2011 NFL Mock Draft: Post Cam Newton, Auburn Pro Day Edition
In the 2010 NFL draft, the Oklahoma Sooners dominated the early going when three Sooners went in the first four picks—quarterback Sam Bradford, nose tackle Gerald McCoy and tackle Trent Williams.
Will there be an early run on Auburn Tigers players this year in the draft? The national champions have two players, in quarterback Cam Newton and defensive tackle Nick Fairley, that have been frequently mentioned as potential first overall draft picks.
Today is Auburn's Pro Day for NFL teams, as teams send their general managers, coaches, scouts and doctors to fill in the blanks of what they think they learned about each player at the NFL combines last week in Indianapolis.
Interestingly enough, today is also the Pro Day at Oklahoma University as well, but no Sooners are projected to be going that high again this year.
This is my first NFL mock draft for the 2011 draft, so after much thought and careful deliberation, on with the mock.
1. Carolina Panthers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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While Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera will be in attendance today at Auburn University to see Cam Newton perform, the Panthers will ultimately decide to pass on Newton and instead take Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert with the first overall pick.
The Panthers already saw enough from Jimmy Clausen that they know he is not the answer. They will allow Clausen to compete with Gabbert in training camp for the right to be the starting quarterback.
As a defensive coordinator with the San Diego Chargers, you know that Ron Rivera will be sorely tempted to draft a defensive player with the first overall pick. My instincts say that he would place very high value on the combination skills that Patrick Peterson brings to the table as a shutdown corner and a dynamic special teams return man.
One other thought is that the Panthers might want to add some local college talent, but the only "Carolina" player that might be worthy of the first overall pick is Robert Quinn, but it would be very difficult to take a guy that missed the entire season with the first selection.
The Panthers ultimately decide that they need a franchise quarterback more than anything. They gambled last year on Clausen and it did not work out. They rectify that mistake with the selection of Gabbert.
2. Denver Broncos: Nick Fairley, Auburn DT
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The Denver Broncos' defense had the fewest sacks in the NFL in 2010, while giving up the most yards and the most points of any NFL defense. This unit needs a major influx of new talent, and although John Elway always was focused on offense during his career, he realizes that defense is the way to go with their first draft pick.
As tempted as the Broncos might be to add Patrick Peterson, the recent deal with Champ Bailey cancels out the need for Peterson. Following the selection of Gabbert, they have their choice of any defensive player in the draft. After weighing all their options, they draft Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley to fortify the defensive line.
Fairley will help the Broncos' front seven on defense across the board. Fairley will help the Broncos increase the pressure on quarterbacks and the sack total will rise. He will also make it tougher to run against them, as he uses his quickness to blow up plays in the backfield.
3. Buffalo Bills: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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This picture features Marcell Dareus and Cam Newton. Which player will the Buffalo Bills draft? There are a number of rumors swirling around the internet that say Bills general manager Buddy Nix loves Cam Newton. True, Nix does have a soft spot for Auburn, since he coached there from 1976-1980.
In fact, Buddy Nix is Alabama through and through. He was born there, coached high school football there, as well as the stint at Auburn. So, which Alabama school does Nix draft from?
The Bills have so many problems that need to be fixed. Von Miller would help the anemic pass rush and help to shore up a linebacker unit that needs an upgrade. Patrick Peterson would be an impact player to help against the passing attacks in the NFL but the Bills aren't in desperate need of his return skills with Roscoe Parrish, C.J. Spiller and Leodis McKelvin already on board.
The Bills only have Ryan Fitzpatrick under contract for 2011, so they need to draft a quarterback either this year or next. Look for the Bills to address the terrible run defense first by shoring up the defensive line with the addition of versatile defensive lineman Marcell Dareus from Alabama, and then go back and pick up a quarterback anywhere from round two to four.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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The state of Ohio lost one professional sports entertainer and icon in LeBron James this past year, so they even up the scorecard here with the addition of Auburn quarterback Cam Newton.
When the first three teams pass on Newton, it will allow the Bengals to come up with a long-term answer to the question: Who will replace Carson Palmer when he retires? Palmer has forced the Bengals into making the quarterback a priority with his decision to sell his home and take a stance that he will never set foot again in Cincinnati wearing a Bengals uniform.
Newton may not necessarily start the first year, as there are still a number of things he has to work on to be ready for the pro game. But as the fan base would continue clamoring for him week after week, Marvin Lewis will give him the nod when he thinks that Newton is finally ready. Who will he have to throw to? That is a question to be answered at another point in time.
At least Newton will be fully aware that player demands don't go over very well with owner Mike Brown, so expect little fanfare until his first contract is up for renewal. Then after that, all bets are off.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
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The Arizona Cardinals were hoping to address their QB situation with the first pick, but when Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton go off the board in the first four picks, they have to turn to Plan B.
The Cardinals are in need of new blood in the defense, and Von Miller is just one of the many options that are available to them here. They have their pick of Miller, Da'Quan Bowers, Patrick Peterson and Robert Quinn. The Cardinals will debate the merits of Miller vs Quinn, but opt to go with the steady production that Miller has demonstrated over the duration of his career at Texas A&M.
Miller earned this selection based on his strong performances at both the Senior Bowl and at the combine, where he wowed everybody.
6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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In the 2010 season, the Cleveland Browns were one of only four NFL teams that failed to eclipse the 3,000-yard mark in passing in the league. The Browns have committed to Colt McCoy as their starting quarterback, but they need to give him more weapons to pump up the offense.
They bring an exciting element to the offense with the selection of Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green. Green will wow the Cleveland faithful with his athletic ability and talents. He just might turn out to be the best wide receiver that the Dawg Pound has seen since the days of Paul Warfield.
From Pat Shurmur to Mike Holmgren, this is a draft choice that gives the Browns' offense a much-needed boost.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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The San Francisco 49ers and new head coach Jim Harbaugh start to pinch themselves when they see Patrick Peterson still sitting there for them with the seventh overall pick. The 49ers are able to add the best athlete from the 2011 draft class, and in doing so, immediately improve their pass defense, as well as their return game.
This pick will allow for exciting future matchups in the NFC West when Sam Bradford looks to throw on Peterson's side of the field, which should make for some interesting battles in the NFC West. Peterson will also look to neutralize Larry Fitzgerald, while he is still a member of the Cardinals.
8. Tennessee Titans: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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The Tennessee Titans are a team with a new look, as Jeff Fisher and Vince Young both exit stage left. In the 2010 season, the Titans' defense was ranked at No. 26 in the NFL, and that is an area that they can clearly use some help.
With no other quarterbacks available that are deemed worthy of the eighth overall draft pick, the Titans are quick to notice that Da'Quan Bowers, the Clemson defensive end, is still sitting there for them with the eighth pick. They gladly draft him to help improve the defensive line, and to add another player that can wreak havoc on the opposition's backfield.
Bowers falls to the eighth pick due to the various red flags that surfaced and his inability to do much at the combines because of his surgery. The Titans are delighted to have him.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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In 2010, the Dallas Cowboys' defense was ranked 23rd overall. Only Denver's defense gave up more points in the NFL last year, as the Cowboys gave up an average of 27.3 points a game. From a sacks perspective, the Cowboys were in the middle of the pack with 35.
So, with all of these defensive issues, who do the Cowboys draft that is still available on the board? In this mock, options with the ninth pick include: Aldon Smith, J.J. Watt, Prince Amukamara, Cam Jordan and Robert Quinn.
After the war room debates the merits of these five options, the Cowboys decide on Prince Amukamara. Prince turned in a very strong showing at the combines. His speed and ability to cover will help the Cowboys to deal with the various passing attacks in the NFC East.
10. Washington Redskins: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
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Defense, defense, defense. That appears to be the cry of Redskins fans coming into the 2011 draft. The Redskins were next to last in overall defense in 2010. They were also ranked next to last in pass defense and were ranked 25th in sacks. They just aren't putting enough pressure on the passer, and as a result, the secondary is getting picked apart.
They addressed their issues at safety last week with the signing of free agent O.J. Atogwe. That definitely is a step in the right direction.
With this pick, the Redskins look to address the pass rush. The two guys sitting there are Robert Quinn and J.J. Watt. Either one figures to be an impact player on defense. The Redskins opt for Robert Quinn, who will be able to use his athleticism that he flashed at the combines to be a force in applying some much-needed heat to Eli Manning, Michael Vick and Tony Romo.
11. Houston Texans: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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If some of these slides appear to be a repeat of the previous ones, it is because bad defenses led all of these clubs to drafting where they are—in the first half of the first round. The Houston Texans are no exception to this trend, as their defense truly took a step backwards in 2010.
The Texans were 23rd in sacks, had the 30th-rated overall defense, were dead last in pass defense, and gave up an average of 26.7 points a game, which ranked them 29th in the NFL.
So, with all of these defensive issues, who do the Texans choose? From various mock drafts, I have seen the Texans linked to the following players on defense: Corey Liuget, Adrian Clayborn, Aldon Smith, Cam Jordan and Jimmy Smith. The one name I have not seen them linked to is J.J. Watt, the standout defensive end from Wisconsin.
Watt is the highest graded player still left on the board according to Scouts Inc. He will help the pass rush, and brings an attitude with him that will get Texans faithful hooting and hollering.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
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Who on earth is going to play quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in 2011? How about in 2012 or 2013? The long-ter plan for the Vikings is a mystery, and now that Brett Favre has likely called it a career, the Vikings need to turn the page and find their next long -term starting quarterback.
Is there one still available that is worthy of the No. 12 pick? With Gabbert and Newton off of the board, there are only two remaining quarterbacks that Mike Mayock, NFL Network Analyst, felt had first round talent. They are Jake Locker of Washington and Ryan Mallett of Arkansas. Are either of them worthy of being drafted at this spot?
The Vikings decide that with so many teams needing a quarterback, neither guy will be there when their turn rolls around again, so they take the leap of faith and select Ryan Mallett of Arkansas to be their starter. Mallett demonstrated a cannon for an arm at the combines. His work at the Arkansas Pro Day, which ironically enough is today, will go a long way towards locking him into this pick.
Of course, if he doesn't impress today, then throw all of the above out the window. They could be happy to go with Missouri defensive lineman Aldon Smith, or even Cal defensive end Cam Jordan.
13. Detroit Lions: Nate Solder, T, Colorado
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From the lucky 13 spot on, things start to become hazy, as this is where most mock drafts have a very wide array of players going to the Detroit Lions. I have read "expert mockers," (is that an official term yet?) that have plugged in the following names; Nate Solder, Anthony Castonzo, Brandon Harris, the Smith boys—Tyron, Aldon and Jimmy—and Akeem Ayers.
Out of the above group of names, Ayers and Jimmy Smith appeared to have less than stellar combines workout, so I think the Lions pass on both, unless the Pro Day changes their minds. For a team on the rise like the Lions, they will go with the tackle that they think is coachable and that they can work with best.
That tackle is Nate Solder. They will need to work with him to develop his upper body strength, but that is something that they will willingly do. They need to as well, because for his size, you would like to think that he is stronger than he really is. Matthew Stafford would also appreciate any added strength in helping to keep him from getting laid out again.
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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When the St. Louis Rams drafted Sam Bradford, you felt bad that he didn't have Rams wide receivers Issac Bruce and Torry Holt in their prime, which would have been an awesome passing attack. As it was, even though Sam Bradford was able to show that he has what it takes, his current pass targets are not very impressive. Consider that the Rams failed to have any wide receiver ranked in the top 50 last year.
Julio Jones was undoubtedly one of the key stars of the scouting combines. The athletic talent that he displayed, along with his heart and toughness in performing all the drills with a broken bone in his foot, should have Rams fans praying that he is still there when their turn is on the clock.
Jones gives the Rams an immediate go-to target for Sam Bradford. His recovery from the foot surgery will be fine for the 2011 season, assuming that there is a season to play. If Jones and Bradford play out their entire careers with the Rams, Jones' career numbers should be right there with Bruce and Holt when it is all said and done.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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The Miami Dolphins' offense faces many question marks coming into the 2011 season. Their dynamic duo of running backs, Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, are both free agents. The quarterback, Chad Henne, seemed to take a step backwards in 2010, as he threw more interceptions than touchdowns (19 to 15).
The Dolphins might be tempted to take Ryan Mallett if he is there at No. 15, but in this mock draft, he is already gone. So, the Dolphins do the next best thing and address their running back situation by plucking the former Heisman Trophy winner with this pick.
Ingram will bring a tough running back style back to the Dolphins. Neither Brown nor Williams finished in the top 30 last year for running backs, so it is up in the air if either one will come back to Miami. If the Dolphins draft Ingram, it will send a message to both to look elsewhere.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
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The Jacksonville Jaguars finished 2010 with the 28th ranked overall defense in the NFL and were ranked 27th in giving up points, as opponents scored an average of 26.2 points per game.
The Jaguars have two names that popped up in mock drafts most often for this pick, Aldon Smith and Akeem Ayers, of the players that are still remaining on my big board. There is one player though that has fallen to them that had been thought to be off the board around No. 10.
That player is Cam Jordan, and the Jaguars are delighted to see him sitting there at No. 16. Jordan comes from a fine NFL pedigree and had a solid career at Cal. He had a good combine and a solid Senior Bowl. He will clearly help to upgrade the defense, which needs to improve.
The only thing he is not guaranteed to do is sell tickets, but that is another story for another day.
17. New England Patriots: Anthony Castonzo, T, Boston College
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The New England Patriots have a vested interest in keeping Tom Brady standing upright for as much as possible in every game. To do that, they need to keep upgrading their offensive line.
Anthony Castonzo is sitting there on the board at No. 17, as Nate Solder is the only offensive lineman to have been drafted so far. Imagine that—the Patriots landing a top player from Boston College.
Castonzo didn't have the greatest combine showing, but there is enough footage of his college performances to assure the Patriots that they can work with him and bring him along to become a solid member of the offensive line.
18. San Diego Chargers: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
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In the past week, the San Diego Chargers decided not to tender starting linebacker Stephen Cooper and signed free agent safety Bob Sanders to a contract. The defense was pretty solid last year, as they finished 2010 ranked as the No. 10 defense in the NFL.
With the 18th overall pick in the draft, the names that are still there on my big board include: Ryan Kerrigan, Corey Liuget, Adrian Clayborn, Aldon Smith, Akeem Ayers, Tyron Smith, Justin Houston and Muhammad Wilkerson.
Given those options, the Chargers gladly take Aldon Smith, who was another player that was originally thought to go somewhere around the 10th pick. That he was still there at No. 18, the Chargers consider themselves to be very fortunate.
19. New York Giants: Tyron Smith, T, USC
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I am looking for the New York Giants to add a tackle with this pick. Of the tackles that are still remaining, we have these options still left in Gabe Carimi, Tyron Smith and Derek Sherrod.
A key date for New York Giants fans is March 30th, as that is the college Pro Day at USC. If Tryon Smith is able to show the Giants that he is healthy and turns in a solid performance at the Pro Day, then I think they will make him their selection. Smith is a big, physical talent and as a junior, is still growing.
If Smith doesn't quite live up to all of the expectations, then I believe they will go with Derek Sherrod instead.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
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By ranking No. 30 out of all NFL teams in sacks in 2010, you have to think that with the defensive line depth of this draft class, that Tampa Bay will want to take advantage and snag the most dominating defensive lineman that is still on the board.
According to my draft board, they have four options to choose here, which include: Ryan Kerrigan, Stephen Paea, Adrian Clayborn and Muhammad Wilkerson.
There are also some linebackers left that can cause offenses trouble in Justin Houston, Akeem Ayers, Martez Wilson, Sam Acho and Dontay Moch.
After evaluating all of these options, the Buccaneers select Ryan Kerrigan, who turned in a very solid season, as well as a solid combine showing.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Justin Houston, LB, Georgia
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The upstart Kansas City Chiefs turned in a very positive 2010 season. The Chiefs are a young, exciting team. The defense wound up being ranked No. 19 overall last year. In my opinion, they will look to upgrade the defense by taking the most dynamic linebacker that is available to them.
Linebacker options right now include: Justin Houston, Akeem Ayers, Dontay Moch, Sam Acho and Martez Wilson. By the way, when I include names like Moch and Acho at linebacker, it is because that is where they are most commonly projected to play in the NFL due to their size.
For the Chiefs, the combine revealed that Justin Houston was the superior athlete and that Akeem Ayers took a step back. Therefore, it was an easy pick. The Chiefs select Georgia linebacker Justin Houston.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Derek Sherrod, T, Mississippi State
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Peyton Manning deserves the best offensive line that Indianapolis can provide him. The Colts might have wished to see Anthony Castonzo sitting here at No. 22, but he is long gone. So, with that being the case, the choices are few as the Colts watched the top three tackles come off the board between 13 and 19.
The Colts decide to draft Derek Sherrod, as the best remaining tackle option over Gabe Carimi or Ben Ijalana. Sherrod was battle-tested in the SEC and is ready to take his game to the NFL. At over 6'5" and 320 pounds, he is big enough to handle defensive linemen. Is he agile enough to keep up with them? That is what training camp and coaching are for.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (FL)
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The Philadelphia Eagles' defense is no longer a top 10 unit. Their overall defense ranked 21st in the NFL last year. The pass defense was 18th and they ranked 22nd in giving up the most points with an average of 23.6 points a game.
To shore up the defense, most people believe they will look for the best corner still on the board, and I concur. The way it appears, that boils down to two choices, Brandon Harris of Miami, FL and Jimmy Smith of Colorado.
During the NFL scouting combines, Brandon Harris made a solid impression on Deion Sanders of the NFL Network, while Jimmy Smith failed to impress Sanders. When a Hall of Fame player gives an endorsement people tend to listen. Were the Eagles listening? I believe they were, and select the athletic Brandon Harris to shore up the passing defense.
24. New Orleans Saints: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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In 2010, the New Orleans Saints had a strong overall defense, but one area of potential weakness is their sack total. The Saints finished the year ranked 18th in sacks with 33 total sacks. So, if they can apply more pressure to the quarterback, the sack totals would rise along with the number of turnovers.
Who is still left that can be an impact at applying pressure on the quarterback?
Options on defensive line include: Mohammad Wilkerson, Adrian Clayborn, Corey Liuget, Cam Heyward and Stephen Paea. Linebacker options include: Akeem Ayers, Dontay Moch, Sam Acho and Martez Wilson.
After evaluating all of their options, the Saints select Adrian Clayborn. For what it is worth, Clayborn and Corey Liuget have the same grade from Scouts Inc., and they both have the top grade that is still left on the big board.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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Nobody has probably been following Jake Locker closer than the Seattle Seahawks. If there was ever a chance for a local player to make a long-term impact with the Seahawks, it would be Jake Locker sticking as their franchise quarterback.
From turning away a chance at being a professional baseball player and returning to school for his senior season, to walking away from a potential first overall draft choice in 2010, Jake Locker has to be wondering if he made the right choice.
If the Seahawks select him in the first round, he will consider it as a solid choice after all. He won't be ready to start for at least a year, and possibly even two, but Pete Carroll will find a way to work with him and improve the accuracy issues that have been a question mark.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco had to be excited when the team brought in wide receiver Anquan Boldin last year. Imagine how much more excited he will be if they compliment Boldin by drafting a wide receiver with their first pick in the draft?
Derrick Mason is nearing the end of a long career, so the Ravens have a number of receiver options available to them, as only two receivers have been selected so far, A.J. Green and Julio Jones. The remaining options include: Tandon Doss, Torrey Smith, Jonathan Baldwin, Titus Young and Randall Cobb.
While the Ravens are probably fine with any of the five, for the sake of this mock, I have them selecting Torrey Smith.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
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The Atlanta Falcons finished the 2010 season with the best regular season record in the NFC. Curiously though, they did it with a ranking of 16th in the NFL in both offense and defense. That appears to mean that they have room to move up the list on both sides of the ball.
Holding the 27th pick, there are a wide number of options available on my big board. Some of the players available with high grades include: Corey Liuget, Gabe Carimi, Muhammad Wilkerson, Jimmy Smith, Mike Pouncey and Akeem Ayers.
The Falcons could pluck a wide receiver to take the place of Brian Finneran. Options there include Jonathan Baldwin and Titus Young.
After noticing that the Falcons were 20th in sacks in 2010, I have them taking Corey Liuget from Illinois in an attempt to generate more pressure on quarterbacks.
28. New England Patriots: Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois
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After picking Anthony Castonzo with their first pick in the first round, the Patriots make their second appearance in this round.
They could offer Castonzo some competition by adding more depth to the line with either Gabe Carimi or Danny Watkins, but I think they will go in a different direction.
Instead, I think they will give their running game a boost here, by selecting Mikel Leshoure from Illinois, making it back-to-back Illinois picks here late in the first round.
Players like Sammy Morris are getting up there in age, and more NFL teams are adding more running backs-by-committee. Leshoure would be an interesting piece to add to the Patriots' attack.
29. Chicago Bears: Gabe Carimi, T, Wisconsin
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The Chicago Bears look to shore up their offensive line with their first pick and they notice that Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi is still on the board. The 6' 7" Carimi just needs to move up the road some from Wisconsin to Chicago, so his friends and family can see him play in Chicago and in Green Bay.
He had a solid career in Wisconsin, but the Bears coaches will keep working him to polish his game for the next level.
30. New York Jets: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple
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New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan loves playing with a tough, tenacious defense but his defensive line is starting to disappear on him. The Jets released Vernon Gholston and Kris Jenkins. Jason Taylor is 36 years old and can't have much left in his tank.
Luckily for the Jets and Rex Ryan, there are a number of strong options still sitting there on my big board. They include: Stephen Paea, Phil Taylor, Mohammad Wilkerson, Christian Ballard, Marvin Austin and Cam Heyward.
After careful analysis, the Jets finally decide to take Mohammad Wilkerson, as he will add to the talented Jets front seven on defense.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey, C, Florida
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Will Mike Pouncey go from hugging Tim Tebow after touchdowns to Big Ben Roethlisberger? Will Mike Pouncey be able to go into film room study with his brother Maurkice and confuse the coaches as to who they really are?
I can imagine all sorts of fun for the Pouncey brothers playing on the same team. They are a talented duo and this move would help to insert some more new blood into the offensive line that was forced to play castoffs like Flozell Adams and Jonathan Scott.
32. Green Bay Packers: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
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The Green Bay Packers aren't perfect, but they are close to it. They overcame an inordinate number of injuries to rise up from the No. 6 seed in the NFC to become Super Bowl champions.
As if the Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers needed any more weapons, there are a couple of intriguing wide receivers still there on the big board that might be too good for the Packers to overlook. They are Jonathan Baldwin of Pittsburgh and Titus Young of Boise State.
They are different receivers, and the Packers decide on the bigger Baldwin to offer another large target for Aaron Rodgers. That is my final sleeper pick for the first round. Come to think of it, it is my final pick either way. Brief summary to follow.
1st Round Summary and 2nd Round Preview
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To summarize the first round of this mock:
Offense: Four QB's—Gabbert, Newton, Mallet and Locker. Four WR's—Green, Jones, Torrey Smith and Baldwin. Two RB's—Ingram and Leshoure. Six Offensive Linemen—Solder, Castonzo, Tyron Smith, Sherrod, Carimi and Pouncey. No tight ends.
Defense: 11 Defensive Linemen—Fairley, Dareus, Bowers, Quinn, Watt, Jordan, Ald. Smith, Kerrigan, Clayborn, Liuget and Wilkerson. Two LB's—Miller and Houston. Three Corners—Peterson, Amukamara and Harris. No safeties.
So, now that the Big Board has crossed off 32 names, who is still there of value to begin Day Two? If you like to project ahead to the second and third rounds, here are a few names to look at by position:
Offense: QB's—Christian Ponder, Andy Dalton and Colin Kaepernick. RB's—Daniel Thomas and Ryan Williams. WR's—Titus Young, Randall Cobb, Tandon Doss and Leonard Hankerson. Offensive Linemen—Ben Ijalana, Danny Watkins, Clint Boling, John Moffitt and Rodney Hudson. TE's—Kyle Rudolph, Lance Kendricks, Luke Stocker and D.J. Williams.
Defense: Defensive Linemen—Stephen Paea, Cam Heyward, Marvin Austin, Jurrell Casey, Allen Bailey, Phil Taylor, Christian Ballard and Jaabal Sheard. LB's—Martez Wilson, Akeem Ayers, Colin McCarthy, Casey Matthews and Bruce Carter. Corners—Aaron Williams and Jimmy Smith. Safeties—Rahim Moore, Ahmad Black, Marcus Gilchrist and Quinton Carter.
Hope you enjoyed this Mock Draft. Warning, your results may vary!!
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