2011 NFL Mock Draft: Which Picks Did Mel Kiper Get Completely Wrong?

Mel Kiper has been the NFL Draft Guru for how long now? Too long. Well, maybe too long is not the phrase I’m looking for, since, I can’t get enough of Kiper’s knowledge, enthusiasm and confidence. We all look to Kiper first and always seem to question our own thoughts, beliefs and feelings after seeing who Kiper has placed each prospect throughout the draft.

Kiper is not the end all be all when it comes to the draft though as mock drafts are fickle and ever-changing, perhaps the most changed and scrutinized task known to mankind. Everyone has their own opinion and belief and want it to be treated as the one and only.

Therefore, I’m going to tell you which of Mel Kiper’s picks I agree or disagree with for the entire first round.

Also don’t forget to compare Mel Kiper’s current mock draft to my last and post your opinions below!

1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley, Auburn DT

Agree

Nick Fairley is an impressive beast. He has a non-stop motor and a mean streak fitting of a Panther. Fairley is going to add intensity to, not only the defensive line, but the entire team. Fairley enters with a winning attitude after helping bring Auburn a BCS National Championship.          

The Panthers also need star power. With Ron Rivera, defensive-minded coach, Fairley gives the Panthers everything they need to back on the right track.

I’ll tell you this, linebacker Jon Beason is going to be very happy to have a destructive force like Fairley up front.

2. Denver Broncos: Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson DE

Agree

Now that Elvis Dumveril is moving to the defensive line, the Broncos just need one more great end to solidify the line. Dumervil and Bowers will create a triumphant force on the ends and could instantly become one of the best young end duos in the game.

Denver could go Patrick Peterson since Champ Bailey won’t be back with the Broncos, but pressure up front from the defensive line will make a world of difference for this entire Denver defense.

3. Buffalo Bills: Cam Newton, Auburn QB

Disagree

The Bills are not far off on offense, but Cam Newton will not be the man to help them for years. Although I think Newton has the most talent in this draft and could help the Bills in some packages, Buffalo should just commit to Ryan Fitzpatrick, who had a great 2010 season. If the Bills went offense, I’d simply suggest wide receiver A.J. Green, who would help make a bigger impact as a rookie.

Green would give the Bills an explosive offense with Steve Johnson and C.J. Spiller already on board.

Newton caught a touchdown during his Heisman-winning 2010 campaign, but the Bills probably wouldn’t be risking their quarterback of the future like that.

The Bills have far more voids to fill than quarterback. This would not be the ideal pick.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, Georgia WR

Agree

It’s time Cincinnati moves on from the Chad Johnson-Carson Palmer. It was time long ago to move on from Marvin Lewis, yet for some reason, he’s still with the Bengals. Cincinnati should be trading both Johnson and Palmer this offseason and receive draft picks in return. In doing so, they’ll be in desperate need of a top flight wide receiver with all of the physical tools necessary to dominate in the NFL.

Green, a can’t-miss prospect, is easily the most complete receiver in this year’s draft class and will fill the void left by both Johnson and Terrell Owens in 2011.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, Texas A&M OLB

Agree

The Cardinals desperately need to upgrade its defense. The offense may have stumbled due to injuries in 2010, but the defense simply let them down and underachieved mightily.

First and foremost, the Cardinals need a pass-rushing linebacker to come off the edge and demolish quarterbacks and take attention away from the defensive line. Von Miller is the best pass-rushing linebacker in this year’s draft class. Miller is a monster with a non-stop motor who will become an instant fan-favorite in Arizona.

6. Cleveland Browns: J.J. Watt, Wisconsin DE

Disagree

I still don’t think Watt will jump this high in the draft. While I do think he is a safe pick, the Browns can go bigger with a more explosive pick. I’d even argue that if Patrick Peterson is still on the board, the Browns should draft him to have their cornerback position covered for the next decade with Peterson and Joe Haden.

I have the Browns taking the disruptive Marcell Dareus from Alabama. Dareus has a certain swag to him and would not only be able to play end but also defensive tackle at times too. Dareus is a versatile player, not to say Watt isn’t, but anytime you can add a player of Dareus’ caliber, it needs to happen.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, LSU CB

Disagree

Although this would be awesome for San Fran fans, I don’t think Peterson falls to No. 7. Peterson is one of the most talented players in this entire draft; some would even call him the most.

Peterson has excellent ball skills, footwork and speed. He has the size of a safety but the speed of a cornerback. He can tackle, catch and has great vision.

In other words, Peterson can do it all.

He should go higher than No. 7.

I believe the 49ers still draft the position but get Prince Amukamara as Peterson is already off the board.

8. Tennessee Titans: Marcell Dareus, Alabama DE

Disagree

I still think the Titans may look into trading for Albert Haynesworth or simply signing him if the Redskins decide to cut him outright.

Even if they don’t, the Titans need a quarterback. Kerry Collins has been solid for Tennessee and will most likely be back, but he’s not going to magically be any better in 2011. The Titans are ready to move on from Vince Young, who should see plenty of suitors in need of a proven winning quarterback.

The future is now for the Titans.  Kenny Britt finally emerged as a legit receiver when healthy, and the Titans still boast Chris Johnson, arguably the best running back in the league.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, Nebraska CB

Agree to disagree

This would be ideal for Dallas.

Unfortunately, it won’t happen!

Amukamara will already be gone, and the Cowboys will be forced to draft a defensive lineman or linebacker. Not the worst consolation prize given the amount of talent at the positions.

Amukamara is a fantastic player though and will even push Peterson as the top cornerback in this draft class.

If the Cowboys are lucky enough to draft him, Amukamara is going to make a huge impact in his rookie season for Dallas.

10. Washington Redskins: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri QB

Disagree

I could see Washington going Julio Jones before Blaine Gabbert. Not to say the Redskins don’t need a quarterback, but I actually think Mike Shanahan could bring back Rex Grossman for another run instead of drafting Gabbert.

The Redskins have a ton of needs here, but I think Washington could go defense to solidify what could be a solid unit. I also think the Redskins would rather have Cam Newton than Gabbert. If Newton isn’t available, Shanahan drafts a defender and worries about quarterback later in the draft.

11. Houston Texans: Julio Jones, Alabama WR

Disagree

Interesting selection, one I have thought about in the past but unlikely to come to fruition in my eyes.

The Texans must upgrade all areas of its defense. They brought in Wade Phillips to improve it, but that will not happen with the talent on the roster. The Texans need a great first-round defenseman here. The Texans have plenty of offense but will continue to lose in the AFC without a defense that can match.

The Texans need so much help on defense that they can go linebacker, cornerback or defensive line with this selection.

Sorry, Mel, but offense is not the way to go here for Houston.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Robert Quinn, North Carolina DE

Disagree

If anything, the Vikings could use a defensive tackle on the line to make up for Kevin Williams’ surgery and possible four-game suspension.

Really though, the Vikings need to draft their quarterback of the future already. Brett Favre retired...for real, apparently. Whether or not you actually believe that fairy tale is one thing, but after last season, I do.

Tarvaris Jackson, nor Joe Webb, is the answer in Minnesota. All the Vikings need is a quality game-managing quarterback. Unless they trade for a player like Carson Palmer, quarterback is the need here.

I had Quinn falling in my last mock as well, but I think he should be drafted higher than No. 12.

13. Detroit Lions: Jimmy Smith, Colorado CB

Agree

Jimmy Smith would be an awesome pick here for the Lions. The Lions desperately need another playmaker in the secondary, primarily at the cornerback position. Jimmy Smith has been moving up my own draft board, so it’s great to see other analysts, especially the almighty Mel Kiper, giving Smith love.

Smith is a fantastic talent who can tackle and play the ball well.

Detroit is a team rising quickly, and with a solid draft, could very well win the North as soon as 2011.

14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget, Illinois DT

Disagree

The Rams can find a defensive tackle in the second round, like Marvin Austin out of North Carolina. Liuget should not be going this high as far as I’m concerned.

The Rams have more pressing needs—like wide receiver. I strongly disagree with the Texans taking Julio Jones like Kiper predicted and see the Rams being able to snag the second best wide receiver in this draft.

15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, Alabama RB

Agree, Agree, Agree

The Dolphins will desperately need a running back, and Mark Ingram is the top back in this draft. He does everything the Dolphins need. He is going to be their workhorse back for at least the next five to seven years. He’s the man that will be able to pound the rock down defenders’ throats, exactly what the Dolphins want to do behind their bruising offensive line.

Miami fans will be thrilled to have a player of Ingram’s caliber running all day.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aldon Smith, Missouri OLB

Agree to Disagree

I think the Jaguars should be taking Cameron Jordan or Ryan Kerrigan to bolster the defensive line.

Still, I see Kiper’s reasoning here. The Jaguars need an outside linebacker, and Aldon Smith could become one of the best rushers in the draft. The Jaguars desperately need to get after Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub if they have any hope of topping the AFC South division next season.

17. New England Patriots (via Oakland Raiders): Cameron Jordan, California DE

Agree to disagree

Cameron Jordan is stuck in the middle of the round, but I don’t see the Patriots picking him on second though. Last mock, I had them selecting Justin Houston, who can become a fantastic pass rusher with Belichick’s guidance and seemingly perfect positioning of young defensive talent.

Still, this isn’t a poor choice by Kiper as the Patriots definitely need to upgrade the defensive line, and Jordan is underrated among mockers in my eyes.

18. San Diego Chargers: Tyron Smith, USC OT

Disagree

Tyron Smith may just be the most physically-gifted tackle, scratch that, lineman, in this year’s draft class. Still, the Chargers can draft another tackle in the second round since they have two picks and the offensive line is deep. The Chargers need to focus on defense to keep the momentum going in 2011.

The Chargers defense did a great job last season, and it will be relied upon once again as the offense in the AFC West continue to improve.

19. New York Giants: Nate Solder, Colorado OT

Agree to disagree

The Giants definitely need to finally upgrade the offensive line. Their unit used to be one of the best in the league a few years ago, but they are now that much older as a unit and are becoming injury prone.

The unit clearly needs an injection of youthful exuberance, and while Solder is a good choice here with his versatility, Gabe Carimi could be better for his run blocking skills.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, Iowa DE

Agree

I’ve said it all along that I think Clayborn will be a great fit for these “Young Bucs.”  The offense is in fantastic hands with Josh Freeman—the new sheriff in town.

Therefore, the only way to go is defense for most of the draft.

Clayborn has excellent skills, and despite a down 2010 campaign, will be good to go in 2011 for the Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers suffered so many injuries late in the season that it ultimately cost them a shot at the playoffs. Clayborn is a necessary addition to a defensive line now led by defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Akeem Ayers, UCLA OLB

Agree to disagree

The Chiefs have needs on defense despite boasting one of the best young defenses in the game.

I gave them safety Rahim Moore, although not the most pressing need, last mock because they can solidify an incredible secondary for the next decade with his addition.

I think the Chiefs can find a great outside linebacker for their unit in the second or even third round of this draft.

Defensive tackle should be a top priority for the Chiefs as well so they can open things up for their solid defensive ends.

I also expect Akeem Ayers to go higher so it’s tough for me to see him falling to No. 21.

22. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Castonzo, Boston College OT

Agree

The Colts clearly need to upgrade the offensive line after the hits Peyton Manning took last year. The line has been somewhat neglected, and it finally caught up to management. The entire offense needs better pass protection from the line, as well as better push up front for the running game.

Anthony Castonzo will be able to step in immediately in 2011 and make an impact on this offense.

This is a great selection for Indianapolis.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin OT

Disagree

Michael Vick is excellent at creating more time for his skill players to get open, as well as avoiding the pass rush. That means the Eagles can wait to draft a lineman.

Defense is the way to go here, and the Eagles have voids that need to be filled.

First and foremost: Cornerback.

There are some excellent cornerbacks in this draft even after the top three corners are taken in Mel’s current vision.

24. New Orleans Saints: Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple DT

Agree to disagree

The Saints need a defensive tackle, and at least, Wilkerson is a versatile prospect. In Kiper’s mock though, the Saints should be taking an outside linebacker like Justin Houston to get at the quarterback.

The Saints have needs on defense though, so this is a reasonable selection. I could also see Wilkerson falling to the second round though.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Mike Pouncey, Florida G/C

Agree

Seattle needs to upgrade its offensive line if they want to win the NFC West again. They can find a quarterback later in the draft, but even if they don’t draft one, Charlie Whitehurst can hold them over for another year, I guess. I mean, I’m not a Whitehurst fan, but Pete Carroll seems to like him, and he was extended for a reason.

Upgrading the offensive line with a versatile player like Pouncey will do wonders for this team. Whoever is at quarterback will have more time to find Mike Williams and the motley crew of receivers in Seattle.

Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett will greatly benefit from an offense line that can finally generate an adequate push up front.

Pounce is a great pick here for the Seahawks.

Seattle needs versatility on the offensive line, and Pouncey is the best man for the job—sorry Pittsburgh Steelers fans. The Seahawks need to find a way to sure up the offensive line to run the ball better and protect their quarterbacks.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Williams, Texas CB

Agree to disagree

It is evident that the Ravens desperately need a cornerback. I don’t care about the stats; I care about what I see.

The Ravens do not have the talent necessary at the position to win a Championship after being exploited during the season. Aaron Williams has fallen on my big board, but I still like him a lot, and therefore, I respect the selection by the Draft Guru.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue DL

Agree to disagree

This would be a great pick for the Falcons, but I don’t see Kerrigan dropping. Kerrigan is a great athlete who should be going in the middle of the draft for his skills and work ethic. He is a versatile player who could be beneficial for most of the teams drafting before the Falcons.

If he does fall though, this is a great fit.

The Falcons could use a wide receiver opposite Roddy White or an offensive lineman to protect Matt Ryan and push for Michael Turner.

28. New England Patriots: Torrey Smith, Maryland WR

Disagree

Belichick should be focusing on defense in the first round as the Patriots build one of the strongest young defenses in the game.

The Patriots always seem to plug holes just fine and will be able to find an explosive offensive threat later in the draft.

As long as the Patriots have Tom Brady behind center, they’ll never need to draft a wide receiver this high, unless he compared to Randy Moss, talent wise, of course.

29. Chicago Bears: Ben Ijalana, Villanova OT

Disagree

Of course, you have to lick the idea of the position pick. The Bears desperately need to upgrade its offensive line. In Mike Martz’ offense, the offensive line needs have a ton of talent in order to protect the vulnerable quarterback dropping back and back and back and, well, you get the point.

Jay Cutler was abused by defenders last year because Martz wants to send everyone out and fail to adequately protect the quarterback.

Still, I don’t know if Ijalana is the right pick here.

Derek Sherrod would be the clear choice here. How Kiper has him completely out of the first round at this point is beyond me. Sherrod is one of the more talented offensive lineman in the draft.

30. New York Jets: Rahim Moore, UCLA S

Disagree

As a New Yorker, it’d be awesome to see Moore, my clear-cut top safety in this draft, roaming in Gang Green’s secondary. Moore has elite talent and would add immense skills to an already great secondary unit led by Darrelle Revis.

I believe the Jets will draft a nose tackle though to dominate up front. With a force bolstering the defensive line, the Rex Ryan can do more with his unrelenting and vicious blitzes.

Phil Taylor can be the man needed to fill this void left the last two seasons by Kris Jenkins’ unfortunate knee injuries. The idea of Jenkins is better than Jenkins himself. Taylor would finally be the missing tackle Rex Ryan has been searching for.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cameron Heyward, Ohio St. DL

Disagree

I’m not one of those who believe the Steelers need to draft a defensive lineman so early in the draft. Despite injuries to the line in 2010, the rest of the squad did a great job. They rely on their four great linebackers anyways.

So Steelers fans are unhappy Mike Pouncey didn’t fall, and although I still believe offensive line is the way to go here, the defense has a bigger void to fill at the cornerback position than the line.

32. Green Bay Packers: Justin Houston, Georgia OLB

Disagree

Houston is one of the best rushing linebackers in this class and should be going much higher in the draft. He is an ideal fit for the Patriots, but even if he gets past them the first time around, he won’t get past them the second time, that’s for sure. Even worse for the Patriots if they pass on Houston, New Orleans would definitely love to have a player of Houston’ rushing caliber next to Jonathan Vilma.

I also think offensive line would be a more pressing need for the Packers than outside linebacker in the first round. Of course, if Houston is there I think this would be a great selection, but I don’t see him being there for the Super Bowl Champions.

For more NFL Draft coverage, check out 2011 NFL Mock Draft Hub: Latest Mock Drafts