2011 NFL Mock Draft: Top 10 Picks Through Week 3 Of College Football
Now that we're three weeks deep into the college football season, it's time to start talking about one of the biggest events of the year: the 2011 NFL draft.
What's college football talk without a look into the next lot of star NFL players, game-changers, and busts?
Throw in the massive amounts of money, drama, and agents, and you have yourself a topic worth discussing way ahead of time.
So, with that said, let's do just that.
We may not know what teams are going to be considered a failure and granted a top ten pick in the draft, but we can guess.
What we do know is who is going to be considered with those picks and who is at the top of the draft board of most teams.
Everyone wants to know, whose going to be No. 1 in 2011? But then again, many also want to know whose going to go in the top 10 in 2011?
For college and NFL football fans around the nation, there's nothing like speculating on which players will be taken with the "lottery" picks.
These are the biggest names available, and because of that, are the guys with the biggest paychecks at the end of the day.
Some of them may be the next big thing. And some may be the next big bust.
Either way, let's take a look who those first 10 picks are going to be in 2011 based off of the first three weeks of the season.
1) Buffalo Bills: QB Andrew Luck, Stanford
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Many of you would expect the "consensus" 2011 No. 1 pick of Jake Locker to be slotted here.
However, the talk around the league hasn't been too promising as of late for the one-man team in Washington. His recent 4-of-20 showing against the Cornhuskers has really raised some question marks on his current ability.
That's not to say that he won't be a top ten pick (which he will be based on that thing called upside), but he is far too inconsistent to be the top quarterback, and overall player taken this year.
Luck is a player who has shown promise, skill, and consistency. The leader of a very good Stanford team, he, like Locker, has tremendous upside and a fabulous frame to improve on.
It may be too soon to tell who will go with the top pick this early on, but Luck has the edge as of Week 3.
2) Cleveland Browns: WR A.J. Green, Georgia
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Green has been the talk of 2011 draft since his freshman year at school.
Improving on his lovable frame ever since he stepped foot on campus, there isn't any reason to doubt this kid.
His numbers may not be mind-blowing, but then again, his frame and athleticism are. One of the best red-zone threats in the nation this year, his ball skills are second to none.
Green is definitely a bit of a project and may not be an instant No. 1 receiver at the next level right away. However, he will be one day and that is why he is going to be drafted this high up the board.
There isn't a question on his ability, but rather just a question on when he will reach the top of his ceiling. And that ceiling is a very, very high one.
3) St. Louis Rams: DE Robert Quinn, North Carolina
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Many will remember the last time the Rams took a stud defensive end with this high of a pick (Chris Long, 2008).
Although Long is just blossoming into the beast that he once was projected to be, he needs a complement on the right side to truly expose his talents.
That complement should come in the form of Robert Quinn out of North Carolina.
One of the most lethal weapons in the country coming off the edge, Quinn possesses a rare blend of speed, athleticism, and brute strength.
This combination allows him to get to opponent quarterbacks with ease and is a game-changer whenever he steps foot on the field.
He needs to improve his run-stopping, but there is no one better at getting in the backfield than this Tar Heel.
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4) Detroit Lions: DT Marcell Dareus, Alabama
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Out of all the prospects on this board, Dareus stands out the most to me.
In my eyes, he is the most intriguing player in this draft. With his size (6''4, 306) and rare versatility, playing both end and tackle, he will bring things to an NFL team that most top picks cannot.
Depending on where his draftee sees him playing, he will mostly likely end up playing on the inside at the next level. No matter where he ends up, he will be wreaking havoc in the backfield and will be a plug in the middle of the field.
The 2010 BCS National Championship MVP, Dareus has burst onto the scene as one of the best defenders in the country at the college football level.
However, with a few more years under his belt, he may be one of the next big names at the next level as well.
5) Seattle Seahawks: QB Jake Locker, Washington
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And here he is, folks. Locker fell out of the top spot, and because of that, lost millions of dollars after returning to school for his senior season.
Instead, he will find himself in the range of 3-10 and as a major wild card. Based off of the rest of his 2010 play at Washington, he can either rise again or fall even further.
He doesn't have much help on offense, but his performances as of late are just inexcusable.
Everyone knows what Locker brings to the table with his athleticism, arm power, and upside, but when is that ceiling finally going to be reached?
He might be one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time at the next level, but then again, he has signs of a bust written all over him.
To say the least, Locker is a risky investment. And for that, he falls out of the No. 1 spot.. for now.
6) Carolina Panthers: CB Patrick Peterson, LSU
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The Panthers are desperately seeking help all over the field, but Peterson is the best player left on the board at this point. If anyone passes over this defensive back, they will be regretting it for years to come.
Hands down the best lock-down corner in college football, Peterson will be a Pro-Bowler at the next level. His frame, speed, and coverage are some of the best in the nation, and his skill-set projects perfectly for the league.
In 2009, Peterson shut down Green along with another top receiver in Julio Jones in single coverage.
Improving on his '09 numbers, he will almost certainly be an All-American for the second year in a row and forgo his senior season for the big check and an early start towards his professional career.
7) Arizona Cardinals: DE/OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M
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While it may be a stretch in slotting a hybrid defender this high up on the draft board, Miller is a rare talent that many teams won't overlook.
Without question the best hybrid in the country, Miller plays a little bit of both edge positions for Texas A&M.
It is here where he has made his presence known for his big hits, run-stopping ability, and of course, torturing quarterbacks and running backs all over the nation.
Again, it's hard to slot him this high. But, if in fact the Cardinals end up with a top ten pick and Miller is still on the board, you can feel pretty good about them taking Miller here.
A perfect fit for their defense, it won't be easy for them to say no to such a good-looking player.
In the end, look for Miller to fall into the top ten. How high or how low he gets picked depends on what teams are still on the clock.
8) Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
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In what is one of the best defensive back classes of recent history, Amukamara isn't far behind Peterson in terms of ability.
A shutdown corner playing for Nebraska, he has been completely owning his competition after a breakout year in 2011.
With NFL teams looking for bigger and stronger receivers with size each year, Amukamara's size will be coveted.
Not only does his frame scream Top 10 material, but his physical play will be highly regarded as well.
If a team is looking to solidify their corner situation for years to come, there is no need to look past Amukamara if Peterson is off of the board.
With either player, they will be getting future All-Pros and improving their secondary from day one each rookie steps foot on the field.
9) New England Patriots (via Oakland): RB Mark Ingram, Alabama
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The reigning 2009 Heisman trophy winner, Ingram is without a doubt a fantastic prospect, especially for a team like the Patriots who don't rely heavily on their running game.
Ingram may not be the quickest, fastest, or most athletic prospect still on the board, but what he does offer is a nose for the game of football: strength, determination, and success.
With a track record that is proven, there are little questions on Ingram's future pro career.
He will be a very good back at the next level and there aren't many strong candidates coming out this year in the backfield (but watch out for 2012).
Not to mention, how badly do the Pats need a running back of Ingram's ability? Not only would that free up the arm of Tom Brady and hands of Randy Moss, but it would give them yet another weapon.
10) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Jonathon Baldwin, Pittsburgh
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Baldwin is one of the most interesting prospects as of late.
With a freakish frame and 4.4-forty time, he is one of the tallest, lankiest, and most athletic receivers in all of college football. In addition to these traits, he is hands down the best red-zone threat in the country.
He is always the first to touch the football when it's thrown his way. The only knock on Baldwin is his separation skills: will he be able to break away from NFL defenders or will he always be in a jumping battle with them?
If he can prove the critics wrong about his route-running and separation ability, Baldwin will be a top ten pick. After all, it isn't every year that you find a player of his skill-set combined with a tight end's frame. In the end, his draft position will be up to his junior season tape and production.
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