2011 NFL Mock Draft: Who's No. 1 If Andrew Luck Goes Back To School?
"If you don't have a franchise quarterback, get one."
A simple enough statement for a league dominated by elite quarterback play, but what if the franchise quarterback is not available?
While Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is the consensus No. 1 pick if he declares, there is still a good chance that his name will not be entered in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Auburn quarterback and Heisman Trophy Winner, Cam Newton, has steadily moved up boards with his scintillating play this season, yet No. 1 overall seems a bit of a reach.
Washington quarterback Jake Locker could have gone No.1 last year, but unfortunately for the senior Husky, this is not last year, and both he and Arkansas gunslinger Ryan Mallett are not No. 1 material right now.
So if it is not a quarterback, who steps up and takes that No. 1 spot?
Here is a breakdown of the first round from 32 on down:
32. New England Patriots, Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
1 of 32
Why Floyd Is Special: Flashed big play ability last season with a proven quarterback under center and can make a lot of tough catches. Has very good size for the position at 6’3, 220 and could develop into a solid starter in the NFL.
Why Floyd Goes Here: The available wide receivers all leave a little something to be desired and Floyd provides the least amount of that.
Why Floyd Fits: The Patriots can continue to win with whatever players they have catching the football, but Floyd can bring a big body on the outside that Brady can get comfortable with when looking for a tough catch downfield.
31. Atlanta Falcons, Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
2 of 32
Why Burton Is Special: Lesser-known cornerback prospect with good top end speed, hips, and tackling ability. Has good size for the position accompanied with good feet and could develop into a solid starting corner.
Why Burton Goes Here: The first round cornerback talent is a bit of a drop off from the top two but Burton is up there as a fringe first round prospect and this would be a good spot for him.
Why Burton Fits: The Falcons could always use more help back in their secondary when playing against teams that continue to develop their receiving corps within the division.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers, Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
3 of 32
Why Heyward Is Special: Heyward possesses good size, athleticism, and great versatility from a big program with a lot of production. Son of a former NFL running back, the family genes continue to produce good football players.
Why Heyward Goes Here: The Defensive ends are all but out of the first round and Heyward is the last one bringing in first talent. He could very well have gone higher.
Why Heyward Fits: Tough and versatile, he can play up front for the Steelers any day.
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29. Baltimore Ravens, Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
4 of 32
Why Bailey Is Special: Bailey is as athletic a prospect as there is in the draft and possesses fantastic size for the position at 6’4, 285 pounds.
Why Bailey Goes Here: The defensive ends are all about done and Bailey is one of the last few left that warrants first round consideration.
Why Bailey Fits: His raw athletic ability can blend in wherever needed in the Baltimore defensive line. The coaches will find a way to make the most out of him.
28. Philadelphia Eagles, Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
5 of 32
Why Williams Is Special: Another one of the top tier talents out of the secondary from Texas, Williams has great size and speed for the position and can help an NFL team immediately.
Why Williams Goes Here: Late round picks come from teams with a lot in place and can take a shot on players that may not be true first round material. Williams still is first round material and the Eagles will get good value a position of need.
Why Williams Fits: The Eagles secondary gets banged up a lot and Williams’ style and tackling ability will be a welcome addition.
27. New York Jets, Phillip Turner, DT, Baylor
6 of 32
Why Turner Is Special: Top nose tackle prospect in the country at 6’4, 330 pounds. This massive man can clog up lanes and allow linebackers behind him to flow freely after the football.
Why Turner Goes Here: Not many needs facing a Jets team that believes it is going to the Super Bowl. Could use a pass rusher but Turner provides the best value.
Why Turner Fits: Kris Jenkins cannot stay healthy in the Jets 3-4 and having another big time big guy is important to their future success in their defense.
26. Chicago Bears, Tyron Smith, OT, USC
7 of 32
Why Smith Is Special: 6’5, 285 pounds, Smith has great agility and seems to showcase the ability to be a left tackle prospect despite playing on the right side.
Why Smith Goes Here: The tackles are running out and the Bears are one of those teams in desperate need of getting one.
Why Smith Fits: The Bears offensive line almost got three quarterback’s killed this year. Any and all help is necessary.
25. New Orleans Saints, Cameron Jordan, DE, California
8 of 32
Why Jordan Is Special: Another versatile defensive lineman with good size and great athleticism, Jordan is provides teams with the ability to do a lot of things well.
Why Jordan Goes Here: The run on defensive ends continues and the big names start to get smaller and smaller, Jordan’s production and ability make him a good value here.
Why Jordan Fits: The Saints need another pass rusher to get after the quarterback opposite Will Smith.
24. New York Giants, DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas
9 of 32
Why Love Is Special: Versatility and athleticism are Love’s main strong points. 6’4, 315 pounds, the former Razorback spent time on both sides of the line and can do it all for an NFL team.
Why Love Goes Here: Just like the defensive ends, the bigger name offensive tackles continue to have a run in these late round picks.
Why Love Fits: The Giants ran into some serious depth issues on the offensive line early this season and cannot afford to have that happen again.
23. Kansas City Chiefs, Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
10 of 32
Why Clayborn Is Special: One of the higher graded prospects earlier in the year, Clayborn has the size, speed, and versatility to do a lot of things well at the next level. His toughness at any position makes him hard to pass up.
Why Clayborn Goes Here: A lot of the other defensive ends have gone and while a few big names are still available, Clayborn is the best of them.
Why Clayborn Fits: The Chiefs continue to build their team in the mold of the Patriots of old and Clayborn is a great fit in that scheme.
22. San Diego Chargers, Anthony Castonzo, OT, BC
11 of 32
Why Castonzo Is Special: Durable, hard working, and steadily improved prospect out of a school notorious for putting together offensive lineman.
Why Castonzo Goes Here: The tackles continue to come off the board and it will continue to run for a bit longer.
Why Castonzo Fits: The Chargers had issues on the offensive line early in the year without their top end tackle Marcus McNeill and if they want Philip Rivers to stay upright this guy can help.
21. Indianapolis Colts, Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
12 of 32
Why Solder is Special: Athletic and talented, Solder’s ability and upside for a man 6’8, 300 pounds is remarkable. Hard working, smart, and a potential left tackle make Solder a very likable prospect.
Why Solder Goes Here: The tackle rankings vary greatly across the board but Solder’s potential as a stalwart bookend drive his grade up.
Why Solder Fits: The Colts need some youth and depth up front and Solder can provide all of that and more.
20. Tampa Buccaneers, Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
13 of 32
Why Kerrigan Is Special: Technically sound player with decent size and a lot of heart. A tough player that gives everything he has.
Why Kerrigan Goes Here: Defensive ends continue to be a hot topic for debate and it comes down to which players the teams like more. The Bucs need some help on the outside after going inside last year.
Why Kerrigan Fits: Pass rush from the outside for the Bucs has been disappointing all season and you know exactly what you can get from Kerrigan.
19. Green Bay Packers, J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
14 of 32
Why Watt Is Special: Flew up draft boards this season as Wisconsin rolled over opponents. Big time athlete with fantastic size (6’6, 292 pounds) makes him a versatile commodity along the defensive line and his relentless style of play brings big value.
Why Watt Goes Here: The Packers are no stranger to making moves on defensive lineman they really like and Watt could certainly deserves to be in that discussion this year.
Why Watt Fits: Can never undervalue the amount of playmaking defensive lineman and Watt can certainly help the Pack up front.
18. Jacksonville Jaguars, Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
15 of 32
Why Harris Is Special: Speed, agility, and playmaking skills have elevated Harris as one of the few cornerbacks worth drafting in the first round.
Why Harris Goes Here: No other cornerbacks worth looking at this high dependent upon rankings and while they could add another talent along the defensive front, cornerback is more of a need.
Why Harris Fits: Position of desperate need with potential to contribute in his rookie season. The Jags may end up not making the playoffs because of their secondary.
17. Miami Dolphins, Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
16 of 32
Why Mallett Is Special: Huge arm and massive frame, Mallett is like a tower behind the offensive line. He can make all the throws with some added zip on them and can see the field extremely well
Why Mallett Goes Here: Interesting scenario as the Dolphins could very well have taken a shot at Ingram if he was still on the board. With no other running backs worth taking this high and a drop off in wide receiver talent, a new potential franchise quarterback could be the selection.
Why Mallett Fits: Chad Henne certainly isn’t making any believers in Miami this season and it seems there really is not anyone else to go under center. Working on Mallett and his arm could be the answer.
16. New England Patriots (via Oakland), Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
17 of 32
Why Ingram Is Special: Former Heisman Trophy winner has speed, toughness, and an overall knack for making tough plays in the run game and out of the backfield. His tenacity as runner is fun to watch.
Why Ingram Goes Here: Interesting situation when the best team in the league has a draft selection in the top 20. Ingram is the top running back on the board and if the Patriots gamble and wait to add a player at the end of the round they could be out of luck.
Why Ingram Fits: The Patriots have won Super Bowls (and lots of regular season games) with lower-tier running backs. This gives them a chance at a player with proven production who would seem to fit their mentality.
15. Tennessee Titans, Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
18 of 32
Why Ayers Is Special: All-around dynamo of a player; Ayers can get after the quarterback as well as he can tackle players in space. Speed, size, and versatility a plenty with the Bruin.
Why Ayers Goes Here: Similar to Von Miller who came off a bit early, Ayers is simply the next best outside linebacking prospect on the board.
Why Ayers Fits: Stephen Tulloch is set to be a free agent and the Titans investing mid round picks on a few outside backers but Ayers all-around game are perfect the this defense.
14. Seattle Seahawks, Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
19 of 32
Why Carimi Is Special: An experienced four-year starter with a massive 6’6, 325 pound frame knows how to deal with pass rushers. Long arms and brute strength let him push people around.
Why Carimi Goes Here: The Seahawks still need to sure up their line and while the tackle rankings continue to be debated, Carimi brings the most experience.
Why Carimi Fits: With overall athleticism in question, Carimi can easily move to the right side for the Seahawks who drafted Russell Okung last season to play left tackle.
13. St. Louis Rams, Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
20 of 32
Why Blackmon Is Special: The most productive receiver in all of college football can make plays all over the field. Played some top competition during the season and beat up them convincingly.
Why Blackmon Goes Here: With Jones and Green off the board the debate for the next receiver rages on. Blackmon can do it all in any offense and that certainly is the Rams.
Why Blackmon Fits: Have you watched the Rams wide receivers this year? No knock on them, but Blackmon comes in and instantly becomes Sam Bradford’s top target. A receiver is a must for the Rams.
12. Cleveland Browns, Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
21 of 32
Why Jones Is Special: Elite physical tools, size, speed, and sheer will to dominate the cornerback in front of him make Julio Jones a can’t miss prospect. He also steadily improved his route running each year at Alabama.
Why Jones Goes Here: The second receiver to come off the board, Jones was not showcased as much as A.J. Green was in his offense until this year. Two very different players but with incredible ability. The Browns are just the next team looking for a receiver.
Why Jones Fits: Despite adding two younger second rounders in previous years, Jones gives the Browns a legitimate No. 1 threat on the outside for whoever they decide is their quarterback.
11. Houston Texans, Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
22 of 32
Why Miller Is Special: His ability to get after the pass rusher from the linebacker position is uncanny. Speed, versatility, and sure tackling make him more of a complete player than he is credited for.
Why Miller Goes Here: While the Texans secondary was as bad as bad could be this season, they had just as much trouble getting after the quarterback up front. The Texans had no pass rush outside of Mario Williams and the young secondary took a beating.
Why Miller Fits: The Texans already have to studs at linebacker in DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing, Miller gives them an added blitz-happy linebacker who can also breakdown and make plays on ball carriers and would give the Texans one of the best young linebacking crops in the NFL.
10. Dallas Cowboys, Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
23 of 32
Why Sherrod Is Special: Rising up draft boards all season long, Sherrod has the athleticism and ability to be a legitimate tackle in the NFL. Good size at 6’5, 305 pounds and can still add muscle and strength to his frame.
Why Sherrod Goes Here: The Cowboys could go a lot of different ways here or could simply take the best available player. Sherrod however, would be the first offensive tackle taken in the draft and waiting until the tenth pick for the first tackle is a long wait.
Why Sherrod Fits: Maybe a bit of reach, but any tackle would be at this point and Sherrod would certainly bring some youth to the offensive line. They could look to trade down to draft their tackle since there are no safeties for them pick from in the first round either. If they stay, Sherrod’s the top tackle here.
9. Minnesota Vikings, Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
24 of 32
Why Bowers Is Special: At 6’4, 280 pounds, Bowers has the size, speed, overall athletic ability to be an immediate starter at the next level. A sure tackler with a good base against run, Bowers can also get after the quarterback in a hurry.
Why Bowers Goes Here: With Quinn off the board earlier Bowers projects as the top defensive end left on the board. He may very well go higher than this and right now the bottom of the top 10 would be as low as he goes.
Why Bowers Fits: The Vikings certainly were not the team they were a season ago. Current Viking Ray Edwards is set to become a free agent and Bowers could lineup opposite Jared Allen immediately and make an impact.
8. Washington Redskins, Jake Locker, QB, Washington
25 of 32
Why Locker Is Special: Incredible athlete with all the intangibles you look for in a franchise quarterback. Can make plays with his feet as well as his arm and can single-handedly win football games.
Why Locker Goes Here: As mentioned before, all the quarterback-needy teams cannot pass on players forever and the Redskins certainly qualify as quarterback-needy.
Why Locker Fits: Apparently Donovan McNabb does not fit, Rex Grossman will not fit; Locker gives the Shanahan’s the quarterback of their choosing and a player to mold for the franchise.
7. San Francisco 49ers, Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
26 of 32
Why Newton Is Special: Heisman Trophy winning quarterback of the undefeated No. 1 team in the land. Size, speed, athleticism, arm strength; Newton is as talented a prospect as there is.
Why Newton Goes Here: While the jury is still out on his ability to produce on the NFL level, it is hard to see all these quarterback-needy teams pass up on quarterbacks and Newton could be the first one gone.
Why Newton Fits: The 49ers cannot seem to figure who their quarterback is with the guys they already have and the nonsense of switching the starter every two weeks is sickening. Newton could be their guy now.
6. Detroit Lions, Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
27 of 32
Why Amukamara Is Special: Has all the tools you look for in a shutdown corner: size, hips, speed, and physicality. A veteran collegiate player with leadership and top prospect ability is hard to pass up.
Why Amukamara Goes Here: With Peterson off the board Amukamara is the only cornerback with drafting this high and fills a position of great need for the Lions.
Why Amukamara Fits: The Lions have developed a nice core of young players on the offensive side of the ball and now is the time to start getting after it on defense. Last season’s first round pick, Ndamukong Suh, can get after the quarterback and adding a player who capitalize on a pass rush and force turnovers is perfect.
5. Buffalo Bills, Marcel Dareus, DT, Alabama
28 of 32
Why Dareus Is Special: A big man with incredible lateral quickness and athleticsm; Dareus can disrupt just about any play in the backfield and chase down opposing quarterbacks with incredible speed.
Why Dareus Goes Here: Solid value pick out of the toughest conference in college football. The Bills could look quarterback here as well but the timing does not seem right.
Why Dareus Fits: Versatility, quickness, and proven ability at a position of need. He could play the five-technique in a 3-4 or shift inside for the 4-3.
4. Arizona Cardinals, Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
29 of 32
Why Quinn Is Special: A devastating speed rusher off the edge; Quinn was a top three prospect before getting in trouble with NCAA. Even so, he has unlimited potential, can play defensive end or outside linebacker, and his UNC coaching staff highly endorses him (big help to kid with an NCAA violation).
Why Quinn Goes Here: Talent and upside make him a classic “potential” driven pick. His tape speaks for itself though and he’s the best pass-rushing prospect on the board.
Why Quinn Fits: Cardinals could be tempted to take a quarterback here but it could do more harm than good. Quinn is arguably the best available on the board and could be a great fit rushing off the edge in their defense.
3. Cincinnati Bengals, A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
30 of 32
Why Green Is Special: At 6’4, 207 pounds, with the quickness of a 5’11 speedster, Green is as talented as a prospect can be. He can stretch the field vertically, makes plays downfield, and can turn underneath routes into touchdowns.
Why Green Goes Here: A top five prospect in the draft at a position of need, the Bengals should take five seconds or less to make this pick.
Why Green Fits: Terrell Owens will most likely not be back and the Bengals have a tough decision on whether to pick up Chad Ochocinco’s for next season. Green is a welcome addition either way.
2. Denver Broncos, Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
31 of 32
Why Peterson Is Special: Top cover corner in the nation brings speed, versatility, and a ton of playmaking skills on the ball and with the ball. Also adds increased value with his return ability.
Why Peterson Goes Here: No other corner in the draft brings ability like his to an NFL franchise. Will immediately be a contributor on defense and special teams.
Why Peterson Fits: Bronco’s future Hall of Famer Champ Bailey may not be back next season and their younger contributor cannot stay out of trouble. Peterson is exactly what they need.
1. Carolina Panthers, Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
32 of 32
Why Fairley Is Special: The most disruptive defensive force in college football this season simply lives in opposing backfields. Initial quickness, speed, and tenacity make Fairley a force in the middle of a defense
Why Fairley Goes Here: With no Andrew Luck for the picking the Panthers are in a tough spot. They drafted Clausen last year and it may not be worth taking any other quarterback at No. 1 in 2011.
Why Fairley Fits: Other need positions for the Panthers do not grade out at No. 1 overall. A dominating force on the inside of the Panther defensive line is a big need and Fairley is the best available in this draft.
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