
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Where Will Mark Ingram and The Other Top Backs Land?
With a stunning victory by the Green Bay Packers in the Super Bowl it is time to set our sights on the next big day in the NFL, the 2011 NFL Draft.
From Carolina to Green Bay, lets take the time to breakdown all 32 first-round selections.
Before getting started, lets take a look at the running back position, which is usually a marquee position to focus on when looking forward to the NFL Draft, but this year there is a chance that only one running back will come off the board in the first round.
Here are the top five runners in the 2011 NFL Draft:
5. Jordan Todman, Connecticut
1 of 37Todman ran for nearly 1,700 yards during his junior campaign in 2010 and added 14 rushing touchdowns. Todman isn't a huge back and doesn't have elite speed but is a smart runner and has good vision.
Todman was a very consistent runner over the last two seasons for UCONN, and averaged 5.1 yards per carry both seasons he spent as the starter. As a backup behind Donald Brown in 2008, Todman averaged over six yards per carry.
Todman will likely be drafted in the third round but could go slightly higher, if there is a team that really likes him.
Expect Todman to end up as a very good third down back but never a featured back during his NFL career.
Likely landing spots include the San Diego Chargers and the New Orleans Saints
4. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
2 of 37It is tough to tell if Demarco Murray's game translates well to the NFL, but the potential is there for him to be a very good running back. He is a little bigger than Todman and may even be slightly faster, but his vision is probably not as good.
Murray is a very explosive runner that can take it to the house at anytime during the course of a football game but doesn't look like an NFL featured back.
Like Todman, Murray will likely be a third round selection.
Likely landing spots include the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots.
3. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
3 of 37Ryan Williams has all the features and attributes of an NFL running back. At 5'10, 202 pounds, Ryan Williams has the speed and strength to be successful in the NFL.
After a dominant freshman campaign in which he ran for over 1600 yards, Williams had a down year in 2010. Williams was slowed by injuries and was forced into a time sharing situation at running back. As a result, he had four games with single digit carries.
Williams is the type of back that needs a lot of carries to get going and could eventually end up as a lead back in the NFL.
Williams will likely end up as a late first round or early second round choice.
Likely landing spots include the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants.
2. Mikel Leshoure, Illinois
4 of 37Leshoure has been absolutely dominant at Illinois over the past two seasons. He has averaged over six yards per carry in each of his previous two seasons at Illinois.
Leshoure ended his college career with five straight 100-yard performances, including his monstrous 33 carry, 330 yard game against Northwestern.
Mikel totaled over 1700 yards of total offense and 20 total touchdowns on less than 300 touches this past season.
Leshoure has both the speed and the size (6'1, 230 pounds) to be a dominant NFL runner and will likely end up as a late first round, early second round selection.
Likely landing spots include the Green Bay Packers and the Cincinnati Bengals
1. Mark Ingram, Alabama
5 of 37When a player wins the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore, he has the ability to be a stud running back in the NFL.
Mark Ingram is exactly what scouts look for in an NFL running back. He is very strong for a 5'10, 215 pound running back and also has very good breakaway speed.
Ingram only had 875 rushing yards his junior season but still averaged 5.5 yards per carry. Ingram, like Ryan Williams, is the type of back that has to get into a rhythm and needs to get 20 carries per game to be successful.
While splitting time with Richardson, his numbers fell off, but Ingram is a tough runner and also has great hands, making him the definition of an NFL running back.
Ingram will definitely be the first running back to come off the board in the middle of the first round.
Likely landing spots include the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots
Now, time for the 2011 NFL Draft....
1. Carolina Panthers
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Nick Fairley DE/DT, Auburn
A.J. Green is probably the best player available at any position, but Carolina needs a player that can come in right away and make an impact. Look for them to go with Nick Fairley with the first choice in the 2011 NFL Draft.
While Fairley was already a top ten selection prior to the BCS National Championship, his performance against Oregon sealed a top three spot for Fairley. He only had one sack in the game but seemed to be in the backfield every play and was constantly putting pressure on Darron Thomas.
Fairley is a physical beast that looks just as good on tape as he does in the gym, expect Fairley to look very impressive in offseason workouts for scouts and solidify his stock as the number one selection.
2. Denver Broncos
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Patrick Peterson CB, LSU
Peterson is probably the best defensive player available in the draft, and Denver cannot afford to pass him up with the second pick.
Peterson was a shut-down corner against elite competition in the SEC. Look for that to continue when he reaches the NFL. Peterson gives the Broncos what they had in Champ Bailey, and they get to shed some years off their number one cornerback.
Peterson will also provide his punt return skills to Denver and could get some time returning kicks.
3. Buffalo Bills
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A.J. Green WR, Georgia
A.J. Green with the third pick is too good to be true for the Bills who could use another playmaker in the pass game opposite Steve Johnson.
The Bills really need someone who can stop the run on the defensive side of the ball, but with Fairley off the board, I don't expect the Bills to overdraft Marcell Dareus and instead will add another weapon for Fitzpatrick.
Green averaged a touchdown per game this season and over 90 receiving yards per game. Green had more receiving yards than the Bulldogs leading rusher this season and almost 200 more yards than the Bulldogs second leading receiver (consider also, Green missed the first four games due to suspension).
4. Cincinnati Bengals
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Da'Quan Bowers DE, Clemson
Da'Quan Bowers was the top prospect coming out of high school and did not disappoint with his 16 sacks this season and five multi-sack games.
The Bengals pass rush struggled this year, and they really need a player who can disrupt the opposing quarterback. Bowers should be an instant upgrade and defensive end and will likely be a star pass rusher for years to come.
With Carson Palmer demanding a trade this offseason, it is possible the Bengals look at Gabbert, Mallett, or even Newton with this pick, but the chances of Marvin Lewis wanting to start fresh are slim to none.
5. Arizona Cardinals
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Von Miller LB, Texas A&M
Previously, I had the Cardinals taking Ryan Mallett with this selection, but with Larry Fitzgerald telling the Cardinals that he wants Kevin Kolb or Marc Bulger, Mallett is looking less likely to be a member of the Cardinals.
The big name that people are moving up their big boards is Von Miller. He was exceptional all week in Senior Bowl practices and really made a name for himself in the game itself.
Rumors are already flying about Wisenhunt being infatuated with this kid and his potential. Miller definitely fills a need for the Cardinals and will be the fifth selection.
6. Cleveland Browns
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Robert Quinn DE, North Carolina
Quinn could have been in the talks to be the number one overall pick had he been eligible to play this season, but his intangibles and his sophomore season keeps him in the top ten.
He is probably the most versatile player in the draft and has the ability to play both the run and the pass. His skills are reminiscent of Terrell Suggs. The Browns couldn’t defend the run last year so this would be a step in the right direction.
The Browns are also switching back to the 4-3 defense and don't have the personnel for it. Quinn will be a monster defensive end in the 4-3 and should immediately improve the defense.
7. San Francisco 49ers
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Prince Amukamara CB, Nebraska
This is a no-brainer as San Francisco had the 24th ranked pass defense last season and are in desperate need of a cornerback.
San Francisco has made it clear that their QB of the future is not on the roster, but Newton, Mallett and Gabbert won’t be on Harbaugh’s wish list. Look for Donovan McNabb to be leading the 49ers next season.
Amukamara has the potential to be an elite CB in the NFL, so don’t expect San Francisco to pass on his potential.
Think Amukamara Island.
8. Tennessee Titans
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Ryan Mallett QB, Arkansas
According to some early offseason rumors, the Titans have interest in the Packers backup quarterback, Matt Flynn. Whether they actually have interest in him or if the Packers are even willing to trade him knowing Rodgers' history of concussions remains to be seen.
In all likelihood, Matt Flynn will remain a member of the Packers next season unless Tennessee makes the mistake that Seattle made when giving up a third round pick and trading down twenty picks in the second round for Charlie Whitehurst.
With the firing of coach Jeff Fisher and the beginning of a new regime in Tennessee, expect them to select their quarterback of the future.
With that, Mallett ran a pro style offense in college and appears to be the most NFL ready of all the quarterbacks in the draft. If Mallett checks out during the interview process he will likely be the new face of the franchise in Tennessee.
9. Dallas Cowboys
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Marcell Dareus DE/DT, Alabama
Dareus is a big-time talent and one of the elite defensive lineman in the draft this year. Dareus is probably best suited as a defensive tackle in the 4-3 at the pro level, but Dallas will make it work as he will play defensive end in Big D.
Dareus was an absolute monster at Alabama and should immediately improve Dallas' run defense and should be able to apply pressure on the quarterback, as well.
10. Washington Redskins
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Cam Newton QB, Auburn
The Heisman Trophy winner is off the board with the tenth pick. The Redskins have a lot of needs, but QB is their biggest. The McNabb trade was a failure, and Shanahan seems ready to move on.
Cam Newton is most similar to Big Ben at the NFL level, and if he makes the right decisions, he has all the tools to be successful. The Redskins have a lot of holes on the offensive line currently, but Newton could hide them a bit with his scrambling ability.
The Redskins have a second round selection this year, which they will likely use to help sure up the offensive line for Newton.
Blaine Gabbert will also get a lot of serious consideration by Coach Shanahan, and whichever one has a stronger combine will most likely be the choice.
With Santana Moss looking less likely to return to Washington next season, it is a strong possibility that the Redskins could also select Julio Jones with this pick.
11. Houston Texans
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Akeem Ayers LB, UCLA
With Wade Phillips coming to town, the Texans need to get the players to operate in the 3-4. The Texans really, and I mean really, need help in the secondary, but there isn’t anyone worth taking with this selection.
Akeem Ayers is the player that is most likely to benefit from Von Miller's Senior Bowl week as he becomes the best OLB on the board when the Texans come up to pick.
Houston could try to trade up and land Amukamara, or even trade down and settle for Brandon Harris or Brandon Burton and pick up an extra draft choice.
12. Minnesota Vikings
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J.J. Watt DE, Wisconsin
Watt had a monstrous season at Wisconsin and appears to be headed for a top 15 selection in the draft.
The Vikings' defense was very underwhelming this season after a huge season the year before. Ray Edwards is set to become a free agent, had a poor season, and the Vikings will look to replace him with this pick.
Watt will replace Edwards, and he should pair up nicely rushing the passer opposite Jared Allen.
13. Detroit Lions
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Nate Solder OT, Colorado
Offensive tackle has been an impossible position to project in this year's draft. Solder is considered a raw talent but gained a lot of praise at the Senior Bowl and appears to be gaining momentum as the top OT in this class.
That could change before the draft, but for right now he is the top tackle and will land in Detroit, where the Lions really need to start protecting Matthew Stafford.
14. St. Louis Rams
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Julio Jones WR, Alabama
With Jones still on the board this pick is a no-brainer for the Rams. The Rams biggest need is a playmaker for Sam Bradford, and there is no question that Jones fits the bill.
Julio Jones could turn a terrible group of WRs into a solid group with Clayton and Amendola. Jones’ unique blend of strength, size and speed make him an asset to whatever team drafts him; luckily for the Rams, he lasts until No. 14.
Jones is a big, strong, athletic receiver, and if anyone feels the need to question his hands, go watch the Alabama vs. South Carolina game, in which Jones played with a broken hand and had 8 catches for 118 yards.
15. Miami Dolphins
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Mark Ingram RB, Alabama
Ingram will be taking his talents to South Beach next season (sorry, I had to do it). He had a slack year but was coming off a knee injury which could have potentially slowed him down. Expect his stock to remain high with a solid Pro Day workout.
The sky is the limit for Ingram, and he could be very successful in Miami. He does have some experience running the wildcat offense at Alabama and could use that to his advantage when he arrives in Miami.
As mentioned previously, Ingram is the cream of the crop at the running back position, and Miami is in desperate need for a back. Ronnie Brown is injury prone, and Ricky Williams is ancient.
Look for the Dolphins to improve their offensive woes with a stud running back, instead of selecting Gabbert or Jake Locker.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
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Aldon Smith DE, Missouri
Aldon Smith is a freak athlete that has begun to climb a lot of big boards, mainly because of the assumption that he will have a big time combine.
Smith makes sense for the Jaguars because they can’t rush the passer (unless they are playing the Browns). Averaging only one sack per game outside of the Browns game, the Jaguars really need someone to put pressure on the QB, and Smith fits the bill.
Smith did not have a huge year statistically at Missouri but was slowed some by injuries. He is a very raw talent, and talent alone will earn you a first round pick.
17. New England Patriots (From Oakland)
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Ryan Kerrigan DE, Purdue
The Patriots biggest weaknesses this season were their secondary and their defensive line. The first step in improving their secondary would be to improve their pass rush.
Adding Kerrigan to the mix would certainly improve the Patriots pass rush. Kerrigan led the NCAA in tackles for loss this past season and is a hard working player that will fit in well in the Patriots scheme.
18. San Diego Chargers
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Tyron Smith OT, Southern California
The right tackle position is probably the biggest position of need for the Chargers, so they will likely take an OT with this selection.
Smith is in the Trent Williams mold of tackles, as he is highly athletic, raw and may have the most potential of any OT in the draft.
Smith should be able to sure up the right side of the Chargers offensive line and made Rivers even more deadly next season.
19. New York Giants
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Derrek Sherrod OT, Mississippi State
As one of the top tackles in the SEC, Sherrod is pretty much guaranteed to be selected in the first round. Sherrod had a very good Senior Bowl Week, and a good combine would secure his spot as one of the top three tackles.
The Giant's OTs struggled at times this past year against elite pass rushers, so this pick would go a long way toward giving Eli more protection, which in turn may lower his interceptions.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Cameron Jordan DE/DT, California
Cameron Jordan isn’t the flashiest prospect in the draft, but he does all the little things right. Raheem Morris loves guys that play with heart and soul, and he will love Cameron Jordan’s work ethic.
Jordan plays hard on every down, even in Senior Bowl practice apparently, as Marvin Lewis nearly had him removed from practice after he hit a quarterback.
He has had six sacks in each of the last two seasons and is very versatile with the ability to play both DE and DT in the 4-3.
21. Kansas City Chiefs
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Justin Houston OLB, Georgia
With 11 sacks this past season and nearly 20 tackles for loss, Houston has really been moving up the Big Boards lately.
Kansas City is a very young team that is not in desperate need of any position outside of wide receiver. With no receivers worth taking at No. 21, the Chiefs will look to improve their pass rush opposite Tamba Hali.
If the Chiefs are able to bring back Hali next season and land Justin Houston, the rest of the AFC West better watch out.
22. Indianopolis Colts
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Stephen Paea DT, Oregon State
Year in and year out, mock drafts around the country have the Colts selecting a DT, but for some reason it never works out. This could finally be the year that the Colts learn from their mistakes.
Someone needs to jam the middle up and stop the run for the Colts, who rank near the bottom of the league in rush defense every year.
While Paea isn’t one of the elite defensive tackles available, he will serve the needs of the Colts and should start to improve the Colts' poor rush defense.
The Colts could also use an offensive tackle, but Peyton seems to do okay with a makeshift offense.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
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Gabe Carimi OT, Wisconsin
Carimi is a big, physical guy that lacks the speed needed to be play on the left side in the NFL right away, but could be a project LT.
Lickily for Carimi, he would fit in very nicely on the right side of Vick, and the Eagles need all the help they can get on the offensive line after giving up over 50 sacks this season. Carimi is also versatile enough to play guard, making him more valuable to Andy Reid.
Winston Justice was benched in the playoff game against the Packers, and Carimi should be able to step in and make an immediate impact in his place.
24. New Orleans Saints
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Adrian Clayborn DE, Iowa
The Saints don't have many glaring holes. Their offense is young, and they have Drew Brees at the helm. On the defensive side of the ball, the Saints could use a safety, but I don't think Rahim Moore is really worth the 24th overall pick.
Instead, the Saints will look to improve their pass rush by selecting Adrian Clayborn.
Clayborn had a monstrous junior year but slowed down a little bit his senior year. Thus, he has fallen out of the top 20. Clayborn should still be a first round selection, and Gregg Williams should find a way to make him fit in their scheme.
25. Seattle Seahawks
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Blaine Gabbert QB, Missouri
Matt Hasselbeck isn't getting any younger, and Pete Carroll is an offensive minded guy, so look for him to find his QB of the future. The Seahawks traded for Charlie Whitehurst last year, but he hasn't exactly made a good first, or second, or third impression on anyone in Seattle.
Many people have Gabbert rated much higher than the 25th overall pick, but he is a complete project at QB. The potential is there for Gabbert to be an elite QB, but I can't see him landing in the top 10.
People in Seattle will likely want Carroll to select Jake Locker, but he had a bad Senior Week and will likely fall out of the first round.
26. Baltimore Ravens
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Brandon Harris CB, Miami (FL)
The Ravens' only weakness is their pass defense; the key pieces on the offense are young, so expect them to improve their already stout defense with a future shut down corner. Ed Reed and Ray Lewis would enjoy mentoring another player from “The U.”
Time is running short in Baltimore for them to win another Super Bowl, as Ray and Ed are both getting older. Luckily for the Ravens, Harris is still on the board and could help Baltimore shutdown Big Ben next season.
27. Atlanta Falcons
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Brandon Burton CB, Utah
Brandon Burton only had two interceptions at Utah this past season but was an absolute monster at shutting down receivers. Luckily for Burton, he made the right decision in leaving school before Utah joined the PAC-10 and he had to face elite receivers every week.
While the Falcons had a top 10 rush defense this season, their pass defense was near the bottom. Adding another corner in the first round would help the cause.
After watching Aaron Rodgers torch the Falcons, there are not many other options for the Falcons at No. 27.
28. New England Patriots
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Aaron Williams CB, Texas
Mark Sanchez really exposed the Patriots pass defense in their playoff matchup this season. If Sanchez is the quarterback exposing the secondary, it is in dire need of repair.
The Patriots will most likely trade down (as is their nature), but if they stay at No. 27, they will take Aaron Williams.
Williams is not the flashiest corner in the draft, but he had a very productive career. The Patriots don't necessarily like the star player but prefer a player that cares more about the team than himself; that player is Aaron Williams.
The Patriots would have liked to take Mark Ingram or Julio Jones, but with them gone, they will draft according to their biggest need.
29. Chicago Bears
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Anthony Castonzo OT, Boston College
Castonzo might be the most well-rounded tackle in the draft this season. He does not have the potential of some of the tackles that went above him, but he could be the most NFL-ready, something the Bears desperately need after this season.
The Bears will likely use Castonzo at right tackle, and he will hopefully help protect Jay Cutler. The Bears gave up more sacks than any other team in the NFL this past season, and if they refuse to improve their offensive line, they will be in line for another disappointing playoff loss next season.
30. New York Jets
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Jonathan Baldwin WR, Pittsburgh
The Jets have a lot of players entering free agency, including both Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes. It is highly likely that Braylon Edwards will not return to the Jets next season so the Jets will need to replace him.
Titus Young is probably the better receiver, but he is small, a similar player to Santonio Holmes. The Jets will need a possession receiver, and Jonathan Baldwin can be that guy for Rex Ryan.
Baldwin has much better hands than Braylon and was the lone bright spot for the Panthers offense this season.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers
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Mike Pouncey C/OG, Florida
Pittsburgh already has one Pouncey, why not add another one? Pouncey is the No. 1 ranked guard available in this year's draft and is versatile enough to play both guard and center.
While his brother is the center for the Steelers currently, he would be able to fill in the event of an injury (i.e. Super Bowl XLV).
The Steelers offensive line was very vulnerable this season as Ben took a beating quite often. Having the Pouncey's playing side by side should improve the line greatly.
32. Green Bay Packers
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Mikel Leshoure RB, Illinois
The Packers don't have many weaknesses. They have the deepest team in the NFL and just won the Super Bowl.
The Packers weakness this season was their run game and having Ryan Grant back will likely improve it.
Green Bay can take their run game from bad to average when Grant comes back, or Green Bay can add a running back in the draft and make their run game one of the best in the NFL.
Mikel Leshoure is an elite talent at running back who is climbing the draft boards. Leshoure, Grant and James Starks will strike fear in opposing defenses.
The Packers aren't desperate for a RB, but they aren't desperate for any position, so why not? Rodgers won't need to throw 40 times a game anymore and having a dominant running game should slow down the pass rush on Rodgers.
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