2011 NFL Mock Draft: Two-Round Mock with Shocking Trades and Analysis
This ain't your daddy's mock draft. That's for sure.
Each week we bring you a new mock draft based on developments in player pro days, NFL team signings and prospect stock going up or down. This week, we're throwing that idea out the window.
This week we are unveiling something new: trades.
Under current NFL rules, players cannot be traded. Draft picks can be, and will be in excess if a new CBA has not been signed by the time the draft rolls around in late April.
Without the ability to package current players for draft picks we will see more deals done than ever before with current and future draft picks included. Ever the optimists, we're going to project the first 64 picks of the 2011 NFL Draft under the assumption that a new CBA has been signed, or at least a court case won allowing player movement.
1. New England Patriots from Carolina Panthers
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Von Miller, Outside Linebacker, Texas A&M
*New England trades picks No. 17 and 28 to Carolina for No. 1 overall
In a shocking turn of events the New England Patriots trade their two first-round picks (No. 17 & 28) to Carolina for the first overall selection.
Carolina is a rebuilding team with a cheap owner. Without a rookie wage scale Panthers owner Jerry Richardson will look to move this pick in the hopes of saving money. With a rookie wage scale the Panthers can not afford to miss out on a chance to grab two first-round caliber players.
The Patriots are not known for trading up this far, but we do all know they are not afraid to wheel-and-deal on draft day.
With few needs on a roster that produced 14 wins during the 2010 regular season, the Patriots do not need four draft picks in the first two rounds and can afford to give up two selections to move up here.
Von Miller fills a huge need in New England. He will be the Willie McGinest-style outside linebacker that Bill Belichick loves—only a lot faster.
As a defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, Belichick coached Lawrence Taylor. We think he'll see a little of LT in Miller.
2. Denver Broncos
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Marcell Dareus, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
The Broncos are making a move back to the 4-3 defense under John Fox this year, leaving a big question mark at defensive tackle. The team moved last week to re-sign cornerback Champ Bailey, temporarily filling a need at cornerback.
This leaves Denver in position to draft Dareus, who will play next to Pro Bowler Elvis Dumervil in the four-man front. This gives Denver a viable defensive line to build around and also will help pressure the quarterback and shorten the amount of time their patchwork secondary has to cover the defensive backfield.
Dareus is quickly shooting up draft boards and moving ahead of SEC rival Nick Fairley of Auburn. As the draft nears, it is becoming more likely that Dareus will be the first defensive tackle off the board.
3. Buffalo Bills
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Robert Quinn, Outside Linebacker, North Carolina
The Bills would love to see Von Miller here, and there is a chance they would consider Blaine Gabbert or Cameron Newton, but we believe they will look to get better on defense first.
In Buffalo's 3-4 defense Quinn would line up at rush 'backer opposite Shawne Merriman to pressure the quarterback. Should the Bills transition to a 4-3 defense Quinn fits in well as a right defensive end in that scheme.
One thing we can say about Buffalo with certainty is that they are very open about who they like and which players they are working out. As the draft nears it will become more clear who they are targeting here.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals
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Cameron Jordan, Defensive End, California
Cameron Jordan is the best player in this draft that no one is talking about. At 6'4" and 287 lbs, he ran a 4.7 in the 40-yard dash. He has worked out at defensive end, defensive tackle and even outside linebacker.
Players this big are not supposed to be so athletic, but Jordan is. In fact, he reminds us a lot of Julius Peppers.
The Bengals would love to find a quarterback here but we believe they will not be willing to draft a quarterback this high, choosing instead to look at the second-tier players later in the draft.
5. Philadelphia Eagles from Arizona Cardinals
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Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, LSU
*Philadelphia trades Kevin Kolb and pick No. 23 to Arizona for pick No. 5
In another surprising trade the Cardinals send the fifth overall pick to Philadelphia for quarterback Kevin Kolb and pick No. 23 overall.
With this trade Arizona finds a franchise quarterback who is a picture-perfect fit for Ken Whisenhunt's offense and they get to keep a first-round pick. Philadelphia simply loves this deal.
The Eagles' offseason will depend largely on their ability to trade Kolb and find a replacement for Ellis Hobbs at cornerback. Peterson is an immediate game-changer at the position and would also bring value as a punt returner should the team want to save DeSean Jackson for offense.
6. Cleveland Browns
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A.J. Green, Wide Receiver, Georgia
The Browns are facing an offseason in which they need to add targets for Colt McCoy and rebuild their defense while changing from a 3-4 to a 4-3 system. Oh, and they must replace Shaun Rogers after releasing him in a salary-cap move.
As Colt McCoy matures and becomes the Browns' franchise quarterback, he will need receivers to grow with him. Cleveland could pull the trigger as early as Round 1 on a No. 1 receiver for McCoy.
Should the Browns decide to go after a wide receiver in the first round, they will be lucky to find A.J. Green on the board. Green has a rare ability to attack the ball and make plays after the catch. He'll be a fan favorite immediately in Cleveland.
Some may say Alabama's Julio Jones is the better athlete, but Green is a more polished receiver and a bigger threat in the red zone.
We could also see Cleveland trading this pick to a team hot on Cam Newton.
7. San Francisco 49ers
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Prince Amukamara, Cornerback, Nebraska
The three players the 49ers want to see available at pick No. 7 are all off the board now that Von Miller, Robert Quinn and Patrick Peterson have been drafted.
The team has a giant need at quarterback but they do not seem to love Blaine Gabbert or Cam Newton, the only two passers worthy of a top-10 pick.
Amukamara allows San Francisco the freedom to move Nate Clements to safety, keep him at left cornerback or even cut him in a salary cap move.
Amukamara is a lock-down corner who can have an immediate impact for the 49ers.
8. Tennessee Titans
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Blaine Gabbert, Quarterback, Missouri
The Titans franchise is in shambles. Gone are head coach Jeff Fisher and franchise quarterback Vince Young, with relative newbie Mike Munchak taking over as the top dog.
Quarterback is the obvious need here, and word has it that the Titans brass is very enamored with Blaine Gabbert's poise, accuracy and potential as a quarterback.
Gabbert comes from a spread offense that allowed him to make one read and drop the ball off to receivers running underneath routes. In Tennessee, Gabbert would have the luxury of playing behind veteran Kerry Collins for at least one season as he learns the ins and outs of reading a defense and making audibles.
9. Dallas Cowboys
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J.J. Watt, Defensive End, Wisconsin
The Cowboys would be happy to see any of the top outside linebackers or cornerbacks available here, but they will happily settle for the draft's best 3-4 defensive end in J.J. Watt.
Watt is a physical beast. He'll be able to line up over the offensive tackle and control the run game. He's also fast enough to chase in pursuit and pressure the quarterback when asked.
Watt is a safe pick for Dallas at No. 9. With few real holes on the roster Dallas can focus on rebuilding their offensive and defensive lines early on.
10. Washington Redskins
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Cameron Newton, Quarterback, Auburn
The Redskins' 2011 draft class will be effected by the fact the Redskins have only three picks in the top 150. With defined needs at quarterback and wide receiver the 'Skins must move early to fill their needs.
Washington would love to add Newton's strong arm and mobility to Mike Shanahan's offense. He is a perfect fit and would be able to sit for a season behind Rex Grossman if he is re-signed.
Newton is not NFL ready right now, but with the tutelage of Mike and Kyle Shanahan, he will be soon enough.
11. Houston Texans
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Nick Fairley, Defensive End, Auburn
The Texans would love to see Von Miller, Robert Quinn or Prince Amukamara on the board here. Unfortunately, at pick No. 11, they are just outside the reach of the top outside linebackers and cornerbacks.
Barring a trade up, Houston will find themselves in a position to draft the best available player for their new 3-4 defense.
Playing opposite Mario Williams, Fairley will line-up over the right tackle and be asked to generate pressure every snap.
12. Cincinnati Bengals from Minnesota Vikings
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Jake Locker, Quarterback, Washington
*Cincinnati trades Carson Palmer and pick No. 35 to Minnesota for pick No. 12
At pick No. 12 we are predicting yet another trade.
Here we see the Minnesota Vikings sending pick No. 12 to Cincinnati for quarterback Carson Palmer and pick No. 35 overall. Minnesota gets their quarterback of the future with the twelfth pick overall and picks up an extra second-round pick. Cincinnati trades a disgruntled quarterback and is able to position themselves to add a quarterback with potential in Round 1.
Locker is a mobile, athletic quarterback with some accuracy issues. Jay Gruden, Cincinnati's new offensive coordinator, has the patience and knowledge to fix what's broken in Locker's mechanics and turn him in to a solid NFL quarterback.
13. Detroit Lions
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Tyron Smith, Offensive Tackle, USC
Jeff Backus turns 34 this season. Matthew Stafford's two seasons in the NFL have ended with injuries. Offensive tackle is a need here.
Lions fans will tell you they need to focus on defense in Round 1, but we disagree. They do need to add a cornerback and outside linebacker, but this can be done later on. Grabbing a franchise left tackle must take precedence in a draft loaded with talent in Rounds 2 and 3.
Smith has rare athletic ability for the position, and in fact, reminds us a lot of Denver Broncos Pro Bowler Ryan Clady.
The Lions may have gotten lucky here at No. 13.
14. St. Louis Rams
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Julio Jones, Wide Receiver, Alabama
The Rams did a lot this year with little talent at receiver. Donnie Avery will be healthy next year, and Danny Amendola is a nice slot receiver. The jury is out on Danario Alexander as a true No. 2 receiver, but he looks promising. With a young quarterback, the Rams could afford to add more talent at receiver.
Should Jones fall to No. 14 overall, the Rams will have found an absolute steal for new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and franchise quarterback Sam Bradford to work with. Jones can be inconsistent at times, but he also has a rare ability to pressure a defense and make plays.
Jones has the talent to go much higher in the draft, but another injury has sidelined him this offseason. Jones' ability to stay healthy, or lack thereof, is the only negative right now.
15. Chicago Bears from Miami Dolphins
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Gabe Carimi, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin
*Chicago trades picks No. 29 and 62 to Miami for pick No. 15
Once the Bears see Tyron Smith go off the board to Detroit they start working the phones to move up and secure one of the top offensive tackles in this draft class.
The Bears need at left tackle is monstrous. We like J'Marcus Webb at right tackle, where he should stay and team up with Carimi to give the Bears bookend run blockers who could dominate opposing defenses.
Carimi is in our opinion the best tackle in the draft, but NFL teams will most likely not agree across the board. He may not be the first tackle chosen, but in five years we think he will be the best.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
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Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End, Clemson
Aaron Kampman can be a dominating pass rusher, but for the second straight year he tore an ACL and had to have surgery. His long-term value has to be in question.
This makes adding a defensive end in the first round all the more important for Jacksonville.
Bowers has been listed as high as No. 1 overall on many draft boards this offseason. The talent is definitely there, but a serious knee injury has Bowers' stock slipping as the draft nears. His April 1st workout will be key in determining his actual draft status.
17. Carolina Panthers from New England Patriots via Oakland Raiders
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Ryan Mallett, Quarterback, Arkansas
*New England trades picks No. 17 and 28 to Carolina for No. 1 overall
With the first pick from their trade with New England Carolina makes the pick many feel they want to make with the first choice overall and grab a quarterback.
Drafting Mallett at number seventeen versus Blaine Gabbert or Cam Newton at number one places less pressure on the team and the player. Mallett can now come in and openly compete with Jimmy Clausen for the starting job without the magnifying glass placed on him.
For all the off-field issues, Mallett is still one hell of a quarterback when given time to throw. Carolina has an underrated offensive line and will be able to protect the less-than-mobile Mallett.
18. San Diego Chargers
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Ryan Kerrigan, Outside Linebacker, Purdue
The Chargers have many needs they could address here. They want to get better at outside linebacker, replace four free agents at inside linebacker, add a young defensive end and potentially replace Vincent Jackson at wide receiver.
Thankfully the Chargers have three selections in the top two rounds.
Kerrigan's stock is rising lately with a strong showing at the NFL Combine and his Pro Day. Kerrigan alone was the reason 23 teams attended the Purdue Pro Day, and he did not disappoint.
The Chargers do not ask their outside linebackers to drop back in coverage much, which is great for Kerrigan. He'll be a pass rusher from Day One.
19. New York Giants
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Anthony Castonzo, Offensive Tackle, Boston College
Injuries decimated the Giants offensive line this year, but this also exposed weaknesses and areas of need. No position needs more attention than offensive tackle. Building depth at tackle is a need, but the Giants can also look for young players who can eventually start.
Castonzo is rated as the best offensive tackle by many NFL analysts and TV scouts. He is a dominant force in the run game and he has the tools to become an elite pass protector. As a Boston College product he is a very finished and complete blocker. Castonzo is among the safest picks in the draft.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Adrian Clayborn, Defensive End, Iowa
At one point this year, we had Adrian Clayborn rated as our No. 1 overall player. That was until he decided to play poorly down the stretch and cause many to question his work ethic and character. A dominant end in 2009, Clayborn was average in 2010.
When watching Clayborn on film you can walk away amazed or disappointed. We believe teams will look hard enough at his 2009 film to be thoroughly impressed. If you are running a 4-3 defense you have to consider Clayborn among the best defensive ends in the class.
Clayborn has a chance to redeem himself with a strong pre-draft workout, causing teams with a need for an outside pass rush to take a look at him late in the first round.
21. Kansas City Chiefs
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Aldon Smith, Outside Linebacker, Missouri
The Chiefs are desperate for help opposite Pro Bowler Tamba Hali, and their focus this offseason will be adding a talented young pass rusher at outside linebacker.
Smith has experience with his hand in the dirt, not dropping back in to coverage. Given the task of attacking the quarterback every down, he could excel. He does have the athleticism to become a good zone coverage linebacker, but he's not ready to drop in to coverage today.
22. Indianapolis Colts
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Derek Sherrod, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State
Peyton Manning had to feel a little human this season after being beaten into the turf by the Chargers and then the Cowboys. Even in the playoffs, Manning looked rushed, rattled and scared in the pocket. We can hardly blame him after looking at how terrible the Colts offensive line was this year.
Sherrod is an elite athlete for a left tackle, a must in the Colts' zone-blocking scheme. He has long arms, a big frame and the footwork to get to the second level and pull on screens and stretch plays.
Sherrod is rated by almost all draft experts as a late first-round pick, but we like him a lot more than most. He is a solid tackle with good athleticism, great size and excellent length. He shows ability to play in the NFL as a rookie.
23. Arizona Cardinals from Philadelphia Eagles
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Nate Solder, Offensive Tackle, Colorado
*Philadelphia trades Kevin Kolb and pick No. 23 to Arizona for pick No. 5
The Arizona Cardinals coaching staff came by way of the Pittsburgh Steelers, where drafting offensive tackles seems to be a foreign idea. Because of the this the Cardinals and Steelers are lacking at the position.
With Kevin Kolb now at quarterback for Arizona they must draft the players to protect him. Solder grades out on most draft expert's boards as the top offensive tackle, but we don't agree.
Solder has a great frame for the position, but at 6'8" he may be too tall and is too much of a waist bender in our eyes. He still has the tools to be very good, just not top 15 good.
24. New Orleans Saints
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Justin Houston, Defensive End, Georgia
Houston is normally projected as an outside linebacker for a 3-4 scheme, but we love his ability as a pure pass rusher from a 4-3 defensive end position.
Houston has experience with his hand in the dirt, not dropping back in to coverage. Given the task of attacking the quarterback every down, he could excel. Playing next to big tackles Shaun Rogers and Sedrick Ellis will not hurt either.
Houston's explosion and aggressive style of play will be very welcome on the Saints defense.
25. Seattle Seahawks
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Christian Ponder, Quarterback, Florida State
Seattle will be looking to replace Matt Hasselbeck, who is expected to leave via free agency this summer.
Ponder would be brought in to compete with Charlie Whitehurst, whom the Seahawks traded for during the 2010 NFL Draft.
Whitehurst played well during the season but we heard nothing but negative comments about him during the preseason. Whitehurst is clearly not the team's definite pick to succeed Hasselbeck.
Ponder has had a great offseason after surviving a bad year at Florida State. An early contender with Jake Locker as the draft's best quarterback, Ponder's stock is leveling out as a late first/early second-round pick.
26. Baltimore Ravens
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Corey Liuget, Defensive End, Illinois
The Ravens have one of the slowest receiving crews in the NFL and would jump at the chance to add a burner to play opposite Anquan Boldin, but no player on the board is worth a late first-round pick.
Corey Liuget has the speed to pressure and chase on the edge, but the size and strength to sit down against the run.
Drafting a defensive lineman is definitely not a high need for the Ravens, but with so few needs and no wide receivers worth drafting here they can grab the best player on their board.
27. Atlanta Falcons
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Cameron Heyward, Defensive End, Ohio State
Why would Atlanta draft a defensive end here instead of a wide receiver or tight end?
Need.
John Abraham had a great season in 2010, but he is only going to last another year or two at a high level. Kroy Biermann has been good, but he is a situational player at best. Neither of the aforementioned ends offer help in stopping the run.
Heyward is a complete defensive end. Turn on film of the Ohio State vs. Arkansas game and you will see why some had Heyward's name listed as the No. 1 overall player before the season began.
28. Carolina Panthers from New England Patriots
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Muhammad Wilkerson, Defensive Tackle, Temple
*New England trades picks No. 17 and 28 to Carolina for No. 1 overall
The Panthers drafted a future franchise quarterback in Ryan Mallett with pick seventeen. Now they can address their second biggest need at defensive tackle.
Carolina did a good job drafting in 2010, other than Jimmy Clausen and Armanti Edwards, and have stocked their roster full of talented young players. At defensive end they have Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson, who both have promising careers ahead of them.
Defensive tackle is another story. Carolina needs a player who can split the gaps and pressure the passer. Wilkerson fits the mold perfectly.
29. Miami Dolphins from Chicago Bears
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Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama
*Chicago trades picks No. 29 and 62 to Miami for pick No. 15
Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams will both enter free agency this offseason. The Dolphins are not expected to bring both back and could ultimately choose to start fresh at the position and let both leave. Whichever they decide, running back figures to be a key need for Miami in the draft.
If you read our mock drafts each week, you may have noticed a back-and-forth here between Ingram and Illinois running back Mikel LeShoure. In the end, this will be a pick of preference by the Miami personnel department.
Our preference is LeShoure, but Ingram's pedigree and ties to the Dolphins will be hard to overlook when the Dolphins are on the clock.
30. New York Jets
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Brooks Reed, Outside Linebacker, Arizona
The New York Jets have an offseason plan to re-sign high priority free agents Antonio Cromartie, Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards. If they can get these three key players back under contract their draft focus can shift to adding a young pass rusher at outside linebacker and replacing veterans on the offensive and defensive lines.
Brooks Reed will have one mission for the New York Jets: hit Tom Brady as many times as possible.
The Jets have proven they can beat New England, now they need to take the division from them. Reed's pure pass rushing skills will help make that goal more possible.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers
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Mike Pouncey, Offensive Guard, Florida
The Steelers were so close to another Super Bowl ring—and we believe they have the talent to be back in the big game next season. The team is loaded at wide receiver, running back and on defense. They also have a top-five quarterback and a young coach who are excellent leaders.
Where Pittsburgh is obviously lacking is in the offensive line and the secondary. With pick No. 31, the Steelers are in a great position to draft the best available cornerback or offensive lineman.
In this case, the best available player happens to be the younger brother of 2010 rookie and Pro Bowl selection Maurkice Pouncey.
Putting the two Pounceys side-by-side will be an automatic improvement to the Steelers' pass protection.
32. Green Bay Packers
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Brandon Harris, Cornerback, Miami (FL)
The Packers have a few needs on the roster coming off their Super Bowl win. One such need is at cornerback as the team will likely move Charles Woodson to safety in the last few years of his career.
Traman Williams is locked in for the long-haul at one cornerback position and Sam Shields looked good in his rookie season, but might be best served in a nickel role.
Harris is a physical cornerback with the size the Packers front office likes in cornerbacks. He's aggressive at the point of attack and can jam at the line of scrimmage, two musts in the Packer defense.
33. New England Patriots
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Mikel LeShoure, Running Back, Illinois
The Patriots know the value of the first pick on day two of the draft and will likely trade this selection for a 2012 first-rounder.
If the Patriots hold the pick they can draft a major upgrade to the running back position.
Bill Belichick has not historically drafted running backs high, especially after missing on Laurence Maroney. Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis did a fine job, but depth is a concern with the aging Fred Taylor as the best option behind them.
None of the players on the Patriots roster today have the same skills or impact ability that LeShoure will bring from day one. For the Patriots to become more versatile and more attacking, this pick is a need.
34. Buffalo Bills
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Orlando Franklin, Offensive Tackle, Miami (FL)
Buffalo might be tempted by second-tier quarterbacks Andy Dalton and Colin Kaepernick here but in a draft focused on filling needs they must look at left tackle.
Franklin has played guard at Miami but projects well at tackle in the NFL. Franklin could easily move in at left guard or right tackle during his rookie season if the team decides to use Ed Wang or Demetrius Bell at left tackle in 2011.
35. Minnesota Vikings from Cincinnati Bengals
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Bruce Carter, Outside Linebacker, North Carolina
*Cincinnati trades Carson Palmer and pick No. 35 to Minnesota for pick No. 12
Had it not been for a torn ACL late in the 2010 season, Bruce Carter would have been a candidate for the Vikings in Round 1.
A rare athlete with excellent speed and vision, Carter will fill the hole left by Ben Leber in free agency and pair with Chad Greenway to give the Vikings a formidable linebacking crew.
36. Denver Broncos
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Jimmy Smith, Cornerback, Colorado
Denver was able re-sign future Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey before the lockout began. While this move brings good PR at a time when NFL news has not been optimistic, it is but a band-aid on the roster needs of the Broncos.
Bailey will turn 33 this summer and has regressed in recent years. He is still a good cornerback, but he is far from his days as an elite "shutdown" cornerback.
Smith will not be able to fill the hole left when Bailey does eventually retire, but he is a promising cornerback with great size and very good natural instincts. He would have a strong chance to start as a rookie.
37. Cleveland Browns
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Jabaal Sheard, Defensive End, Pittsburgh
As much as they need a defensive end to open up the outside pass rush, the Browns need someone who can actually rush the passer from outside. This has been a need for Cleveland since moving to a 3-4 defense and will be an even bigger need now that they are transitioning back to a 4-3. They must make adding a speed rusher a priority in the 2011 draft.
Sheard is making a quick move up draft boards with a strong performance this offseason. We previously had him rated as a mid second-round pick but have moved him up in our latest rankings.
38. Arizona Cardinals
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Akeem Ayers, Outside Linebacker, UCLA
Due to trades the Cardinals have addressed needs at quarterback and offensive tackle heading into the second round. Now they can focus on getting better at linebacker.
Arizona is still hurting from the loss of Karlos Dansby in their hybrid 3-4 defense. Ayers is very similar to Dansby in size, speed and ability. Both players can rush the passer or drop back in to coverage equally well.
Ayers will be penciled in as a week one starter for Arizona.
39. Tennessee Titans
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Martez Wilson, Inside Linebacker, Illinois
The Titans have done a good job of patching up holes in the defense. This is a testament to the job Jeff Fisher has done there. The need at middle linebacker is becoming more obvious, though, and it is starting to hurt the overall defense.
Wilson has had an awesome rise up draft boards with a jaw-dropping performance at the NFL combine. Strong work in private workouts could move him in to Round 1.
40. Dallas Cowboys
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Phil Taylor, Defensive Tackle, Baylor
Many people look at Phil Taylor and they naturally see a nose tackle. We do as well, but Taylor could also play outside in a five-technique in a 3-4 defense.
At 6'3" and 334lbs Taylor ran a reputable 5.09 in the 40-yard dash, quick for a player 30 lbs lighter. Even more impressive is watching Taylor move in short distances. He has a quickness and explosive ability rarely found in a player his size.
Does Taylor fit as a nose tackle? Yes, but he would also be a match-up nightmare at defensive end.
41. Washington Redskins
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Randall Cobb, Wide Receiver, Kentucky
In the first round the Redskins found their quarterback of the future in Cam Newton. Now it is time to add the players around him at wide receiver so he can succeed.
Cobb is a dynamic receiver with outstanding ability to make plays with the ball. He will also give Denver an upgrade as a punt returner.
Much like Eddie Royal was for Denver in Mike Shanahan's last year, Cobb is an electric player who can contribute as a rookie.
42. Houston Texans
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Ras-I Dowling, Cornerback, Virginia
The Texans hired Wade Phillips to bring his 3-4 defense to town and hopefully push the talented team into the playoffs.
To win in 2011, the Texans must start adding personnel to fit the 3-4 system as soon as possible while also fixing a league-worst pass defense.
Unfortunately, they have a need at both free and strong safety, and this draft is pretty weak at both spots.
Dowling's stock is soaring in our eyes. He's a physical cover man with the speed to turn and run and the courage to help in run support.
43. Minnesota Vikings
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Stephen Paea, Defensive Tackle, Oregon State
This has been a successful draft for the Vikings thus far. They picked up a quarterback who can lead their talented roster to the playoffs in Carson Palmer and drafted an underrated outside linebacker who will be the steal of the draft by picking up Bruce Carter.
In round two the Vikings will look to address the holes at defensive tackle and offensive tackle. Their strategy will be to draft the best player available at either position.
Stephen Paea is a short and stout player with unmatched strength and the quickness to shoot the gaps along the offensive line. He'll line up nicely next to Kevin Williams.
44. Detroit Lions
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Aaron Williams, Cornerback, Texas
Unlike other teams picking in the middle of the first round, Detroit has many identifiable needs they must address. Near the top of that list is the cornerback position.
Williams is a great athlete at the position and has the size to match-up with bigger receivers. He can also help in run support. Some see Williams as a potential free safety but we like his speed and size combination running with outside receivers.
45. San Francisco 49ers
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Andy Dalton, Quarterback, TCU
The 49ers added a key to the defense in Round 1, but now, they must focus on finding the perfect quarterback for Jim Harbaugh's West Coast offense.
Dalton is not a perfect quarterback, and for many systems, he would be a bad selection. However, in San Francisco, Harbaugh will be running a system based on timing and accuracy, Dalton's two biggest assets.
It is worth noting that new head coach Jim Harbaugh did not attend Cam Newton or Ryan Mallett's pro day workouts but did travel to see Dalton work out in person.
46. Denver Broncos from Miami Dolphins
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Kyle Rudolph, Tight End, Notre Dame
Using the pick they received in exchange for wide receiver Brandon Marshall, the Broncos find a great threat for quarterbacks Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow.
Rudolph could be drafted in the first round based on pure talent, but two seasons of injuries could push him into the middle of Round 2. Wherever he is drafted, it is all but certain that Rudolph will be an impact player if healthy.
47. St. Louis Rams
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Christian Ballard, Defensive End/Tackle, Iowa
The Rams got lucky when wide receiver Julio Jones fell to them in Round 1. Here, luck strikes again with pick No. 47.
Ballard carried a first-round grade on some boards after the college football season ended. His stock has cooled some since then but he is still a great value pick in the middle of round two.
Ballard has the agility of a defensive end and the size of a defensive tackle. Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo will find a way to best utilize the talents of Ballard.
48. Oakland Raiders
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Curtis Brown, Cornerback, Texas
The Raiders surprised everyone with a very good 2010 draft class. In 2011, they are off to a strong start with their first pick.
Oakland must replace Nnamdi Asomugha, who is very unlikely to re-sign with the team now that he has entered free agency. Brown was the more impressive player at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine when compared to his teammate Aaron Williams, who was drafted just a few spots ahead of Brown.
49. Jacksonville Jaguars
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Rahim Moore, Free Safety, UCLA
At some point in this draft, the Jaguars will need to add a young quarterback and at least one cornerback, but first they must address the weak link on their roster: free safety.
In Round 1, Jacksonville added a defensive end to terrorize AFC South quarterbacks. Here, they find a center fielder to patrol the deep-thirds and create turnovers.
Moore was one of the better playmaking safeties in college football this past year. He did not time as well as many expected at the Combine but has a chance to redeem himself with a good pro day and individual workouts.
50. San Diego Chargers
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Allen Bailey, Defensive End, Miami (FL)
Despite their record in 2010, the Chargers have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, which makes their predictably slow start every season more puzzling.
With five picks in the first 96 picks, the Chargers can reload at their thin spots or use their extra picks as trade bait to secure more picks next year.
San Diego's 3-4 defense is only as good as the pressure they can place on the quarterback. The Chargers' focus for 2011 will be adding pass rushers, as well as looking to get better at inside linebacker and defensive end.
Bailey is an often forgotten player in this class, but he should not be. A great athlete for his size, Bailey is ideal for a 3-4 scheme that asks the defensive ends to make plays in the backfield.
51. Tampa Bay Buccanneers
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Danny Watkins, Right Tackle, Baylor
Tampa Bay's rotation of Jeremy Trueblood and James Lee was terrible in 2010 and something the team must improve if they want to push themselves over the hump and in to the playoffs next fall.
The Bucs could go a few directions here, but finding Watkins on the board is a great surprise to them.
Watkins has played guard at Baylor but has the size and strength to become an elite right tackle with some coaching.
52. New York Giants
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Ryan Williams, Running Back, Virginia Tech
The Giants' offseason will be dictated by running back Ahmad Bradshaw's 2011 status with the team.
If Bradshaw leaves, the Giants will need to move immediately to replace him.
Williams' ability to break long runs and make defenders miss will be too much to pass up here at No. 52.
53. Indinapolis Colts
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Rodney Hudson, Offensive Guard/Center, Florida State
The Colts found a left tackle for the future with their first pick in the draft. With pick No. 2, they add a left guard to play right next to him.
Hudson is, in our estimation, the best pure blocker at offensive guard in this draft class. He lacks the size and pedigree of Mike Pouncey, but Hudson is a stone wall when it comes to blocking. The Colts have a steal here
54. Philadelphia Eagles
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Benjamin Ijalana, Offensive Guard/Tackle, Villanova
The Eagles found a steal in round one when they traded Kevin Kolb to Arizona and grabbed cornerback Patrick Peterson with the fifth pick. In round two they'll focus on the lines on offense or defense.
Ijalana has played guard at Villanova but looks good at right tackle as well. A local product for Eagles fans to fall in love with, Ijalana could eventually see himself drafted much higher by April 28th.
55. Kansas City Chiefs
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Titus Young, Wide Receiver, Boise State
Kansas City looks set at receiver with Dwayne Bowe playing well this year. Depth is a concern here, as is finding a legitimate receiver to take pressure off Bowe. Kansas City could also benefit from adding a slot receiver to open up the downfield passing game.
Young had an amazing week at the Senior Bowl, drawing comparisons to DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. He would be a great addition to the already fast Chiefs offense.
56. New Orleans Saints
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DeMarco Murray, Running Back, Oklahoma
Pierre Thomas recently signed a four-year contract to stay in New Orleans, but it seems more and more likely that Reggie Bush will not be back in 2011. This leaves the team with only Chris Ivory on the roster to pair with Thomas.
Getting better on defense is also a priority for Sean Payton and co., but this is a position of need that should be bolstered.
Murray is the perfect compliment to Thomas and Chris Ivory. He is a good receiver and return man as well as being able to run inside or outside equally well. Basically, he will be what Reggie Bush was supposed to be.
57. Seattle Seahawks
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Brandon Burton, Cornerback, Utah
The Seahawks allowed opposing quarterbacks to rack up an average rating of 89.7 against them. Changes must be made at cornerback.
Burton is a lanky cover man with very good range. He is an underrated talent who can start from day one in the NFL. He reminds us a lot of New England Patriots cornerback and rookie Pro Bowler Devin McCourty.
58. Baltimore Ravens
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Torrey Smith, Wide Receiver, Maryland
Many will cite that Torrey Smith is all speed and no substance. We would argue that Smith is closer to a complete receiver than many will admit.
Yes, his game is prominently about speed, but is that such a bad thing? Smith will bring a next level of speed to NFL offenses while he learns the intricacies of the position.
The Ravens have one of the slowest receiving crews in the NFL and would jump at the chance to add a burner like Smith to line up opposite Anquan Boldin. A deep threat would open up more options in the Ravens offense and force safeties to respect the deep ball.
59. Atlanta Falcons
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Leonard Hankerson, Wide Receiver, Miami (FL)
Roddy White emerged as one of the NFL's best receivers during the 2010 season. What is more surprising is that White is doing so well without a legitimate threat opposite him.
Michael Jenkins has been average and inconsistent at times. We do like Harry Douglas in the slot, but Atlanta could look to upgrade over Jenkins in Rounds 1 or 2.
Hankerson is wildly talented, but he is also an inconsistent player who will drop easy passes and run sloppy routes. He'll need work, but he has the skills to be a very good NFL player.
60. New England Patriots
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Marcus Cannon, Offensive Tackle/Guard, TCU
The left-side of the Patriots offensive line, Matt Light and Logan Mankins, will both be free agents this summer. On top of that the Patriots lost right guard Stephen Neal to retirement.
New England wisely drafted Sebastian Vollmer in 2009 and like his ability at left tackle. Left guard is another story if Mankins leaves. Drafting a versatile lineman like Marcus Cannon gives New England flexibility. He can play right tackle or right guard without missing a beat.
New England is reportedly in love with Baylor's Danny Watkins so do not be surprised if they make a move to get him earlier in round two.
61. San Diego Chargers from New York Jets
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Quan Sturdivant, Inside Linebacker, North Carolina
The Chargers are serious about getting better on defense in the 2011 NFL draft. By adding a defensive end and outside linebacker before this, they are set to pick up an inside linebacker.
The team has many free agents at the position with Kevin Burnett, Stephen Cooper, Brandon Moore and Brandon Siler slated to hit the market.
We do like Donald Butler here, but the team needs to draft one linebacker and re-sign another.
62. Miami Dolphins from Chicago Bears
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Colin Kaepernick, Quarterback, Nevada
*Chicago trades picks No. 29 and 62 to Miami for pick No. 15
Miami may not need a new quarterback but at least some in their front office think they do.
According to ProFootballTalk the Dolphins have attended the pro day of or scheduled workouts with quarterbacks Josh Portis, Blaine Gabbert, Christian Ponder, Andy Dalton, Cam Newton, Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Mallett and Kaepernick
Kaepernick is an active quarterback who was very productive in college and improved greatly as a junior and senior. He's not experienced playing under center from his college days but did so in high school and also in practice at Nevada.
We like Kaepernick but we also think he will take time to develop in to an NFL quarterback.
63. Pittsburgh Steelers
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Davon House, Cornerback, New Mexico State
After addressing their need at right guard in the first round, the Steelers can focus now on drafting improvements at cornerback. With Ike Taylor set to hit free agency Pittsburgh needs to make drafting a cornerback a high priority in this draft.
House is an underrated cover corner with good size and speed combinations. He could start as a rookie in Pittsburgh if they cannot re-sign Ike Taylor.
64. Green Bay Packers
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Sam Acho, Outside Linebacker, Texas
The Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers have a roster loaded with young talent.
Even better, they will bring back injured stars Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley in 2011.
Green Bay has very few pressing needs to address this offseason. Most importantly was the re-signing of their own players.
In the draft the Packers would like an upgrade opposite Clay Matthews at outside linebacker.
Acho is a converted defensive end with the athletic ability to drop back in coverage. He'll be able to step in on first and second-down as a rookie.
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