under center. While I was a big supporter of Clausen's coming out of college, I'm not impressed after watching him in his rookie season.
If Andrew Luck declares, Carolina should draft him. He's a can't miss prospect that can give the team an immediate upgrade.
With John Fox on his way out, the new regime will look for a fresh start and Luck can be that guy.
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