2011 NFL Mock Draft: Green Bay Packers Are on the Clock with 32nd Draft Pick

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

2011 NFL Mock Draft Has the Packers Finding Some Extra Protection for Aaron Rodgers

So I guess I owe Mel Kiper an apology. Last week, I critiqued his NFL mock draft (you have to have ESPN Insider to see it) that had Mississippi State offensive tackle Derek Sherrod going to the Green Bay Packers by saying that the champs could do better. Yet here I am assigning Sherrod to the Packers.

Of course, I wouldn’t if I didn’t have Brooks Reed to the New Orleans Saints at No. 24, but I still feel like I need to tip my cap to Kiper. Sherrod would be a fine pick for the Packers, and I can explain why.

MUST READ: NFL Draft 2011: Final Power Ranking of the Top 50 Prospects

Yes, the Packers have needs at defensive end, outside linebacker, and even wide receiver and running back, but their main priority should be keeping Aaron Rodgers on his feet. This was something they actually had a hard time doing in 2010, as Rodgers suffered two concussions and the Packers nearly missed out on the playoffs as a result. In retrospect, it’s amazing that they were able to win the Super Bowl.

However, the Packers had all sorts of injuries in 2010, and that they were able to win the Super Bowl is a testament to their depth. If they use the draft to get even deeper, especially along the offensive line, a repeat could very well be in the cards

As for Sherrod, he’s really nothing special. To his credit, he is a consistent worker with a big body, and such men tend to last in the NFL. He’ll also be joining perhaps the best-coached team in football, so my guess is that they’ll find a way to get production out of him.

For More on the Draft, Visit Our Main NFL Draft Page
1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB 2. Denver Broncos: Von Miller, OLB 3. Buffalo Bills: Marcell Dareus, DT 4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR	17. New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan, DE 18. San Diego Chargers: Muhammad Wilkerson 19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT 20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE
5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB 6. Cleveland Browns: Da'Quan Bowers, DE 7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB 8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT	21. Kansas City Chiefs: Akeem Ayers, OLB 22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, OT 23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB 24. New Orleans Saints: Brooks Reed, OLB
9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT 10. Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR 11. Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara, CB 12. Minnesota Vikings: Robert Quinn, DE	25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB 26. Baltimore Ravens: Mike Pouncey, OG 27. Atlanta Falcons: Ryan Kerrigan, DE 28. New England Patriots: Justin Houston, OLB
13. Detroit Lions: Aldon Smith, DE 14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget, DT 15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB 16. Jacksonville Jaguars: J.J. Watt, DE	29. Chicago Bears: Gabe Carimi, OT 30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, DT 31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Williams, CB 32. Green Bay Packers: Derek Sherrod, OT