2011 NFL Mock Draft: After Andrew Luck, Who's the Best?
NFL Mock Drafts can change by the minute, let alone by the week.
After another week of both college and the NFL, it's a bit more clear who is elite and who isn't.
There are definitely a few no-brainers out there, but the better NFL teams have specific holes to fill and "the best player available" isn't always the right choice.
Inside, we'll take a stab at who goes where.
No. 32: Pittsburgh Steelers: Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU
1 of 32
Team Needs: DE, OT, CB
The Steelers are still a major contender for a seventh Super Bowl trophy, but they still need help this offseason.
One of the reasons why the pass defense has not been great in the second half of games this season is the play of the secondary (not Troy Polamalu, obviously). They could go with a corner here, but the smart money is on the big LSU lineman, even though they took one from the SEC with last season's first-rounder.
Between Willie Colon's injury, Trai Essex's lack of development and Max Starks' inconsistency, they need to have more stability if they plan on seeing Ben Roethlisberger suit up for all 16 games in 2011.
No. 31: New York Giants: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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Team Needs: DE, RB, OLB
Sure it would make for a great story to have Mark Ingram Jr. wear the same Giants blue that his dad wore in the late 1980s and early 1990s. (It would be even more ironic if they were both late first-round draft choices, the year after the team won a Super Bowl.)
But history is a two-way street: The last time the Giants spent a first-round choice on a Heisman Trophy-winning running back born in New Jersey, it was Ron Dayne. That didn't quite work out.
Still, the move would make sense for the G-men.
If at all possible, the Giants will deal Brandon Jacobs away. Since Ahmad Bradshaw isn't quite a 20-carry-per-game feature back, they're going to need to replace Jacobs.
Ingram is a low-center-of-gravity runner and will add a nice spark to the team.
No. 30: New York Jets: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
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Team Needs: OT, LB, S
There aren't many flaws on the Jets roster. They have first-rounders at almost every position.
But they'll add another one with this late first-round choice.
D'Brickashaw Ferguson was their offensive tackle choice in 2006, and five years later, they'll give him a new bookend. Damian Woody has done a great job for the Jets in 2010, but he'll be 34 next year.
With all the youth at quarterback, offensive line, wide receiver, tight end and one of the running back spots, a youth upgrade here could give the Jets a dominant defense for the remainder of the decade.
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No. 29: Green Bay Packers, Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State
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Team Needs: RB, WR, DB
The Packers could use upgrades at a few spots: Charles Woodson may be coming off a Defensive Player of the Year season in 2009, but he'll be 35 next season.
Ryan Grant's injury was a tremendous blow and was costly early on. It will also cost the Packers a chance at a Super Bowl berth. This April, Ted Thompson will go out and get a young back to either replace or supplement Grant, depending on how well he rebounds in 2011.
Thomas has the size (6'2", 228 lbs.) and the every-down capability to be a great comfort to Aaron Rodgers.
No. 28: New England Patriots: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
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Team Needs: RB, DB, DE
Bill Belichick will not cave to the demands of the press and the fans who think the offense, having traded Randy Moss, needs a "playmaker."
The Patriots defense is young and will be better in 2011 than it was this year, but the addition of a hybrid linebacker/defensive end such as Bailey will give the Pats many more options.
The last time Belichick used a late first-rounder to draft a defensive lineman from The U worked out pretty well. In 2004, with Vince Wilfork, the Patriots won the Super Bowl.
No. 27: Atlanta Falcons, Marvin Austin, DT, UNC
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Team Needs: OG, WR, CB
Peria Jerry missed virtually all of his rookie season because of injury and he hasn't been very productive in 2010. It's too early to declare his selection with the 24th overall pick a mistake, but the Falcons might hedge their bet here by taking Autin.
He is big and very quick and, having played in the ACC, he should be able to step in and contribute right away. With Jerry and Babineaux there, he won't get to start right away, but that will be a good thing. The Falcons can take time developing him and he can help establish a nice rotation that keeps all three players fresh.
No. 26: Baltimore Ravens, Derek Sharrod, OT, Mississippi St.
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Team Needs: OT, LB, S
Right now, the Ravens have a guard, Marshal Yanda, playing at tackle.
It's not an easy decision for Ozzie Newsome and the front office to take a tackle in the first round so soon after taking Michael Oher, but with a young quarterback-running back combination like Joe Flacco and Ray Rice, it's important to give them all the help they can.
Baltimore might look at adding a linebacker at this spot, with Ray Lewis finishing up his 16th NFL season. But there isn't a good enough fit at this spot.
No. 25: New Orleans Saints, A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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Team Needs: RB, OLB, CB
One of the biggest surprises in the first round will come here with the Saints.
You can make the argument that, in that offense, the Saints could pull any guy off the street and make them a capable receiver, considering how good Drew Brees is. They won the Super Bowl with a good corps of receivers, but not a stud No. 1 receiver.
Imagine how much better they would be if they could add a player who routinely draws double coverage. That would open up so much for Brees to throw the ball more consistently to a few targets instead of finding a new favorite receiver every week.
Green is just a shade below Julio Jones in terms of overall talent, but his 6'4", 212-lbs. frame is perfect for Brees near the goal line.
No. 24: Oakland Raiders, Jake Locker, QB, Washington (from New England)
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(The Raiders trade Michael Bush and a third-rounder to the Patriots, who have too many picks anyway)
Team Needs: QB, OL, LB
In typical Raiders fashion, the Silver and Black picked the wrong time to turn it around and win the AFC West. If they had just stumbled along with another 3-13 season, they would have been able to secure Stanford's Andrew Luck.
Even with a slightly worse year, they probably would have been able to get Ryan Mallett from Arkansas.
Nevertheless, the Raiders will be in search of a quarterback after a one-and-done playoff appearance, largely because Jason Campbell isn't the Jim Plunkett story Al Davis wants us to believe.
They might be reaching here with Locker, but it's a move they have to make. They are very solid at all the other skill spots and Tom Cable has done an outstanding job with that defense. It's time to crawl back from the JaMarcus Russell fiasco and get back on the horse.
Locker may not finish with great stats in 2010, but the lack of skill players for the Huskies is a main reason. He's big and has enough potential to be a late first-rounder.
No. 23: Philadelphia Eagles, Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
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Team Needs: OL, LB, DB
If the Eagles want to continue to use their trademark blitz packages, then they need to be more solid in the secondary. Otherwise they are going to keep giving up big plays in the passing game.
Having an excellent corner like Asante Samuel is a major help there, but they need to be better down the middle of the field.
Adding a ball-hawking safety like Moore (he led the nation in interceptions in 2009) will make the Eagles a Super Bowl favorite in 2011.
No. 22: Indianapolis Colts, DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
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Team Needs: RB, C, FS
The Colts already have two first-round draft choices at running back—Donald Brown and Joseph Addai—so they might as well make it three.
Murray is a different runner than Adrian Peterson, but he might have just as much of an impact on the 2011 Colts as Peterson had on the 2007 Vikings.
Murray will be able to contribute in both the running and passing game and that will be a big plus for Peyton Manning.
No. 21: St. Louis Rams, OT, Nate Soldier, Colorado
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Team Needs: OL, DT, S, WR
The young Rams have a lot of holes to patch up in the 2011 offseason, but they made a big splash by winning the NFC West...albeit with an 8-8 record.
Still, that is something to build on and by adding an enormous left tackle to protect Sam Bradford, St. Louis should have two cornerstones for the remainder of the 2010s.
Solder is extremely tall (6'8") but has plenty of mobility and good footwork for his size. He'll need both of those to defend those edge speed rushers on the carpet at the Dome.
No. 20: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
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Team Needs: OG, OLB, DB
This might be the end of the line for 14-year veteran Ronde Barber and to keep Aqib Talib developing into one of the league's elite corners, the Bucs will need to bring in an excellent replacement.
At 6'2", Dowling is enormous for a cornerback and will be able to jam big receivers like Roddy White and Sidney Rice at the line of scrimmage.
He is also one of the best pure athletes in the entire draft.
No. 19: Kansas City Chiefs, Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
14 of 32
Team Needs: QB, WR, OLB
The Chiefs invested so much money in Matt Cassel that it's difficult to put two relatively high-priced quarterbacks on the same team. But the Chiefs need to have a better backup plan at quarterback, and a better long-term plan.
Cassel has done well in spurts, but his inability to get the ball downfield is what keeps the Chiefs from returning to the postseason.
Mallett's stock dropped some when he played so poorly against Alabama and missed most of the game against Auburn, so he should fall to the middle of the first round.
Just because he is a rookie in 2011 doesn't mean he can't contribute. He won't get a chance to start right away like a Matt Ryan or Mark Sanchez, but he might get the opportunity later in the year.
No. 18: Chicago Bears, Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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Team Needs: WR, OL, OL, OL, OL, OL
Nothing will anger Bears fans more than knowing just how bad the offensive line is and watching the team draft a different position in the first round.
Still, Jones is a great addition here. For one, the Bears can address their problems up front via free agency, and in the later rounds. That way, they don't have to pay mid-first round money to a player who isn't ready to start.
And Jones gives Jay Cutler a tremendous weapon to supplement the short passing game led by Matt Forte and Greg Olsen.
Jones' numbers suffered because he played alongside such a great backfield, but his talent is undeniable.
No. 17: Tennessee Titans, Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
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Team Needs: WR, DE, LB
Rudolph won't play again in 2010 because of season-ending surgery on his hamstring. At any other skill position that would cost him rounds, not spots, in the draft. Because he is a tight end, the nature of the injury and the long time to recover won't discourage the Titans.
Kenny Britt is a very good deep threat and if the Titans decide to keep Randy Moss, they'll have two nice down-the-field options. But a quarterback like Vince Young really needs to have a big target over the middle to dump the ball off when he is scrambling around.
Rudolph is 6'6" and very mobile. He would be a great addition to a passing game that is on the verge of blossoming.
No. 16: Washington Redskins, Jurell Casey, DT, USC
17 of 32
Team Needs: QB, DT, SS
The fans might want the team to address the quarterback position, but the safer move is to shore up the defensive line and make it easier for the team to cut Albert Haynesworth loose.
Casey is a nice fit to replace Haynesworth, which the Redskins must do if they hope to compete in the NFC East.
Quietly, the Redskins are putting together a very good young defense and the addition of a Pete Carroll player like Casey will make a huge splash.
No. 15: Houston Texans, Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pitt
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Team Needs: SS, CB, OG
Another big surprise will be that the first receiver taken is Baldwin.
He has been slightly forgotten about nationally because the Panthers are not having a very good season, but at the NFL Combine he will blow away a handful of teams, reminding them of another tall Pitt receiver: Larry Fitzgerald.
The Texans have more pressing needs than who they pair with Andre Johnson, but they can address their defensive back issues via free agency and the second round.
Adding Baldwin instantly makes the Texans the most talented (not necessarily the best) offense in the AFC.
No. 14: Seattle Seahawks, Deunta Williams, FS, UNC
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Team Needs: QB, OL, DB
The Seahwawks have one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL, yet their pass rush isn't bad: They have 21 sacks after eight games. That means the secondary is really lagging behind.
They won't be able to cure everything with this pick, but Williams is an all-field player and should help the team collect at least seven or eight turnovers a year. In a division that has very little quarterback talent, a player like Williams can be the difference maker.
No. 13: Jacksonville Jaguars, Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
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Team Needs: WR, OL, DB, LB
Jacksonville's offense is starting to come together with David Garrard at the helm, Maurice Jones-Drew and a few pretty capable pass catchers.
The defense needs the most work. Peyton Manning isn't going anywhere and the Texans could boast one of the league's better passing games, depending on how they draft in 2011. Same goes for the Titans.
To stay relevant in the South, the Jags need to get better in the secondary. Williams is one of the best corners available in the draft and could be a major contributor as a punt returner.
No. 12: Miami Dolphins, Akeem Ayers, OLB/DE, UCLA
21 of 32
Team Needs: SS, LB, RB
Ayers might be too light to play on the line in the NFL, but the Dolphins will consider it because they already have two good young outside linebackers in Cameron Wake and Koa Misi.
Still, whatever combination of those three players Tony Sporano can figure out will give Miami one of the fastest front sevens in all of football.
Against teams like the Jets and Patriots, they'll need to be able to rush from all angles, and with that trio they certainly can.
No. 11: San Diego Chargers, D’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
22 of 32
Team Needs: WR, OT, DE
The Chargers defense has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2010 season, ranking fourth against the pass and fifth against the run. They are doing a great job pressuring the quarterback, but most of their sacks have come from the four linebackers in their 3-4.
If they add a guy like Bowers, they will be unstoppable in the AFC West, at least on defense.
They'll be looking to replace Shawne Merriman's star power on the front seven and Bowers can do that.
No. 10: Minnesota Vikings, Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
23 of 32
Team Needs: QB, OG, DB
Not entirely sold on Ryan Mallett or Jake Locker, the Vikings are going to pass on replacing Brett Favre. Ziggy Wilf will give Brad Childress one more season and there is no way he will spend a first round pick on a player who isn't ready to start on day one.
Amukamara is ready on day one. He is not only a tremendous cover corner, but he is not afraid to tackle or rush the passer, which he proved the past two seasons in Bo Pelini's defense.
He's a great fit to replace the soon-to-be 34-year-old Antoine Winfield, and with Asher Allen on the other side, the Vikings corners are among the best young duos in the league.
No. 9: Arizona Cardinals, Cameron Hayward, DE, Ohio State
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Team Needs: QB, OLB, OL
The Cardinals have not been able to get much pressure on the quarterback this season. They have 18 sacks, but their most prolific pass rusher has been Joey Porter, who doesn't have many years left in the NFL.
Heyward is an excellent choice to improve the defensive line and can contribute more than just speed rushing. In the Buckeyes' bowl games and prime-time appearances during the regular season, he's shown the ability to make critical plays in critical situations.
No. 8: Cleveland Browns, Robert Quinn, DE, UNC
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Team Needs: WR, DE, S
Reminiscent of the 2006 NFL draft, which saw three players from a fairly unheralded team (NC State) get taken in the first round, another North Carolina school—UNC—will have three defenders taken in the first round.
But before Deunta Williams and Marvin Austin are selected, defensive end Robert Quinn will be taken.
He is exceptionally quick and can provide a tremendous upgrade to the Browns' defensive end position, which has not been able to get consistent pressure on the opposing passer.
No. 7: Detroit Lions, Marcus Cannon, G, TCU
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Team Needs: OL, CB, LB
If the Lions plan on having Matthew Stafford for more than just a few games in the 2011 season, they have to correct the problems with the offensive line. But because most of the problems have been with interior pass rush, not the edges, a guard makes more sense than a tackle.
Plus, they already have first-round picks at the tackle spot in Jeff Backus and Gosder Cherilus.
Cannon is a perfect dual threat. He is very good in pass protection, and his presence helped make TCU's running game one of the best in the region. He can help Jahvid Best build on the strong start he showed at the beginning of 2010.
No. 6: Cincinnati Bengals, Marcel Dareus, DT, Alabama
27 of 32
Team Needs: SS, OL, QB
Playing in the AFC North, where the Steelers and Ravens have great running games (and the Browns' Peyton Hillis is becoming pretty darn good), the Bengals defensive line really needs help.
Dareus is the type of player who can occupy two blockers and free up those around him to make plays.
He's athletic and can rush the passer. He'll need to wow the scouts at the NFL Combine, though, in order to override any concerns that he is another out-of-shape Terrence Cody.
No. 5: San Francisco 49ers, Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
28 of 32
Team Needs: QB, DE, OL
The 49ers have a very good corps of linebackers, headed by Patrick Willis, but they could use more size and speed on the defensive line.
As he showed many times at Iowa, Clayborn is a playmaker and has a variety of pass rushing moves. He's also very stout in the running game.
He is the best defensive lineman in the draft, and if Mike Singletary manages to keep his job this offseason, he's the Richard Dent that the former Bear has been searching for.
No. 4: Carolina Panthers, Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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Team Needs: WR, OL, DL
Peterson is the best pure athlete in the draft. Although the Panthers probably could use a wide receiver more, there are good prospects available in the second round.
The Panthers pass defense is already pretty solid, considering how much trouble the rest of the team has had. But against teams like Atlanta and New Orleans, you can never have too many good players in the secondary.
Even if John Fox doesn't return for 2011, Peterson is a great fit here. He can play in any scheme on any roster.
No. 3: Denver Broncos, Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
30 of 32
Team Needs: OL, DL, LB
There's always a player who is considered mid-round. Then that all changes beginning with the Senior Bowl and into the pre-draft workouts. Miller is the type of sleeper who will soar up general managers' draft boards.
The Broncos have all kinds of problems on defense: Just look what the Raiders did to them a few weeks ago at home.
But if they really want to improve on their pass rush (they have just nine sacks this season, and 3.5 come from their inside backer D.J. Williams), then Miller is the right fit.
He is so quick and intuitive that he can sneak underneath, around or even through blockers and get to the quarterback. His skills in zone coverage also make him a surprise, but worthy, top three pick.
No. 2: Dallas Cowboys, Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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Team Needs: QB, DE, OL
The Cowboys' problems will not be solved just by bringing in a new coach. Many of Tony Romo's interceptions were the result of pressure and him releasing the ball too early.
Considering how talented their backfield is, the reason the Cowboys aren't running the ball must be because they don't have much faith in their offensive line.
Carimi is 6'7" and very mobile, and as a left tackle in the Big Ten, he has proven that he can block the best defensive ends in the nation (i.e. Adrian Clayborn). He is just as good with drive blocking and can convince whomever is calling the plays that running the ball again is an option.
No. 1: Buffalo Bills, Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
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Team Needs: OL, LB, DB
Twenty-eight years after the Bills missed out on drafting John Elway, the other great Stanford quarterback (they did alright though, getting Jim Kelly), they'll have no road blocks in front of them this time.
Ryan Fitzpatrick has been a pleasant surprise this season and has proven that Chan Gailey's offense can work and that the team has good skill players. But Luck is the best quarterback in the draft and it's hard to pass on a player who can be a legitimate "face of a franchise."
Luck's quarterback skills are by far the best in the draft, but he's very athletic as well, and will be able to avoid the pressure that results from the Bills' young, mediocre offensive line.
With Fitzpatrick (Harvard) there already, Buffalo's quarterback group will have the highest IQ of any in the NFL.
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