2011 NFL Mock Draft: Is Da'Quan Bowers the Best Defensive End in the Draft?
2011 NFL Mock Draft: It's not even 2011, but talk about the NFL draft has already been going on for months now.
Every time I turn the TV on, I either see Mel Kiper and his slick-backed hairdo or Todd McShay and his quiet cockiness.
Heck, I usually see both of them at the same time.
And with the 2011 draft just about four months away, we're sure to see more and more draft analysis every week.
The popular debate will obviously center around the number one overall pick.
Will it be Andrew Luck or a surprise defensive player? Maybe someone like Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers?
Well, I'm here to offer my thoughts on how the entire first round will shape up.
Here is my 2011 NFL Mock Draft.
Note: I know some of you aren't fans of this, but I'll be doing the draft from No. 32 to No. 1 to save some of the intrigue.
32. New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California
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Why Jordan is Special: He's a very versatile defensive lineman with the ability to play end or tackle, depending upon the scheme.
Why Jordan Goes Here: Jordan has the skill set to be a top 20 selection, but, as always, there are plenty of talented defensive lineman in the draft—and about 10 of them are graded higher than Jordan by most NFL scouts.
Why Jordan Fits: The Patriots use a three-man front and Jordan has played in that scheme at Cal. It should be an easy transition into New England's system.
31. Atlanta Falcons: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
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Why Castonzo is Special: He's one of the top offensive lineman in this year's draft class with a big 6'7" frame that should fill out once he matures a bit more.
Why Castonzo Goes Here: Castonzo could very well go in the top 20 if he bulks up, but he's listed at just 295 pounds—pretty thin for an offensive tackle who is that tall.
Why Castonzo Fits: Sam Baker has struggled in pass protection for the Falcons this season and Castonzo would step in as an immediate starter.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida
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Why Pouncey is Special: The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Pouncey has a similar playing style to twin brother, Maurkice, who is currently Pittsburgh's starting center and made the Pro Bowl in his rookie season.
Why Pouncey Goes Here: The Steelers are looking to upgrade their interior line and Pouncey is one of the very best with an NFL-ready skill set. He should still be on the board because not too many guards go in the first round.
Why Pouncey Fits: Have twins ever played right next to each other in the NFL? I definitely think we need to see it happen.
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29. Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
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Why Williams is Special: Texas defensive backs have a good track record of recent success in the NFL, and Williams is no exception. He's used to playing on the inside and the outside, which will appeal to every team looking for a cornerback.
Why Williams Goes Here: This cornerback class is loaded and Williams will have to wait his turn to hear his name called. He'll stay in the 20-to-32 range for sure, though.
Why Williams Fits: The Ravens only have two cornerbacks under contract for next season and one of them, Dominique Foxworth, will be returning from an ACL injury. Needless to say, Baltimore needs a cornerback...or three.
28. Chicago Bears: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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Why Solder is Special: At 6'8'', Solder is massive even for an offensive tackle, and he uses his extreme size and length to his advantage.
Why Solder Goes Here: The 2011 draft class is surprisingly thin at the tackle position and scouts aren't sure he has the potential to be an elite player in the NFL, so he won't go as high as people might expect.
Why Solder Fits: Have you watched the Bears try to protect Jay Cutler this season? They've improved as the season has progressed, but pass protection is still the team's biggest issue by far.
27. New Orleans Saints: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
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Why Nevis is Special: In the mold of former LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, Nevis is a disruptive defensive lineman who can get into the backfield about as quickly as anyone.
Why Nevis Goes Here: He isn't the greatest at shedding blocks and tends to be an up-and-down player. He could fall out of the first round, but his agility probably keeps him around that 25-to-30 range.
Why Nevis Fits: The Saints are looking for a long-term defensive tackle to pair up with Sedrick Ellis, and Nevis played his college ball about an hour away from New Orleans at LSU.
26. New York Jets: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
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Why Blackmon is Special: Blackmon has basically been Dez Bryant 2.0 at Oklahoma State this season. The guy's a stud.
Why Blackmon Goes Here: His talent is undeniable, but the wide receiver class has some elite playmakers who'll go before him; mainly Julio Jones and A.J. Green.
Why Blackmon Fits: Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes and Brad Smith will all be free agents after the season. The Jets may be looking for a new weapon in the passing game if one or two of those guys sign elsewhere.
25. Philadelphia Eagles: Derek Sherrod, OT/OG, Mississippi State
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Why Sherrod is Special: Sherrod is a big right tackle who has the size and strength to play guard at the NFL level.
Why Sherrod Goes Here: He isn't the greatest pass protector, so there are questions about his ability to play tackle in the NFL. He'll fall because no one's quite sure how a potential position switch will affect his value.
Why Sherrod Fits: The glaring weakness on Philadelphia's offense this year has been its offensive line. Sherrod might be a bit of a project, but he could develop into a quality starter and help the Eagles give Michael Vick a little more protection.
24. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremy Beal, OLB, Oklahoma
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Why Beal is Special: He's built in the perfect mold of your prototypical outside linebacker with a 6'3", 268-pound frame, above-average agility, and surprisingly quick feet.
Why Beal Goes Here: Beal has the ability to develop into a very good edge rusher given the right scheme, and his versatility is something coaches love to see out of a guy with his size.
Why Beal Fits: The Chiefs badly need a rusher off the edge to take some of that pressure off of a secondary that—outside of Brandon Flowers and Eric Berry at times—has often struggled in 2010.
23. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
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Why Harris is Special: At 5'11", 193 pounds, Harris has the prototypical size of an NFL cornerback to go along with good speed at the position. He's also got quick feet, is able to shed blocks from bigger wide receivers, and contributes in run support more than most corners.
Why Harris Goes Here: He's good in all aspects of the game but really isn't great in any of them. While he'll likely develop into a number one corner rather quickly, he doesn't have the upside of guys like Patrick Peterson, Prince Amukamara, or even Janoris Jenkins.
Why Harris Fits: The Packers defense has been stellar against the pass, but Charles Woodson will turn 35 next season. Harris would be able to develop under Woodson's tutelage and play as a third cornerback before eventually taking over for Woodson.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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Why Carimi is Special: Remember a guy named Joe Thomas who played at Wisconsin? Carimi's not quite the player Thomas was, but he's pretty close.
Why Carimi Goes Here: Tackles usually fly off the board during the NFL Draft, and Carimi would be a steal this late. But with the way the draft is shaping up, there won't be as many first-round selections from the tackle position as usual.
Why Carimi Fits: The Colts have shown some serious flaws in pass protection this year and left tackle Charlie Johnson will be a free agent after this season. Indianapolis will be looking for an upgrade, and Carimi can be an immediate starter.
21. St. Louis Rams: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
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Why Baldwin is Special: He's the closest thing to Larry Fitzgerald that Pittsburgh will ever see, and he managed to put up good numbers even with a shaky quarterback situation.
Why Baldwin Goes Here: Baldwin needs to work on his route-running, but at 6'5'', 230 pounds, he's freakishly huge for a wide receiver. His potential is just too much to pass up.
Why Baldwin Fits: Sam Bradford's doing a good job with the Rams this season, but it's obvious he still needs help at wide receiver.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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Why Clayborn is Special: His production hasn't really been there this year, but scouts love how he measures up. He's 6'3", 285 pounds, and has the ability to take over a game when his mind is right.
Why Clayborn Goes Here: The 2011 draft class has some incredibly talented defensive line prospects, and Clayborn is one of them. He's just not the best one of the bunch.
Why Clayborn Fits: The Buccaneers found their inside presence in last year's draft when they chose Gerald McCoy. Now it's time to address those pass rushing concerns, which is what Clayborn has the potential to do.
19. New York Giants: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
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Why Bailey is Special: Teams love versatility, and that's exactly what Bailey possesses. He's a good interior pass rusher who also has the ability to rush off the edge.
Why Bailey Goes Here: You can never have too many defensive linemen in the NFL. Bailey is a tweener who can play either tackle or end, depending upon the scheme.
Why Bailey Fits: The Giants stockpile linemen like no other team in the league. They could go with a linebacker here, but it's always a good idea to have young, talented guys like Bailey on your team.
18. San Diego Chargers: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
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Why Miller is Special: Miller is a phenomenal athlete who possesses that rare ability scouts drool over. Want evidence? He had 16.5 sacks last season.
Why Miller Goes Here: He's got excellent speed, but at 6'3'', 238 pounds, he's a bit thin for a linebacker, which will cause some teams to overlook his ridiculous potential.
Why Miller Fits: Edge rushers thrive in San Diego's 3-4 scheme, and Miller could produce numbers like Shawne Merriman did during his prime.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
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Why Kerrigan is Special: Kerrigan has been a monster all season long at Purdue, raking in 12.5 sacks and leading the nation with 26 tackles for loss.
Why Kerrigan Goes Here: Kerrigan is known for his non-stop motor and ability to get after the quarterback. At just 259 pounds, he's similar to the Colts' Robert Mathis.
Why Kerrigan Fits: Aaron Kampman tore his ACL for the second straight season and his career is in doubt. Enter Kerrigan, who should provide Jacksonville with a nice compliment to 2010 first round choice Tyson Alualu on the defensive front.
16. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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Why Ingram is Special: I believe this guy has had a pretty solid college career. Didn't he win the Heisman Trophy or something like that?
Why Ingram Goes Here: He's the top running back in this draft, but another team in need of a running back could scoop him up prior to the Dolphins' selection. Still, any team looking for one of the hardest runners in college football will gladly take him.
Why Ingram Fits: Ricky Williams isn't going to play forever and Ronnie Brown is injury prone. Ingram would be a nice long-term replacement in Miami's backfield.
15. New England Patriots (from Oakland): Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
18 of 32
Why Ayers is Special: Ayers was one of the most highly-touted recruits coming out of high school and his physical attributes rank among the best in this draft class. He's got good size, he's quick, and he excels as a push rusher.
Why Ayers Goes Here: Ayers would benefit from playing on a team with a 3-4 scheme because he'll make his money by applying pressure to the quarterback off the edge.
Why Ayers Fits: The Patriots' secondary has struggled with stopping the pass all season. With Ayers rushing off the edge, that could provide some relief for a unit that has given up some big plays.
14. Minnesota Vikings: Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
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Why Jenkins is Special: Jenkins is a lockdown cornerback whose natural instincts seem to lead him to the ball more often than not. He's as fluid with his motions as any defensive back in the draft, and he mirrors most receivers he covers.
Why Jenkins Goes Here: If this were any other draft, he'd probably be the first cornerback chosen, but Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara will be taken ahead of Jenkins.
Why Jenkins Fits: The Vikings drafted Chris Cook with the No. 34 overall pick last season, but he was put on injured reserve earlier this month and it remains to be seen how he'll return from injury. Plus, Antoine Winfield is in his 12th season and on the tail end of his career, so Minnesota may be thinking long-term.
13. Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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Why Jones is Special: Jones needs to work on his route-running, but he's arguably the most dominant physical presence not just at wide receiver, but in all of college football.
Why Jones Goes Here: Jones is an incredible playmaker at wide receiver and in the kick return game, but A.J. Green is a better pure receiver, so Jones will be the number two wideout on the board.
Why Jones Fits: The Redskins have one of the league's most boring offenses with virtually no real threat in the passing game, other than the tiny Santana Moss. I mean, they actually used Joey Galloway at wide receiver this year. Jones would be an immediate starter in Washington.
12. Tennessee Titans: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
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Why Paea is Special: At 6'1", 304 pounds, Paea doesn't look like the greatest athlete on the field. But he posses unbelievable quickness and agility for his size, and he has developed a reputation for having one of the best motors in all of college football.
Why Paea Goes Here: Paea is a disruptive force up the middle, having registered 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks this season. He has the ability to take some of the pressure off of the rest of the defensive front.
Why Paea Fits: The Titans have been looking for a monster in the middle since losing Albert Haynesworth, so they'll give Paea a long, hard look.
11. Seattle Seahawks: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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Why Newton is Special: If you've watched any college football this season, you know why Newton is so special. He's been a human highlight reel.
Why Newton Goes Here: Newton is an incredible dual-threat quarterback who is a better passer than Tim Tebow was, a more complete quarterback than Michael Vick was, and clearly the best running quarterback prospect since Vince Young.
Why Newton Fits: Matt Hasselbeck's time in the league is nearing an end and Charlie Whitehurst isn't the long-term answer in Seattle. Newton could learn under the tutelage of Hasselbeck for a year or two before taking over as the full-time starter.
10. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
23 of 32
Why Green in Special: Green's the most complete wide receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson. He's the most polished route runner in the last few drafts, and his measurements and production are both off the charts.
Why Green Goes Here: Green probably should go higher than this, but the teams above this spot have more pressing needs elsewhere. I wouldn't be too shocked if Green was already off the board at this point, but we could see a mini Dez Bryant-esque fall for Green.
Why Green Fits: Cleveland's passing attack hasn't been the same since the Browns got rid of Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards. They haven't had a legitimate number one wide receiver for the last couple of years, and Green could step in right away as the top threat in Cleveland's passing game.
9. Detroit Lions: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
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Why Quinn is Special: Although he will not have played football for more than a year, when he takes his first NFL snap, Quinn will be an absolute stud at defensive end. He's arguably the draft's best pass rusher.
Why Quinn Belongs Here: Quinn is a top-five talent, but his absence from football will likely cause him to slip to that 8-to-12 range. The Lions need a cornerback, but the top two defensive backs will already be off the board and this is too high of a spot for Janoris Jenkins.
Why Quinn Fits: If Detroit can't address its secondary issues, the next best thing is a pass rushing defensive to create pressure on the quarterback. Enter Robert Quinn, who would form a crazy good corps on the defensive line along with Ndamukung Suh.
8. Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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Why Amukamara is Special: Everything about Amukamara makes scouts think he's going to be a superstar. He's quick, he's fast, he has excellent cover skills, and at 6'0", 203 pounds, he's very big for a cornerback.
Why Amukamara Goes Here: One of the most interesting debates of the 2011 NFL Draft will be about which cornerback will go first: Amukamara or Patrick Peterson. No matter what happens, both of these guys should be great corners.
Why Amukamara Fits: Have you watched the Houston Texans secondary play this season? I know they're young and inexperienced, but they definitely need an upgrade. Amukamara is a much more complete prospect than the team's 2010 first round pick, Kareem Jackson.
7. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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Why Peterson is Special: Peterson is listed at 6'1", 211 pounds, which is monstrous for a cornerback. Teams never throw his way because he's the nation's best shutdown cornerback and one of college football's most feared defensive players. He's also shown some amazing skills as a return man this season.
Why Peterson Goes Here: He's not falling out of the top ten. It's not very often that you find a defensive player who's big enough to play safety, but fast enough to line up at cornerback.
Why Peterson Fits: Dallas needs secondary help for sure, especially with Mike Jenkins on his way out and Terence Newman's cover skills diminishing. Peterson would be an instant starter in Big D.
6. San Francisco 49ers: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
27 of 32
Why Locker is Special: Locker hasn't put up great numbers during his college career, but he's showed steady improvement. He's got good size, a good arm, and great athleticism, especially for a more traditional pocket passer.
Why Locker Goes Here: Locker could be anywhere from the second to the fourth quarterback chosen, so this pick is far from a lock. His potential is what makes him worthy of a top-10 selection, though.
Why Locker Fits: A new regime will be taking over in San Francisco, with a new general manager, a new coach—and a new quarterback. Alex Smith has yet to develop into a quality starter (and never will), and Troy Smith probably isn't the solution either. Locker's a bit of a project but has huge upside.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
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Why Mallett is Special: Ryan Mallett was a top prospect coming out of high school and with good reason. At 6'7", he's huge, has great mechanics, and has a cannon for an arm.
Why Mallett Goes Here: There are a few quarterback-needy teams who will look hard at Mallett, but he should be a top-10 selection barring anything unforeseen happening.
Why Mallett Fits: Here's the list of Arizona's starting quarterbacks in 2010: Derek Anderson, Max Hall, and John Skelton. None of those guys are going to cut it in the NFL, but Mallett could potentially develop into an elite quarterback.
4. Buffalo Bills: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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Why Dareus is Special: Dareus possesses the same size, strength, and agility as your prototypical NFL defensive tackle. He can stuff the run, rush the passer, and even play defensive end in certain 3-4 schemes.
Why Dareus Goes Here: He's the Ndamukong Suh of this year's Draft class, and he has the ability to be an unstoppable force up the middle.
Why Dareus Fits: The Bills have the league's worst rush defense, and a big reason why is because of what goes on between the tackles. Insert Dareus into the equation and their problems could turn around rather quickly.
3. Cincinnati Bengals: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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Why Bowers is Special: Size, strength, athleticism, speed, agility: You name it, Bowers has it. He's been virtually unstoppable this season, with 24 tackles for loss and an FBS-high 15 sacks.
Why Bowers Goes Here: Bowers will undoubtedly be the first defensive end off the board. It's just a matter of how he high goes. I can't see him slipping out of the top three no matter what, though.
Why Bowers Fits: The Bengals could go with a quarterback if they want to transition out of the Carson Palmer era or A.J. Green to make up for the loss of Terrell Owens (and potentially Chad Ochocinco), but they need help on the defensive line. Cincinnati ranks dead last in the NFL in sacks, and Bowers is a sack machine.
2. Denver Broncos: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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Why Fairley is Special: If it wasn't for Cam Newton, Fairley would be the Auburn player who everyone is talking about. He's been the most dominant defensive player in the SEC all season. He's racked up 55 tackles and 11 sacks, which is tremendous for a defensive tackle.
Why Fairley Belongs Here: Watch this dude play. He eats up a ton of space in the middle.
Why Fairley Fits: The Broncos have been atrocious on defense all season, giving up more points than any defense in the league (29.2 per game) and the second most rushing yards (153.9 yards per game). They need all the help they can get on that side of the ball, and it starts with a guy like Fairley on the defensive front.
1. Carolina Panthers: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
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Why Luck is Special: Luck has all the measurables you look for in a quarterback. He's got a reputation as a great character guy as well and he managed to turn once-lowly Stanford into a national powerhouse.
Why Luck Goes Here: He's the most complete quarterback prospect in this year's class and not many teams are willing to give number one pick money to someone other than a franchise quarterback.
Why Luck Fits: The Panthers do have Jimmy Clausen, but Luck has the brighter NFL future. Even if the Panthers want to stick with Clausen, they'll take Luck and trade him for a bunch of other pieces or draft picks.
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