2011 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting NFL Round 1 Draft Order

The 2011 NFL Draft is right around the corner.

Guys like Andrew Luck, Jake Locker, Marcell Dareus, Mark Ingram and Patrick Peterson will be the headliners on that primetime Thursday in New York City.

Actually, we still have got to wait quite a while. But is it ever too early for an NFL mock draft?

Didn't think so.

Right now, we're weeks away from even knowing the exact selection order. But here's my first crack at the 2011 NFL Draft...

Pick No. 1: Cincinnati Bengals, Da'Quan Bowers (DE, Clemson)

The Bengals have a tougher road to the finish line than the Panthers.

They should be playing teams who will be fighting for playoff positioning in Weeks 16 and 17 (San Diego and Baltimore, respectively). 

This draft pick may be more of a no-brainer than you'd think. The Bengals' 12 sacks have them dead-last in the league. 

Rookie Carlos Dunlap has three of those sacks. Coupled with Bowers, Cincinnati could have their bookend pass-rushers for the next decade.  

Bowers has 16 sacks this year for the Tigers.

Pick No. 2: Carolina Panthers, Andrew Luck (QB, Stanford)

Carolina drafted Jimmy Clausen last year, and they might have more glaring needs.

But Luck is just too polished of a quarterback prospect to pass up. Luck should be a Heisman finalist, and his arm strength, size, composure and football IQ make him a signal caller with Peyton Manning potential. 

Pick No. 3: Detroit Lions, Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU)

For the Lions, it hasn't mattered whether Matthew Stafford, Shaun Hill or Drew Stanton has been behind center... they've had no issue scoring points.

However, even with a solid defensive front that features the probable Defensive Rookie of the Year—Ndamukong Suh—the Lions have had problems stopping their opponents, especially through the air. Peterson is a rangy athlete who's size and speed ideally translates to the pro game.

He's an upgrade over Chris Houston, would be the best player available and matches the Lions' biggest need.

Pick No. 4: Denver Broncos, Marcell Dareus (DE/DT Alabama)

Not only do the Broncos have trouble getting to the quarterback (31st in NFL with 16 sacks), but they've been equally as weak against the run (30th in rushing yards allowed with 141.6 per game)

Dareus can be a disruptive force for Josh McDaniels and is an underrated pass rusher with an Energizer battery powering his motor.

Pick No. 5: Buffalo Bills, Nick Fairley (DE, DT Auburn)

It seems as though Chan Gailey is fine with Ryan Fitzpatrick as his quarterback, and this is probably too early for Jake Locker. 

Fairley is an exemplary fit in the 3-4 defense Buffalo's transitioning to and plays angry on each down like Kyle Williams. Fairley has 10 sacks this season for Gene Chizik.

Combine him with Williams and newcomer Alex Carrington, and the Bills have their three-man front of the future.

Pick No. 6: Arizona Cardinals, Ryan Mallett (QB, Arkansas)

Derek Anderson's embarrassing effort on Monday Night Football against the 49ers showed the world that the Cardinals are in dire need of quarterback.

Mallett's got the arm Ken Whisenhunt—or any coach for that matter—could easily fall in love with and has had a respectful senior season in the toughest collegiate conference.

Pick No. 7: Dallas Cowboys, Prince Amukamara (CB, Nebraska)

The Cowboys' season has been as big of a disappointment as the Jumbo-Tron that hangs in JerryWorld. 

Although Jason Garrett is an offensive mastermind, he understands the importance of a rock-solid defense. And Dallas' secondary has been somewhat of a disaster.

Mike Jenkins takes plays off, and Amukamara exemplifies the player who's physical nature is on display each and every down. He's been productive for the past three seasons and has 12 passes defended to go along with five interceptions this year for the Huskers.

Pick No. 8: Cleveland Browns, A.J. Green (WR, Georgia)

In some circles, Green is the third-best WR prospect of the past 15 years, behind only Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson.

He's really got it all. The Browns have seemingly found their quarterback in Colt McCoy, and for the former Texas Longhorn to grow from game-manager to game-changer, he must have weapons around him.

Green's definitely the guy.

Pick No. 9: Minnesota Vikings, Jake Locker (QB, Washington)

This may be a bit high for Locker, who's had a rather subpar senior campaign.

But whoever the new coach is in Minneapolis will be looking for his quarterback.

Locker is more raw of a prospect than we originally thought. But no one would be shocked if over time, he becomes an elite signal caller in the NFL because of his supreme talent.

Pick No. 10: San Francisco 49ers, Robert Quinn (DE, North Carolina)

On paper, the 49ers are set.

Unfortunately for Bay Area fans, they haven't been able to translate their apparent talent to many wins in 2010.

Quinn would likely have been a Top Five choice had he not been suspended this season. Quinn bolsters a defensive line that is anchored by Aubrayo Franklin.

Pick No. 11: Tennessee Titans, Adrian Clayborn (DT, Iowa)

The Titans could use help in a secondary that's overrated.

But without a defensive back prospect with value at this position, Tennessee looks to fill the void left by Albert Haynesworth, although they have an unheralded defensive line. Clayborn is another high-energy player who has had problems rushing the quarterback this year but oozes with athleticism.

Pick No. 12: New England Patriots, Mark Ingram (RB, Alabama)

The Patriots have welcomed BenJarvus Green-Ellis as their feature back recently, but he's not the long-term answer.

They've shied away from their running game. But Ingram—paired with Green-Ellis—would create a formidable duo that would keep defensive coordinators honest.

Pick No. 13: Washington Redskins, Julio Jones (WR, Alabama)

There's no doubt Mike Shanahan is desperately looking for receiving threats that will benefit Donovan McNabb.

Julio Jones is the guy.

The rest of the Redskins' receiving corp pales in comparison to the potential of Jones, who could become that possession guy the Redskins must have to challenge in the NFC.

Pick No. 14: Houston Texans, Brandon Harris (CB, Miami)

It's between Harrish and Janoris Jenkins of Florida as the best cornerback behind Patrick Peterson and Prince Amaukamara.

But Harris is having an outstanding year in South Beach, and the Texans' secondary is the worst in the NFL without question. They really miss Dunta Robinson and need a big-name corner who can match up against the No. 1 receivers in the AFC South.

Pick No. 15: Seattle Seahawks, Ryan Kerrigan (DE, Purdue)

Seattle is another team with some pass-rushing needs, and Kerrigan is a good pick at 15 with great value.

He's been the most consistent pass rusher in the Big Ten over the past three years. He recorded 32 sacks, which includes 25 in 2009 and 2010 alone.

Kerrigan is a hard-nosed player who's got one of the quickest steps of any defensive lineman in his class.

Pick No. 16: Miami Dolphins, Janoris Jenkins (CB, Florida)

Vontae Davis has emerged as an above-average press-corner, but Sean Smith has underwhelmed early in his career. 

The Dolphins need another defensive back. Jenkins, who's from Florida, could easily transition to playing for the Dolphins.

Pick No. 17: Jacksonville Jaguars, Von Miller (OLB, DE Texas A&M)

With Aaron Kampman again injured, the Jags need another player to rush the passer.

Miller has terrorized the Big 12 with 27 sacks in his last two years and is as ferocious as they come.

Pick No. 18: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Travis Lewis (OLB, Oklahoma)

The Bucs are soild up front offensively, have a rare core of young skill position players and have youth on defense as well.

The only area I see them needing a boost is outside linebacker, and Lewis is the best player available here at 18th overall.

Pick No. 19: St. Louis Rams, Jonathan Baldwin (WR, Pittsburgh) *NFC West Winners

The Rams have been one of the pleasant surprises in the NFL this season, with quarterback Sam Bradford making a seamless transition from the Big 12 to the NFC West (which is better?).

Chris Long is the pass-rush specialist of the future, so the Rams really need more playmakers. Danny Amendola has 64 receptions on the year, but they are without a deep threat or a possession guy.

So Baldwin has to be the pick at 19.  

Pick No. 20: Kansas City Chiefs, Brandon Burton (CB, Utah)

The Chiefs have muscled up against the run in their second year within the 3-4 defense but are only 25th defending the pass.

Burton can run with the best of them and gives Romeo Crennel more options with his blitz packages. 

Pick No. 21: San Diego Chargers, Akeem Ayers (DE/OLB UCLA) *AFC West Winners

The Chargers have a great pass rush and have a respectable run defense, but A.J. Smith loves stockpiling talented defenders who can get to the quarterback.

Ayers is the fit here and can learn lots from Shaun Phillips and Stephen Cooper.

Pick No. 22: New York Giants, Greg Jones (OLB, Michigan State)

The Giants have a good linebacking corp, but it's aging.

Keith Bullock is no spring chicken and Michael Boley has battled injuries. Jones is a tenacious linebacker who tackles well, is a playmaker and occasionally can get to the quarterback.

A Tom Coughlin-type player.  

Pick No. 23: Indianapolis Colts, Michael Floyd (WR, Notre Dame) *AFC South Winners

Peyton Manning can get it done with any group of wideouts, but in his past two games, we've seen what a lack of talent in the receiving corp can do to him. Floyd is the heir apparent to Reggie Wayne and is a big target.

Pick No. 24: Chicago Bears, Anthony Castonzo (OT, Boston College) 

Yea, the Bears are 8-3.

But their most glaring need is offensive line, without a doubt. Jay Cutler has limited his mistakes of late, but with Mike Martz's long-developing routes and frequent seven-step drops, a franchise left tackle is a must.

Cutler's been sacked more than any quarterback, and Castonzo is yet another stellar offensive line prospect from Chestnut Hill.

Pick No. 25: Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Pouncey (C/G, Florida) 

They don't need much on either side of the ball.

But if there's one facet of the Steelers that needs improvement, it's the offensive line. Maurkice, Mike's brother, is entrenched as the starting center, and the siblings would gel instantly.

Pick No. 26: New Orleans Saints, Justin Houston (DE/OLB Georgia) 

We've seen a slight production drop-off this season, but New Orleans is still loaded on offense.

They only have 20 sacks to date, however, and need to add more talent and size to their front seven. Houston's racked up 17 sacks in his last two years as a Bulldog and is the perfect hybrid for Gregg Williams' attacking defensive scheme.

Pick No. 27: Baltimore Ravens, Omar Bolden (CB, Arizona State) *AFC North Winners

The Ravens are set just about everywhere besides in the defensive backfield.

Lardarius Webb is so-so on the edge, and Dominique Foxworth is coming off a torn ACL, so adding another corner is a must. Bolden is a playmaker and, at first, could be a nickel corner, with John Harbaugh eventually moving him to a starting spot.

Pick No. 28: Green Bay Packers, DeAndre McDaniel (SS, Clemson) *NFC North Winners

The Packers' secondary is aging and McDaniel is the run-plugging safety who can also make plays downfield that Dom Capers will love to work into his system.

There's really nowhere else for Green Bay to go at this position.

Pick No. 29: New York Jets, Cameron Jordan (DE/DT California)

Vernon Gholston has yet to pan out for Rex Ryan, and Cameron Jordan is the logical pick late in the first round for New York.

He weighs nearly 290 pounds and can get to the quarterback. With Kris Jenkins' future in doubt, the Jets need to stockpile as many defensive front mammoths as they can.

Pick No. 30: Philadelphia Eagles, Gabe Carmini, (OT, Wisconsin) *NFC East Winners

The Outland Trophy finalist is precisely what the Eagles need.

Carmini is a great value at No. 30 overall.

Jason Peters has been good, but not great, and Winston Justice has his problems on the right side. Maybe not a starter initially, but Carmini provides great depth and will be a favorite of Andy Reid for years to come.

Pick No. 31: New England Patriots, Steve Wisniewski (C/G Penn State) *AFC East Winners

No conference breeds offensive lineman better than the Big Ten, and the Patriots strengthen an already powerful and agile offensive line by selecting Wisniewski.

It's unlikely Logan Mankins will return after this season and Stephen Neal is 34. Two solid first-round picks for the Pats, once again.

Pick No. 32: Atlanta Falcons, Justin Blackmon (WR, Oklahoma State) *Super Bowl Champs

After watching former Oklahoma State Cowboy Dez Bryant explode onto the NFL scene this season, the Falcons would be hard-pressed not to take Justin Blackmon, another Cowboy who's been the most consistently productive wide receiver in college football this year.

He's had six games of 10 or more catches, has 18 touchdowns and averages 16.3 yards per catch. He'll take pressure off Pro Bowler Roddy White.

A perfect match.