2011 NFL Mock Draft, Post-BCS National Championship Game: Who Will Go No. 1?
The 2011 NFL Mock Drafts are beginning to heat up as the big day is just over three months away.
As most are aware, the NFL Draft is an opportunity for teams all around the league to improve their rosters in order to give them the best possible opportunity for the upcoming season.
In fact, the event is so monumental that scouting squads dedicate the entire year to researching players, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and determining whether or not they'd be a good fit for their team.
At the same time, draft experts and fans all around the league analyze the draft pool and plot various scenarios as to where certain players will be selected, thus forming a mock draft.
To honor the festivities, I've decided to give a crack at it as well.
Be prepared for a few surprises along with some bold moves. We could be in for a really intense NFL Draft come April.
So here it is; my 2011 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 with an in-depth analysis for all 32 first-round selections.
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1. Carolina Panthers: Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers
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In my opinion Andrew Luck made a foolish decision, and I won't say much more on the issue other than I'm certain that the Carolina Panthers organization is very disappointed.
The Carolina Panthers are in complete disarray and have several voids to fill.
However, based on recent history it's been proven that the most effective method of kick-starting a franchise is by bringing in a quarterback for the future.
Sure, they took Jimmy Clausen in the 2nd round last year, but a man with only one touchdown and a 58.4 passer rating isn't exactly promising.
However, with no quarterback worthy of the top spot they should just go on the next best available prospect.
That is why I believe they should take Da'Quan Bowers, who's registered 16 sacks for the Clemson Tigers this season.
That would certainly bolster a pass rush that's managed merely 31 sacks this season.
Moreover, Ron Rivera is expected to be named the Panthers new head coach and he is likely to implement a 3-4 defensive scheme.
Bowers is one of the few rare talents who can play in both systems and could possibly fit the mold of a Shawne Merriman rush linebacker.
Da'Quan Bowers (Jr.) Stats: 144 Tackles, 20 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Interception
Other Possibilities: Georgia WR A.J. Green, Auburn DT Nick Fairley
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2. Denver Broncos: Auburn DT Nick Fairley
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With a new regime likely to be installed in the Denver Broncos organization, virtually anything could happen with this selection.
If I were in charge though my focus would be, defense, defense, and more defense..
Allowing 28.9 points (NFL-worst) and 377.2 yards per game is simply unacceptable.
That is why I have them taking defensive lineman Nick Fairley, which will finally address a position they should have initially.
He's a dominant force and is jumping up draft boards because of it.
And if you don't believe me, just ask Alabama running back Mark Ingram who was limited to just 36 yards on the ground when the two faced off.
Nick Fairley (Jr.) Stats: 83 Tackles, 12 Sacks, 1 Interception
Other Possibilities: LSU CB Patrick Peterson, Alabama DT Marcell Dareus
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3. Buffalo Bills: North Carolina DE/OLB Robert Quinn
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The Buffalo Bills are in a tough position because none of the top players available match their needs. That is why I feel this could be a popular trading spot for teams trying to acquire A.J. Green or Patrick Peterson.
However, since I'm not including trades in this mock I'll go ahead and employ a strategy that would fill a huge void.
Generating an effective pass rush has proven to be an integral key to success, and the Bills ranked 27th in the NFL with only 27 sacks this season.
That is why I have them drafting Robert Quinn, who's a hybrid pass rusher who will immediately improve their unit at linebacker
Robert Quinn (Jr.***) Stats: 86 Tackles, 13 Sacks, 4 Forced Fumbles
Other Possibilities: LSU CB Patrick Peterson, Auburn QB Cam Newton
***Note Quinn was suspended for his entire junior year, so he's only played two years at the collegiate level.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: Alabama DT Marcell Dareus
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The Cincinnati Bengals have been a huge disappointment this season, especially considering that they won the AFC North last year.
However, their inconsistent offense and weak front four have caught up with them, and they don't seem to be improving anytime soon unless they upgrade.
There are a number of directions they can go and I personally feel they should replace Carson Palmer with a fresh face.
However, since head coach Marvin Lewis is sticking around with his job security hanging by a thread, its unlikely that they will want to take on a young signal-caller.
Instead, they'll have to target one of their other needs, primarily on the defensive side of the ball
That is why I have them selecting defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, who will be a force in the middle of their unit.
Marcell Dareus Stats: 63 Tackles, 10 Sacks
Other Possibilities: Auburn QB Cam Newton, Georgia WR A.J. Green
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5. Arizona Cardinals: Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert
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Apparently the offseason losses hurt this team much more than people thought they would.
Well, I guess we shouldn't have expected anyone to fill the shoes of future Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner.
Not Matt Leinart, Derek Anderson, Max Hall or John Skelton—and, yeah, you get the picture. The Cardinals have been battling a terrible quarterback situation, and they must fix it immediately.
That is why I have them taking Baine Gabbert, who has great physical tools and with the absence of Luck is beginning to establish himself as the top quarterback in the draft class.
Blaine Gabbert (Jr.) Stats: 6,822 Yards, 40 Touchdowns, 18 Interceptions
Other Possibilities: Auburn QB Cam Newton, LSU CB Patrick Peterson
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6. Cleveland Browns: Georgia WR A.J. Green
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The Cleveland Browns have had a relatively good year. The addition of quarterback Colt McCoy and running back Peyton Hillis will surely play an integral role moving forward.
Of course, to truly bring out their potential, I believe they desperately need to add a playmaker for their young, emerging quarterback.
That is why I have them drafting A.J. Green, who's arguably the best wide receiver to come out in the draft since Calvin Johnson.
With the teams drafting ahead of them having more pressing needs, there is a possibility that Green slips down to them here. If so, there's no way I see them passing him up.
A.J. Green (Jr.) Stats: 158 Receptions, 2,452 Yards, and 23 Touchdowns
Other Possibilities: LSU CB Patrick Peterson, Texas A&M OLB Von Miller
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7. San Francisco 49ers: LSU CB Patrick Peterson
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The San Francisco 49ers face an interesting scenario here since they could go in a number of directions.
Now that they've started a new regime by hiring Jim Harbaugh as head coach, they may go ahead and pick up a new franchise quarterback because neither Alex or Troy Smith seem to be the solution.
However, despite their needs to bring in a new signal-caller, I don't think they can reject an opportunity to draft one of the premier talents.
That is why I have them taking Patrick Peterson, who's established himself as a shutdown corner, one of the best to enter the draft in quite a while.
Patrick Peterson (Jr.) 129 Tackles, 7 Interceptions, 1 Forced Fumble
Other Possibilities: Auburn QB Cam Newton, Texas A&M OLB Von Miller
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8. Tennessee Titans: Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara
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Since the Vince Young era is officially over, the Tennessee Titans may very well decide to draft a new quarterback. However, I feel that the organization is fed up with dealing with young quarterbacks.
I feel that they're more inclined to acquire a veteran, either through a trade or free agency.
Instead, they will go ahead and fix their pass defense, which ranked 29th in the league allowing 252 yards per game.
That's why I have them taking Prince Amukamara, who has the potential to be a shutdown corner in the NFL.
Prince Amukamara (Sr.) Stats: 154 Tackles, 5 Interceptions, 3 Forced Fumbles
Other Possibilities: Auburn QB Cam Newton, Arkansas QB Ryan Mallet
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9. Dallas Cowboys: Texas A&M OLB Von Miller
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The Dallas Cowboys will miss out on the top two cornerback prospects whom they would have taken in a hearbeat.
Instead, they'll have to find another way to improve their ability to defend the pass as they allowed a 64.4 completion percentage.
In my opinion, the best way of improving their pass defense is by bolstering their pass rush.
They could certainly use an upgrade opposite DeMarcus Ware because Anthony Spencer, who manned the position last year, registered just five sacks.
That is why I have them taking Von Miller, who has really demonstrated that he can be serviceable at both getting after the quarterback and in coverage.
Von Miller (Sr.) Stats: 178 Tackles, 33 Sacks, 1 Interception
Other Possibilities: Purdue OLB Ryan Kerrigan, UCLA OLB Akeem Ayers
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10. Washington Redskins: Purdue OLB Ryan Kerrigan
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The Washington Redskins lackluster defense is in search of a much-needed boost as they surrendered the second-most total yards in the NFL this season.
Sure, the Washington Redskins have issues at quarterback after Donovan McNabb was benched, but is that overshadowing their conflict with Albert Haynesworth?
That, to me, is the much more concerning problem and it must be addressed immediately.
However, since there are no defensive tackles worth taking I feel they will go ahead and take the best defensive player available.
That is why I have them taking Ryan Kerrigan, who's been virtually unstoppable at times.
Ryan Kerrigan (Sr.) Stats: 210 Tackles, 33 Sacks, 4 Forced Fumbles
Other Possibilities: Auburn QB Cam Newton, Alabama WR Julio Jones
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11. Houston Texans: Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn
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This pick will likely be changed since they haven't hired a defensive coordinator and could opt to implement various schemes.
However, for now, I have them improving a defensive line that struggled all season long.
That is why I have them taking Adrian Clayborn, whose high motor should translate into tremendous production at the pro level.
Adrian Clayborn (Sr.) Stats: 184 Tackles, 19 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble
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12. Minnesota Vikings: Auburn QB Cam Newton
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The Minnesota Vikings have the potential to bounce back from this season and become a contender once again.
In order to do so, they will have to part ways with Brett Favre, regardless if he actually retires or not, and draft a new quarterback.
That is why I have them taking Cam Newton, who has the tools and leadership skills to help catapult this team back to dominance.
Cam Newton (Jr.) Stats: 2,643 Yards, 28 Touchdowns, 6 Interceptions (only threw 14 pass attempts in Fr. and So. year)
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13. Detroit Lions: UCLA OLB Akeem Ayers
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The Detroit Lions ended the season on a high note, riding a four-game winning streak. At the same time, they put themselves in a position where they wouldn't be drafting in the top five. Nevertheless, they'll have to make do.
Their biggest problem lies in their secondary, but as we all know, the Lions don't draft for need.
That is why I have them taking Akeem Ayers ,who possesses all-around talent at the outside linebacker position.
Akeem Ayers (Jr.) Stats: 215 Tackles, 15 Sacks, 6 Interceptions
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14. St. Louis Rams: Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon
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Frankly, the St. Louis Rams would have beat the Seattle Seahawks and been in the playoffs had it not been for their lack of a quality receiving corps. The injury bug bit them hard last season and they simply couldn't overcome.
That being said, adding a top-flight target for Sam Bradford will be a priority this offseason.
I think its really a toss-up between Julio Jones and Justin Blackmon. I give Blackmon the slight edge because he doesn't come with the inconsistency and history of injury which were the Rams' issues in the first place.
Justin Blackmon (So.) Stats: 131 Receptions, 2,042 Yards, 22 Touchdowns
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15. Miami Dolphins: Arkansas QB Ryan Mallet
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Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has stated that he wants a more "pass-oriented" offense. If that is, in fact, true, then I think it's a telling sign that Chad Henne could be on his way out.
Henne finished the season throwing 15 touchdowns and 19 interceptions while posting a poor 75.4 passer rating.
That is why I have them taking Ryan Mallet, who's gradually improved his accuracy from 43.3 percent in his freshman campaign to 66.5 percent this season, and finally seems ready to take on the responsibilities of being an NFL quarterback.
Ryan Mallet (Jr.) Stats: 8,111 Yards, 67 Touchdowns, 23 Interceptions
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Picks 17-32
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Here are the second set of picks (17-24) of my mock draft for the first round.
17. New England Patriots: Ohio State DE Cameron Hayward
18. San Diego Chargers: Colorado OT Nate Solder
19. New York Giants: Cal DT Cameron Jordan
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Wisconsin T/G Gabe Carimi
22. Indianapolis Colts: Boston College OT Anthony Castanzo
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Florida G/C Mike Pouncey
24. New Orleans Saints: Oregon State DT Stephen Paea
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Picks 25-32
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The order of picks 25-32 are yet to be determined because all of these teams are still participating in the 2011 NFL Playoffs.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Alabama WR Julio Jones
26. Green Bay Packers: Alabama RB Mark Ingram
27. New York Jets: Miami DE Allen Bailey
28. Baltimore Ravens: LSU DT Drake Nevis
29. Chicago Bears: USC OT Tyron Smith
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Miami CB Brandon Harris
31. Atlanta Falcons: UCLA FS Rahim Moore
32. New England Patriots: Georgia OLB Justin Houston
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