
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Playoff Matchups and Draft Order Set; Super Bowl Prediction
With the NFL postseason beginning this weekend, and only five college football bowls remaining, many of the struggling teams around the league are already looking forward to the 2011 NFL Draft.
If the elite college players that may leave early, such as Andrew Luck and Patrick Peterson, don't declare for the NFL this year, than the NFL Draft will be completely different.
While high-profile college players like Cameron Newton and A.J. Green receive all the hype, you must familiarize yourself with all of the nation's most talented NFL prospects that have first round potential.
With a bevy of defensive talent entering the 2011 NFL draft, it is likely that the majority of the first round players selected will be on the defensive side of the ball.
The pure athletes on defense, such as, CB Janoris Jenkins, DE Da'Quan Bowers, CB Patrick Peterson and CB Prince Amukamara should immediately make a serious impact to the team they are drafted by in 2011.
The following slides exhibit a mock draft with the teams we already know the order of, along with the predictions of every playoff matchup from a draft standpoint.
1. Carolina Panthers (2-14)
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Top Needs: DT, WR, QB, DE, CB
Selection: Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson Tigers
Reason: Carolina needs some serious improvements to their pass rush game on defense.
Although their offense wasn't very productive this season, an upgrade to the Panthers defense would be more beneficial. Jimmy Clausen should develop into a solid quarterback eventually and they could snag some offensive lineman in the second round to give him some well-needed protection.
Bowers has proven to be a natural pass rusher who led the FBS in sacks this season, with 15.5. College football analyst Todd McShay has said that "Bowers is a stud, can fit any defensive scheme and is blessed with a rare combination of size and athleticism."
Bowl Game: Meineke Car Care Bowl vs. USF (Lost 31-26): Six total tackles (three solo, three assisted).
2. Denver Broncos (4-12)
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Top Needs: DE, DT, CB, SS
Selection: DT Nick Fairley, Auburn Tigers, 6'5'', 298 lbs
Reason: While at Auburn, Nick Fairley has exhibited an explosive first step and proven that he can be a highly effective pass rusher. Mel Kiper Jr. has Fairley as a Top-10 lock and believes that he "epitomizes the ideal penetrating 4-3 tackle."
Bowl Game: BCS National Championship vs. No. 2 Oregon at the University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 at 8:30 PM EST
3. Buffalo Bills (4-12)
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Top Needs: QB, T, OLB, WR
Selection: QB Andrew Luck, Stanford Cardinal, 6'4'', 235 pounds
Reason: Andrew Luck seems to be the complete package. Luck has received the highest quarterback grade from Scout.com since Matt Ryan in 2008.
Bowl Game: Orange Bowl vs. Virginia Tech (Won 40-12): Completed 18 passes of his 23 attempts for 287 yards, four touchdowns and one interception; four carries for 15 yards
4. Cincinnati Bengals (4-12)
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Top Needs: DE, RB, QB, OL, WR
Selection: QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas Razorbacks, 6'7'', 238 pounds
Reason: Many people may think Jake Locker is the second best QB, but Ryan Mallet has a lot to offer at the professional level. In his junior season with Arkansas, Mallet has exhibited great patience and poise, recording 30 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 170.53 QB rating.
Bowl Game: Sugar Bowl vs. No. 6 Ohio State at the Superdome in New Orleans, Lousiana on January 4, 2011 at 8:30 PM EST
5. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
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Top Needs: QB, OLB, OL, CB, DT
Selection: CB Patrick Peterson, LSU Tigers, 6'1'', 222 pounds
Reason: Throughout his three seasons with LSU, Peterson has exhibited rare athleticism and superb instincts.
College football analysts and experts all over have been raving about this kid and the potential he possesses. Peterson is expected to develop into one of the premiere cornerbacks in the National Football League.
With only one solid cornerback in Rogers-Cromartie, the Cardinals will snag Peterson if he's still available at pick five.
Bowl Game: Cotton Bowl vs. No. 17 Texas A&M at Cowboy Stadium on January 7th, 2011 at 8:00 PM EST
6. Cleveland Browns (5-11)
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Top Needs: DE, WR, OL, LB
Selection: WR A.J. Green, Georgia Bulldogs, 6'4'', 212 pounds
Reason: Todd McShay has described A.J. Green as "the most complete wide receiver prospect to enter the NFL draft since Calvin Johnson." With no real playmaker at wide receiver, Cleveland will select A.J. Green to help electrify this offense and assist promising young quarterback Colt McCoy.
Bowl Game: Liberty Bowl vs. No. 25 UCF (lost 10-6): eight receptions for 77 yards.
7. San Francisco 49ers (6-10)
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Top Needs: QB, DT, WR, CB, LB
Selection: CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska Cornhuskers, 6'1'', 205 pounds
Reason: With Patrick Peterson off of the board, the 49ers would likely go with the next best defensive back in Prince Amukamara. Amukamara is a shutdown corner that scared opposing quarterbacks so much this season they would rarely throw the ball his way.
Bowl Game: Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl vs. Washington (Loss 19-7): one tackle.
8. Tennessee Titans (6-10)
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Top Needs: OG, LB, CB, QB, ILB
Selection: QB Jake Locker, Washington Huskies, 6'3'', 230 pounds
Reason: Locker's stock has continued to drop, but his extreme competitiveness and natural skill set will land him on some team within the Top 25 picks. With a ton of teams in need of a franchise quarterback, Locker will be selected earlier than many people may expect.
Bowl Game: Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl vs. Nebraska (won 19-7): completed 5-of-16 passes for 56 yards; ran the ball 13 times for 83 yards and one touchdown
9. Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
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Top Needs: S, OL, DE, ILB
Selection: DE Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue Boilermakers, 6'4'', 263 lbs
Reason: Last season, Ryan Kerrigan led the nation with 26 tackles for a loss, becoming virtually impossible for opponents to block, even when facing double-team scenarios.
The Cowboys need help all over the place, but a fresh start is definitely needed on the defensive line.
10. Washington Redskins (6-10)
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Top Needs: QB, CB, RB, WR, DE, OL
Selection: CB Janoris Jenkins, Florida Gators, 5'11'', 185 lbs
Reason: Jenkins is one of the most underrated defensive backs in this draft, exhibiting solid covering skills and a seemingly innate ability to play the ball.
Throughout his three seasons with the Florida Gators, Jenkins recorded a total of 106 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, eight interceptions and one touchdown.
11. Houston Texans (6-10)
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Top Needs: S, CB, C, DT, TE
Selection: DT Marcell Dareus, Alabama Crimson Tide,
Reason: The Houston Texans need some help on their defensive line. Dareus has the capability to penetrate against the pass defense, as well as anchor versus the run, which makes him a great choice for the Texans with the 11th pick, if he is still available.
Bowl Game: Capital One Bowl vs. Michigan State (Won 49-7): three tackles (two solo, one assisted) and one sack.
12. Minnesota Vikings (6-10)
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Top Needs: QB, OL, S, OLB, CB, DE
Selection: OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M Aggies, 6'3'', 243 pounds
Reason: Todd McShay described Miller as having "a freakish combination of size, speed and athletic ability."
Miller has shown he can continuously get after the quarterback and has improved his ability to drop and cover, which will be a valuable asset to the team that selects him.
Bowl Game: Cotton Bowl vs. No. 11 LSU Tigers at Cowboy Stadium on January 7th, 2011 at 8:00 PM EST.
13. Detroit Lions (6-10)
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Top Needs: CB, SS, LB, OL, RB
Selection: RB Mark Ingram, Alabama Crimson Tide,
Reason: Mark Ingram is a physical and explosive back that needs to work on his top-end speed.
He has a great work ethic and has proven to be a solid finisher. With the 23rd overall ranked rushing offense in the NFL this season, the Lions' rushing attack would dramatically improve with the selection of Mark Ingram.
14. St. Louis Rams (7-9)
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Top Needs: WR, RB, DT, TE, OLB
Selection: WR Julio Jones, Alabama Crimson Tide,
Reason: He has supreme physicality for a receiver and is as athletic as they come. Jones will eventually be one of the most dominant receivers in the National Football League.
After selecting a playmaker at wide receiver, the Rams will likely select some offensive lineman in the later rounds to address protection issues for Sam Bradford, who was sacked 34 times this season.
Bowl Game: Capital One Bowl vs. Michigan State (Won 49-7); three receptions for 49 yards; two rushes for 36 yards and a touchdown.
15. Miami Dolphins (7-9)
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Top Needs: OL, FS, QB, RB
Selection: QB Cameron Newton, Auburn Tigers,
Reason: Cameron Newton is arguably the best quarterback left on the board and that's who they are likely to select.
Cam Newton is known for his unbelievable running abilities, but also has a cannon for an arm with underrated accuracy. Chad Henne has shown some potential, but the Dolphins will draft a QB in the 2011 Draft to create some healthy competition.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8)
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Top Needs: DE, ILB, TE, S
Selection: DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa Hawkeyes, 6'4'', 285 pounds
Reason: Jacksonville's defense has not been very effective against the run, and their pass defense was one of the worst in the entire NFL.
Clayborn would be a great fit because he has an everlasting motor and is constantly hindering the opposing offensive line.
Bowl Game: Insight Bowl vs. Missouri (win 27-24): one tackle.
17. New England Patriots (via Oakland Raiders)
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Top Needs: DE, OT, CB, RB, OLB
Selection: OT Nate Solder, Colorado Buffaloes,
Reason: Nate Solder has proven to be a physical beast that has a passion for improvement. Solder is ranked as the best offensive lineman by both Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay.
To help keep promising quarterback Matthew Stafford healthy, Detroit will draft an offensive lineman with their first-round selection.
18. San Diego Chargers (9-7)
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Top Needs: WR, ILB, OT, DE, S
Selection: OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin Badgers,
Reason: Carimi has proved himself against elite competition this past season and has drastically improved his footwork, which was once seen as an issue.
The San Diego Chargers will choose to add some more support to the offensive line who allowed Philip Rivers to be sacked 33 times this season.
19. New York Giants (10-6)
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Top Needs: DT, LB, RB, OL
Selection: OT Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State, 6'6'', 305 pounds
Reason: Mel Kiper has Sherrod listed as "an athlete at offensive tackle, that moves his feet well and has been steady against good players; continues to improve." Todd McShay is also very high on Sherrod, describing him as "a big and strong right tackle prospect who could also move inside to guard once he reaches the NFL."
With an aging offensive line, Sherrod could insert the youth they need.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6)
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Top Needs: WR, OL, DE, LB, S
Selection: WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State Cowboys,
Reason: Justin Blackmon scored at least a touchdown in every game he played in this season. In his last four games, Blackmon made a total of 40 catches for 553 yards and four touchdowns, along with one rush for 69 yards and a touchdown.
Bowl Game: Valero Alamo Bowl vs. Arizona (Won 36-10): nine receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns.
Playoff Picture
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AFC
Wildcard
#6 New York Jets(11-5) @ #3 Indianapolis Colts(10-6): Saturday, January 8th at 8:00 PM EST on NBC.
#5 Baltimore Ravens(12-4) @ #4 Kansas City Chiefs(10-6): Sunday, January 9th at 1:00 PM EST on CBS.
Divisional Round
Highest remaining seed @ #2 Pittsburgh Steelers(12-4) on Saturday, January 15th at 4:30 PM EST on CBS.
Lower remaining seed @ #1 New England Patriots(14-2) on Sunday, January 16th at 4:30 PM EST on CBS.
Conference Championship
On Sunday, January 23rd at 6:30 PM EST on CBS.
NFC
Wildcard
#5 New Orleans Saints(11-5) at #4 Seattle Seahawks(7-9) on Saturday, January 8th at 4:30 PM EST on NBC.
#6 Green Bay Packers(10-6) at #3 Philadelphia Eagles(10-6) on Sunday, January 9th at 4:30 PM EST on FOX.
Divisional Round
Lower remaining seed @ #1 Atlanta Falcons(13-3) on Saturday, January 15th at 8:00 PM EST on FOX.
Highest remaining seed @ #2 Chicago Bears(11-5) on Sunday, January 16th at 1:00 PM EST on FOX.
Conference Championship
On Sunday, January 23rd at 3:00 PM EST on FOX.
SUPER BOWL XLV
Cowboys Stadium in Arlington Texas on Sunday, February 6th at 6:30 PM EST on FOX.
Predictions Every Game For The 2011 NFL Playoffs
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AFC
Wild Card
New York Jets 23 - Indianapolis Colts 20
Baltimore Ravens 30 - Kansas City Chiefs 23
Divisional Round
Baltimore Ravens 17 - Pittsburgh Steelers 14
New York Jets 24 - New England Patriots 23
Conference Championship
New York Jets 20 - Baltimore Ravens 24
NFC
Wild Card
New Orleans Saints 31 - Seattle Seahawks 17
Green Bay Packers 24 - Philadelphia Eagles 27
Divisional Round
New Orleans Saints 21 - Atlanta Falcons 24
Philadelphia Eagles 23 - Chicago Bears 20
Conference Championship
Philadelphia Eagles 30 - Atlanta Falcons 24
Super Bowl: Baltimore Ravens Vs. Philadelphia Eagles
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Quarterback Matchup
Michael Vick's Season Stats (12 games): Completed 233 of his 372 attempted passes for 3018 yards, 62.6 CMP percentage, 21 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 100.2 QB rating; 100 rushing attempts for 676 yards and nine touchdowns.
Joe Flacco's Season Stats (16 games): Completed 306 of his 489 attempted passes for 3622 yards, 62.6 CMP percentage, 25 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a 93.6 QB rating; 43 rushing attempts for 84 yards and one touchdown.
Rushing Attack
BAL Ray Rice: 307 carries for 1220 yards and five touchdowns; 63 receptions for 556 yards and one touchdown.
BAL Willis McGahee: 100 rushing attempts for 380 yards and five touchdowns; 14 receptions for 55 yards and one touchdown.
PHI LeSean McCoy: 207 rushing attempts for 1080 yards and seven touchdowns; 78 receptions for 592 yards and two touchdowns.
Leading Receivers
PHI DeSean Jackson: 47 receptions for 1056 yards for six touchdowns; 16 rushing attempts for 104 yards and one touchdown.
PHI Jeremy Maclin: 70 receptions for 964 yards and 10 touchdowns; three rushing attempts for 36 yards.
BAL Anquan Boldin: 64 receptions for 837 yards for seven touchdowns; two rushing attempts for two yards.
BAL Derrick Mason: 61 receptions for 802 yards and seven touchdowns.
Overall Defense
Philadelphia Eagles Passing Defense: 15th overall ranked; gives up an average of 216.8 YPG.
Eagles Rushing Defense: 15th overall ranked; gives up an average of 110.4 YPG.
Baltimore Ravens Passing Defense: 21st overall ranked; gives up an average of 224.9 YPG.
Ravens Rushing Defense: fifth overall ranked; gives up an average of 93.9 YPG.
The Predicted 2011 Super Bowl Champions Are...
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The Baltimore Ravens.
Predicted Outcome: Baltimore Ravens 27 - Philadelphia Eagles 24
Michael Vick will lead the Philadelphia Eagles into their second Super Bowl appearance in 30 years, but fall just short in the final minutes.
Joe Flacco will shock millions and outperform Vick, bringing Baltimore their second Super Bowl championship in the organization's history.
Flacco has really turned into a solid quarterback, finishing the 2010 NFL season off strong. In the last six games Flacco recorded nine touchdowns, three interceptions and an average QB rating of 95.4.
How The Order Would Fall If These Results Were to Happen
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21. Seattle Seahawks
22. Kansas City Chiefs
23. Indianapolis Colts
24. Green Bay Packers
25. New Orleans Saints
26. Chicago Bears
27. Pittsburgh Steelers
28. New England Patriots
29. New York Jets
30. Atlanta Falcons
31. Philadelphia Eagles
32. Baltimore Ravens
21. Seattle Seahawks
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Top Needs: SS, DT, OLB, OL, QB
Selection: QB Blaine Gabbert, Missouri Tigers, 6'5'', 235 pounds
Reason: With Matt Hasselbeck struggling this season, the Seahawks will look to draft a new franchise quarterback, and Blaine Gabbert is the best remaining at the position.
This season Gabbert completed a total of 301 passes out of 475 attempts for 3186 yards, a 63.4 CMP percentage, 16 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 127.03 QB rating.
Bowl Game: Insight Bowl vs. Iowa Hawkeyes (Lost 27-24): completed 41 of 57 attempted passes for 434 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and a 134.66 QB rating; also had one rushing touchdown.
22. Kansas City Chiefs
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Top Needs: DT, LB, OT, C, WR
Selection: OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA Bruins,
Reason: Akeem Ayers was on the watch list for the Nagurski Trophy, awarded to the nation's top defensive player, as well as the Rotary Lombardi Award, which is presented to the nation's top lineman.
Ayers has proven he can be consistent, recording very similar numbers over the past two seasons. Throughout three seasons with the UCLA Bruins, Ayers recorded a total of 177 tackles, two fumbles forced, 11 sacks, six interceptions and two touchdowns.
23. Indianapolis Colts
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Top Needs: DT, RB, OL
Selection: DT Stephen Paea, Oregon State Beavers, 6'1'', 311 pounds
Reason: In need of help on their defensive line, the Indianapolis Colts will select Stephen Paea to clog up the run. Paea has superb quickness for his size and has a seemingly non-stop motor. He also has a unique passion and knowledge for the game.
Stats for 2010: 45 total tackles (20 solo and 25 assisted) and six sacks
24. Green Bay Packers
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Top Needs: RB, OLB, OG, C, CB
Selection: DE/OLB Robert Quinn, UNC Tar Heels, 6'4'', 267 pounds
Reason: Robert Quinn is a pure athlete with good size and great quickness.
Quinn was declared as permanently ineligible to play college football after accepting over $5,500 in extra benefits from agents. Despite not playing for the entire 2010 season, Quinn has still impressed scouts with his freakish talents.
25. New Orleans Saints
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Top Needs: DE, DT, OLB, SS
Selection: DE/DT Cameron Heyward, Ohio State Buckeyes, 6'5'', 288 lbs
Reason: Throughout four seasons playing for Ohio State, Heyward recorded a total of 156 tackles, 14 sacks, one interception and one safety.
Cameron Heyward was selected to the 2010 All-Big Ten Conference Football First Team (coaches).
Bowl Game: Sugar Bowl vs. No. 8 Arkansas on January 4th, 2011 at 8:30 PM EST
26. Chicago Bears
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Top Needs: WR, OL, OLB, DT
Selection: OT Anthony Castonzo, Boston College Eagles, 6'7'', 295 pounds
Reason: Castonzo has proven to be a smart and reliable athlete, with a long frame and excellent footwork.
Tackle is one of Chicago's most pressing needs and Castonzo is an absolute beast. Castonzo could be placed on the line right from the start, giving Jay Cutler some added support.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers
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Top Needs: OL, DE, CB, DT
Selection: OG Mike Pouncey, Florida Gators, 6'4", 310 lbs
Reason: Todd McShay described this selection best, saying, "The Pouncey twins won a national title together at Florida, so who says they can't win a Super Bowl together in Pittsburgh? Mike has a similar skill set to that of his brother Maurkice, a 2010 first-rounder who is currently the starting center for the Steelers."
This would be a great pick for the Steelers, giving them a solid and young offensive line to protect Ben Roethlisberger for years to come.
28. New England Patriots
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Top Needs: RB, OT, OG, OLB
Selection: OLB Justin Houston, Georgia Bulldogs, 6'3'', 254 pounds
Reason: This past season, Houston was second overall in the SEC in sacks, with 10. Houston also recorded 56 total tackles and one interception in 2010.
After selecting an offensive lineman earlier in the first round, they will begin to improve on the defensive side of the ball by selecting a large, talented and aggressive outside linebacker in Justin Houston.
29. New York Jets
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Top Needs: OLB, WR, OG, DE, S
Selection: DE Allen Bailey, Miami Hurricanes, 6'4'', 285 lbs
Reason: While at Miami, Bailey exhibited great versatility and elite interior pass-rushing skills. Bailey will add some depth and youth to this already impressive defense. Bailey will bring some intense pressure on the opposing quarterbacks with his speed and athleticism.
30. Atlanta Falcons
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Top Needs: CB, OG, OLB, S
Selection: OLB Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma Sooners, 6'3'', 267 lbs
Reason: At Oklahoma, Beal was an excellent edge rusher who recorded a total of 28 sacks throughout his four-year college career.
Todd McShay described Beal as having "the type of size and versatility that they look for in an outside linebacker."
Bowl Game: Fiesta Bowl vs. UCONN (Won 48-20): six total tackles.
31. Philadelphia Eagles
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Top Needs: OL, CB, OLB, LB
Selection: CB Aaron Williams, Texas Longhorns, 6'1'', 195 lbs
Reason: Throughout his three seasons with the Longhorns, Williams recorded a total of 89 tackles, three sacks, four interceptions, five fumbles forced and a touchdown.
Williams has already announced that he will forgo his senior season at Texas and declare for the 2011 NFL Draft.
32. Baltimore Ravens
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Top Needs: OT, CB, S, WR
Selection: S Rahim Moore, UCLA Bruins, 6'1'', 196 lbs
Reason: Rahim Moore will be the most talented safety entering the 2011 NFL Draft if he decides to leave school early, and the Ravens could use some more talent at the position.
Moore has proven to be excellent in deep-zone coverage throughout his college career.
Stats this season: 77 tackles (51 solo and 26 assisted) and one interception.
Other Potential First Round Selections
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DT Marvin Austin, UNC Tar Heels, 6'2'', 303 pounds
J.J. Watt, Wisconsin Badgers, 6'5'', 279 pounds
DT Drake Nevis, LSU Tigers, 6'1'', 290 pounds
RB Daniel Thomas, Kansas State Wildcats, 6'2'', 228 pounds
CB Brandon Harris, Miami Hurricanes, 5'1'', 195 pounds
WR Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh Panthers, 6'5'', 225 pounds
RB Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech Hokies, 5'10'', 210 pounds
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