2011 NFL Mock Draft: Are Ryan Mallett and Nick Fairley Top-5 Locks?
The NFL season is far from over, but in today's world of NFL parity, there is not a complete team out there and a few with holes all over the place. In other words, it is never too early to start talking NFL Draft.
While the upcoming bowl games and NFL combine will certainly alter the draft status of some of these players, they have enough games under their belt for everyone to good feel for what they are going to offer to NFL teams. Those teams have certainly played enough games to know which areas they will be seeking new chain to strengthen their weak links.
There are going to be quite a few teams looking to upgrade at the Quarterback position and not coincidentally, the majority of these teams are going to be drafting near the top of the draft. See if there will be enough need to push Ryan Mallett into the top-5 or will a high-prized defensive lineman like Nick Fairley, keep Mallett waiting for his name to be called.
32. New England Patriots: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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Why The Patriots Need A TE: The Patriots' offense is thriving, but they've lacked a deep threat since Randy Moss became a shell of his former self and was traded. They have great route running WRs and TEs with solid hands, but they lack that guy to take two players with him down the field.
Why Jones Makes Sense: At 6'4, 210 lbs, Julio Jones has the size to go over DBs. With a clocked 40-time of 4.42, he has the speed to run past them. The guy has all of the physical tools to be a dominant WR in the NFL. He has struggled with drops and he needs to work on his route running before he will be an elite level NFL receiver.
31. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
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Why The Falcons Need A TE: Tony Gonzalez has a lot of miles on his body. He has mentioned during the year that this could be his final season. Even if he does come back, the Falcons would like to have someone to lighten his load.
Why Rudolph Makes Sense: Rudolph is widely regarded as the best TE prospect in the draft. He is 6-6, 260 lbs and runs a 4.6 40. The guy has all the physical tools and he has been productive over the course of his college career.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
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Why The Steelers Need A Guard: The Steelers offensive line has been the weakness of that team for years. Ben Roethlisberger is excellent outside of the pocket, but the Steelers would prefer that he didn't have to display that quite as much or often. They have also struggled to find a consistent ground game due to the lack of power in the trenches.
Why Pouncey Makes Sense: Mike is the twin brother of Maurkice, who is currently the Steelers Center. Maurkice is enjoying a fantastic rookie season and has added great stability to their line. Mike brings similar skills and it is safe to assume he will have chemistry with the Steelers' Center.
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29. Phildelphia Eagles: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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Why The Eagles Need An Offensive Lineman: Michael Vick can scramble, which is a good thing, because he needs to frequently. While the Eagles are one of the better rushing teams in the league, they are one of the worst pass blocking.
Why Carimi Makes Sense: Carimi is a big mauling Tackle that could come in right away and boost an already good running game. While his pass blocking technique has been questioned, he has the work ethic to improve and his sheer power of his 6-8, 320 lbs frame helps him make up for his technique.
28. Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
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Why The Ravens Need A DB: The Ravens defense is not as strong as it once was. The main reason for this is they lack the corners on the outside that can shutdown a WR and allow the rest of the defense to get after the QB and stuff the running game.
Why Williams Makes Sense: Williams has the size at 6'1 to compete with the bigger receivers. He has been clocked at 4.44 in the 40. He has all the physical tools, but his inconsistency will keep him out of the first half of the first round.
27. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
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Why The Jets Need A DT: Rex Ryan loves his defense and he will look to bolster it in the draft. The Jets have been solid in stopping the run, but he will need to bolster an aging defensive line.
Why Taylor Makes Sense: At 6-4 and 350 lbs, Taylor has the body and strength to be the run stuffing NT that the Jets will be looking for. Of course, with that kind of size, teams will be concerned about his long term prospects, which will keep him from going higher.
26. Chicago Bears: Tyron Smith, OT, Southern California
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Why The Bears Need An OT: The Bears anemic pass coverage has limited Mike Martz in his offensive play calling. Jay Cutler needs more protection to be truly effective and Matt Forte needs holes to run through to help lead this team.
Why Smith Makes Sense: Smith was a First Team All Pac-10 selection. He is excelling in a pro-style offense. He has good fundamentals and solid footwork, but lacks the freak qualities that would see him go any higher than this.
25. New Orleans Saints: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
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Why The Saints Need A DT: The defensive line is thin for the New Orleans Saints. They will look to bolster it in all positions. There will undoubtedly be a higher quality DT available here than a pass rushing DE.
Why Nevis Makes Sense: At 6-1 and under 300 lbs, Nevis lacks the size to be a "0" technique DT. He is a disruptive force though and he will make his way into the backfield on run and pass plays. He will be a great rotation/energy guy for the Saints right away.
24. New York Giants: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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Why The Giants Need An OT: The Giants inconsistency on offense stems from their offensive line. David Diehl has appeared over matched as an LT at times.
Why Sherrod Makes Sense: Sherrod is an excellent athlete at the LT position. He is a little light at 6-6 and 300 lbs, but he makes up for it with technique and foot-work.
23. Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
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Why The Chiefs Need Baldwin: The Chiefs offense has been carried by their running game. While they have Dwayne Bowe on one side, they need a complimentary receiver to help them stretch the field, give QB, Matt Cassel another weapon and take their offense to the next level.
Why Baldwin Makes Sense: Baldwin has struggled a bit this year, but that is easily attributable to the struggles of the QB position at Pittsburgh. Baldwin is 6-5, he has good hands. His less than blazing 4.5 40 time will keep him on the board until the Chiefs pick.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Jurrell Casey, DT, Southern California
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Why The Colts Need A DT: The Colts run defense has struggled all season. The Colts are set and DE, but they could use some help on the interior D-line to help slow down the opposition's run game.
Why Casey Makes Sense: Casey hasn't been as productive this season as scouts had hoped, but he is facing constant double teams. Casey remains a physical beast at 6-1 and 300 lbs and he will not slip past the Colts.
21. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
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Why The Rams Need A WR: The Rams lack a true number one WR for their franchise QB, Sam Bradford. They need to grab a play-maker on the outside that can grow with their young QB.
Why Blackmon Makes Sense: Blackmon a redshirt Sophomore. He has emerged from Dez Bryant Shadow to become a legit upper first round possibility. He has displayed all the tools to be an elite level NFL receiver, but his 40 time may keep him around until the 21st pick.
20. Green Bay Packers: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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Why The Packers Need A DE: The Packers are likely to lose some D-lineman via free agency this off-season. They will have the chance to replace them in this year's draft.
Why Watt Makes Sense: Watt is the complete package. He can rush the passer and stop the run. No team has had a better view of his talent than the Packers. They will keep the local favorite local and bolster their D-line in the process.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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Why The Bucs Need A DE: Tampa spent their first two picks on DT in the 2010 draft. Now they are lacking on the outside of their D-line. They will look to add firepower there and take the pressure and attention away from their DTs.
Why Clayborn Makes Sense: Clayborn is finishing off a solid career at Iowa. He can rush the passer and stop the run. At 6-4 and 285 lbs. he has great size to hold the edge against the run and enough speed to be a decent pass rusher at the next level.
18. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA
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Why The Jaguars Need A FS: The Jaguars run defense has really improved as the season has gone on. The same cannot be said for their pass defense. They have had a revolving door at the safety position.
Why Moore Makes Sense: Moore has not had as good of Senior year as many expected. Still, he has good athletic skills and great ball skills. Moore had 10 INTs in his Junior year. He just needs to work on his consistency.
17. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
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Why The Chargers Need A DE: Two of the Chargers' DEs are going to be free agents. They'll be looking to add size to fit their 3-4 system.
Why Jordan Makes Sense: Jordan has the size and strength it will take to excel as a DE in the NFL. He is 6-4 and 285 lbs. and he should be able to step right into a starting lineup.
16. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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Why The Dolphins Need A RB: The Dolphins are built to run the football. Both of their RBs are going to be free agents and both are getting up there in years.
Why Ingram Makes Sense: Ingram has the kind of straight ahead running style the Dolphins love. If they pick-up Ingram, they will be able to lose either Williams or Brown and not miss a beat.
15. New England Patriots: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
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Why The Patriots Need A DE/OLB: The Patriots aren't getting to the QB as often as they like. They already have a young defense, but look for them to go after a pass rusher with their first pick.
Why Quinn Makes Sense: Quinn is an excellent athlete. He can rush the passer and is solid against the run. Quinn could really excel as an OLB in the Patriots 3-4 system.
14. Tennessee Titans: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
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Why The Titans Need An OLB: The Titans have failed to generate a consistent pass rush. While they are fairly happy with their D-line, they will be looking to upgrade the rush at the OLB position.
Why Ayers Makes Sense: Ayers has the size, speed and strength to be a force all over the field. He can play the run and the pass as a linebacker. At 255 lbs. he can also put his hand on the ground and rush the passer from a DE position.
13. Seattle Seahawks: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
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Why The Seahawks Need An OT: Despite taking an offensive tackle with their first pick last year, the Seahawks are still in need. RT Sean Locklear has been a disaster. The QBs have had no time and the RBs have had no room to run.
Why Castonzo Makes Sense: Castonzo is a four-year starter at BC. He has the footwork and strength to play both the LT and RT positions. He is a solid run blocker and a capable pass blocker.
12. Cleveland Browns: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A and M
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Why The Browns Need An OLB: The Browns have not been able to generate a consistent pass rush. With a 3-4 system, they are going to look to the OLB position to bolster their QB pressure.
Why Miller Makes Sense: Miller is the 2010 Big Ten sacks leader. He has been a consistent pass rusher his entire career. He has the size and the speed to carry this talent to the next level.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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Why The Vikings Need An OT: Had Brett Favre known the Minnesota Vikings' O-line was going to struggle this badly, I doubt he would've returned. The once stout line has deteriorated quickly and they will look to rebuild it from the outside in.
Why Solder Makes Sense: All-American, Nate Solder is pro ready prospect. He has great size and matches it with better footwork. He would be able to play RT or LT in the NFL.
10. Houston Texans: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
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Why The Texans Need A CB: The Texans have consistently been the league's worst pass defense all season. They spent their first round pick on a CB last year and they will have to do it again.
Why Harris Makes Sense: The Texans will be ecstatic if Harris lasts until they pick. He has all the tools to be a shut down corner in the NFL. He has great ball skills and speed. He should be able to play man-to-man or zone.
9. Washington Redskins: Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas
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Why The Redskins Need A QB: It is hard to imagine a scenario where Donovan McNabb will come back to the Redskins and it seems unlikely that any franchise is going to think that Rex Grossman is their future. Hence the Redskins need for a QB.
Why Mallett Makes Sense: Mallett has the size and arm strength to play in the NFL. He has also displayed solid accuracy. His leadership has been questioned throughout his career and will likely mean he is the last of the first round QBs to be drafted.
8. Dallas Cowboys: Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama
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Why The Cowboys Need A DE: The Cowboys have an aging and eroding D-line. They have not put consistent pressure on opposing QBs and they have not been able to stop the run. A fatal double whammy, they will look to rectify.
Why Dareus Makes Sense: Dareus has the look and potential to be a perfect fit in a 3-4 as an end. He will instantly upgrade the Cowboys' rush defense, while getting to the QB on occasion.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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Why The 49ers Need A QB: Time is up for Alex Smith. The 49ers gave him one last season to prove he could lead their team and he has failed to do so. If he is ever going to make it as a starter, it is unlikely that it will be with the 49ers.
Why Locker Makes Sense: Locker's draft status has taken a serious hit. He was once projected as the top pick and now has fallen to the bottom of the first round on some boards. Still, Locker is finishing the season strong and he receive another boost when he gets to show off his athleticism and attitude at the combine.
6. Buffalo Bills: Prince Amukarmara, DB, Nebraska
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Why The Bills Need A DB: The Bills are struggling to stop the run. Instead of going for the D-line help, they will not be able to pass on the shutdown corner potential of Amukarmara. This will allow the Bills to crowd the line and attack their run woes from the back forward.
Why Amukumara Makes Sense: Amukumara has the size, 6-1 and 200 lbs, speed and instincts to play on day one. He has shown the ball skills that could one day make him a pro bowler. He currently leads the nation in passes defensed.
5. Detroit Lions: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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Why The Lions Need A DB: The Lions have struggled on pass defense all year. They are getting killed by opposing WRs. They have the beef in trenches, but lack the talent in the back end.
Why Peterson Makes Sense: Peterson has all the tools. He is widely regarded as the best CB in the draft. He will also bring with him an electrifying return game. The Lions will be thrilled if they have an opportunity to draft him.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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Why The Cardinals Need A QB: The Cardinals and their fans have suffered through some of the worst quarterbacking in recent memory. Due to injuries and ineffectiveness, the position has been a revolving door.
Why Newton Makes Sense: Newton's stock seems to rise every day. You can expect it to continue. He is going to amaze at the combines and the Cardinals will find it all too enticing to pass up. The guy has freakish size, strength and speed and his passing skills seemed to get better every game.
3. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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Why The Bengals Need A WR: The Bengals are unlikely to sign on the T.Ocho show for another year in what figures to be a rebuilding year. They need to get younger across the board and will likely look for the best player available.
Why Green Makes Sense: Green has everything you look for in a WR. He has the size, 6-4 and 200 lbs, speed, 4.4, and hands. He should be a number one WR in for years to come and his talent and upside will be too much for the Bengals to pass on.
2. Denver Broncos: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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Why The Broncos Need A DT: The Broncos defense has been shredded on the ground all season. They will hope the return of Elvis Dumervil will help their pass defense, but they will need to bring in some players to help stop the run.
Why Fairley Makes Sense: Fairley's stock has been on a steady rise. He is the prototypical run stuffing DT that teams covet. What will push him up this high is that he can also get to the QB. The Broncos will find this combo too enticing to pass on.
1. Carolina Panthers: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
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Why The Panthers Need A QB: The Panthers don't necassarily need a QB. They just spent a high pick on Jimmy Claussen. He certainly hasn't excelled this year. The jury is still out on Claussen. If the Panthers feel he has the potential to be the future, look for them to trade this pick.
Why Luck Makes Sense: Andrew Luck is head and shoulders above all quarterbacks and other prospects in this draft. Scouts do not see a hole in his game. There is no way he goes beyond the first pick in the draft.
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