2011 NFL Mock Draft: Why Da'Quan Bowers Has Top Teams Salivating
Da’Quan Bowers has been soaring up draft boards these past few weeks. The 280 pound lineman has recorded at least one sack in all but two games this season and totaled 16 sacks on the season.
Bowers is joined this year by a long line of terrific defensive linemen in this year’s draft including Auburn’s Nick Fairley and Alabama’s Marcell Dareus. Many may complain about Cam Newton’s absence from this mock draft, so allow me to apologize in advance, but the Heisman front-runner doesn’t have an NFL-ready arm and would be wise to stay in school for another season.
But who will be taken off the board first? Will more than one QB go in the first round this year? Are there any premier running backs? Read on to find out.
1. Carolina Panthers: Ryan Mallett QB Arkansas
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With the worst ranked scoring offense in the NFL the Panthers have to address their inability to move the ball. They may have drafted Jimmy Claussen in the second round last season, but he barely looks like an NFL player let alone a franchise quarterback.
The debate between Luck, Mallet and Locker will rage on until draft day, but if I was GM Marty Hurney I would select Mallet. He has all the physical tools including a rocket arm and has played against the best competition in the SEC. The Ben Roethlisberger comparisons aren’t off base.
2. Detroit Lions: Patrick Peterson CB LSU
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Over the past few seasons the Lions have locked up future stars at QB (Matthew Stafford), RB (Jahvid Best) and WR (Calvin Johnson). Their young talent on the offensive side of the ball should give Lions fans hope for the future.
Defensively it’s a different story. Detroit ranks 25th out of 32 teams in scoring defense despite a solid pass rush. If you watched the Patriots game on Thanksgiving you know the secondary needs help, and LSU’s Patrick Peterson is the unquestioned best cornerback in the draft.
Peterson is a highly intelligent cover man with elite speed and good size. He’s already covered premier receivers like Georgia’s A.J. Green and Alabama’s Julio Jones – the transition to the NFL should be a snap.
3. Cincinnati Bengals: Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson
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The Bengals rank last in the NFL in sacks, and have struggled to pressure the passer all season long. That makes the decision to draft DeQuan Bowers almost too easy.
The 6’4 280 pound end has been an absolute nightmare for opposing quarterbacks using his incredible initial punch and strong bull rush to tally 16 sacks (which is incidentally four more than the entire Bengals team).
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4. Buffalo Bills: Andrew Luck QB Stanford
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Sorry Bills fans, but Ryan Fitzpatrick is not your quarterback of the future. While his production has been a welcome surprise, this offense is in need of a franchise QB. The team has swung and missed lately with the likes of Trent Edwards and J.P. Losman, but with three elite QB’s, Buffalo should be able to nail this pick.
Andrew Luck will receive consideration for the top overall pick, meaning the Bills should be ecstatic to land the Stanford QB at number four. The 6’4 Junior is poised beyond his years and seems unflappable in the pocket. Luck has a strong arm, good mobility and throws exceptionally well when rolling out of the pocket.
With 3051 yards passing and 28 touchdowns versus only seven interceptions, Luck has led Stanford to a top ten ranking. Perhaps he can do the same for the Bills.
5. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus DT Alabama
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The Broncos pass rush has been almost non-existent this season (16 sacks through 11 games) and the addition of Dareus would be a major coup.
The 6’4 305 pound junior has a tremendous combination of speed, strength and power and versatility that allows him to play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense.
He was the MVP of last season’s BCS title game and has recorded four sacks this year despite constant double teams.
6. Arizona Cardinals: Jake Locker QB Washington
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Could this be the year of the quarterback? There are a few teams in dire need of a franchise quarterback, but none may be more desperate than the Cardinals. Derek Anderson doesn’t look like an NFL quarterback and the same can be said about undrafted rookie Max Hall.
Coming into the season Jake Locker was the consensus number one overall pick, but his stock has fallen. After totaling 2800 passing yards as a junior, Locker saw his completion percentage drop and his yardage fall off by just over 800 yards (although he did sit out against Oregon).
Locker is a plus athlete, but lacks the arm strength of either Stanford’s Andrew Luck or Arkansas’ Ryan Mallet.
7. Dallas Cowboys: Nick Fairley DT Auburn
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The Cowboys defense has struggled this season against both the run and the pass. They are third worst in points allowed and could use help almost anywhere on the defensive side of the ball.
With Marcus Spears approaching free agency, defensive line help seems the ‘Boys most pressing need and Nick Fairley is the most talented player on the board. The Juco transfer has recorded ten sacks this season and was phenomenal last week in the come from behind victory at Alabama.
The 6’5 300 pounder has been clocked as fast as 4.83 in the 40 yard dash and would make an excellent addition to a 3-4 defense.
8. San Francisco 49ers: Prince Amukamara CB Nebraska
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Nate Clements is no longer the elite corner he was when the Niners acquired him while Shawntae Spencer has been quite inconsistent. That makes Prince Amukamara the perfect choice. He may not have the easiest name to pronounce, but analysts better start getting their practice in.
Prince has great hip flexibility as a converted running back and has displayed outstanding balance and quickness. Prince is an excellent bump and run corner with ball skills to boot.
He will help shore up the 49ers questionable secondary, but don’t be surprised to see the Niners draft a QB if any of the big three fall into their laps.
9. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green WR Georgia
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Colt is the real McCoy and now the Browns need to find him some talented targets. While there are a handful of great receivers in this draft, Green stands above the rest.
In three seasons, Green has hauled in 158 balls for 2,542 yards and 23 touchdowns despite sitting out the first four games of the season due to an NCAA violation. At 6’4, Green has a phenomenal ability to utilize his size and come down with a majority of jump balls.
He has elite speed, great hands and reminds some of a young Randy Moss. Green could stand to add some muscle, but his big play ability is unparalleled.
10. Minnesota Vikings: Janoris Jenkins CB Florida
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While Minnesota would be happy to replace Favre with a franchise quarterback, they may not get the opportunity to draft one without trading up. Instead, Minnesota could address their aging secondary by drafting Janoris Jenkins.
At 5’11 190 Jenkins lacks ideal size, but with blazing top end speed he more than makes up for it. Jenkins has terrific hands, but at times can be victimized due to his over aggressive nature.
Jenkins has great ball skills and some team will be enamored with his ability to create turnovers.
11. Houston Texans: Brandon Harris CB Miami
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The Texans secondary has been atrocious all season and the addition an athletic cornerback like Harris would be a step in the right direction.
12. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones WR Alabama
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Sam Bradford has been a revelation this season for the Rams and has the former cellar dwellers in the middle of a playoff push. The most impressive part? Bradford has been winning without top receivers Donnie Avery or Mark Clayton.
Bradford needs a number one receiver and there’s no better option than Jones. JJ can suffer from the dropsy’s from time to time, but he is an undeniable talent nonetheless.
13. Tennessee Titans: Adrian Clayborn, DE/DT Iowa
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Clayborn has been an absolute force for on of the premier defenses in college football and would make an excellent addition to the Titans. Tennessee has received questionable play from their interior line ever since Albert Haynesworth left, and Clayborn could be the perfect player to fill the void.
The Hawkeye standout has a great motor, a bountiful knowledge of the game and a nice array of moves. He’s a bit of a tweener and could play on either the interior or exterior depending on team need.
14. Washington Redskins: Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame
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Other than an aging Santana Moss, the Redskins receiving options are very weak. Management would be wise to add a young target for Donovan McNabb and Floyd is the perfect option.
At 6’3 220, Floyd has the perfect NFL frame. While he lacks elite speed, Floyd has a great vertical and great ball skills that make him one of the best jump ball receivers out there.
His hands look like they are coated in stickum and Floyd projects to be an All-Pro type receiver on the next level.
15. Miami Dolphins: Ras-I Dowling CB Virginia
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Disregard the name, the kid can play. And with the Dolphins in need of help at multiple positions (QB, G, S, CB), the Fins can afford to take the best player available.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Anthony Castonzo OT Boston College
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The Hawks offensive line needs a complete overhaul, and there is no better way to start than at left tackle. Castonzo was a four year starter at Boston College and helped lead a highly ranked Eagles rushing attack.
At 6’7 305 Castonzo has NFL size, but might end up switching back to RT in the NFL after playing LT the past few years.
17. Indianapolis Colts: Robert Quinn DE North Carolina
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Many people will read this and consider it way too low for Quinn. Many have projected the 6‘5 270 pounded to come off the board inside the top ten, but his suspension is enough cause for teams to pause when drafting him.
For the Colts, Freeney and Mathis are aging and no longer quite the superstars they once were. Quinn would provide a breather for these players in the early going, and eventually take over for them when they are over the hill.
Quinn nearly won the ACC defensive player of the year as a sophomore after tallying 11 sacks. He has ridiculous speed for the position and could be an elite pass rusher given the proper discipline.
18. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rahim Moore S UCLA
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The Jags need secondary help like Robin Williams needs to switch to decaf (or at least go easy on the blow). Moore is considered the nation’s best safety and with good reason.
Moore has great speed and strength as well as the ability to cover like a corner. Moore picked off ten passes a season ago and may be one of the most dynamic play makers in college football.
19. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Heyward DE Ohio State
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The Chargers are in the enviable position of being able to draft the best player available. With young talent all over the offense and one of the best secondary’s in football (second ranked pass defense) the Chargers can splurge on a pass rusher to replace Shawne Merriman.
Heyward is versatile enough to play in a 3-4 or a 4-3 and is able to easily overpower blockers on the collegelevel. Heyward has a wonderful initial burst, and the fact that his father played in the NFL only boots Heyward’s stock.
20. New England Patriots (from Oakland): Mark Ingram RB Alabama
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Coming into the season the Patriots probably assumed this pick would be higher, but no New England fan can be unhappy with the state of affairs.
The Pats hold the league’s best record and two first round picks due to last season’s trade of Richard Seymour. Prior to the emergence of Danny Woodhead and Benjarvis Green Ellis, I would have been positive that a running back would be drafted here. Now I’m less certain, but the Pats can’t pass on last year’s Heisman winner.
Ingram is an absolute beast and a load to bring down. He’s been timed with a 4.42 40 yard dash and is a solid receiver out of the backfield (a must for any Patriots back). His knee injury is somewhat disconcerting, but a player this talented is worth the risk.
21. New York Giants: Akeem Ayers LB UCLA
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It takes 21 picks, but finally the first linebacker comes off the board.
The Giants have been tremendous against the pass based on their incredible rush, but there rush defense still leaves something to be desired. Ayers is big, smart and fast.
At 6’4 255 Ayers can play on the inside or outside and defends the pass as well as the run. Over the last two seasons Ayers had six interceptions including two that were returned for touchdowns.
Ayers is a dynamic athlete and would make for a welcome addition to any defense.
22. Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathan Baldwin WR Pittsburgh
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Dwyane Bowe has been phenomenal for the upstart Chiefs this season and Matt Cassel has been stupendous with a 22:4 touchdown to interception ratio, but the Chiefs quarterback needs another offensive weapon.
Baldwin is my fourth ranked receiver in this year’s draft although many expert’s rank him ahead of Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd. At 6’5 230, Baldwin is built like a tight end but runs like a receiver (he supposedly ran a sub 4.4 40).
Even without a tremendous quarterback throwing him the rock Baldwin managed a combined 1864 yards and 13 touchdowns he past two seasons.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Terrence Toliver WR LSU
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With very few receiving options, Josh Freeman has managed to post a more than respectable sophomore campaign for this years surprise team. The Tampa defense has been amongst the league’s best but the offense still needs work.
At 6’5 220 LSU’s Terrence Toliver would make an ideal target. Toliver has great speed although he lacks a tremendous burst off the line. A notch below the other four receivers, Tampa would prefer one of the other’s slip to them.
Still, Toliver is a dangerous big play threat and would add to an offense that is in dire need of a big play receiver.
24. Green Bay Packers: Demarco Murray RB Oklahoma
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The Packers defense has been amongst the league’s best and Aaron Rodgers has established himself as one of the league’s premier signal callers. So what does Green Bay need to push this team to the next level? How about a real running back.
Brandon Jackson was atrocious for the Pack this season and you can’t count on Ryan Grant returning from his injury at 100%.
Murray is a big strong back with phenomenal explosiveness. Murray is a dynamic back who can catch the ball out of the backfield and alleviate some of the pressure from Rodgers.
This season Murray ran for over 1,000 yards and 14 TD against tough Big 12 competition and should be ready to move from Saturday to Sunday.
25. Philadelphia Eagles: Derek Sherrod OT Mississippi St.
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Eagles first off-season priority? Re-sign Michael Vick. Second priority? Protect Michael Vick.
The Eagles offensive line could use some help and Derek Sherrod is the best lineman available. Having started since his freshman year, Sherrod is ready to jump in and start from week 1.
Sherrod’s combination of size and agility helped lead a Mississippi State offense that ranked ninth nationally in rushing. Given Vick’s propensity to move around the pocket, an agile tackle like Sherrod seems the sound choice.
26. New Orleans Saints: Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue
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In a draft loaded with pass rushers, the New Orleans Saints are in luck. While it’s more than likely one of the aforementioned linemen will still be available, there are still a plethora of talented ends and tackles.
Perhaps the best of the bunch is Purdue’s Ryan Kerrigan. The 6’4 265 pounder can play OLB in a 3-4 or end in a 4-3, although he’s pretty poor in coverage.
Kerrigan’s not an elite athlete, but he plays hard every down and by all accounts is very coachable. He’ll never be a superstar, but Kerrigan should be able to step in and contribute immediately.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Williams CB Texas
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For the Steelers there are no areas of great need, but if there is one position the team could address it’s cornerback.
Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden are solid but not nearly as talented as the rest of the defense. Aaron Williams is a phenomenal big play corner with high-level athleticism. Williams played a lot of nickel coverage early in his career which is good because he will likely begin his NFL career in the nickel package.
On his career, the 6’1 junior has recorded four interceptions and forced five fumbles. Williams is a heavy hitter who’s biggest downfall could be his overaggressive nature.
28. Chicago Bears: Nate Solder OT Colorado
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Many of us remember the Bears slaughter at the hands of the Giants. That game, Jay Cutler spent more time on his back than Paris Hilton.
Chicago is in dire need of offensive line help and the best available lineman is Colorado’s Nate Solder. A former tight end, the 6’9 315 pound Solder reportedly ran a 4.8 40 – unheard of for a lineman.
He has premier size and athleticism and could turn into an elite tackle.
29. Baltimore Ravens: Bruce Carter OLB North Carolina
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The Ravens are another well-stocked team with very few holes to fill. The team could either address their minor needs or just pick the best player available. If I’m the Ravens GM, I’m selecting the BPA – Bruce Carter.
Although the Ravens have a host of talented linebackers, defensive coordinator Greg Mattison would salivate if Carter fell into his hands. The 6’3 230 pound outside linebacker is an athletic freak that should be drafted much higher.
Carter is ball-hawk with great instincts and unbelievable speed. He avoided suspension this season despite the troubles of his teammates which leads me to think he has a good head on his shoulders.
30. New York Jets: Marvin Austin DT North Carolina
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After losing Kris Jenkins early in the season, the Jets had a gaping hole in the middle of their defense. While they’ve shored up that problem for this season, Marvin Austin would be an ideal long term solution.
Austin was suspended and kicked off the team this season after receiving improper benefits, but his talent is undeniable. T
he human stop-gap posted four sacks and six TFL his junior season and consistently clogged running lanes. He would be the ideal fit for an already stout defense.
31. New England Patriots: Greg Romeus DE Pittsburgh
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After picking an offensive player with their first pick, the Patriots will likely be thinking defense with their second. Although I’m sure this pick will be dealt five times before New England picks a player, Greg Romeus is the pick.
At 6’6 270, Romeus has the frame to add weight and play defensive end in the Pats 3-4 defense. Romeus is loaded with potential based on his fantastic speed, size and wingspan.
The Pitt Panther has seen his stock drop after sitting much of his senior season, but his 19 sacks the previous three years speak to the youngsters potential.
32. Atlanta Falcons: DeAndre McDaniel S Clemson
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The Falcons pass defense has been their Achilles heal all season even after the off-season addition of Dunta Robinson. The solution? Clemson’s DeAndre McDaniel.
The former linebacker is a sound tackler who totaled 98 tackles as a junior. McDaniel’s is a magnificent athlete and has great hands for a former linebacker.
In fact, a season ago DAMD snagged eight interceptions including one that was returned for a touchdown. For a team looking to boost their secondary, McDaniel is the ideal fit.
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