2011 NFL Mock Draft: Complete First Round Mock Draft with Team Needs and Video
Can you believe we're just two days away from the first round of the 2011 NFL draft? It feels like we've been talking about it for a year (some of us have been), but it's finally here.
I've almost stepped into the territory of what I call "overdrafting," or talking about it too much, but there are just so many possibilities in the first round that it's nigh impossible to do so.
Thus, I give you my third version of my first-round predictions, complete with video highlights and team needs.
Follow Erik Frenz on Twitter @erikfrenz.
1. Carolina Panthers: Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama
1 of 33Top Needs: DT, QB, CB, OLB, DE
The Carolina Panthers have a lot of needs. With only one pick in the first two rounds, they need to make sure they hit with a solid pick. There are just too many questions about Cam Newton going forward. Can he read NFL defenses, run an NFL offense, and hone his accuracy all while staying out of trouble?
As for Dareus, the only question is how does Ron Rivera want to use him? He's a scheme-versatile defensive lineman, who can play five-technique defensive end or defensive tackle. At either spot, he's a solid run stuffer with some pass rushing moves, but is far more skilled in run defense than as a pass rusher.
There's little question that Dareus would have a positive impact on the Panthers defense. He brings a solid work ethic and intensity to the defense.
2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB Louisiana State
2 of 33Top Needs: DT, LB, TE, DB, DE
Highly regarded as one of the most complete cornerback prospects to come out of the draft in recent memory, Patrick Peterson is a solid pick at No. 2. Champ Bailey is aging and the Broncos lack a legitimate No. 2 cornerback at the present moment, in an era where most teams want to have a minimum of four legitimate cornerbacks.
Peterson had four interceptions last year, and seven overall in his three-year career. He shows most of his talent in man-to-man press coverage, but makes his presence felt in that regard, and will be a shutdown cornerback in the NFL. He also contributes pretty heavily in the running game, an attribute that's not lost on new head coach Jon Fox.
Overall, the Broncos need help in their pass defense somehow. Patrick Peterson is their best bet at No. 2.
3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB Texas A&M
3 of 33Top Needs: LT, QB, DE (3-4), OLB (3-4), TE
This pick hasn't changed for me since my first mock draft. And why should it? The Bills need help on defense and they know it. They are still trying to make the transition to a 3-4 defense, but lack the personnel. Miller is a great building block to start with.
There's no question of his talents as a pass rusher, but there are some questions about how he'll fare against bigger and more athletic offensive tackles in the NFL. He has the potential to really make an impact. Two years of double-digit sacks (28 total) at Texas A&M will be music to defensive coordinator George Edwards' ears.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri
4 of 33Top Needs: QB, WR, DT, OT, RB
This NFL Network video is very telling of how the Carson Palmer situation will play out in Cincinnati. However it ends, it will end with Palmer no longer on the team. Bengals officials have recognized this and are prepared to move in another direction.
Of Gabbert and Cam Newton, the Bengals take the safer pick. Coming out of Missouri's spread attack, there are questions about his accuracy and his ability to adapt to a pro style offense. He should make the transition fairly smooth, however, as he did most of his damage from the pocket anyway.
Quarterbacks are always at a premium and it's likely the Bengals will find a veteran quarterback to start for a year as they groom Gabbert into an NFL quarterback. That's exactly what they did with Palmer.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB North Carolina
5 of 33Top Needs: QB, OLB, OT/OG, TE, CB
With Von Miller already off the board, the Cardinals will be fine "settling" for Quinn's 11 sacks in his second year. The Cardinals desperately need help with their pass rush, and Quinn certainly helps in that area.
His high motor off the edge is sorely needed in Arizona's defense. He projects as a 3-4 outside linebacker, although there are some questions about his coverage ability.
Of course, he doesn't come without baggage. He had a brain tumor removed in his senior year in high school, and though there have been no after effects, it has to be on the radar. In the grand scheme of character issues, accepting agent benefits ranks pretty low.
6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR Georgia
6 of 33Top Needs: DE, WR, DT, CB, OT
The links between Cleveland and A.J. Green have been drawn since the draft process began, and why not? The Browns have no deep threat, a second-year quarterback in Colt McCoy, and two offense-minded people running things in the front office.
At 6'4" and 211 pounds, he brings a physical presence at wide receiver the Browns lack currently. With 2,619 yards and 23 touchdowns in his collegiate career, there's little doubt he brings a deep threat presence, too. With Green, McCoy and Peyton Hillis, the Browns offense could be near unstoppable for a long time.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Cam Newton, QB Auburn
7 of 33Top Needs: QB, NT, CB, OLB, WR (tall)
Would Jim Harbaugh hold out hope of holding the No. 1 draft choice in 2012 to land Andrew Luck? Maybe, but in this mock, I have them taking Cam Newton.
Some scouts have said that to draft Newton is to prescribe to a certain level of simplicity in the offense. Still, Newton's physical attributes make him hard to pass up, even if he's not the most accurate quarterback in the draft.
It's not the safest pick, but Newton's ceiling is through the roof.
8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT Auburn
8 of 33Top Needs: QB, DT, ILB, G, CB
It's fairly certain that Nick Fairley won't be a top-five pick, as he was projected to be early on in the draft process. Instead, some questions about his character and a lackluster performance at the scouting combine have caused his stock to drop a bit.
Still, he brings the promise of a disruptive force in the middle of the trench, in much the same way that Ndamukong Suh did a year ago. Some may question him for only having one productive season at Auburn, but that one year was more productive than Marcell Dareus in the past two years combined. Now that's saying something.
9. Dallas Cowboys: J.J. Watt, DE Wisconsin
9 of 33Top Needs: DE (3-4), OT, ILB, DB, OG
We've seen J.J. Watt's stock slowly rise throughout the draft process. At this pick for Dallas, it's between Watt and Cameron Jordan. I find Watt to be the better pass rusher of the two, although not necessarily as stout in run defense, or as disciplined in gap control.
His high level of intensity is infectious throughout the defense. Watt is exactly the type of high-impact player Jerry Jones loves to pick up in the draft. He's a marketable guy who will look great in a Cowboys uniform and can get after the quarterback.
10. Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR Alabama
10 of 33Top Needs: QB, NT, WR, OLB, T, G
If you can name a starting Redskins wide receiver other than Santana Moss without peeking, you're a step ahead of me. Only two of their top seven pass-catchers were even receivers and the eighth was Joey Galloway. With Galloway a ripe 39 years old, and Santana Moss 31, there's no better time than now to shop for a replacement.
Julio Jones adds a great deal of athleticism at wide receiver and projects similarly to Anquan Boldin, only with more long speed. He really wowed scouts at the combine, but the most impressive traits to me are his willingness to make the tough catches over the middle and his ability to create yards after contact.
He's a tough receiver who doesn't mind getting his hands dirty as a run-blocker.
11. Houston Texans: Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB Purdue
11 of 33Top needs: CB, FS, OLB, NT, SS
As the Texans transition to a 3-4 alignment under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, there will certainly be a need for a pass-rushing outside linebacker. Of course, the two best ones are off the board at this point. Although Kerrigan played with his hand in the dirt at Purdue, he appeared to have the athleticism to drop into coverage in cover drills at the combine.
Regardless, the kid can flat-out get after the quarterback as well as set the edge. He will be a perfect hybrid component to a defense that will probably make use of both a 3-4 and 4-3 alignment next year. This gives him time to pick up the 3-4 defense while still contributing in a big way.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Castonzo, OT Boston College
12 of 33Top Needs: QB, FS, OT, DT, C
This pick hasn't changed for me since my first mock draft. The Vikings have offensive firepower all over the place, but their inability to protect the quarterback is really what hurt them all season long. It ended with Brett Favre's ironman streak finally coming to an end.
Castonzo is a smart, versatile tackle who can play on either side and would allow more flexibility with the current personnel. What he lacks in overall strength he makes up for with great footwork.
13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska
13 of 33Top Needs: CB, WLB, SLB, OT, RB
The Lions can get a great value pick in Amukamara, who is considered a top-10 pick by most. They really lack a big-time shutdown corner; although Alphonso Smith tallied five interceptions last year, he was exposed more than a few times.
Amukamara brings a great deal of athleticism as well as versatility to the secondary. Although he projects as a cornerback, he could play safety in spots if need be.
14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget, DT Illinois
14 of 33Top needs: WR, OLB, DT, RB, OG
The Rams passed on Ndamukong Suh last year to get their franchise quarterback, and although it looks now as though the decision paid off, the Rams are still in need of a defensive tackle.
Liuget is a legitimate candidate, too. He is a penetrating defensive tackle who fits best in a 4-3 scheme. Best of all, he's a stout run defender—something the Rams have lacked on the interior of that defensive line for a bit. This is a great pick for the Rams from both a value and need standpoint.
15. Miami Dolphins: Jake Locker, QB Washington
15 of 33Top Needs: RB, OG, QB, FS, ILB
What? Really? Not Mark Ingram? Why is everyone always surprised every year when more than the projected number of quarterbacks are taken in the first round? They're always at a premium and teams that need one are never shy of taking one.
With the Collective Bargaining Agreement still a mess, teams that need a quarterback are even more likely to pull the trigger.
Jake Locker would be a solid fit for the Dolphins offense. It's not the spread attack he's used to in Washington, but he'll have a year to digest the system while sitting behind Chad Henne. It just wouldn't make any sense to thrust Locker out there without any weapons and without any grasp on the offense.
He won't last long taking shots like this one, but it just proves that he has NFL toughness.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aldon Smith, DE Missouri
16 of 33Top Needs: FS, OLB, WR, QB, DE
The Jaguars racked up only 26 sacks last year and ranked second-worst in the entire league in that category. Jack Del Rio understands the importance of building a stout defensive line, and the Jaguars started that process with Tyson Alualu last year.
Many have said that Smith's size (6'4", 263 pounds) makes him a better fit as an outside linebacker in a 3-4. We have seen many smaller defensive ends excel in the right circumstance, and with Alualu to take some attention away from Smith, this could be a great situation for Smith to come into.
With 17 sacks in the past two years, the pass rush skills certainly seem to be there.
17. New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan, DE California
17 of 33Top Needs: OLB, DE, OT, OG, RB
Is defensive end the biggest need for the Patriots? Probably not, but at the 17th pick, Cameron Jordan is the best value available. What the Patriots need most of all is help with their pass rush, and though Jordan isn't elite in that regard, he would contribute heavily to the concept of "team defense" that Belichick likes to run. Only twice has one of his players eclipsed double-digit sacks in a season.
Playing in a 3-4 system in California means Jordan already understands the nuances of playing five-technique and has a solid grasp on gap integrity. He will smoothly transition into the Patriots system and is one of those coveted three- or four-down players Belichick loves to spend high picks on.
18. San Diego Chargers: Justin Houston, DE/OLB Georgia
18 of 33Top Needs: DE (3-4), ILB, OLB (3-4), RT, WR
Imagine the sound it makes when Charlie Brown misses the kick as Lucy pulls the ball away. That's the sound it made when the Chargers missed on Larry English two years ago. Now, with Shawne Merriman also out the door, the need for an outside linebacker has returned.
This year's crop of outside linebacker prospects is almost entirely projection-based, because most of them are of the "hybrid pass rusher" ilk. The thing about Houston, though, is he already has experience in a 3-4 system at Georgia.
He is just the type of big-build, physical outside linebacker the Chargers love to have in their system (see Merriman, Shawne), and although there are some questions about inconsistent motor, there's no question he can impact the Chargers' pass defense in a very positive way.
19. New York Giants: Mike Pouncey, OG/C Florida
19 of 33Top Needs: LB, C, G, TE, RB, DT
The jury is out as to just how versatile Pouncey is. Some believe he can shift back and forth with ease between guard and center in the NFL, while others believe he is simply a guard. Either way, his presence will add a great deal to that power running game the Giants love.
Shaun O'Hara's career is on the downswing and Rich Seubert is often injured. Getting a young, fresh body to lead the interior of the Giants offensive line should be a top priority in April's draft.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Da'Quan Bowers, DE Clemson
20 of 33Top Needs: DE, MLB, CB, OLB, RB
Really? All the way to 20? There are always those one or two draft-day slides that make us scratch our heads. Although usually it's a quarterback, there are enough question marks around Bowers to make him this year's candidate.
He had a stellar 2010 season, but is viewed by some as a potential "one-year wonder," with 2010 being his only top-notch season in terms of production. There are also big question marks around his knee after arthroscopic surgery.
Still, the ceiling on Bowers is high enough to warrant the pick here. After adding two monsters in the middle of their defensive line with their first two picks last year, a defensive end could really be the crown jewel of the entire defense.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Phil Taylor, NT Baylor
21 of 33Top Needs: NT, WR, ROT, ILB, OLB
Just from looking at the above list of needs, it's fairly obvious that the Chiefs need help on defense. We have seen how big of an impact a top-ranked nose tackle can have on a defense with guys like Vince Wilfork and B.J. Raji. With Wilfork, Chiefs defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel saw that impact firsthand.
Taylor comes with some character concerns, but he's so athletic for a man his size that it will be hard for the Chiefs to pass him up. Kansas City has a shortage of dominant defensive linemen and Taylor will definitely open things up for the Chiefs' 3-4 defense as a nose tackle.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT Temple
22 of 33Top Needs: OT, OG, DT, CB, SS
This would be a huge break from the norm for the Colts. Not only would they be drafting a defensive tackle in the first round, but they'd also draft on the defensive side of the ball in the first round two years in a row. I can't remember the last time either of those two things happened.
What Wilkerson adds to this defense, though, is both a run-stopping presence and a pass rusher that's capable of collapsing the pocket up the middle. Both of these have been assets that have been missing from the Colts for ages and would be welcome as they try to find their identity on defense.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB Colorado
23 of 33Top Needs: CB, OLB, ROG, OT, QB
Cornerback certainly seems like the No. 1 need for the Eagles, and drafting a big, physical corner like Smith would address that need well. He's not the greatest in run support, but his coverage on the outside is air-tight. The Eagles currently lack a physical body outside, and at 6'2" and 211 pounds, Smith certainly provides that.
The Eagles continue to search for defensive identity after the loss of defensive mastermind Jimmy Johnson, and although Smith didn't nab a ton of interceptions (only three in his collegiate career), his potential is high.
The Eagles need him to walk the straight and narrow, though, and avoid more drug violations to stay on the field.
24. New Orleans Saints: Marvin Austin, DT North Carolina
24 of 33Top Needs: DE, OLB, SS, DT, RB
The Saints have several good options here, but Austin is their best one. With a few upcoming free agents in Anthony Hargrove and Remi Ayodele, adding depth at defensive tackle is important. Sedrick Ellis is a disruptive force, but adding Austin is important to solidify the interior of that defensive line in what is a run-heavy NFC South.
He wasn't highly productive on the college level, with only 13.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks, but he showed a ton of explosion at the combine. That potential will surely vault him into the first round.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Nate Solder, OT Colorado
25 of 33Top Needs: OT, OG/C, QB, OLB, CB
The Seahawks drafted a talented offensive tackle last year in Russell Okung, so taking another offensive tackle may seem redundant. However, the Seahawks need help all over the offensive line, and acquiring Solder would give them much more flexibility in how they use their personnel in the offensive trench.
Solder has a great deal of athleticism for such a big offensive tackle. Though there are some questions about how he will fare against top competition, the potential is through the roof because of his athletic ability and size. If all he needs is a little work on his technique, he's a solid pick at 25.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Torrey Smith, WR Maryland
26 of 33Top Needs: CB, WR, OT, DE, FS
Smith is a similar prospect to his former Maryland teammate, Darrius Heyward-Bey. Although still somewhat of a raw prospect, he has elite, game-breaking speed. Being a part of the Ravens offense would be a perfect scenario for Smith, in that he wouldn't be the primary threat, but one of many along with Anquan Boldin, Ray Rice, Joe Flacco, Todd Heap and Derrick Mason.
Moreover, the Ravens offense would be greatly improved by his presence. They lacked a home run threat at receiver last year and Smith would certainly be that. He has 4.43 speed and has both the ability to catch the long ball and create yards after the catch. He's also a willing run blocker, something the Ravens will surely love as a run-heavy team.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph, TE Notre Dame
27 of 33Top Needs: DE, OLB, TE, WR, RT/RG
"This guy is Rob Gronkowski." And with those five simple words from NFL Network's Mike Mayock, I knew Rudolph was worth a first-round pick. With the versatility of inline blocking and receiving down the seam, Rudolph promises to be a solid heir apparent to Tony Gonzalez whenever he decided to hang it up.
The Falcons and head coach Mike Smith love to run the ball, so his effective blocking will be put to good use for sure.
At 6'6" and 260 lbs., there is almost no way to match up with him effectively. Linebackers are too slow and cornerbacks and safeties are too small. His stats don't jump off the page, but he'll be in a system that will be conducive to his production. With so many other threats in Atlanta's offense, how does one hone in on them?
28. New England Patriots: Gabe Carimi, OT/G Wisconsin
28 of 33Top Needs: OLB, DE, OT, OG, RB
The Patriots value versatility more than just about any team in the NFL and Gabe Carimi gives them a ton of it. Gabe Carimi is a great value in that regard, especially at pick 28. Drafting him addresses any number of potential needs, as that flexibility allows him to be the future replacement for either Logan Mankins or Matt Light, depending on a) how he projects and b) how those scenarios pan out.
He's just the type of big, mean guy the Patriots love to have in their offensive trench and is a lot like Mankins in that regard. He's a better run blocker than a pass blocker, but those skills would certainly develop. He'll have the coaching of Dante Scarnecchia, as well as a talented veteran group to help a long the way.
29. Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod, OT Mississippi State
29 of 33Top Needs: LOT, DT, WR, C, OLB
The Bears absolutely need to help Jay Cutler out with an offensive line. He has low enough confidence as it is that he can't be taking sacks all the time. The versatility Sherrod brings to the table will be of great value to them at this pick. He is a little raw, but could step in and contribute immediately.
Sherrod plays with a chip on his shoulder and loves winning his one-on-one match-ups. The Bears could really use more of that attitude on the offensive line, even if he does get a little down on himself at times when he gets beat.
30: New York Jets: Akeem Ayers, OLB California
30 of 33Top Needs: OLB, NT, DE, WR, OT/OG
The Jets need help at outside linebacker and Ayers is one of the more athletic 3-4 guys available in the draft. He's not a physical presence, but Rex Ryan will love the prospect of scheming him into the system to make the most of his bountiful athleticism.
With 15 sacks and six interceptions in his collegiate career, the production is certainly there, even if his combine numbers were a little shoddy. Rex Ryan knows what to look for and will watch the tape on Ayers to make sure he's a solid fit.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Stephen Paea, DT Oregon State
31 of 33Top Needs: OT/OG, CB, NT, WR, TE
Most of the Steelers defensive linemen are on the back end of their careers and it may be time to start looking to the future. At 6'1" and 314 pounds, Paea is just about as close to a perfect fit as a 3-4 nose tackle as the Steelers could find in the draft.
Of course, his stock saw a huge boost at the scouting combine, during which he set a record with 49 bench press repetitions of 225 pounds. He is a monster who can really hold his ground at the point of attack and can also penetrate, as the Steelers ask of their two-gap defensive linemen.
32. Green Bay Packers: Cameron Heyward, DE Ohio State
32 of 33Top Needs: DE, OLB, OG, WR, RB
Heyward's stock has taken a slight hit since he underwent Tommy John surgery, but he looked great in workouts after the fact, and has said the arm doesn't bother him anymore. There are some question marks as to whether he translates better as a 3-4 or 4-3 end, but the Packers have been that route before with Clay Matthews and it worked out.
The Packers sorely need help at defensive end and Heyward looks like Richard Seymour with his ability to push the pocket, but as we see in this video, he also has the ability to penetrate.
BONUS 33. New England Patriots: Brooks Reed, DE/OLB Arizona
33 of 33Top Needs: OLB, DE, OT, OG, RB
Everyone knows the Patriots need help in the pass rush. Brooks Reed would certainly bring that, but one has to question how versatile he is. That's why I think he'll fall into the second round and would be a perfect pick at 33.
He might not be a three-down contributor from the start, but would definitely contribute to the sub package as a pass rusher. If he has the requisite football intelligence, he's a great low-risk, high-reward option in the second round.
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