2011 NFL Mock Draft: Which Teams Will Play It Safe and Who Will Roll the Dice?
It's time to re-evaluate our 2011 NFL mock draft!ย
With the regular season winding down, many football fans' attentions have turned to the draft, and with good reason.ย
With a glut of defensive prospects, wide receivers, and quarterbacks, there is plenty of help on the way for the teams who make the right picks.ย
Every season, there are a few teams who take a gamble, make a reach, roll the dice. They'll take someone you've never heard of, someone who'll make the pundits scratch their heads and shuffle their papers, trying to find the player on their lists.ย
Who will stun the pundits into silence in the 2011 NFL Draft? Read on to find out!
32. New England Patriots: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
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Why Heโs the Pick:ย The Patriots have a promising young corner in Devin McCourty, but they could definitely use a second lockdown defender. Williams has the potential, and, given a season or two under veteran Leigh Bodden, he'll shine.
What Heโll Do: Learn the ropes for a season, then pair with McCourty to shut down opposing passing games.ย
Change? No.ย
Who Else?ย The Pats could go offense here and take Oklahoma wideout Ryan Broyles or Pitt receiver Jonathan Baldwin. Or, if they don't address the defensive line with their pick from the Raiders, they could snag Nebraska defensive end/tackle Jared Crick.ย
31. New Orleans Saints: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
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Why Heโs the Pick:ย Heyward is a bit of a freak of nature for the Buckeyes, and he's capable of making quarterbacks nervous all game long. For a Saints team whose pass rush and run defense aren't great, he's a definite boon.
What Heโll Do:ย Boost the pass rush while helping to fix the Saints' shoddy run defense.ย
Change?ย No. Even with the Saints dropping down the board, their player should still be here.ย
Who Else?ย The Saints could go after a linebacker here, or they could get some running back insurance from a John Clay or LaMichael James.
30. Atlanta Falcons: Jeremy Beal, LB, Oklahoma
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Why Heโs the Pick:ย Beal is a fantastic outside linebacker, a position the Falcons could use some speed at. He's a good pass-rusher, and will help immensely with Atlanta's lackluster blitz.ย
What Heโll Do:ย Beal will serve as a disruptor on the outside for the Falcons, using his size and speed to stop the run and harass the quarterback.ย
Change?ย No. Beal fills a need for the Falcons, and he'd be a great fit on their defense.ย
Who Else?ย Atlanta could grab a wideout to pair with Roddy White, or get some kind of secondary help, given the sorry state of their pass defense this season. If Tony Gonzalez retires, you can bet the Birds will take Kyle Rudolph, assuming he declares for the draft.ย
29. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
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Why Heโs the Pick:ย Harris has the size, speed and athleticism to play corner in the NFL, and the Ravens are desperate to get a shutdown corner.ย
What Heโll Do: Harris is going to need a bit of time to get to a level where he could start as an NFL rookie, but he might not get the chance to sit and learn. He'll be counted on as a shutdown corner right away.ย
Change?ย Yes. The Ravens will take a cornerback regardless of their position on the board, but with Janoris Jenkins gone, Harris is the best corner on the board.ย
Who Else?ย The Ravens biggest need is corner, so unless they like someone else more, they'll take Harris.ย
28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida
5 of 32
Why Heโs the Pick:ย Pouncey's a fantastic offensive lineman, and the Steelers already have his brother, Maurkice. Why not get the matching set?ย
What Heโll Do:ย Help stabilize the Steelers' offensive line even more.
Change? No. The Steelers need another Pouncey, and they're in a prime position to take one here.ย
Who Else?ย Pittsburgh doesn't have a ton of holes, but they could use a good cover corner, or perhaps a tight end. But offensive line is the best way to go here.ย
27. Chicago Bears: Gabe Carimi, OL, Wisconsin
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Why Heโs the Pick:ย The Bears' offensive line can't seem to protect the quarterback, which is a serious problem in Mike Martz's system. Carimi would help fix that.ย
What Heโll Do:ย Keep Jay Cutler from getting concussed again.
Change?ย No. The Bears need an offensive lineman, and Carimi's one of the top prospects in this season's class.ย ย
Who Else?ย If Carimi's not there, look for the Bears to take a different offensive lineman (DeMarcus Love?), or perhaps a wide receiver with this pick.
26. Green Bay Packers: Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
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Why Heโs the Pick:ย Jenkins is another one of this year's talented corners, and Green Bay could definitely use someone to take the reins from Charles Woodson in a year or two. Jenkins gives them that.ย
What Heโll Do:ย Back up Charles Woodson for a year or two and learn the ropes, then take over when he leaves. Or fill in on the opposite side from Woodson.ย
Change?ย Yes. with the Pack moving up the rankings, they'll get a more polished corner in Round 1.ย
Who Else?ย The Pack could snag a LaMichael James here, but other than that, Jenkins makes the most sense.ย
25. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Castonzo, OL, Boston College
8 of 32
Why Heโs the Pick:ย If you've watched the Colts this season, you know they miss Ryan Lilja. That's why Castonzo is the pick here. He's one of the best offensive line prospects in this season's draft.
What Heโll Do:ย Keep Peyton safe. Plain and simple.ย
Change?ย No. The Colts need a lineman, and odds are that Castonzo will be there, even after the drop in draft position.ย
Who Else?ย The Colts could use a linebacker, or maybe a normal-sized safety.ย
24. Philadelphia Eagles: DeMarcus Love, OL, Arkansas
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Why Heโs the Pick:ย Love's a big, strong offensive tackle, and the Eagles line has kept its quarterbacks on their toes all season.ย
What Heโll Do:ย Help keep Michael Vick from getting blasted while he's making plays.ย
Change?ย No. The Eagles need a big tackle, and Love fits the bill perfectly.ย
Who Else?ย The Eagles could go with a different offensive lineman here, particularly Gabe Carimi, if they feel a need to do so. They could also try to bolster their defensive line or linebacking corps.ย
23. Kansas City Chiefs: Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
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What Heโll Do:ย Help Kansas City continue to build the defense by providing them the kind of top-tier corner they lack right now.
Change?ย No. He'll be available, and the Chiefs could sure use him.ย
Who Else?ย The Chiefs could use another wide receiver, since right now it's more or less Dwayne Bowe and no one else.ย
22. New York Jets: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal
11 of 32
Why Heโs the Pick:ย As good as the Jets' defense may be, the fact of the matter is that they need to improve their pass rush. Jordan is a nasty pass-rusher who's borderline unstoppable on the outside.ย
What Heโll Do:ย Harass Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and every other quarterback the Jets face.ย
Change?ย No. The Jets need a pass rusher, and Jordan is the best one on the board right now.ย
Who Else?ย The Jets could pull a running back out of their hats, or try and bolster their linebackers, but the real need is a pass rusher.ย
21. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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Why Heโs the Pick:ย The Rams could use a top-tier receiver to go with their top-tier quarterback prospect, and Jones has the speed and ability to turn into one of the greats. His hands are a bit shaky, but they showed improvement in 2010.
What Heโll Do:ย Give Sam Bradford someone to throw to.ย
Change? No. Jones is a big-time playmaker, which is exactly what St. Louis needs this season. With no one who jumped ahead of them needing a wideout, the Rams are in a perfect position to take Jones.ย
Who Else?ย Any of the big-name wideouts could go here (Blackmon, Jonathan Baldwin), as could an offensive lineman.ย
20. New York Giants: Nate Solder, OL, Colorado
13 of 32
Why Heโs the Pick:ย The Giants can't seem to get consistent production from their offensive line. Guys get hurt or don't play well. Solder would be a solid choice to protect Eli Manning's blind side.
What Heโll Do:ย Help stabilize the Giants' offensive line, which will hopefully help the team play more consistently.ย
Change?ย No. Solder's one of the best offensive line prospects in football, and the Giants could get one of the steals of the draft in him.ย
Who Else?ย The Giants' biggest need is on the offensive line. Depending on where they finish and who's available, they could take a number of people besides Solder.ย
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
14 of 32
Why Heโs the Pick:ย The Bucs could sure use someone to pair with Barrett Ruud, and to use as a pass rusher. That's where Ayers and his speed come in. He's one of the fastest, strongest linebackers around, and he's more than capable of getting the job done.
What Heโll Do:ย What won't he do? He'll rush the passer, disrupt rushing lanes, force turnovers and generally be a nuisance.
Change?ย No. The Bucs need exactly what Ayers can offer, and they'd be foolish to take anybody else.ย
Who Else?ย The Bucs could also choose to bolster their defensive line or their secondary. But for now, linebacker is the biggest area of concern.
18. Jacksonville Jaguars: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
15 of 32
Why Heโs the Pick:ย With so much wrong with the Jags' defense, it's hard to pick where to start. But they need a pass rush, and Bailey's one of the best available, so he's the pick.ย
What Heโll Do:ย Get to the quarterback. Doesn't sound so hard, right?
Change?ย No. Allen helps bolster the offensive line, and he'll be there when the Jags pick.ย
Who Else?ย The Jags need talent at every defensive position, and wide receiver.ย
17. San Diego Chargers: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
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Why Heโs the Pick:ย The Chargers could do with a big-play linebacker now that Shawne Merriman is off being hurt in Buffalo. Miller fits the bill perfectly; he's fast, strong and a fantastic player with a great motor.
What Heโll Do:ย Cause chaos from the outside.
Change?ย No. The Bolts need someone like Miller in their linebacker corps, and there aren't a ton of teams in the market for Miller ahead of San Diego.ย
Who Else?ย The Chargers could use a defensive lineman, or perhaps a wide receiver.
16. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
17 of 32
Why Heโs the Pick:ย The Dolphins need a workhorse, power runner for their system, and Ingram fits the bill to a tee. The former Heisman Trophy winner is still as dangerous as ever; the Dolphins would be a perfect fit for him.
What Heโll Do:ย Be better than Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams combined.
Change? No. The Dolphins have been consistently mediocre. They were made to pick in the middle, and take a guy like Mark Ingram.ย
Who Else?ย The Dolphins could sure use a decent quarterback, but it's hard to turn down a guy like Ingram.ย
15. New England Patriots (From Oakland): Adrian Clayborne, DE, Iowa
18 of 32
Why Heโs the Pick:ย Clayborn is the perfect addition to the Patriots defense; he's a stellar pass-rusher capable of disrupting rushing lanes and making plays.ย
What Heโll Do:ย Wreak havoc in opposing backfields.
Change?ย No, although it is possible that with a higher slot than they had before, the Pats could try and snag a linebacker.ย
Who Else?ย The Pats could go wideout or corner here, depending on how they feel about what's on the board.ย
14. Tennessee Titans: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
19 of 32
Why He's The Pick:ย The Titans will need someone to replace Jason Babin, and Watt is a fantastic pass rusher more than capable of filling Babin's shoes. He's been on fire lately, and the Titans could roll the dice and grab him.
What He'll Do:ย Terrorize the opposing quarterback.ย
Change?ย Yes. The Titans have snagged a win or two to deal their draft prospects a bit of a hit, but the needs remain the same.ย
Who Else?ย Tennessee could take a quarterback, or a wideout here, depending on who their coach is come draft day.ย
13. Washington Redskins: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
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Why Heโs the Pick:ย Forget that Quinn got suspended for taking money from an agent. That's not a character issue, that's a being broke issue. He's a top-10 talent, and the Redskins love signing flashy sack artists.ย
What Heโll Do:ย Wreak havoc on opposing offenses and generally play like he did at North Carolina.
Change?ย Yes. The Redskins need wideouts in a bad way, but the idea of pairing Quinn with Brian Orakpo has to make the blitz-happy Redskins' mouths water.ย
Who Else?ย The Redskins could use a wideout here, or a quarterback. But I feel like Quinn is too good of a talent to pass up.
12. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
21 of 32
Why Heโs the Pick:ย The Seahawks have issues everywhere, but among the biggest ones is the fact that Matt Hasselbeck isn't getting any younger. Locker needs a year or two to develop, which makes him a perfect fit.ย
What Heโll Do:ย Learn the ropes from Hasselbeck, then become the most talented quarterback in Seahawks history.
Change?ย None whatsoever.
Who Else?ย Pick a position. Odds are, the Seahawks could use someone in it.ย
11. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
22 of 32
Why Heโs the Pick:ย Blackmon's a physical freak, much like former Cowboy turned Dallas Cowboy Dez Bryant. The Browns need someone for Colt McCoy to throw to next season, and Blackmon's a big-time receiver.
What Heโll Do:ย Become the Browns' No. 1 wideout.ย
Change?ย No. Blackmon is a borderline top-10 talent, and the Browns would love to have someone with his skills.ย
Who Else?ย Cleveland needs a cornerback, and a safety couldn't hurt. But Blackmon's talent is undeniable, and he gives them the kind of weapon they haven't had since Braylon Edwards could catch.ย
10. Minnesota Vikings: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
23 of 32
Why Heโs the Pick:ย The Vikings have everything offensively except a franchise quarterback. Brett Favre's old, Tarvaris Jackson's a bust. Mallett and his cannon would bring life back to the Vikes' passing game.ย
What Heโll Do:ย Become the starter and throw deep balls to Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin.ย
Change?ย No. The Vikes need a quarterback, and they're in a prime position to get one.ย
Who Else?ย The Vikes could use a corner, safeties and probably linebackers.ย
9. San Francisco 49ers: Nick Fairley, DE/DT, Auburn
24 of 32
Why He's the Pick:ย The Niners need a pass rush boost, and there are few better pass rush prospects than Fairley. He's been unstoppable this season, and he's capable of igniting a Niner defense that lacked focus in 2010.ย
What He'll Do:ย Be unstoppable, and wreak havoc.ย
Change?ย Yes. With Fairley available, the Niners will pass on Ryan Kerrigan for the added run defense the Auburn Tiger provides.ย
Who Else?ย Kerrigan from Purdue, or a corner or wideout.ย
8. Detroit Lions: Ryan Kerrigan, DE/LB, Purdue
25 of 32
Why Heโs the Pick: Imagine how terrifying the Lions defensive line would be with tackle Ndamukong Suh and a pass rusher like Kerrigan. Exactly.ย
What Heโll Do:ย Wreak havoc and cause chaos. Pretty much what he did at Purdue, more or less.
Change?ย Yes. With Patrick Peterson off the board, the Lions go for the pass rusher, rather than reaching for a corner.ย
Who Else?ย The Lions could go for a corner here, but a pass rusher would make them scary.ย
7. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amurkamra, CB, Nebraska
26 of 32
Why Heโs the Pick:ย The Cowboys might not be able to spell his name, or say it, but they know all about this superb corner. They need secondary help more than anything else, and he can provide it immediately.
What Heโll Do: Amukamara immediately becomes the best corner in Dallas, and should slide into a starting gig with ease.
Change?ย Yes. With a higher draft position, and Amukamara still out there, the Cowboys opt for secondary help, rather than defensive line assistance.ย
Who Else?ย Pick a defensive position.ย
6. Houston Texans: Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama
27 of 32
Why Heโs the Pick: Dareus fills a big need for the Texans, thanks to his ability to clog running lanes better than almost anyone else in the draft.ย
What Heโll Do:ย Clog running lanes, occasionally cause a quarterback some grief and combine with Mario Williams to strike terror into opposing offenses.ย
Change?ย Yes. With Dareus on the board, the Texans would probably take him before Stephen Paea.ย
Who Else?ย The Texans need a corner, and probably linebackers. Paea is also a real possibility.ย
5. Arizona Cardinals: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
28 of 32
Why Heโs the Pick:ย Newton might not be quite NFL ready yet. But he's close enough that the Cardinals, who need a quarterback more than anyone else in the draft (exceptย maybeย Carolina), will jump all over him here, hoping his unreal skills pay off.
What Heโll Do:ย Everything. Mostly move the offense and serve as the face of the franchise. So, you know, no pressure or anything.ย
Change?ย No.
Who Else?ย Ryan Mallett. Other than that, there's no one the Cards need more than a quarterback.ย
4. Buffalo Bills: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
29 of 32
Why Heโs the Pick:ย Green is the most talented wideout in college football. The Bills seem to like Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback, and they need a top-tier receiver. Green fills that need.ย
What Heโll Do:ย Immediately become Buffalo's most talented wideout.ย
Who Else?ย The Bills could use anything defensively, and they could do with a better quarterback.
3. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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Why Heโs the Pick:ย Peterson is the best cornerback in this year's draft. He's a lockdown defender with a nose for the ball, and a good tackler. Sound like something the Broncos and their shoddy defense could use?
What Heโll Do:ย Give Denver someone to replace or pair with Champ Bailey.
Change?ย Yes. With such a high pick, the Broncos can't not pick a talent like Peterson.ย
Who Else?ย The Broncos could go a number of ways, most notably linebacker.
2. Cincinnati Bengals: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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Why Heโs the Pick:ย The Bengals haven't had a dominant pass rusher in franchise history. No, I mean it; their career sack leader is Eddie Edwards, with 47.5. So, the Bengalsย haveย to take Bower here, to give themselves a decent pass rush.ย
What Heโll Do:ย He'll cause havoc in every opposing backfield.ย
Change?ย No.ย
Who Else?ย The Bengals could use a quarterback, running back, wide receivers or offensive linemen. But the pressing need is in the defensive front.ย
1. Carolina Panthers: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
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Why Heโs the Pick:ย Wait, you say; didn't the Panthers draft Jimmy Clausen last season? Yes, but anyone who's watched him can see that he's at least two years from being a functional NFL quarterback. Things move too quickly for him, and his perfect throwing mechanics won't do him any good if he can't find open receivers. Luck's a better all-around player, and merits being taken first overall, regardless of who has the pick.
What Heโll Do:ย Become Carolina'sย realย franchise quarterback.
Change?ย No.ย
Who Else?ย The Panthers need wideouts, defensive linemen, corners, safeties, linebackers, everything.
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