2011 NFL Draft Results: Who Were Day 1's Big Winners?
As we all imagined, the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft had its ups, downs, turns and questions. Whether it be the four quarterbacks, eight offensive linemen, or the record-12 defensive linemen taken in the top-32 picks, this should be a draft that people remember.
Now, as we anxiously await the remaining rounds set to take place on Friday (2-3) and Saturday (4-7), it’s time to take a look at the biggest winners of the first round.
No. 1: New Orleans
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New Orleans (24, 28) - Cameron Jordan, DE / Mark Ingram, RB
Regardless of what the Saints had to give up in order to get New England’s 28th-overall pick (a deal that included NO’s 2012 first-rounder), you have to give it up for what NOLA was able to gain.
First, the Saints addressed a need along the defensive line and committed legal robbery by STEALING Jordan at No. 24. As I’ve preached for so long, I am a huge fan of Jordan and I thought he would have been a perfect fit for the Redskins at No. 10.
Then, to wrap up the night, the Saints get their running back of the future by selecting Ingram. Because of this selection, the Saints can choose how to handle Reggie Bush’s contract and they can take a wait-and-see approach with the often-injured Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory. Not to mention, the Saints get an awesome character athlete in Ingram – a true professional already.
No. 2: Washington
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Washington (16) - Ryan Kerrigan, DE
This may be a bit of a homer ranking, but I honestly believe that Shanahan and the Redskins executed their draft plan perfectly. Even with guys like Robert Quinn and Cameron Jordan available at No. 10, Washington toughens up and trades back to acquire an additional second-rounder (49th) and they take a hard-working, pass-rushing, blue-collar end like Ryan Kerrigan at No. 16. This may not be the sexiest pick for the Skins, but it’s logical and smart — something Redskins Nation really isn’t used to.
No. 3: New York Giants
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New York Giants (19) - Prince Amukamara, CB
As if the Giants weren’t stellar enough at drafting elite and talented athletes, they go on to execute zero trades in the first round and somehow still manage to STEAL Amukamara at No. 19. Although I’m unsure why Amukamara’s stock dropped today, I am confident that he’ll be a solid corner in the NFL for quite some time. With this selection, the Giants made their secondary — arguably — the deepest in the league.
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No. 4: Baltimore
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Baltimore (27) - Jimmy Smith, CB
The Ravens were reportedly trying to work a deal with Chicago at the time of their 26th-overall pick and the Bears balked at the last minute, causing the Ravens to pass on their pick. However, after a solid recovery, general manager Ozzie Newsome takes a gamble on possibly this draft class’ best lockdown cornerback.
Smith has numerous character issues (alcohol, three failed drug tests, abuse charges) and his stock was solely effected by it. But, if there’s any team that can change a young man for the better, it’s Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and the Baltimore Ravens.
I won’t necessarily call this pick a steal, as I had Smith going to Philly at No. 23, but I do think that the Ravens came away with an incredible pick and player because of the solid foundation that they have in Baltimore. The team needed help in the secondary and Jimmy Smith has the potential to be a solid pro for the next ten years.
No. 5: Cleveland
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Cleveland (21) - Phil Taylor, NT
Although Phil Taylor is a great prospect for a defense looking to fill gaps along the defensive front, it was actually the trade that general manager Tom Heckert pulled off that gets Cleveland on the biggest winners list.
Cleveland originally held the No. 6 pick before Heckert traded it to the Atlanta, which the Falcons eventually used to draft Julio Jones. Even as a huge supporter of the Browns finding a weapon for Colt McCoy, I think it’s safe to say that EVERY Cleveland fan/player/coach/etc. will be happy to see what the team received in return.
For the No. 6 pick, the Cleveland Browns received the Atlanta Falcons’ first, second, and fourth-rounders in this year’s draft, as well as the Falcons’ first- and fourth-rounders in next year’s draft. #Winning
Honorable Mention: St. Louis
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St. Louis (13) - Robert Quinn, DL
Thought this pick was a steal,plain and simple. Quinn slipped more than expected and the Rams had no choice but to take one of the most natural pass-rushers in this draft class.
Honorable Mention: Jacksonville
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Jacksonville (10) - Blaine Gabbert, QB
It’s not that I didn’t like Gabbert’s potential, it’s that I didn’t like his potential if he was thrown into the fire for his rookie season. Jacksonville grabbed their quarterback of the future and they did it the right way — by allowing him to hold the clipboard for a year or two behind David Garrard.
Honorable Mention: Green Bay
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Green Bay (32) - Derek Sherrod, OT
Sherrod was one of the highest-rated offensive lineman on my board and the Packers were able to land him with the LAST pick in the first round. Cue the saying, “The rich get richer”.
Shae Cronin is a Redskins Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and the founder of Bet Big DC.com, a sports website focusing on the D.C., Maryland and Virginia region. Be sure to check-in frequently and follow @BetBigDC on Twitter for the latest rumors, sports picks, mock drafts and more.
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