2011 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Newton, A.J. Green, and Complete 3 Round Projections
David DanielsSenior Writer IJanuary 5, 20112011 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Newton, A.J. Green, and Complete 3 Round Projections
The 2011 NFL Draft is more than 110 days away. Now that the NFL playoffs have begun, it's time to mock the first three rounds of the draft.
Where will Blaine Gabbert go now that he has declared? What about Terrelle Pryor?
These questions and more will be answered in this 2011 three-round NFL Mock Draft:
1. Carolina Panthers: Da'Quan Bowers (DE, Clemson)
Analysis: Charles Johnson had about one third of the Panthers sacks this season, and he's a free agent.
Grade: Even
2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU)
Analysis: Champ Bailey is long gone, but the Broncos don't take a step back by selecting Peterson.
Grade: Even
3. Buffalo Bills: Nick Fairley (DE, Auburn)
Analysis: The Bills have the worst run defense in the league, but that will change fast with Fairley on the line.
Grade: Even
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Robert Quinn (DE, North Carolina)
Analysis: Character concerns are the only thing holding Quinn back from going No. 1, which the Bengals obviously don't care about.
Grade: Even
5. Arizona Cardinals: Prince Amukamara (CB, Nebraska)
Analysis: The Cardinals will have two shutdown cornerbacks for years to come with Amukamara and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie manning the outside.
Grade: Even
6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green (WR, Georgia)
Analysis: Colt McCoy gets an All World talent on the outside to throw to for the next 10 years in Green.
Grade: Even
7. San Francisco 49ers: Blaine Gabbert (QB, Missouri)
Analysis: The 49ers new head coach will have no ties to either Smith and will want his own quarterback to run the offense.
Grade: Even
8. Tennessee Titans: Marcell Dareus (DT, Alabama)
Analysis: The Titans finally replace Albert Haynesworth in the middle of their struggling defense.
Grade: Even
9. Dallas Cowboys: Mark Ingram (HB, Alabama)
Analysis: The Cowboys running game has been infective for most of the season, and with no better option, why not?
Grade: Even
10. Washington Redskins: Ryan Mallett (QB, Arkansas)
Analysis: Mike Shanahan gets a gunslinger that's definitely an upgrade to Rex Grossman in the strong armed Mallett.
Grade: Even
11. Houston Texans: Stephen Paea (DT, Oregon St.)
Analysis: The Texans finally upgrade the defensive tackle instantly improving their entire defense.
Grade: Even
12. Minnesota Vikings: Cam Newton (QB, Auburn)
Analysis: Joe Webb isn't the answer, but the Heisman Trophy winner could be.
Grade: Even
13. Detroit Lions: Brandon Harris (CB, Miami)
Analysis: The Lions fill their number one need at cornerback with Harris, who has the potential to be a shutdown cornerback.
Grade: Even
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones (WR, Alabama)
Analysis: Sam Bradford gets a stud wide receiver in Jones that can turn a short pass into a home run at any time.
Grade: Steal
15. Miami Dolphins: Mikel LeShoure (HB, Illinois)
Analysis: Miami must select a running back to replace Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.
Grade: Reach
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan (DE, Purdue)
Analysis: The Jaguars have no legit pass rushers with Aaron Kampman's future in jeopardy with two bad knees.
Grade: Even
17. New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan (DE, California)
Analysis: The Patriots finally replace Richard Seymour with the pick they received in the Seymour-trade.
Grade: Even
18. San Diego Chargers: Von Miller (OLB, Texas A&M)
Analysis: The Chargers need someone opposite of Shaun Phillips who can rush the passer more effectively than Larry English.
Grade: Even
19. New York Giants: Travis Lewis (OLB, Oklahoma)
Analysis: Keith Bulluck is a shell of his former self and must be replaced.
Grade: Even
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn (DE, Iowa)
Analysis: The Buccaneers have no one at defensive end right now, and Clayborn falls because of inconsistency.
Grade: Steal
21. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker (QB, Washington)
Analysis: The hometown hero falls to the Seahawks and will sit a year behind Matt Hasselbeck.
Grade: Steal
22. Kansas City Chiefs: Justin Blackmon (WR, Oklahoma St.)
Analysis: The Chiefs need an upgrade opposite of Dwayne Bowe to eliminate double teams.
Grade: Even
23. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder (OT, Colorado)
Analysis: The athletic Solder is a pass blocker who fits great in the Colts system.
Grade: Even
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Janoris Jenkins (CB, Florida)
Analysis: The Eagles must find a replacement for Dimitri Patterson after the last few weeks of poor play.
Grade: Even
25. Green Bay Packers: Akeem Ayers (OLB, UCLA)
Analysis: The Packers have nothing across from Clay Matthews, and Ayers will be able to start right away.
Grade: Even
26. New Orleans Saints: Drake Nevis (DT, LSU)
Analysis: Nevis will really improve the Saints mediocre pass rush.
Grade: Steal
27. New York Jets: J.J. Watt (DE, Wisconsin)
Analysis: Watt has great size and can start right away at the Jets weakness on the defensive line.
Grade: Even
28. Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Williams (CB, Texas)
Analysis: All the Ravens cornerbacks are gone next year besides Lardarius Webb and Dominique Foxworth who's coming off of a torn ACL.
Grade: Even
29. Chicago Bears: Derrick Sherrod (OT, Mississippi St.)
Analysis: The Bears offensive line surrendered more sacks than anyone in the league this season.
Grade: Steal
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey (G, Florida)
Analysis: The Steelers fill their gaping hole at right guard with Maurkice Pouncey's brother Mike.
Grade: Even
31. Atlanta Falcons: Jonathan Baldwin (WR, Pittsburgh)
Analysis: Matt Ryan needs another weapon on the outside besides Roddy White.
Grade: Steal
32. New England Patriots: Justin Houston (OLB, Georgia)
Analysis: The Patriots haven't had a dangerous pass rusher since Adalius Thomas left.
Grade: Even
33. New England Patriots: Jimmy Smith (CB, Colorado)
Analysis: The Patriots solidify their secondary and defense with Smith and their third selected defender of the draft.
Grade: Even
34. Buffalo Bills: Terrelle Pryor (QB, Ohio St.)
Analysis: Pryor comes off the board and will sit a year behind Ryan Fitzpatrick for the Bills.
Grade: Even
35. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Floyd (WR, Notre Dame)
Analysis: Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens will both be gone after free agency and need to be replaced.
Grade: Even
36. Denver Broncos: Allen Bailey (DE, Miami)
Analysis: The Broncos biggest weakness this past season was their defensive line.
Grade: Even
37. Cleveland Browns: Ras-I Dowling (CB, Virginia)
Analysis: Eric Wright hasn't been the same talent and needs to be replaced.
Grade: Even
38. Arizona Cardinals: Pat Devlin (QB, Delaware)
Analysis: The Cardinals get their franchise quarterback in Devlin pleasing Larry Fitzgerald.
Grade: Even
39. Tennessee Titans: Bruce Carter (OLB, North Carolina)
Analysis: The Titans need an upgrade at outside linebacker and to their run defense.
Grade: Steal
40. Dallas Cowboys: Steve Wisiewski (G, Penn State)
Analysis: The Cowboys must upgrade a shaky offensive line for Tony Romo this offseason.
Grade: Steal
41. Washington Redskins: Ryan Broyles (WR, Oklahoma)
Analysis: The Redskins desperately need to find some weapons for Ryan Mallett.
Grade: Reach
42. Houston Texans: Rahim Moore (FS, UCLA)
Analysis: Part two of five of the Texans defensive makeover is complete with the selection of Moore.
Grade: Steal
43. Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Castonzo (OT, Boston College)
Analysis: There's no reason why Adrian Peterson shouldn't lead the league in rushing every season.
Grade: Steal
44. Detroit Lions: Gabe Carimi (OT, Wisconsin)
Analysis: The Lions must protect their franchise quarterback in Matt Stafford to actually get somewhere.
Grade: Steal
45. San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Burton (CB, Utah)
Analysis: The 49ers must upgrade their horrible secondary and it starts at the cornerback position.
Grade: Even
46. Denver Broncos: Kyle Rudolph (TE, Notre Dame)
Analysis: The Broncos gave away Tony Scheffler a year ago and now finds his replacement.
Grade: Steal
47. St. Louis Rams: Greg Jones (OLB, Michigan St.)
Analysis: Both Rams outside linebackers combined couldn't reach 100 tackles this season.
Grade: Even
48. Oakland Raiders: Demarcus Love (OT, Arkansas)
Analysis: The Raiders could use an upgrade at right tackle, and Love has the upside Al Davis loves.
Grade: Even
49. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremy Beal (DE, Oklahoma)
Analysis: The Jaguars always double dip and grab Beal even with Ryan Kerrigan.
Grade: Even
50. San Diego Chargers: Jared Crick (DE, Nebraska)
Analysis: The Chargers must replace Jacques Cesaire, who is a free agent.
Grade: Steal
51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mason Foster (OLB, Washington)
Analysis: The Buccaneers must improve their run defense, and that starts at outside linebacker.
Grade: Even
52. New York Giants: Ryan Williams (HB, Virginia Tech)
Analysis: Brandon Jacbos is gone, and the injury prone Ahmad Bradshaw needs a back to share carries with.
Grade: Even
53. Seattle Seahawks: Benjamin Ijalana (G, Villanova)
Analysis: The Seahawks must make their offensive line top notch before Jake Locker is thrown in as the starting quarterback.
Grade: Even
54. Indianapolis Colts: Jurrell Casey (DT, USC)
Analysis: The Colts haven't had a talent inside since who knows when, but finds one with Casey.
Grade: Even
55. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyron Smith (OT, USC)
Analysis: The Eagles offensive line is the only thing holding their offense back.
Grade: Steal
56. Kansas City Chiefs: Jabaal Sheard (OLB, Pittsburgh)
Analysis: The Chiefs must add a pass rusher opposite of Tamba Hali.
Grade: Reach
57. Green Bay Packers: Curtis Brown (CB, Texas)
Analysis: Charles Woodson is 34-years-old, so the Packers must find his replacement.
Grade: Even
58. New York Jets: Kenny Tate (S, Maryland)
Analysis: The Jets' safety play is the only weakness in their secondary.
Grade: Steal
59. Baltimore Ravens: Deunta Williams (FS, North Carolina)
Analysis: Ed Reed is contemplating retirement, so a replacement must be found.
Grade: Steal
60. New Orleans Saints: Quan Sturdivant (ILB, North Carolina)
Analysis: Jonathan Vilma can move over and fill a need at outside backer with Sturdivant in New Orleans.
Grade: Even
61. Chicago Bears: Rodney Hudson (G, Florida St.)
Analysis: The Bears must continue to upgrade an embarrassing offensive line.
Grade: Even
62. Pittsburgh Steelers: Rashard Carmichael (CB, Virginia Tech)
Analysis: Cornerback play is the only thing stopping the Steelers defense from being legendary.
Grade: Reach
63. Atlanta Falcons: Sam Acho (DE, Texas)
Analysis: John Abraham is 32-years-old, so a replacement must be found.
Grade: Even
64. New England Patriots: Marcus Cannon (G, TCU)
Analysis: The Patriots must upgrade their offensive line with Matt Light and Logan Mankins becoming free agents.
Grade: Even
65. Carolina Panthers: DeVier Posey (WR, Ohio State)
Analysis: The Panthers must get Jimmy Clausen some weapons to throw to with Steve Smith's future in Carolina up in the air.
Grade: Even
66. Cincinnati Bengals: Shane Vereen (HB, California)
Analysis: Cedric Benson is a free agent and hasn't played well to begin with.
Grade: Steal
67. Denver Broncos: Jerrell Powe (NT, Ole Miss)
Analysis: The Broncos must continue to upgrade their weak defensive line by replacing the ancient Jamal Williams.
Grade: Even
68. Buffalo Bills: Matt Reynolds (OT, BYU)
Analysis: The Bills must provide Ryan Fitzpatrick with better protection on the right side.
Grade: Steal
69. Arizona Cardinals: Joseph Barksdale (OT, LSU)
Analysis: The Cardinals offensive line is horrible and must be improved for Pat Delvin.
Grade: Steal
70. Cleveland Browns: Cameron Heyward (DE, Ohio St.)
Analysis: Heyward falls, and the Browns take advantage by upgrading their run defense.
Grade: Steal
71. Dallas Cowboys: Robert Sands (S, West Virginia)
Analysis: The Cowboys must find an upgrade to the safety position and Alan Ball.
Grade: Steal
72. New Orleans Saints: Pernell McPhee (DE, Mississippi St.)
Analysis: The Saints must continue to improve their pass rush and find replacements to aging defensive ends.
Grade: Even
73. Houston Texans: DeAndre McDaniel (S, Clemson)
Analysis: With no outside linebacker and cornerback worth being selected, the Texans upgrade their other safety spot.
Grade: Steal
74. New England Patriots: Titus Young (WR, Boise St.)
Analysis: With the defense and offensive line set, the Patriots upgrade Tom Brady's weapons.
Grade: Even
75. Detroit Lions: Quinton Carter (S, Oklahoma)
Analysis: The Lions must continue to upgrade one of the worst secondaries in football.
Grade: Even
76. San Francisco 49ers: Steven Friday (OLB, Virginia Tech)
Analysis: The 49ers are forced to select a pass rusher, as it's their biggest need left.
Grade: Reach
77. Tennessee Titans: Kris O'Dowd (C, USC)
Analysis: Eugene Amano can't play center and must be replaced.
Grade: Even
78. St. Louis Rams: Will Hill (S, Florida)
Analysis: The Rams must continue to upgrade their defense, and safety is their biggest need left.
Grade: Even
79. Miami Dolphins: Nathan Enderle (QB, Idaho)
Analysis: Chad Henne isn't getting the job done and must be challenged.
Grade: Even
80. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalil Brown (CB, Colorado)
Analysis: Derek Cox is too inconsistent to be given the starting cornerback job without competition.
Grade: Reach
81. Oakland Raiders: Alex Linnenkohl (C, Oregon St.)
Analysis: The Raiders have nothing at center and must find an upgrade.
Grade: Reach
82. San Diego Chargers: Leonard Hankerson (WR, Miami)
Analysis: Vincent Jackson is most likely gone, so Philip Rivers could use another target on the outside.
Grade: Steal
83. New York Giants: Marvin Austin (DT, North Carolina)
Analysis: Austin falls because of huge question marks,and the Giants take the risk to upgrade an inconsistent defense.
Grade: Steal
84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: John Moffitt (G, Wisconsin)
Analysis: The Buccaneers have a hole at the guard position, and Moffitt is good enough to start right away.
Grade: Steal
85. San Diego Chargers: Chris Marve (ILB, Vanderbilt)
Analysis: Stephen Cooper, Brandon Siler, and Kevin Burnett are all free agents this off season.
Grade: Even
86. Philadelphia Eagles: Orlando Franklin (G, Miami)
Analysis: The Eagles must continue to upgrade a shaky and always injured offensive line.
Grade: Even
87. Kansas City Chiefs: Sione Fua (NT, Stanford)
Analysis: The Chiefs defensive line has been inconsistent down the stretch and could use an upgrade.
Grade: Even
88. Indianapolis Colts: Darius Morris (G, Temple)
Analysis: Peyton Manning wants more protection and he'll get more protection this off season.
Grade: Even
89. Green Bay Packers: Chris Hairston (OT, Clemson)
Analysis: The Packers have offensive tackles that are 33 and 34-years-old.
Grade: Steal
90. Baltimore Ravens: Jason Pinkston (OT, Pittsburgh)
Analysis: Jared Gaither is injured too often to not have a solid backup prepared to start.
Grade: Even
91. New Orleans Saints: Blake Gideon (FS, Texas)
Analysis: Darren Sharper, Roman Harper, and Usama Young are all free agents this offseason.
Grade: Even
92. San Diego Chargers: Noel Devine (HB, West Virginia)
Analysis: Darren Sproles is a free agent, and the Chargers won't lose anything by replacing him with Devine.
Grade: Even
93. Chicago Bears: Clint Boling (G, Geogia)
Analysis: The Bears offensive line is that bad; again, they upgrade with Boling.
Grade: Even
94. Pittsburgh Steelers: Nate Irving (ILB, NC State)
Analysis: James Farrior is 35-years-old and will eventually have to be replaced.
Grade: Even
95. Atlanta Falcons: Lance Kendricks (TE, Wisconsin)
Analysis: Tony Gonzalez may retire after this season, and if not after this year, then soon.
Grade: Even
96. New England Patriots: Daniel Thomas (HB, Kansas State)
Analysis: The Patriots upgrade their running game with a bruiser in Thomas.
Grade: Steal
David Daniels is an NFL Featured Columnist and Writing Intern at Bleacher Report and a Syndicated Writer. Follow him at One Yard Short.com or on Twitter.