2011 NFL Mock Draft: First Two Rounds, Can Mark Ingram Roll into the Top 15?

Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers for culminating the 2010-2011 NFL season with a fantastic Super Bowl XLV victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Now the offseason is officially underway. We still have the plenty of time before the NFL draft, but with the combine coming up shortly and teams furiously analyzing each and every player in the draft, it’s time for us to tell you who the teams are going to be drafting this April.

Where will 2009 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram land in the NFL draft? I’ve had him heading to Miami to join Brandon Marshall, but can the best all-around running back in this year’s draft class creep higher?

We are officially in mock mode at Bleacher Report!

Also don’t forget to compare this mock to the last and post your opinions below!

1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley, Auburn DT

Expect Ron Rivera to draft a defensive player given his background. I’ve had Nick Fairley going No. 1 overall in most of my drafts and will stick by this selection.

Fairley has his fair share of question marks, but at least, he’ll bring some much-needed swag to the Carolina Panthers.

2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, LSU CB

The Broncos desperately need to take a look towards the future as the offenses in the West become more pass-happy with Philip Rivers and Matt Cassel.

Now that it no longer looks like Champ Bailey will remain with the Broncos, there is only one choice to make here for them. Da’Quan Bowers was the pick last mock when it looked like Bailey was going to remain with the team. Patrick Petersen is one of the few can’t-miss prospects in this year’s draft and is one of the top five players in the class, with remarkable instincts and athleticism.

3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, Texas A&M LB

The Bills surprised me last year, staying competitive in most of their games. The offense would be one of the better young units in the NFL if they were to draft A.J. Green to work with Steve Johnson and C.J. Spiller like I had throughout my previous mocks.

Instead, though, Buffalo aims to fill voids on defense. The safest player in this year’s draft, in my opinion, is Von Miller. He is the premier pass rusher in this draft class and will be a major impact player for the Bills during his 2011 rookie campaign.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: Marcell Dareus, Alabama DL

The Bengals defense underachieved in 2010.

Although Bowers appears to be the safest pick here, the Bengals really do not need a defensive end. The Bengals need a more destructive force up front to secure the defense, and Dareus is still that man, like last mock.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson DE

I would really like the Cardinals defense more if they were able to draft Peterson, but Peterson doesn’t fall to No. 5 this mock like he did last.

The Cardinals need a player who can get after the quarterback, and Bowers is that man. He is one of the premier players in this class.

6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, Georgia WR

This is the furthest Green has fallen in one of my mocks.

Green is a fantastic talent. The Browns desperately need another playmaker on offense to take off some of the pressure placed on Peyton Hillis’ shoulders. Green has great speed, hands and body control.

The Browns have been burned before taking a wide receiver high ala Braylon Edwards, but they can’t afford to pass up on Green here.

I had the Browns taking a defensive player throughout my previous mocks, including last mock taking the emerging Von Miller, but Green is too good for the Browns to pass on.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Prince Amukamara, Nebraska CB

Jim Harbaugh would be foolish to draft a quarterback with this pick and would be better served bringing in a veteran for the 2011 season.

Amukamara stays at No. 7 like last mock. This is an excellent pick as Amukamara rivals Peterson for the best cornerback in this class.

8. Tennessee Titans: Akeem Ayers, UCLA LB

The Titans need to upgrade their linebacking core.

Akeem Ayers is one of the best all-around linebackers in this year’s draft class. I had the Titans taking defensive end Robert Quinn in the last mock, but Ayers seems like the better fit after further analysis.

Many will peg the Titans with a quarterback in the first round, but that would be a mistake in my eyes at the moment. There are other options in free agency.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Nate Solder, Colorado OT

I had the Cowboys making a splash last mock by taking potential freak Aldon Smith, but I’m going to give Dallas Nate Solder instead.

The Cowboys need to upgrade the offensive line, and Solder is one of the best in this year’s draft class. The Cowboys must keep Tony Romo upright and run the ball more effectively in 2011.

10. Washington Redskins: Robert Quinn, North Carolina DE

Where to even begin with the Washington Redskins? There’s holes everywhere you turn: quarterback, running back, wide receiver, offensive line and defensive line.

Did I just nail the entire team? Not quite, but basically, your guess is as good as mine as to which way they’ll go in the first round. The defense is closer to a solid unit than the offense. Therefore, Mike Shanahan might as well build that up for now and sacrifice the offense for the first round.

Whereas I had the rising Cameron Jordan, I’m going to give Washington Robert Quinn, who should instantly start at defensive end.

11. Houston Texans: Jimmy Smith, Colorado CB

Where to even begin with the Houston Texans defense?

Even the defensive line could use help despite having “Super” Mario Williams on the end. The secondary was horrific, so the Texans could go any which way here. The linebacking core needs help, and a pass-rushing linebacker would be perfect for Wade Phillips’ defense, but Von Miller is off the board.

The secondary is just too bad to neglect in the first round.

Smith is my No. 3 overall cornerback in this class and will make an instant impact for the Texans secondary.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Cameron Jordan, California DE

I had the Vikings taking Blaine Gabbert in the last mock draft, but I still see them going after a veteran considering they are still close to fielding a team that could go deep in the playoffs when healthy.

With free agent on the defensive line, and Cameron Jordan emerging, he’s a safe pick for the Vikings to get back on the right track.

13. Detroit Lions: Aldon Smith, Missouri DE

The Lions took offensive tackle Nate Solder in the last mock, but I strongly believe defense is the way to go.

Ndamukong Suh will have this defensive unit strong for the rest of his career, but help is still needed across the board on defense. With so much attention directed towards stopping Suh, Aldon Smith, one of the premier pass rushers in the class, could rack up the sacks for Detroit.

14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, Alabama WR

I’ve had the Rams taking Julio Jones all along and nothing changes.

The previous teams would be foolish to draft Jones, except for maybe Washington. Jones is a fantastic playmaker and easily the No. 2 wide receiver in this year’s class.

He will provide Rookie of the Year Sam Bradford a great option finally.

15. Miami Dolphins: Cam Newton, Auburn QB

For the first time, I don’t give the Dolphins Mark Ingram. I think he’d be a fantastic fit with Miami, but they might want to make a splash.

Cam Newton has unlimited potential and does everything the Dolphins want to do. They’ll be able to use the Wildcat offense every time. Newton will act as the running back for the Dolphins in 2011 since they miss out on Mark Ingram and let both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams walk.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri QB

Ryan Kerrigan went to the Jags in the last mock as they bolstered the defensive line to compete against Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub in the AFC South.

Instead, this time, we’re going to look towards the future. David Garrard had a good season, but his time is dwindling. Blaine Gabbert has been rising up draft boards over the past month, and the Jaguars take a chance.

17. New England Patriots (via Oakland Raiders): Mark Ingram, Alabama RB

BenJarvus Green-Ellis is a restricted free agent, and I don’t think the Patriots will keep him around.

They draft Mark Ingram, who will be their workhorse back from the get-go. Patriots fans will remember when Laurence Maroney was drafted high to become that back and failed, but I see Ingram having plenty of success in the NFL.

The Patriots need to get back to pounding the rock, and Ingram is the right man for the job in this year’s class.

18. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue DL

Kerrigan is quickly rising up draft boards and should do great at the combine.

He stays in the middle of this first round in my mock, though. I had the Chargers taking Adrian Clayborn last mock, but Kerrigan falls to San Diego this time around. The Chargers are on the verge, as usual, of going deep in the playoffs.

They could use a wide receiver, but none are worth taking 18th overall.

19. New York Giants: Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin OL

I gave the Giants Anthony Castonzo in the last mock as they need to upgrade their offensive line to keep everyone healthy.

This time, we’ll go with Gabe Carimi, who might just fit the Giants' needs more. Carimi is good in pass protection but is great at run-blocking, which fits the Giants’ smash-mouth style.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, Iowa DL

I love what the Buccaneers are doing.

I still give the Bucs a defensive lineman, except this time, it’s not Cameron Hayward. I feel like Adrian Clayborn is slipping, but I maintain that he would be a great addition to this Tampa Bay defense.

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Phil Taylor, Baylor DT

Phil Taylor is an absolute beast.

I still give Kansas City a defensive tackle—but Phil Taylor over Drake Nevis. Taylor has been quickly rising up draft boards with his monster size and great athleticism. The Chiefs defense is close. A destructive force up front will do wonders for the rest of the defense.

22. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Castonzo, Boston College OL

The Colts need to make sure every year that Peyton Manning stays healthy.

Manning was hit often in 2010 as injuries disrupted the offensive line. Anthony Castonzo is one of the best in the draft class and should be warmly welcomed by Peyton Manning.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Rahim Moore, UCLA S

The Eagles really need help in their secondary.

Both corner and safety need to be upgraded. Rahim Moore is the most complete safety in this year’s draft class. He can do everything from tackle to cover and has great vision as well.

The Eagles drafted cornerback Brandon Harris in the last mock, but safety might be a bigger need right now.

24. New Orleans Saints: J.J. Watt, Wisconsin DL

The Saints have some holes to fill but after their terrible performance in the Wild Card; defense is a must.

The Saints need to upgrade the defensive line, and J.J. Watt projects to be a fine player. The Saints drafted cornerback Jimmy Smith in the last mock, but he jumped up to No. 13 this time around.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, Washington QB

I had the Seahawks taking safety Rahim Moore in the previous mock but have them once again selecting Jake Locker as I did two mock drafts ago.

I still think the Seahawks might bring in Matt Leinart to compete with Charlie Whitehurst for the starting job, but I don’t think either is truly the future for Seattle.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Harris, Miami CB

The Ravens still have a great defense but need to upgrade the cornerback position.

Brandon Harris is my fourth-best cornerback while Aaron Williams, who I had them draft in the last mock, is now my No. 6 after Brandon Burton.

The position stays the same, but the name changes this time around.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Derek Sherrod, Mississippi St. OT

Sherrod is one of the best offensive linemen in this year’s draft class.

The Falcons were very good in 2010 and will need to keep Matt Ryan upright in 2011 if they want to continue along the path of success. Sherrod will be a staple on the Falcons’ line for years to come.

Offensive line is more important than wide receiver Torrey Smith right now, who I had Atlanta drafting last mock.

28. New England Patriots: Justin Houston, Georgia LB

The Patriots should be upgrading their defensive line, considering they seem to suffer an injury each year, but I’m going with one of the premier pass rushers in this year’s draft.

Houston is a perfect fit for the Patriots, so I have them sticking with him at this pick.

29. Chicago Bears: Tyron Smith, USC OT

The Bears, despite heading to the NFC Championship, have holes that need to be filled.

Jay Cutler was roughed up in 2010 and was forced out of the NFC Championship game with a sprained MCL. If the Bears want to win, they must keep Cutler on the field. Tyron Smith is a steal here considering he is one of the most athletic linemen in this draft class.

The Bears were able to draft Derek Sherrod last time, but he is already taken this time around.

30. New York Jets: Corey Liuget, Illinois DT

It is tough to truly judge the Jets’ draft right now, considering the amount of free agents on the team. I’m going to stick with Liuget again in this mock because Kris Jenkins has been injured the past two seasons. If the Jets can get a destructive defensive tackle to go with their defense, they might finally make it past the AFC Championship game.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey, Florida OL

To account for the offensive line injuries that occur each year, the Steelers still nab Maurkice Pouncey’s brother Mike in this mock and last.

Maurkice and Mike always seem to win together and should power the Steelers back to another Super Bowl at some point.

32. Green Bay Packers: Martez Wilson, Illinois LB

The Packers just won the Super Bowl but attention will soon shift on ways they can repeat.

Although Nick Barnett will return healthy, he is never a safe bet to stay that way. A.J. Hawk may have his contract restricted, but he also may not.

Green Bay needs to look ahead a few years, and Martez Wilson has the talent to be one of the best linebackers this class has to offer. We shift from the offensive line with Tyron Smith last mock to Wilson this time.

33. New England Patriots: Stefen Wisniewski, Penn St. OL

My Patriots mock has taken a complete 180-degree turn around this time around.

Bill Belichick loves versatile players. Stefen Wisniewski is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in this year’s class. The Patriots need to make sure Tom Brady stays upright and never takes a hit. Logan Mankins most likely will not be back with the Patriots so they grab one of the more versatile offensive linemen instead of Stephen Paea like I had last time.

Previous Picks:

Mark Ingram, Alabama RB

Justin Houston, Georgia LB

34. Buffalo Bills: Cameron Heyward, Ohio St. DL

The Bills need to continue building their defense with the Jets and Patriots dominating the division. They already drafted one of the best linebackers in the draft, which makes up for losing Martez Wilson who I had them taking in the second round last time.

Cameron Heyward falls to the second round but has first-round talent.

Previous Pick:

Von Miller, Texas A&M LB

35. Cincinnati Bengals: Ryan Mallett, Arkansas QB

Ryan Mallett is the quarterback that falls once again in my mock, and once again, I have him going to the Cincinnati Bengals. I don’t think he is the answer, but I believe management gives in to Carson Palmer’s request to be traded so the Bengals need to find a quarterback here.

Previous Pick:

Marcell Dareus, Alabama DL

36. Denver Broncos: Drake Nevis, LSU DT

The Broncos upgraded their secondary in the first round and continue to build a solid defense.

Drake Nevis is one of the better defensive tackles in the draft and should make a difference for the defensive line in 2011. Brandon Burton was taken here in the last mock, but with Peterson in the first round, the Broncos don’t need to draft another corner just yet.

Previous Pick:

Patrick Peterson, LSU CB

37. Cleveland Browns: Brandon Burton, Utah CB

After selecting A.J. Green in the first round, I can’t give the Browns wide receiver Leonard Hankerson in the second like I did last mock.

The Browns continue to bolster the secondary by grabbing one of the better corners in this class in Brandon Burton.

Previous Pick:

A.J. Green, Georgia WR

38. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh WR

The Cardinals go after a quarterback in free agency and need another solid wide receiver opposite Jonathan Baldwin.

I had the Cardinals selecting Marvin Austin in the last mock, but after going defensive line in the first round, I’m going to shift to offense here.

Previous Pick:

Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson DE

39. Tennessee Titans: Ben Ijalana, Villanova OL

Jake Locker fell in the last mock to the Titans here, but he was already taken.

The Titans need to upgrade their offensive line, which fell apart late last year. Chris Johnson and whoever is behind center will greatly benefit from one of the best interior linemen in the class joining the team.

Previous Pick:

Akeem Ayers, UCLA LB

40. Dallas Cowboys: Aaron Williams, Texas CB

The Cowboys desperately need to upgrade the secondary, which couldn’t catch a cold in 2010.

Terrence Newman’s time is up in Dallas. The Cowboys need a capable corner to come in 2011 to bolster the unit. I went offensive line in the second round last mock with Ben Ijalana but solved that problem with Nate Solder in the first this time.

Previous Pick:

Nate Solder, Colorado OT

41. Washington Redskins: Mikel LeShoure, Illinois RB

Just like the last mock, Shanahan nabs Mikel LeShoure who should emerge as one of the best running back prospects in this year’s draft class.

The Redskins desperately need a running back to build their team around, and LeShoure is that man.

Previous Pick:

Robert Quinn, North Carolina DE

42. Houston Texans: Allen Bailey, Miami DL

The Texans grabbed cornerback Jimmy Smith in the first round so this pick changes from the last mock.

Allen Bailey is falling after a rough Senior Bowl, but he was once a first-round pick so this is a nice addition to the Texans defense.

Previous Pick:

Jimmy Smith, Colorado CB

43. Minnesota Vikings: Greg Jones, Michigan St. LB

The Vikings drafted an offensive lineman in the last mock.

This time, they look towards the future and draft E.J. Henderson’s future replacement. Greg Jones is a fantastic linebacker and will be a great addition to the defense.

Previous Pick:

Cameron Jordan, California DE

44. Detroit Lions: Bruce Carter, North Carolina LB

Detroit needs help in the secondary, but I think Bruce Carter would be an excellent fit for the Lions defense.

Carter was taken here in the last mock, and I’m sticking by this pick still. Carter could become a face of the defense along with Suh.

Previous Pick:

Aldon Smith, Missouri DE

45. San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Paea, Oregon St. DT

Same position as last time, different name.

Paea is falling due to a poor showing at the Senior Bowl due to injury. Paea was a popular pick in the back end of first-round mock drafts, so San Fran could get a steal here to put in front of linebacker Patrick Willis.

Previous Pick:

Prince Amukamara, Nebraska CB

46. Denver Broncos (via Miami Dolphins): Robert Sands, West Virginia FS

The Broncos took Allen Bailey in the last mock, but safety is a glaring hole.

Robert Sands is the second best safety in this year’s class in my opinion. He can do it all and will do it all for the Broncos immediately.

Previous Picks:

Patrick Peterson, LSU CB

Drake Nevis, LSU DT

47. St. Louis Rams: Marvin Austin, North Carolina DT

I had the Rams taking potential steal Christian Ballard in the last mock, but Marvin Austin could be a destructive force for the Rams up front.

They need somebody to put next to Chris Long and in front of James Laurinaitis, so this is a great pickup for St. Louis.

Previous Pick:

Julio Jones, Alabama WR

48. Oakland Raiders: Marcus Cannon, TCU OL

I’m sticking with the Raiders taking Marcus Cannon, who can be a very good fit for the Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders need to make sure they continue running the ball effectively while protecting quarterback Jason Campbell. The Raiders made great strides in 2010.

49. Jacksonville Jaguars: Christian Ballard, Iowa DL

The Jaguars land a potential steal in the second round.

Last mock, I had them taking Cam Newton, but he jumped back to the first round. The picks switch as I had the Jags taking a defensive lineman in the first round last mock.

The Jaguars still manage to bolster the defensive line while drafting their quarterback of the future in the first round.

Previous Pick:

Blaine Gabbert, Missouri QB

50. San Diego Chargers: Torrey Smith, Maryland WR

The Chargers drafted a safety with this pick in the previous mock.

This time, the Chargers can land an explosive receiver to give elite quarterback Philip Rivers another option. Smith could be a major contributor for the Chargers in his rookie season.

Previous Pick:

Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue DL

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quinton Carter, Oklahoma S

The Bucs landed a safety in the second round last time, and I’m sticking by that necessity.

The Bucs land one of the best run-stopping safeties in the draft.

Carter is a big hitter and will serve well for the Bucs.

Previous Picks:

Adrian Clayborn, Iowa DL

52. New York Giants: Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina LB

Sticking with the pick from last mock, the Giants land sturdy linebacker Quan Sturdivant.

The Giants need to upgrade the linebacking core immediately as the Giants are close to having one of the most dominant defense in the game given their defensive line and safeties.

Previous Pick:

Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin OL

53. Indianapolis Colts: Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech RB

Joseph Addai is a free agent and should not be brought back.

Donald Brown has not shown that he can start just yet in his two-year career. We’re going to pass on the linebacker position for now since I had Indianapolis drafting a linebacker here in the last mock.

Ryan Williams could be a star for the Colts who need consistency at the running back position.

Previous Pick:

Anthony Castonzo, Boston College OL

54. Philadelphia Eagles: Shareece Wright, USC CB

The Eagles need playmakers in the secondary.

They made a huge upgrade with Rahim Moore in the first round. Although they could go offensive line, the Eagles need a cornerback here. They took a safety with this selection in my last mock draft, but that hole was already filled.

Shareece Wright will be a good fit here.

Previous Pick:

Rahim Moore, UCLA S

55. Kansas City Chiefs: Leonard Hankerson, Miami WR

The Chiefs are putting together a fantastic team.

The offense is just about set, but they need another playmaker opposite Dwayne Bowe. Leonard Hankerson is one of the more complete receivers in the league.

With Bowe and Hankerson on board, the Chiefs should be able to get the electrifying Dexter McCluster the ball in open space..

Previous Pick:

Phil Taylor, Baylor DT

56. New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Sheppard, LSU LB

I’m sticking with Kelvin Sheppard for the Saints as I feel he can be a very good player for this defense.

The Saints already took a defensive lineman, and now with Sheppard, they are well on their way to getting back to the top of the NFC South.

Previous Pick:

J.J. Watt, Wisconsin DL

57. Seattle Seahawks: Jurrell Casey, USC DT

Sticking by the selection from the last mock, the defensive end and linebackers could do wonders in 2011 with an extra force up front.

Casey would help bolster a fine defensive line and would open up things for the underrated linebackers.

Previous Pick:

Jake Locker, Washington QB

58. Baltimore Ravens: DeMarcus Love, Arkansas OL

The Ravens took another secondary player here in the last mock, and although I’m inclined to give them another, offensive linemen have been all the rage in my mock.

That means the Ravens need to grab one now to account for the probable loss of Jared Gaither.

Previous Pick:

Brandon Harris, Miami CB

59. Atlanta Falcons: Titus Young, Boise St. WR

The Falcons need another wide receiver opposite Roddy White and another option for Matt Ryan.

Titus Young is one of the better receivers in this class. Whereas the Falcons drafted an offensive lineman in the second round in the last mock, they locked down one of the elite offensive linemen in the first round, giving them the leeway to take a receiver still in the second.

Previous Pick:

Derek Sherrod, Mississippi St. OT

60. New England Patriots: Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple DL

The Patriots land a steal in the second round by picking up Muhammad Wilkerson.

They took an offensive lineman with this selection in my last mock, but Belichick takes the versatile Wisniewski earlier in the second round.

Now, Belichick can get around to bolstering his defensive line, which always seems to suffer an injury during the season.

Previous Picks:

Mark Ingram, Alabama RB

Justin Houston, Georgia LB

Stefen Wisniewski, Penn St. OL 

61. Chicago Bears: Mason Foster, Washington LB

The Bears rely on their linebackers on defense.

Foster is a solid player who will fit in well for Chicago. Playing alongside two of the best linebackers in the game, in Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, will do wonders for the rookie who should replace Pino Tinoisamoa.

I’m going to stick with my selection from the last mock and stick Foster with the Bears once again.

Previous Pick:

Tyron Smith, USC OL

62. San Diego Chargers (via New York Jets): Deunta Williams, North Carolina S

In my last mock, I had the Chargers taking Williams with their first second-round selection.

They still manage to grab the safety but pass on Kyle Rudolph who I had them picking in the last mock.

Previous Picks:

Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue DL

Torrey Smith, Maryland WR

63. Pittsburgh Steelers: Curtis Brown, Texas CB

The Steelers grabbed a corner with this pick in the last mock, and I’m sticking by the position.

This time though, they are left with Curtis Brown. Brown is a fine cornerback though he is not in my top five.

Previous Pick:

Mike Pouncey, Florida OL

64. Green Bay Packers: DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson S

McDaniel is one of the best safeties in this year’s draft class.

The Packers land a steal here as they continue building arguably the very best secondary in the NFL. McDaniel is very good in every aspect of the position. For fun, I had the Packers taking Clay Matthews’ brother Casey in the last mock I posted, but the Packers grabbed one of the best linebackers in the draft in the first round already.

Previous Pick:

Martez Wilson, Illinois LB