2011 NFL Mock Draft: Entire 1st Round Predictions, Number 1 May Surprise You
College football is not over. Technically there are no more games but we still have so much to talk about in the realm that is college football.
Currently, recruiting is a hot topic. Will teams sign their number one guy or will they falter and end up scrambling to put the pieces together?
Another hot topic is the 2011 NFL Draft. Today is the last day for the underclassmen to fax in their decision. Should they stay or should they go?
The first round of the playoffs gave us an even more clear look at what the order of the draft will be.
Here are my picks for the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. From what I've seen from most mock drafts everyone has A.J. Green number one.
Do I...?
1. Carolina Panthers: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
1 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Simply put, Bowers is a beast. His 6'4" 280 pound frame will wreak havoc on opposing teams.Not to mention he'll probably get a little bigger and a little stronger. After all, it is the NFL we're talking about.
Why They Need Him
Bowers is the best pure pass rusher in the draft. He’s also a Carolina boy. He’ll fit in well with the Panthers 4-3 D.
The Panthers need help stopping opposing teams as they allowed 408 points this season. Offenses will have to worry two Panthers defensive ends. Drafting Bowers will help Charles Johnson as well.
Don’t be surprised if the Panthers trade back a few spots to pick up draft picks in the later rounds. They gave away their second round pick to the Patriots last year for Armani Edwards.
2.Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
2 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Peterson is the best defensive back on the board. His quickness and great size at 6’1” allows him to shut down receivers. He is also a great special teams returner.
Why They Need Him
Denver was 25th in the league in passing yards allowed. Champ Bailey isn't getting any younger. Peterson has the ability to make a difference immediately and Denver should not pass on him.
3. Buffalo Bills – Blaine Gabbert , QB, Missouri
3 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Gabbert has great NFL size at 6’5” 232 pounds. He has a great arm and good mobility. His physical skills translate well to the NFL. And with Andrew Luck returning for his senior season, Gabbert is the best QB on the board.
Why They Need Him
Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the answer in Buffalo. They need a franchise quarterback. Gabbert gives them that. He may take time getting into the swing of things – it is the NFL, not college – but the Bills will start him by week five when they realize they have no shot in 2011.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
4 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Green is the best receiver on the board. His pure athletic ability allows him to catch anything thrown his way. His speed is of concern to some but he makes up for that with his impeccable route running.
Why They Need Him
The T.OCHO show exploded in Cincinnati this year much like some expected it would. Carson Palmer had a tough time pleasing both receivers. With Green, he gets a rookie that is hungry to play.
It is doubtful that T.O. will return to the Bengals and Chad’s days are numbered. Expect the Bengals to draft their future wide out at number 4.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
5 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Fairley is a monster up front. He has the size, 6'5'' 300 pounds, and the tenacity to disrupt opposing linemen. His character issues may bother some teams but his pure talent will triumph over his character – for now.
Why They Need Him
The Cardinals were 30th in opponent’s rushing yards. Fairley can step in and make an immediate impact. Arizona was near last in all categories. And while they need a quarterback I don’t see them passing on the big guy if he’s still available.
6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
6 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Julio has the ability to come into the NFL and make an impact right away. He's 6'4" and has the ability and quickness to start immediately.
Why They Need Him
The Browns leading receiver was a tight end. Whoever the quarterback is, he’ll need someone to throw to, and Julio is a perfect fit for that. Not to mention he is a great blocker.
7. San Francisco: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
7 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Jim Harbaugh may choose a quarterback here to develop for the future. However, he can develop anyone. So I think he’ll wait till the later rounds and not spend the QB money that comes with a top 10 pick.
Amukamara is a shut down corner that will start right away. He has great hands and excellent ball awareness.
Why They Need Him
The 49ers were 24th in opponents passing yards. Amukamara can step in and make and change things for their D. His skills and talent level go perfect with his 6’1” frame. Allowing him to hang with the best receivers
8. Tennessee Titans: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
8 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Mallett has great NFL size at 6’7” 238 pounds. He has a great arm and can throw it where no other quarterback in the draft can. Excellent pocket presence as well.
Why They Need Him
Bud Adams went with Jeff Fisher. Vince Young is no longer the quarterback and if anyone out there believes Kerry Collins is the answer they are sadly mistaken. Fisher finds his future quarterback at number 8.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
9 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Dareus is 6'3" 295 pounds. He can play DT or DE. The Cowboys could think about taking a receiver or a running back here but they lacked defensive toughness all year. Dareus brings all that and more.
Why The Need Him
The Cowboys lost Tony Romo to injury and with it they lost their season. The positive is that Wade Phillips is gone and they have a top 10 pick. With that pick they'll help DeMarcus Ware out by adding another defensive lineman that opposing teams will have to worry about. Dareus will fit in perfectly with the Cowboys 3-4 D.
10. Washington Redskins: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
10 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Quinn is 6'5" 270 pounds. The Redskins could use a little help on the defensive front with all their Albert Haynesworth problems. Quinn has the ability to get after quarterbacks and confuse offensive coordinators.
Why They Need Him
The Redskins need help all over. Mike Shanahan may take a QB here but something tells me he actually believes in Rex Grossman, which is mind blowing.
They're better off improving their pass rush with Quinn. He had 11 sacks this season, and outside of Brian Orakpo, no one had more than three for the Redskins.
11. Houston Texans: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
11 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Miller is exceptionally great at getting after the quarterback. He had 10 sacks this season and an astounding 17 the year before. The Butkus Award winner this season, Miller has the skills to play for any team in the NFL.
Why They Need Him
The Texans have hired Wade Phillips to be the defensive coordinator. This most likely means a switch to the 3-4 for Houston.
Miller can step in and be one of those four. He can play outside linebacker and inflict mayhem upon opposing quarterbacks.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
12 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Newton is undoubtedly a great athlete. He has the size at 6’6” 250 pounds. He can move really well and create plays with his feet. Not to mention throwing on the run and throwing it well.
Why They Need Him
Brett Favre isn’t coming back. At least that’s what he says and we’re choosing to believe him – again. Newton can join the Vikings and possibly earn the starting job.
Is Tavaris Jackson or Joe Webb really the answer for Minnesota? Doubtful, which is why they’ll toss in another guy to try and figure things out.
13. Detroit Lions: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
13 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Solder is a mammoth up front. He’s listed at 6’9” 313. He has great strength and will continue to hone his skills in the NFL. A NFL workout plan will turn some of that fat into more muscle for the big guy.
Why They Need Him
They drafted a franchise quarterback, now they must protect him. Yes the Lions could use help on defense but their main concern is protecting the quarterback.
Matthew Stafford cannot get hurt this year. And if somehow he does, the backups can’t get hurt either. Solder will protect.
14. St. Louis Rams: Adrain Clayborn, DE, Iowa
14 of 32
Why He Goes Here
At 6'3" 280 pounds, the senior from Iowa is ready to shred opposing teams. Clayborn is NFL ready and can help any team's defensive front. His intelligence of the game and quick moves make him a great pickup for any team.
Why They Need Him
The Rams need to get a receiver to help Sam Bradford. But with the best two already taken I don’t see them making a stretch and taking someone who they could get later.
The Rams could help out Chris Long by adding another defensive end for opposing defensive coordinators to worry about. Together they'll cause chaos for offensive linemen and quarterbacks.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
15 of 32
Why He Goes Here
His size and speed make him dangerous as well as his immaculate vision. Ingram has the ability to see the field like no other, making quick cuts to elude defenders.
He is a true workhorse that will make an impact instantly.
Why They Need Him
The Dolphins were 21st in rushing yards per game. Ingram adds insurance to this team should Ronnie Brown suffer any more injuries, that is if he returns to Miami. Ingram is too good to let go.
16. Jackonsville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
16 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Kerrigan is great at rushing the pass. He had 13 sacks this year and 12 the year before. He is a monster up front that loves to terrorize quarterbacks.
Why They Need Him
You can’t beat Peyton Manning if you don’t disrupt his play. The addition of Kerrigan gives the Jaguars someone who will get after and pressure the quarterback, which they desperately need.
17. New England Patriots(From Oakland): Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
17 of 32
Why He Goes Here
He can rush the pass and cover wide outs. Ayers will translate well to the NFL with his 6'4" 255 pound frame. His great athleticism makes him versatile, something the Patriots will love.
Why They Need Him
Ayers will be a great fit for the 3-4 Patriot D. Bill Belichick loves taking young defensive players and developing them.
Don’t be surprised if this pick is traded, another thing Belichick loves doing. Ayers gives them a guy who can pressure the QB from the edge or drop back and cover a receiver.
18. San Diego Chargers: J.J. Watt DE, Wisconsin
18 of 32
Why He Goes Here
This draft is filled with great defensive players that thrive on attacking the quarterback. J.J. Watt is a guy who excels in that area. He is an extremely hard worker that will fit in well in a 3-4 or a 4-3.
Why They Need Him
The Chargers parted ways with Shawn Merriman. Their defense really needs help. And what better way than to add some fresh young legs to disrupt opposing teams and create chaos on opposing quarterbacks? Watt is just what the Chargers need.
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
19 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Castonzo is a fiery guy, which is what you want from an offense lineman. He is also massive. Listed at 6'7" 298 pounds, he can put you on your butt. He is rated as one of the top linemen in the Draft. And with a name like Castonzo, he just belongs in New York.
Why They Need Him
The Giants have had some health problems on the offensive line. David Diehl belongs inside, meaning the Giants need a tackle. Castonzo is a perfect fit for them. Plus he went to Boston College and Tom Coughlin will love that.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
20 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Jordan has exceptional moves for a defensive end. He can rush the pass and stop the run. He had a great season with 12.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.
Why They Need Him
The Bucs were 28th against the run this season. Jordan is a guy who can help them stop the run as well as pressure the quarterback. No one on Tampa Bay had more than four sacks this season.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
21 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Paea is a big man. Listed at 6'1 311 pounds he has the ability to push players up front and stop the run. His big body will be a great addition to an already big defensive line.
Why They Need Him
Paea gives them certainty and more depth to a defense that allowed 113 rushing yards per game. He had 11 tackles for a loss, seven sacks and four forced fumbles this past season.
Paea fits in well with the Chiefs 3-4 D as he will be able to clog the middle and disrupt opposing lineman.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
22 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Smith has been a hot name recently. He is moving up on everyone’s board. Smith is listed at 6’5” 291. Once he hits the NFL workout plan he we surely bulk up. He is very athletic for an offensive lineman.
Why They Need Him
The Colts need help on the o-line. Smith will develop into a great offensive lineman. He can pass protect for Peyton Manning, something the Colts lacked this year.
Smith is also athletic enough to get out in front of the running back and will throw some excellent blocks for Joseph Addai.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
23 of 32
Why He Goes Here
This year's Outland trophy winner will get a lot of looks. He's listed at 6'7" 315 pounds and is a mammoth of a man. He helped Wisconsin get to the Rose Bowl by paving the way for their three-headed monster.
Why They Need Him
The Eagles could use some better protection for Michael Vick. Vick has made their offensive line look great when in reality he is scrambling for his life sometimes.
Adding Carimi helps the Eagles run game immensely. LeSean McCoy will have huge holes to run through with Carimi blocking for him
24. New Orleans Saints: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
24 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Nevis is listed at 6'2" 285 pounds. He had 56 tackles, 13 of those for a loss and two forced fumbles. He also recorded six sacks. Nevis will continue to get stronger in the NFL.
Why They Need Him
The Saints could use a little more depth on their defensive front. They allowed 112 rushing yards this season. Nevis adds some local flavor being from LSU, and that's always a good thing.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
25 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Locker did not have the 2010 season he had hoped for. He came back to finish college and didn’t play very well. But it actually works out well for Locker.
His draft stock has fallen and the Seahawks are still playing football. After the Vikings pick Cam Newton, no other team really needs a QB. And Locker has the skill sets to play well in the NFL.
Why They Need Him
Matt Hasselback’s days as a Seahawk are numbered. He is getting older and Charlie Whitehurst is not the future for Seattle.
Pete Carroll will do the smart thing and draft the local boy. Locker can learn from Hasselback and become the future for Seattle.
26. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
26 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Harris is a play maker. He has incredible speed and great skills. He was named All-ACC this season and had 10 pass break-ups. He has great speed and excellent ball awareness.
Why They Need Him
Charles Woodson isn't getting younger. It's time for the Packers to think about their future and Harris would be a great fit.
27. New York Jets: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
27 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Heyward is listed at 6'5" 288 pounds. He has anchored the defensive line for Ohio State this season and has been hard to stop since starting as a freshman.
He had 42 total tackles this season with 9.5 of those for losses. Heyward has NFL blood in his genes, as his father was New Orleans Saints running back "Iron Head" Heyward.
Why They Need Him
The Jets could use a dominant pass rusher. Heyward knows how to attack the quarterback. His agility and exceptional moves make him a great fit for Rex Ryan’s many defensive schemes.
28. Chicago Bears: Justin Houston, DE, Georgia
28 of 32
Why He Goes Here
As I type this, Houston still hasn’t made his decision. Today is the day he has to decide and I believe he will go. There is no reason for him to come back to a pitiful Georgia defense.
He could shine and potentially be a top 10 pick. But if he leaves now he’ll fall to a winning team and still make good money. How can you pass that up?
Why They Need Him
Houston has great agility and an array of moves to shed blocks. He thrives on getting after the quarterbacks. He recorded 11 sacks this season and 19.5 tackles for loss.
The Bears will want to draft someone to eventually take over Julius Peppers place. Houston is that guy.
29. Baltimore Ravens: Allen Bailey, DE/DT, Miami
29 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Bailey is an all-around athlete. He can play the end or the tackle position. He is listed at 6’4” 288 pounds. Bailey can stop the run or rush the pass very well.
He has the quickness and finesse that translates well to the NFL.
Why They Need Him
Cory Redding hasn’t offered much this year. Bailey can come in and at first split time and eventually take his spot. Bailey is a great fit for Baltimore’s many schemes.
He had 11 tackles for loss and 7 sacks this past season. Baltimore will love his versatility.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida
30 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Pouncey is a true guard. Not to mention he is colossal. Listed at 6'4" 313 pounds he is a guy you want on your team.
Regarded as one of the top lineman entering the draft, he is the best at his position. He is a versatile interior blocker.
Why They Need Him
Drafting a Pouncey worked well for the Steelers last year. So why not do it again? Mike's twin brother Maurkice earned an invite to the 2010 Pro Bowl.
While Mike snapped for UF this season, he is a better fit at guard and will join his brother in opening up massive holes for Rashard Mendenhall to run through. Sometimes, brothers just belong together.
31. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph, Tight End, Notre Dame
31 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Rudolph is the best at his position. Listed at 6’6” 265 he is a great blocker with exceptional hands. His skills will carry over to the next level very well.
Why They Need Him
Tony Gonzalez isn’t getting any younger. He said that he is 50-50 on whether he will retire at the end of the season.
The Falcons have a good shot at winning it all this year and Gonzalez will definitely go out on top. The TE spot for Atlanta would have a hug hole and Rudolph fits in well.
32. New England Patriots: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
32 of 32
Why He Goes Here
Williams has ideal size for a corner back. He is listed at 6'1" 192 pounds. Williams has the speed to keep up with receivers and easily shut them down.
He is very well rounded with experience on special teams and playing the nickel position.
Why They Need Him
The Patriots could trade this pick away. It’s always an option with Bill Belichick. If they do win the Super Bowl and have the last pick of the draft they may not trade it. They do have the first pick of the second round and they might want to pick back to back.
New England was 30th is opponents passing yards this year. Williams will join fellow young stars in the making and team up with Devin McCourty to make one heck of future tandem of corners.
They could take a running back here, such as Ryan Williams. But they believe in BenJarvus Green Ellis and in Danny Woodhead. The no name little guys got it done for them this year.
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