NFL Mock Draft 2011: Comparing the Latest Expert Mocks from Around the Web
With the 2011 NFL Draft appearing as important as ever for teams this year on the heels of a lockout, it's time to look at what the experts are saying across the land, comparing each mock draft with my own.
In the following mock draft, I will give the latest picks for each spot in the 2011 NFL Draft, looking at the selections of ESPN's Mel Kiper and Todd McShay, SI.com's Don Banks, NFL.com's Pat Kirwan and CBSSports.com's Rob Rang.
Each expert has his own unique twist to how the first round of the draft will shake out.
So let's compare each expert's mock and put them on the spot.
1. Carolina Panthers
1 of 32
Kiper: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
McShay: Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama
Banks: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
Kirwan: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Rang: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
My take: Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama
The buzz about Blaine Gabbert here is he had a very good pro day, impressing with his accuracy and athleticism.
Also, as Banks points out, the top quarterback has been selected No. 1 overall in 10 of the last 13 years.
This is because it is arguably the most important position on the field and anyone who resembles a potential leader is generally given the benefit of the doubt.
But despite Gabbert's solid pro day, he's still not the sure thing that Stanford's Andrew Luck would have been had he declared.
Dareus, however, looks like he could be a beast in the NFL from the start.
2. Denver Broncos
2 of 32
Kiper: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
McShay: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Banks: Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama
Kirwan: Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama
Rang: Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama
My take: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
Nick Fairley did come into the combine smaller than he was listed at Auburn and he did get overshadowed by Dareus' combine workouts, but he is still a top defensive tackle, a position the Broncos desperately need to fill.
He, like Dareus, could be an impact player out of the gates.
3. Buffalo Bills
3 of 32
Kiper: Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama
McShay: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
Banks: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Kirwan: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Rang: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
My take: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
Blaine Gabbert may slip off the top spot, but he won't slip far based on what he displayed at his pro day.
He's a well-rounded quarterback who has done everything he needed to going into draft day, impressing in multiple areas.
The Bills do have Ryan Fitzpatrick at QB, who impressed last season, but Gabbert has more potential and it's hard to see the Bills passing up a top QB prospect in favor of a guy who only gave them a small sample size.
The Bills are rumored to be looking hard at Cam Newton, but Gabbert is the safer pick and I see them going with him if he's available.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals
4 of 32
Kiper: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
McShay: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Banks: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Kirwan: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Rang: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
My take: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Who knows, maybe the situation will become so dire with Carson Palmer that the Bengals will have to look for a QB here?
But Palmer's not the only unhappy one.
Receivers Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco could very well be somewhere else next year after a gloomy 2010 season...that, and the fact Ochocinco challenged his coach to a cage match.
A.J. Green could be an instant star in the NFL, a more than suitable player to plug the gap in the receiving department...preferably without the attitude.
5. Arizona Cardinals
5 of 32
Kiper: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
McShay: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Banks: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Kirwan: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Rang: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
My take: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Texas A&M's Von Miller exploded into a possible top five selection, gaining traction the more he shows to NFL scouts.
But I find it hard to believe the Cardinals would pass up a QB here, especially because Cam Newton could become a star.
There certainly is that risk factor associated with Newton, based on some of his workouts and if his running game will translate adequately to the NFL, but he has tools that could allow him to excel, too.
Nobody under center is excelling for the Cardinals as of now.
6. Cleveland Browns
6 of 32
Kiper: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
McShay: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Banks: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Kirwan: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Rang: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
My take: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Da'Quan Bowers may have fallen a bit on the draft board based on injury concerns (he recently had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee), but he obviously is a perfect fit for Dick Jauron's 4-3 scheme.
Not only that, but if he doesn't get injured, he could be in the class of Dareus and Fairley as far as impact for a team.
This seems like an easy choice for me.
7. San Francisco 49ers
7 of 32
Kiper: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
McShay: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Banks: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Kirwan: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Rang: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
My take: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Yeah, I know, I know, really going out on a limb here, aren't we, Ryan?
But the fact of the matter is that Patrick Peterson could very well be the best player in this year's draft and if he drops to No. 7, there's no way the 49ers would pass him up with Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton off the board.
Nate Clements is not getting any younger and he is not the same player he once was, and Shantae Spencer isn't a legit No. 1 corner.
Peterson instantly elevates their secondary and gives them a potential lock-down corner.
8. Tennesee Titans
8 of 32
Kiper: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
McShay: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
Banks: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
Kirwan: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
Rang: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
My take: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
With Bowers and Fairley off my board, I see the Titans taking the next big thing for their pass rush, going with Wisconsin's J.J. Watt, who has risen considerably throughout his workouts.
He doesn't project to give them the same impact as the other defensive linemen taken before him, but that doesn't mean he won't.
Great work ethic has a way of making players rise above their perceived talent level.
9. Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
Kiper: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
McShay: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
Banks: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
Kirwan: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
Rang: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
My take: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
Prince Amukamara would clearly be the best player available for the Cowboys at No. 9 if everything goes according to my plans, and it just so happens the Cowboys are in desperate need of help in the secondary.
Look no farther than Amukamara, who would be the jewel of this year's defensive back draft class if it weren't for Patrick Peterson.
10. Washington Redskins
10 of 32
Kiper: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
McShay: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Banks: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Kirwan: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Rang: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
My take: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
With Von Miller dropping to the Redskins, I fully expect the team to pounce, with Miller possibly being a top five selection in the 2011 NFL Draft.
He would be a welcome addition in the Redskins' 3-4 scheme.
11. Houston Texans
11 of 32
Kiper: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
McShay: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
Banks: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
Kirwan: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal
Rang: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal
My take: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
There's no question that the Texans have to address multiple positions on defense.
Robert Quinn certainly doesn't come without some risk, raising character concerns and missing a whole year for the Tar Heels.
But one look at this guy's physique, not to mention his 40 time, is enough to sway even the most skeptical.
There's good reason this guy is being compared to Julius Peppers out of college.
12. Minnesota Vikings
12 of 32
Kiper: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
McShay: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
Banks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Kirwan: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
Rang: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
My take: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Jake Locker may have disappointed mightily during last season after coming into the season ranked No. 1 among QBs, but he certainly helped himself at the combine, displaying a variety of skills and standing out as one of the fastest and more accurate QBs in the class.
The Vikings obviously have zero confidence in backup Tarvaris Jackson as Brett Favre's replacement, seeing that he probably won't even be on the team next year.
They have to take a gamble on Locker in my opinion.
13. Detroit Lions
13 of 32
Kiper: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
McShay: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
Banks: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
Kirwan: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Rang: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
My take: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
The Lions need a cornerback badly, but unless they take a risk on Colorado's Jimmy Smith, they won't find one worthy of this spot.
I see them taking Tyron Smith.
The nitpickings on Smith before the combine were that he sometimes got pushed around by stronger defenders, given he was a troubling 285 pounds before.
The good news is all he really needed to do was find a way to gain some pounds, which he did by the combine, weighing in at 307 pounds.
Not only did he gain weight, his physique seemed virtually the same.
It's a scary notion to think Smith won't be pushed around anymore. He already has the athleticism that should allow him to stop many quick rushers.
14. St. Louis Rams
14 of 32
Kiper: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
McShay: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
Banks: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
Kirwan: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Rang: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
My take: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Although Aldon Smith is possible here, given he has fringe top 10 talent, I don't see how the Rams pass up a receiver of Julio Jones' caliber, who could significantly help young QB Sam Bradford.
Jones not only had a great 2010-2011 campaign, he thoroughly impressed during combine workouts.
You have to give the budding Bradford some help here in a potential star NFL receiver.
15. Miami Dolphins
15 of 32
Kiper: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
McShay: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Banks: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Kirwan: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Rang: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
My take: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Wanna know why experts are picking Mark Ingram across the board right here?
Because he's obviously the pick for the Dolphins.
The Dolphins have many needs, one of the them being the offensive line, but I don't see an offensive lineman worth drafting this high besides Tyron Smith, and there is a clear need in the backfield.
Ricky Williams doesn't want to stay with the Dolphins and Ronnie Brown wasn't the same player last year as he had been in seasons past.
Sounds like a changing of the running back is in order.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
16 of 32
Kiper: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
McShay: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
Banks: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal
Kirwan: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Rang: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
My take: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
Aldon Smith could have top 10 talent in the 2011 NFL Draft and his potential is through the roof.
The Jaguars would be mighty pleased if he fell to them at No. 16. They need some serious help in the pass-rushing department.
Smith could help them make a comeback in 2011.
17. New England Patriots (via Oakland)
17 of 32
Kiper: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
McShay: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Banks: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Kirwan: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
Rang: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
My take: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal
The Patriots looked great last year, but they did struggle to get to the quarterback.
Their primary needs are in the defensive line and the linebacking core, and I think they'll go with a guy who should be the top player available here in Cameron Jordan.
Cal's Cameron Jordan has skyrocketed up draft boards since he blew through the Senior Bowl, leaving all scouts in his wake shocked and fumbling for words.
Because he wasn't on a top football team, Jordan was overlooked for much of the 2010 season.
He's not being overlooked now.
18. San Diego Chargers
18 of 32
Kiper: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal
McShay: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
Banks: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
Kirwan: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
Rang: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
My take: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
Muhammad Wilkerson has shot up the draft board during the draft process, and he was an absolute beast last season.
Kiper is right that he needs some seasoning, but at No. 18, the Chargers could do a lot worse than Wilkerson.
He could be the steal of the draft.
19. New York Giants
19 of 32
Kiper: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
McShay: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
Banks: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
Kirwan: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Rang: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
My take: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
The concerns with Anthony Costanzo largely come with his lack of superior strength, but he bulked up in the offseason and his footwork is legit.
He projects to be a solid offensive lineman in the NFL, something the Giants and Eli Manning desperately need.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
20 of 32
Kiper: Justin Houston, DE, Georgia
McShay: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal
Banks: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Kirwan; Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
Rang: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
My take: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Kerrigan's answered the questions about his athleticism that had people uncertain about his impact at the NFL level. This guy has a knack for getting to the quarterback, and the rising Buccaneers will like the sound of that.
21. Kansas City Chiefs
21 of 32
Kiper: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
McShay: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Banks: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
Kirwan: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
Rang: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
My take: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
I'm high on Corey Liuget, given his blend of speed, strength and endless motor, but I'm not as high on him as Kiper and McShay are.
He is underrated, but I don't see him as underrated enough to land at No. 14.
22. Indianapolis Colts
22 of 32
Kiper: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
McShay: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Banks: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Kirwan: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
Rang: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
My take: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
The question here isn't if the Colts will take an offensive lineman. It's which one will they select?
My money's on Nate Solder, clearly the top offensive lineman in this year's draft, who could do wonders for Peyton Manning's time in the pocket.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
23 of 32
Kiper: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
McShay: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Banks: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Kirwan: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
Rang: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
My take: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Gabe Carimi is my fourth tackle on the board and with the Eagles giving up 50 sacks last season, despite having the elusive Michael Vick under center, they've got to be alarmed at what they've seen.
Carimi would likely lower the level of alarm next season.
24. New Orleans Saints
24 of 32
Kiper: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
McShay: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Banks: Justin Houston, DE, Georgia
Kirwan: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
Rang: Justin Houston, DE, Georgia
My take: Justin Houston, DE, Georgia
Justin Houston is another player who has rocketed up the draft board and actually had NFL scouts doing double-looks during the combine.
He's a good player with plenty of potential for the Saints to develop into a threat from the edge, a main area of weakness last season.
25. Seattle Seahawks
25 of 32
Kiper: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
McShay: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Banks: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
Kirwan: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
Rang: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
My take: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
Ryan Mallett isn't getting much respect coming out of the combine and it's not because of the tools at his disposal under center.
His character issues have been blown up to gigantic proportions and it probably will scare teams away from taking him in the early first round.
But he was solid in throwing drills at the combine and his pro day backed it up.
On skills alone, Mallett should be taken before Locker. But it's the whole package that could scare teams off.
The Seahawks, however, won't even hesitate, desperate for a quarterback.
26. Baltimore Ravens
26 of 32
Kiper: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
McShay: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
Banks: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
Kirwan: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
Rang: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
My take: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
Jimmy Smith has all the tools to develop into a solid corner in the NFL, but he's been flagged with the dreaded "character issues" assessment.
The Ravens, however, have looked past "character issues" before, and they should here with a chance to improve a secondary that wasn't the same last season as in previous years.
27. Atlanta Falcons
27 of 32
Kiper: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
McShay: Justin Houston, DE, Georgia
Banks: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Kirwan: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
Rang: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
My take: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
Torrey Smith opened some eyes at the combine, if he hadn't already.
He has a great blend of size, speed and strength, and he has no character issues to speak of.
Nice complement to Roddy White, I might add, especially with tight end Tony Gonzalez slowing down.
28. New England Patriots
28 of 32
Kiper: Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami
McShay: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Banks: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
Kirwan: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
Rang: Danny Watkins, G, Baylor
My take: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
Has everyone forgotten about Pitt's Jonathan Baldwin?
You know, the guy who was being compared to Larry Fitzgerald before last season.
Granted, he did lash out at an analyst for calling him a "body catcher," which could steer some teams away, but it also shows fire, which could help him.
And, no, I don't think Baldwin's a body catcher.
I think he could be the catch of the draft, however.
29. Chicago Bears
29 of 32
Kiper: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
McShay: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
Banks: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
Kirwan: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
Rang: Corey Liuget, DT, Temple
My take: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
The Pittsburgh Steelers would obviously love to pair Mike Pouncey with his brother Maurkice, but it's hard to see Pouncey falling to them there.
He's a widely respected offensive lineman and could even go much earlier than No. 29.
But the Bears need some protection for Jay Cutler badly. They gave up a league-high 56 sacks last season.
30. New York Jets
30 of 32
Kiper: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
McShay: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
Banks: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
Kirwan; Justin Houston, DE, Georgia
Rang: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
My take: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
Both Rahim Moore and Phil Taylor could be productive players in the NFL, but I'm surprised how much Moore has dropped.
He would be an ideal fit for the Jets defense.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers
31 of 32
Kiper: Danny Watkins, G, Baylor
McShay: Orlando Franklin, G, Miami
Banks: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
Kirwan: Danny Watkins, G, Baylor
Rang: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
My take: Danny Watkins, G, Baylor
The Steelers could go with a corner here, given they played with mid-level corners last year and Ike Taylor is a free agent, but I think their primary focus here will be for a guard to bolster the O-line.
Watkins is a legitimate player here in many experts' opinions.
His toughness should also stand out to an organization practically modeled for physicality.
32. Green Bay Packers
32 of 32
Kiper: Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona
McShay: Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona
Banks: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
Kirwan: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Rang: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
My take: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Akeem Ayers could conceivably drop to the Packers if the New England Patriots decide to go with a potentially game-changing receiver instead of filling a hole at linebacker early.
If he drops to the Packers, I find it hard to believe they won't jump at the chance to line Ayers up opposite to Clay Matthews.
That could be a headache for quarterbacks galore.
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