2011 NFL Mock Draft: Pro Comparisons and Grades

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The NFL draft is among us and with the final hours ticking away before the Carolina Panthers are placed on the clock, I felt that I would chime in with my own thoughts on who will be going where.

I have been making my own mock drafts since the BCS title game ended and one thing has remained a constant throughout, an Auburn player at the top. This go around was no different, however is it the right pick?

1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

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Pro Comparison: Donovan McNabb

Newton is a strong, hard-nosed player with great mobility. He needs to work on fundamentals and accuracy, but if that comes around he can be a player you build a franchise around. 

Grade: B

2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

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Pro Comparison: B.J. Raji

He has unnatural speed for a DT and is capable of dropping back if need be. He will use his athleticism and strength to get past NFL Lineman. He is a potential star in the making.

Grade: A+ 

3.Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

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Pro Comparison: Clay Matthews

Unreal ability to get into the backfield combined with great ball instincts equals a top notch player. There is nothing stopping this future pro-bowler.

Grade: A+

4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

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Pro Comparison: Calvin Johnson

Great size, hands, strength and ability to spread out the defense will make him an elite WR.

Grade: A

5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

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Pro Comparison: Carson Palmer

Perfect size for a QB, strong arm and good accuracy. This prototype-QB can make an early impact in the NFL.

Grade: A+

6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

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Pro Comparison: Sidney Rice

Dreads aren't the only thing these two have in common; great hands, size, speed and tough to bring down after the catch.

Grade: A

7.San Fransisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

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Pro Comparison: Ed Reed

Reed may be a safety, but Peterson's hit-first mentality and ball hawking skills are reminiscent of the Miami alum.

Grade: A+

8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

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Pro Comparison: Albert Haynesworth 

Has all the skills to be an elite NFL player, but his troubles could cost him a memorable career.

Grade: A-

9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC

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Pro Comparison: Michael Oher

He may have to start at RT, but will eventually become a stalwart at LT for a long time. 

Grade: B+

10. Washington Redskins: Robert Quinn, DE, UNC

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Pro Comparison: Dwight Freeney

Great speed at the DE position and could potentially be an OLB if he loses some weight. Will likely cause problems for teams for a long time to come. 

Grade: A

11. Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

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Pro Comparison: Nnamdi Asomugha 

He's quick and has excellent ball skills. He doesn't get physical often but he can if need be.

Grade: A+

12: Minnesota Vikings: Da' Quan Bowers

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Pro Comparison: Elvis Dumervil

Has tremendous strength and ability to get to the QB. He has previous struggles with injuries that may cause problems, but if healthy, he is a top 5 pick.

Grade: A-

13. Detroit Lions: Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri

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Pro Comparison: LaMarr Woodley

Was able to enter the draft after his sophomore year at Mizzou because of his size, speed and instincts, and will continue to use those at the NFL level.

Grade: A 

14. St. Louis Rams: Muhammed Wilkerson, DT, Temple

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Pro Comparison: Haloti Ngata

Disruptive and able to push through lineman to find the QB, will work in both 4-3 and 3-4.

Grade: A

15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Dolphins

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Pro Comparison: Adrian Peterson

Excellent combination of strength and speed; loves to punish defenders at the end of runs.

Grade: A+

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cameron Jordan, DE, California

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Pro Comparison: Darnell Dockett

Great athleticism, he can both power and finesse his way through a line. 

Grade: A

17. New England Patriots: JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin

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Pro Comparison: Robert Mathis

Great strength with marginal speed; uses his power to get around the edge and level the QB.

Grade: B+

18. San Diego Chargers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

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Pro Comparison: Chris Long

Not quite an elite pass rusher yet, but has all the potential to become one. Needs to work on his strength before he can accomplish that.

Grade: B-

19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

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Pro Comparison: Jake Long

Has the ability to be one of the best lineman in the league in just a few short years. Has great discipline, size and strength.

Grade: A+

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

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Pro Comparison: Deuce Lutui

Uses his pure size and strength to bully defenders on the line; needs to have quicker feet so he can block on tosses and screens. 

Grade: B

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

Pro Comparison: Amobi Okoye

Not very big for the DT position, but is very disruptive on run plays. Needs to work on his pass rush ability.

Grade: A

22.Indianapolis Colts: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

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Pro Comparison: Joe Thomas 

Blew up in 2010 and pushed himself into the first round. His size and strength are intimidating as he stands 6'7" and weighs 315. 

Grade: A-

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

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Pro Comparison: Aqib Talib

Strong, physical CB with good size will lay you out if given the opportunity and ball skills are an added bonus. Character issues could be his downfall.

Grade: B

24. New Orleans Saints: Ryan Kerrigan, OLB/DE, Purdue

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Pro Comparison: Jarrett Johnson

Ideal size for his position, but doesn't really scream elite pass rusher. Has great instincts and a permanent move to OLB could help him in the future.

Grade: C+ 

25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington

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Pro Comparison: Jay Cutler

Mobile, tough, strong-armed QB with some serious accuracy issues. Very inconsistent, but if he is given good coaching he could prosper. 

Grade: B-

26. Baltimore Ravens: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

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Pro Comparison: Terrell Suggs

Excellent pass-rusher who loves getting to the QB, can easily line up at DE and be successful as well. Needs to work on his instincts.

Grade: A- 

27.Atlanta Falcons: Brooks Reed, OLB/DE, Arizona

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Pro Comparison: Lance Briggs

Hard-nosed pass rusher who lacks speed, but makes up for it with instincts and strength. 

Grade: B+

28. New England Patriots: Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida

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Pro Comparison: Ben Grubbs

Most likely a Guard in the NFL, Pouncey shows an odd combo of strength and speed on the offensive line and will be a future Pro-Bowler.

Grade: A

29. Chicago Bears: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor

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Pro Comparison: Casey Hampton

Excellent run-stuffer, could use some work on pass rushing. Uses his 351 lbs. to stop run plays before they even develop.

Grade: B+ 

30. New York Jets: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

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Pro Comparison: Julius Peppers

Ideal size and strength for a DE and is an excellent pass rusher, but doesn't do much to stop the run. 

Grade: B

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

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Pro Comparison: Dunta Robinson

Not big, but shows some strength and great ball hawking ability. Can become elite if he can work on his man coverage.

Grade: B-

32. Green Bay Packers: Justin Houston, DE, Georgia

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Pro Comparison: John Abraham

Can easily convert to a LB and his discipline could overcome his lack of instincts in the long run. 

Grade: B+