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2011 NFL Draft Results and Was Julio Jones Worth What the Atlanta Falcons Paid?

When the commissioner walked on stage and said the No. 6 pick was traded to the Atlanta Falcons, I was shocked. I knew they wanted Julio Jones, but I didn’t know how much they wanted him.

The Falcons gave up 2011 and 2012 first round picks, a 2011 second round pick and both 2011 and 2012 fourth round picks.

While Julio Jones may be a real game changer, what the Falcons gave up is the picks that make an organization great. All these picks make up the depth of the squad and I feel this selection will hurt the Falcons in the long run.

Must Read: 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Where the Top 50 Remaining Players Will Go on Day 3

NFL.com breaks down this player:

Pick Analysis: The Falcons shed their conservative draft ways to make a blockbuster trade to pick up Jones. He gives them another big, physical receiver in the lineup with the ability to create explosive plays in a variety of ways. Though Roddy White still remains the team’s No. 1 option, Jones becomes the dynamic complement that should push Atlanta’s passing game to another level.

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2011 NFL Draft Results and Is Jimmy Smith Worth the Risk for the Baltimore Ravens?

With the No. 26 pick in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens took a chance on stellar Colorado defensive back Jimmy Smith.

There were a lot of issues around Smith’s drug use, but I do not think there is a better place for a troubled player to go them to the Ravens.

From the owner down to Ray Lewis and Ed Reed will help this kid, whether he likes it or not. If Smith is with the team after this season, he has cleaned his act up, if he doesn’t clean up, he won’t be a Raven for long.

Must Read: 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Where the Top 50 Remaining Players Will Go on Day 3

NFL.com breaks down this player:

Pick Analysis: Ozzie Newsome is masterful at adding quality players at the bottom of the first round, and Smith could join a long list of productive playmakers found at the end of the first stanza. He is regarded as possibly the best cover corner in the draft with skills reminiscent of former Pro Bowl selection Chris McAllister. Smith could become an instant star in the Ravens' aggressive defense.

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2011 NFL Draft Results and Why did the Philadelphia Eagles take Danny Watkins?

The Philadelphia Eagles selected with their first round pick 27 year old rookie offensive lineman Danny Watkins.

Watkins was a former firefighter from British Columbia that was asked to play football in college after his hockey career didn’t take off.

Watkins may not have the experience, but his size, speed and footwork will make him a quick study and a probable starter for the 2011 season, whenever that is.

Must Read: 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Where the Top 50 Remaining Players Will Go on Day 3

NFL.com breaks down this player:

Pick Analysis: Andy Reid continues his tradition of spending high picks on linemen with the selection of Watkins. He is likely an interior blocker as a pro, but he provides the Eagles with flexibility and depth along the front. His aggressiveness, toughness and physical presence will certainly help improve the Eagles' ability to protect Michael Vick in the pocket.

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2011 NFL Draft Results: Is Jake Locker the Answer for the Tennessee Titans?

When the Tennessee Titans took Washington quarterback Jake Locker at No. 8, the collective draft audience said ‘wow’.

While he is one of the better quarterback prospects in this draft, the consensus feeling was that they could get him if they had traded back.

For the Titans, Locker is a solid prospect that will give the team a face of the franchise that they can hang their hat on for the next few years.

Must Read: 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Where the Top 50 Remaining Players Will Go on Day 3

NFL.com breaks down this player:

Pick Analysis: The Titans select Jake Locker to become the new face of their franchise. As one of the top athletes in the draft, he gives them a dual threat at the position with the ability to make plays on the perimeter. While his accuracy problems raised some red flags, his leadership skills, work ethic and intangibles outweighed them and encouraged the Titans to go with Locker over a host of other options at the position.

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2011 NFL Draft Results and how The Detroit Lions Stole Nick Fairley at No. 13

The Detroit Lions made the move of the draft by taking Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley to play alongside rookie of the year Ndamukong Suh.

The duo will form one of the most feared run blocking defensive line in the NFL and the players in the NFC North will not want to face the Lions anymore.

With the questions surrounding Fairley’s work ethic, the fact that veteran Kyle Vanden Bosch will be playing end next to him will help keep his mind on the game and nose out of trouble.

 

Must Read: 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Where the Top 50 Remaining Players Will Go on Day 3

NFL.com breaks down this player:

Pick Analysis: The rest of the NFC North should beware after the Lions add Fairley to their defensive line. He was the most dominant defensive player in college football, and he will team with Ndamukong Suh to form a dynamic tandem on the interior. His character issues are overblown, and the Lions might have been the biggest beneficiaries of the surprising quarterback run during the early part of the draft.

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2011 NFL Draft Results and Why did the San Francisco 49ers take Aldon Smith?

The San Francisco 49ers are in a transitional period with new head coach Jim Harbaugh and they have a lot of positions that need to be filled.

The 49ers selected Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith with the No. 7 overall pick in the draft and passed on a lot of other quality players.

Smith is a solid defensive end that will help with the pass rush, but I think there were better players at this spot and that San Francisco could’ve traded back.

Must Read: 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Where the Top 50 Remaining Players Will Go on Day 3

NFL.com breaks down this player:

Pick Analysis: Jim Harbaugh seeks to fortify the 49ers' defense by picking up an explosive pass rusher in Smith. Although it will take him some time to adjust to playing from an upright position, he gives them a legitimate rusher to bring off the edge. Of course, the quarterback situation remains a mystery, but the potential re-signing of Alex Smith allows the team to focus on retooling a defense that could lead to a run at the NFC West division crown.

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2011 NFL Draft Results: Panthers Shouldn’t Have Taken Cam Newton No. 1

The Carolina Panthers took Auburn quarterback Cam Newton with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

A lot of people think this was a good choice for the team, but I think the pick was just the start of what will become a huge mess in Carolina.

Newton is a strong athlete, but he is not a great passer. He got out of trouble with his feet at Auburn, but it’s not that easy in the NFL and teams will make him pay.

Must Read: 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Where the Top 50 Remaining Players Will Go on Day 3

NFL.com breaks down this pick:

Pick Analysis: The Panthers take the most electrifying player in college football to become the new face of their franchise. In a division with three legitimate quarterbacks, the Panthers had to select Newton to give them a chance to eventually become a serious player in the NFC South. Although he is far from polished as a quarterback, his pure talent and athleticism make him a worthwhile gamble as the top overall pick.

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2011 NFL Draft Grades Latest Day 3 Picks including Eagles Steal Casey Matthews

The Philadelphia Eagles were one of the best offensive teams in the NFL last season, but they were held back at times by their lack of talent on defense.

With the Eagles taking an offensive lineman in the first round, it was clear that they would address their defensive needs later in the weekend.

With their fourth round pick this season, the Philadelphia Eagles took Oregon linebacker Casey Matthews.

Matthews is the younger brother of Super Bowl Champion Clay Matthews and comes from a long blood line of NFL stars.

Must Read: 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Where the Top 50 Remaining Players Will Go on Day 3

NFL.com breaks down this player:

Matthews is the latest in a family of guys who play the game the right way. While he lacks some size and speed, he is a smart, relentless, highly-productive player who will provide solid depth and special teams value while developing into a starter. Overcomes lacks of power by reading and reacting quicker than most linebackers. Does a great job of slipping blocks inside the box and is a sure tackler but does not have true sideline-to-sideline range and may struggle when caught in a phone booth. Better suited for zone coverage with his great awareness than man. Matthews could sneak into Day 2.

Grade: A

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2011 NFL Draft Grades Latest Day 3 Picks including Browns take Jordan Cameron

With Mike Holmgren’s hands firmly on the steering when of the Cleveland Browns, he will start taking late round selections that he can make into pet projects.

The Browns need weapons for Colt McCoy and Holmgren sees tight end as a vital spot in his west coast offense.

With the No. 102 overall pick, the Browns took USC tight end Jordan Cameron to add depth at tight end and give McCoy a big target.

The big problem for Cameron will be his lack of polish. He was a basketball player in high school and college and has a lot to learn about the NFL before he is a viable starter.

Must Read: 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Where the Top 50 Remaining Players Will Go on Day 3

NFL.com breaks down this player:

Pick Analysis: The former basketball player turned pass catcher is an intriguing addition to the Browns' offense. He has outstanding physical skills and flashed big-time potential during the East-West Shrine game. He could be a wildcard offensive weapon for Colt McCoy in the near future.

Grade: B

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2011 NFL Draft Grades, Should Buffalo Bills have taken Aaron Williams?

The Buffalo Bills were one of the worst teams on defense last season and they knew what they had to do during this draft.

The Bills secondary was burned on a regular basis and grabbing a solid cornerback would help alleviate some of the pressure on the Buffalo Secondary.

With the second pick in the second day of the draft, the Bills knew the cornerback was a necessity and they decided to go with Texas cornerback Aaron Williams.

Must Read: 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Where the Top 50 Remaining Players Will Go on Day 3

NFL.com breaks down this player:

Pick Analysis: Chan Gailey proves his commitment to rebuilding his defense by taking one of the most aggressive cornerbacks in the draft. Williams has the size and strength that defensive coordinators covet on the outside but is also smart and tenacious enough to potential move to safety in their scheme. Regardless of where he lines up, he adds another talented defender to their young secondary.

The Bills needed help on defense like nobody’s business and picking Aaron Williams is the smartest move at this spot.

Grade: A

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Should the New England Patriots have taken Ras-I Dowling in the 2011 NFL Draft?

The New England Patriots had the No. 33 overall pick in the draft and they had plenty of places they could have gone with their selection.

While there are still questions along the front seven on the defense for the Patriots, they decided to go elsewhere with their first pick of the second round.

There were definitely concerns in the secondary, the Patriots didn’t need to pick a cornerback here. They did anyway.

Must Read: 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Where the Top 50 Remaining Players Will Go on Day 3

NFL.com breaks down this player:

Dowling entered the 2010 season as one of the nation's top cornerbacks, but after playing in only five games due to injury, his draft stock may have taken a hit. He is a monster of a cornerback who seeks out contact in run support and is a sound tackler. He really excels in zone coverage with terrific instincts and has the ball skills to make plays on underneath routes. He does not have the recovery speed to play in a man-heavy scheme at the next level, but he should be a good fit in a Tampa 2 system. A potential first-round pick before the season, Dowling still likely will be a second-round pick.

The Patriots grabbed Virginia defensive back Ras-I Dowling to help secure their defensive secondary.

While Dowling is a solid cornerback that will help the Patriots secondary, but they have bigger needs on the defensive line and at linebacker.

Grade: C

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