2011 NFL Mock Draft: Final Predictions Before the Draft Begins
It is like Christmas for football fans but rather than presents, fans get surprised with new players for their favorite NFL teams.
Even though it is draft day, how the dominoes will fall is still unclear.
All signs point to Carolina taking Cameron Newton with the first overall selection. However, is it all a smokescreen?
Then, of course, there will be a flurry of activity as it comes to trading draft picks.
But as it stands now, here is one last look at the first round of the 2011 NFL draft.
1. Carolina Panthers: Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn
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Cameron Newton is one of the most controversial prospects in recent memory and despite his critics, Newton has the size, strength and potential to be an excellent quarterback.
Newton also has enough deficiencies in his game, particularly with the scheme he played in college as well as accuracy issues which could lead him to “bust” status, and I am not talking about the Hall of Fame bust.
In the end, Newton’s potential is too intriguing to pass up, even for a team that likes to run the ball and play great defense.
Jimmy Clausen is not the future in Carolina and in today’s NFL, teams need elite quarterbacks.
Newton has the “it” factor that many look for in a quarterback. Some will call him cocky and arrogant, but the bottom line is that he is a winner and Carolina needs to start winning.
Though it may take time for him to develop, Carolina cannot pass on a chance to select a potential franchise quarterback and Newton fits the bill.
2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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New Denver Broncos head coach John Fox should be thrilled if he could grab Marcell Dareus with the second overall selection.
Considered by many as the best player in the draft, Dareus would give Denver a dominating force in the defensive trenches.
Dareus will provide a run stopping force in the middle of Denver’s new 4-3 defense and will help improve the Broncos pass rush by occupying blockers.
The Broncos will be thrilled to get their franchise defensive lineman.
3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
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With the lack of production from former first round pick Aaron Maybin contributing to Buffalo only reaching 27 sacks last season, the Bills will look to improve their pass rush with Von Miller.
Miller has excellent speed off the edge and can also rush the passer with power. He will be a key component to Buffalo’s 3-4 defense.
If Miller can live up to his potential, he should be an impact player from day one and a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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Though the Bengals need a lot of help and could potentially need a new quarterback, they will take the elite wide receiver A.J. Green.
Green should be a fantastic player in the NFL with good speed and a big frame, standing at 6’4”.
His combination of size, speed, body control and hands will make him one of the best young receivers in the league as a rookie.
Green has been compared to recent high receiver draft picks Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald.
Though wide receivers are typically luxury players as opposed to team builders, Green is a special talent who will make the Bengals offense more exciting.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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There is no team in the league with a worse quarterback situation than the Arizona Cardinals.
They did not adequately prepare for Kurt Warner’s retirement and they paid dearly for it, earning the fifth draft pick this year.
However, even though Blaine Gabbert will be sitting there for Arizona, a veteran quarterback would be a better option for a team that features Larry Fitzgerald at wide receiver.
Instead, the Cardinals need to add talent and with the best pass rusher gone, the Cardinals will get the top cornerback as they continue to improve their defense.
Peterson is one of the most pro-ready players in this draft and should be an impact player from the start.
He has tremendous size and speed for a cornerback, is excellent in coverage and is a very good tackler. Peterson will be a true shutdown cornerback.
6. Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
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With Green and Peterson gone, the Browns lost out on two of their top prospects.
Even though he did not play last season due to a suspension, Robert Quinn is a top pass rushing prospect who would be the foundation of Cleveland’s defensive line as they shift back to a 4-3.
With Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Flacco in the AFC North, Cleveland has to find players who can rush the passer to help defend against two of the better quarterbacks in the league.
Even though he is a risk, Quinn could be a franchise defensive end and develop into one of the best sack artists in the league.
If not Quinn, the Browns may also consider Nick Fairley here.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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Even though Peterson did not fall to them, Prince Amukamara is not a bad second option for San Francisco.
Amukamara had an outstanding junior season when he recorded five interceptions but had none last year. That was because teams avoided throwing his way.
With good size and speed, Amakumara will be able to handle the NFL’s top receivers without being a liability in run support.
Amakumara is also a high character player as well as very intelligent. These assets make him a great first round option and will help him as he develops into a top cornerback.
8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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At one point Nick Fairley was considered a No. 1 pick.
Even though his stock has since dropped, no one can ignore his outstanding senior season where he flat out dominated at times.
The Tennessee Titans need a new quarterback with Vince Young out of the equation and though they may be tempted with Gabbert, the Titans value good defense and good defensive linemen.
After a season in which he recorded 11.5 sacks and 24 tackles for a loss, Fairley established himself as one of the top players in the nation.
There is a concern that he could have been a one-year wonder but his potential to be a dominant presence on the inside against both the run and as a pass rusher makes him a very valuable prospect.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
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Though it is not Jerry Jones’ style to not take a flashy player in the first round, Dallas really missed Flozell Adams last season and need an upgrade on their offensive line.
Tyron Smith is the top tackle available in the draft that will only be 20 years old when the season begins.
The young tackle has established himself as a top run and pass blocker with top athletic abilities. Smith will need time to mature, but the payoff should be big.
10. Washington Redskins: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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Mike Shanahan gets his quarterback without having to trade up.
Blaine Gabbert, regarded by many as the best quarterback in this year’s draft, will continue to develop as a quarterback under one of the better quarterback coaches in the league.
Gabbert has many of the traits that teams look for in a franchise signal caller, including good arm strength, mobility and most importantly, football intelligence.
The knowledge of the game possessed by Gabbert is very impressive and he is always willing to work to improve his craft.
11. Houston Texans: Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri
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It is back-to-back Missouri Tigers as the Texans will take Aldon Smith.
They are transitioning to the 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and will immediately need to find a top pass rusher.
Smith is a strong pass rusher who has enormous potential, but will need to develop as he transitions to outside linebacker.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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One of the hardest working players in the draft is Julio Jones.
The big wide receiver took a surprising slide and the Vikings are pleased to add their most dangerous receiving option since Randy Moss.
Jones’ blend of size and speed will make him a tough match up for NFL cornerbacks. Paired with Sidney Rice, the Vikings would have one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the league.
13. Detroit Lions: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
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With franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford going down with injuries the last two seasons, the Lions find more protection for him with Anthony Castonzo.
Castonzo comes from Boston College, a school that has sent quality linemen to the NFL.
The massive 6’7” tackle battled some of the top pass rushers in college football over his four years of starting and will help keep Stafford upright.
14. St. Louis Rams: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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With the top two receivers gone, the Rams no longer have the chance to add a weapon for Sam Bradford. Instead, they add the best player left on the draft board, Da’Quan Bowers.
Steve Spagnuolo stockpiled pass rushers while in New York and will begin to do the same in St. Louis.
Bowers led the nation with 15.5 sacks last season. He is also solid against the run.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mike Pouncey, C/OG, Florida
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Miami’s vaunted rushing attack fell last season and rather than draft a running back, they will fix their line instead.
Mike Pouncey doesn’t profile as high as his brother Maurkice, but he is still the top interior lineman in this year’s draft.
Pouncey could start at center or at guard where he is better suited. He should instantly upgrade the Dolphins up front and help revitalize the ground game.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
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Jacksonville was long known for their dominant defensive line and to get back to that point they will add Cameron Jordan.
Jordan is a big defensive end from California who could also slide into defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme.
His presence along the defensive line should help the Jaguars get back to their roots.
17. New England Patriots: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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With a run on defensive ends, the Patriots will pick up J.J. Watt, who should be a perfect fit for their scheme.
Watt can play inside in a 4-3 or outside in a 3-4. He is a productive player who will do the dirty work to help others make plays.
18. San Diego Chargers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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The run on defensive ends continues as the Chargers need to add more talent along their defensive front.
Just missing out on Watt, they take the next best option with Adrian Clayborn.
Clayborn will need to bulk up from his 281 pounds, but he is effective rushing the passer as well as defending the run.
19. New York Giants: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
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With Mike Pouncey off the board, the Giants will do what they do best, draft defensive linemen.
Corey Liuget is the best lineman available at this point.
Over his career, he has improved each year and that trend should continue as he transitions to the NFL.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
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The upstart Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a few players away from becoming a legit contender. Ryan Kerrigan will help speed up this process.
With 37.5 career sacks, Kerrigan has established himself as a quality pass rusher who has improved each season.
Quite simply, Kerrigan is a football player and will develop into a very good pro.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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The Chiefs used to have one of the best offensive lines in the league. Even though it has been in decline, the Chiefs still had one of the best ground attacks in the league.
Even so, there is always room for improvement and the Chiefs will take Gabe Carimi, a potential franchise tackle over upgrading their defense.
Carimi is an experienced tackle who will be another piece to the Chiefs young, but now talented offensive line.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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Indianapolis needs help along their offensive line to protect the aging Peyton Manning.
Though he will need time to develop, Nate Solder has one of the highest potentials out of anyone in this year’s draft.
The mammoth tackle will need to continue to learn the game as he transitioned to the tackle position in college. He does fill a major need.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
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Philadelphia needs an upgrade at the cornerback position and Jimmy Smith is the best of the second tier corners.
Smith is tall and fast and would have been selected higher if he was more consistent.
24. New Orleans Saints: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
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Muhammad Wilkerson is a very athletic defensive lineman despite weighing over 300 pounds.
The Saints have a solid offense in place but need to upgrade their defense. Wilkerson is good against the run and has a solid repertoire of pass rushing moves.
Wilkerson had plenty of success against lower competition and will need time to adjust to the better players in the NFL.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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If he came out one year earlier, Jake Locker may have been a top five pick.
As it stands now, there are questions as to whether or not he will get selected in the first round.
Locker would be a homer pick for Seattle and add excitement for their fan base.
Locker is one of the more athletic quarterback prospects and a true competitor on the field. He will be able to sit for a year before being asked to start.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
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The Ravens desperately need help in their defensive backfield.
Brandon Harris is the best cornerback at this point. Though a bit undersize, Harris can more than make up for it with his speed.
Harris is excellent in coverage and has great ball skills.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Akeem Ayers, DE UCLA
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The Falcons have an aging pass rusher in John Abraham and need to get younger at this position
Akeem Ayers has the skill set to be a solid pass rusher at the next level but his production has not matched.
Ayers does make big plays when needed.
28. New England Patriots: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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The Patriots had a decent ground attack last season but no true top running back.
Mark Ingram’s drop is New England’s gain as they get the top rusher in the draft.
Ingram is a tough inside rusher who should fit well in the Patriots offensive scheme.
29. Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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Derek Sherrod would go a long way to help the Bears with their woes on the offensive line.
Sherrod is an all-around blocker with good size and quickness.
As a smart player with a high football IQ, Sherrod should challenge for a starting job.
30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
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Though the New York Jets need a pass rusher, there is not much value at this point of the draft.
Phil Taylor could be the centerpiece of the Jets defensive front for years to come.
Taylor is a massive defensive tackle who would clog up the middle of the line freeing up linebackers to make plays.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
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Pittsburgh needs a major upgrade at cornerback, but there is not an answer at this point of the draft. With all of the top tackles also off the board, the Steelers elect to go with defensive end, drafting Cameron Heyward.
Heyward has a good pedigree, with his father Craig “Ironhead” Heyward playing in the NFL.
As a top run stuffer, Heyward is a perfect fit in Pittsburgh’s defense. He would likely join the Steelers defensive end rotation as a rookie and eventually replace Brett Keisel at right defensive end.
32. Green Bay Packers: Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona
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Clay Matthews is a star on the Packers defense and he needs a threat on the opposite side to help alleviate the attention from him.
Brooks Reed could be that player.
Reed is a rising pass rushing prospect who is considered to be a hard worker. As he develops on the outside, the Packers would eventually have an excellent pass rushing duo.
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