2011 NFL Mock Draft: Can Anyone Top Andrew Luck?
College Football is just about over. It's a sad time when there is no more football to be played. Soon we won't be able to talk about anymore games. So all our attention turns to recruiting and the NFL Draft.
There is a lot of time between now and April 28 and several things could occur to alter the minds of NFL teams drafting. Also, depending how teams do in the playoffs their draft order could change. But that's not going to stop us from speculating who will go where.
Can anyone top Andrew Luck in this 2011 NFL Draft? If he chooses to stay at Stanford that will be rather easy. But if he forgoes his senior season for the NFL, is there another player who can steal the show?
Let's take a look at the 2011 NFL Mock Draft.
1. Carolina Panthers (2-14)
1 of 32
Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Don't be surprised if the Panthers trade this pick away. But if they keep it. Luck is a lock.
Why He's Number 1
Andrew Luck is the best prospect in college football. If he chooses to leave early no other player is a better pick than the Cardinal QB. He has the size, the arm and the brain to be great in the NFL.
Why They Need Him
Let's face it, Jimmy Clausen is not the answer. Andrew Luck will be the new face of this franchise along with whatever coach they hire. Luck has all the intangibles to help turn this team around. Some free agent acquisitions and a healthy Steve Smith will help Luck have a smooth rookie season.
2. Denver Broncos (4-12)
2 of 32
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Why He's Number 2
Peterson is NFL ready. He can come in the league and make an impact right away. Having started at LSU since his freshmen year, Peterson has had experience facing some of the nation's top wideouts. If he chooses to leave, Denver will quickly snag him at the two spot.
Why They Need Him
Denver was 25th in the league in passing yards allowed. Champ Bailey isn't getting any younger. Peterson has the ability to make a difference immediately and Denver should not pass on him.
3. Buffalo Bills (4-12)
3 of 32
Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
Why He’s Number 3
Mallett is 6'7" and 238 pounds. He has what it takes to jump start the Buffalo Bills. No other quarterback can make the throws he makes. His laser arm locks him as the second quarterback taken in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Why The Need Him
The Bills have had quarterback issues for quite some time. They never can figure out who their guy is. With Mallett, they'll never question the quarterback position again. He is a franchise player and turn the Bills around. Especially with Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller in the backfield.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals (4-12)
4 of 32
Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Why He’s Number 4
Simply put, Bowers is a beast. His 6'4" 280 pound frame will wreak havoc on opposing teams. Not to mention he'll probably get a little bigger and a little stronger. After all, it is the NFL we're talking about.
Why The Need Him
The Bengals defense was pitiful this year. The did play a lot due to offensive turnovers, Palmer threw 20 interceptions this season. They allowed 395 points this year and only had one player with three sacks. Bowers can easily change that.
5. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
5 of 32
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Why He’s Number 5
Newton has already won the Heisman. Next Monday he will probably win the National Championship. What else is there to accomplish in college football? He's faced a scandal and probably doesn't want anything else to surface so he'll go pro and leave all that behind. The Cardinals are not fine at quarterback despite what Derek Anderson says. They need help on offense and while Newton may have questions, he does have tremendous talent that is to hard to pass on.
Why The Need Him
Arizona struggled big time whenever they had the ball. Losing Kurt Warner to retirement hurt more than they thought it would. Newton's ability to run and make plays out of nothing will entice the Cardinals to make him a top five pick.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-11)
6 of 32
A.J. Green. WR, Georgia
Why He’s Number 6
Should he decide to leave, Green will be the best receiver in the draft. He may not have lighting speed but he runs routes like no other. Not to mention he can catch anything. He's had a different quarterback each year of college and is quick to adjust to whatever comes his way. Green is a special talent.
Why The Need Him
The Browns could use help on both sides of the ball but with Green still available he is too good to pass up. It won't matter who their quarterback is because Green will catch anything thrown to him by anyone. He'll team up with Mohammed Massaqoui again and together will help the Browns put more points on the scoreboard.
7. San Francisco 49ers (6-10)
7 of 32
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
Why He’s Number 7
The 49ers could use a quarterback but with the three already gone I don't see them taking chances on Locker or Gabbert. Fairley has the size, 6'5'' 300 pounds, and the tenacity to disrupt opposing linemen. It would be difficult for San Fran to let him pass by.
Why The Need Him
Fairley can make an impression in the NFL instantly. And a good one at that. He has tremendous power that will force double teams and open up lanes for Patrick Willis to do what he does best.
8. Tennessee Titans (6-10)
8 of 32
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Why He’s Number 8
Julio Jones is NFL ready. He's 6'4" and has the ability and quickness needed to help any NFL team.
Why The Need Him
The Titans and Randy Moss have not worked out. Kenny Britt could use another receiver out there to rid of the double teams. Jones is too good for the Titans to let anyone else take him.
9. Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
9 of 32
Marcel Dareus, DT, Alabama
Why He’s Number 9
Dareus is 6'3" 295 pounds. He can play DT or DE. The Cowboys could think about taking a receiver or a running back here but they lacked defensive toughness all year. Dareus brings all that and more.
Why The Need Him
The Cowboys lost Tony Romo to injury and with it they lost their season. The positive is that Wade Phillips is gone and they have a top 10 pick. With that pick they'll help DeMarcus Ware out by adding another defensive lineman that opposing teams will have to worry about.
10. Washington Redskins (6-10)
10 of 32
Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
Why He’s Number 10
Quinn is 6'5" 270 pounds. The Redskins could use a little help on the defensive front with all their Albert Haynesworth problems. Quinn has the ability to get after quarterbacks and confuse offensive coordinators.
Why The Need Him
The Redskins need help all over. They may take a quarterback with this pick but there isn't one left who can turn their franchise around. They're better off improving their pass rush with Quinn. He had 11 sacks this season. Outside of Brian Orakpo, no one had more than three for the Redskins.
11. Houston Texans (6-10)
11 of 32
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Why He’s Number 11
Blackmon, a red-shirt sophomore, can decide to declare for the NFL Draft. If he does he'll certainly be a sought after player. He may not have the size of Green and Jones, but he has quick speed and impeccable route running. He lead the nation in touchdowns with 20 and won the Fred Biletnikoff Award.
Why The Need Him
The Texans need help on defense. However, they really need another receiving threat other than Andre Johnson. Blackmon gives them that. Matt Schaub will be thrilled to throw to someone other than Johnson on every play.
12. Minnesota Vikings (6-10)
12 of 32
Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Why He’s Number 12
Locker's stock may have fallen due to his poor play this season. And if the junior quarterback decides to leave early he will find himself out of the top 10. But not too far because several teams need quarterbacks. Locker has the size and arm to translate to the NFL. His decision making needs to improve.
Why The Need Him
Favre is gone (maybe). Is the answer really Tarvaris Jackson? Is it Joe Webb? To tough to say and because of that the Vikings will throw in another name to stir the pot.
13. Detroit Lions (6-10)
13 of 32
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
Why He’s Number 13
Amukamara is the second best corner in the NFL Draft. I have him falling to the Lions because other teams need defensive linemen more or someone to help their dwindling offense. Prince could go earlier though. His speed and shutdown ability make it to hard for the Lions to pass on him.
Why The Need Him
The Lions will finally play it smart in the draft and take a player that can truly help them right away. Amukamara can increase the team's 14 interceptions from 2010. He can also stop the Lions from always giving up the big play. He'll join forces with his old teammate Ndamukong Suh and together they'll turn the Lions D around.
14. St. Louis Rams (7-9)
14 of 32
Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Why He’s Number 14
At 6'3" 280 pounds, the senior from Iowa is ready to shred opposing teams. Clayborn is NFL ready and can help any team's defensive front. His intelligence of the game and quick moves make him a great pickup for any team.
Why The Need Him
The Rams could help out Chris Long by adding another defensive end for opposing defensive coordinators to worry about. Together they'll cause chaos for offensive linemen and quarterbacks.
15. Miami Dolphins (7-9)
15 of 32
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Why He’s Number 15
It just makes sense. If Ingram chooses to leave Alabama early he will get many looks from a lot of teams. His size and speed make him dangerous as well as his immaculate vision. Ingram has the ability to see the field like no other, making quick cuts to elude defenders.
Why The Need Him
The Dolphins were 21st in rushing yards per game. Ingram adds insurance to this team should Ronnie Brown suffer anymore injuries. He is too good to let go.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8)
16 of 32
Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
Why He’s Number 16
Jenkins is a playmaker. His speed and awareness on the field make him a great pick for a number of teams. His ability to cover receivers will continue to progress in the NFL and he'll make a great defensive back.
Why The Need Him
The Jaguars were 28th in the league in passing yards allowed. They face Matt Schaub and Peyton Manning twice a year. Their secondary needs help, and Jenkins can give them that. Not to mention he's a Gator, which could put more seats in the stands.
17. New England Patriots From Oakland Raiders (8-8)
17 of 32
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Why He’s Number 17
Kerrigan is great at rushing the pass. He had 13 sacks this year and 12 the year before. He is a monster up front who loves to terrorize quarterbacks.
Why The Need Him
The Patriots could easily trade this pick away for more picks in the Draft. I'm sure they were hoping this Raiders pick would be in the top 10. They need a player to get after the quarterback and Kerrigan loves doing that. The Patriots leading pass rusher only recorded five sacks. The defensive line is an area that needs improvement, and Kerrigan can easily do just that.
18. San Diego Chargers (9-7)
18 of 32Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Why He’s Number 18
Miller is exceptionally great at getting after the quarterback. He had 10 sacks this season and an astounding 17 the year before. The Butkus Award winner this season, Miller has the skills to play for any team in the NFL.
Why The Need Him
The Chargers cut ties with Shawn Merriman. Their defense desperately needs help. And what better way than to add some fresh young legs to disrupt opposing teams and cause mayhem on opposing quarterbacks?
19. New York Giants (10-6)
19 of 32
Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
Why He’s Number 19
Castonzo is a fiery guy, which is what you want from an offense lineman. He is also massive. Listed at 6'7" 298 pounds, he can put you on your butt. He is rated as one of the top linemen in the Draft. And with a name like Castonzo, he just belongs in New York.
Why The Need Him
The Giants have had some health problems on the offensive line. David Diehl belongs inside, meaning the Giants need a tackle. Castonzo is a perfect fit for them. Plus he went to Boston College and Tom Coughlin will love that.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6)
20 of 32
Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
Why He’s Number 20
Should he decide to leave early, Ayers will be on the top linebackers. He can rush the pass and cover wideouts. Ayers will translate well to the NFL with his 6'4" 255 pound frame.
Why The Need Him
The Bucs were 28th in the league in rushing yards allowed, surrendering 131.7 yards per game. Ayers will bring an intensity to the Bucs that will turn their defense around, which could be the missing puzzle piece for the Bucs to make it to the playoffs.
21. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)
21 of 32
Allen Bailey, DE/DT, Miami (Fla.)
Why He’s Number 21
Bailey is versatile. Because of this he is a great fit for the Seahawks. Seattle needs help all over its defense and will probably focus most of their draft picks primarily on defensive players. Bailey is 6'4" 288 pounds. He can get after the quarterback or easily stop the run.
Why The Need Him
Seattle can use him anywhere on the defensive line. Bailey has the ability to rush from the edge or play inside and stop the run. The Seahawks could use both. Bailey gives them options and Pete Carroll will enjoy have a force on his D-line.
22. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)
22 of 32
Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
Why He’s Number 22
Paea is a big man. Listed at 6'1 311 pounds he has the ability to push players up front and stop the run. His big body will be a great addition to an already big defensive line.
Why The Need Him
The Chiefs need better receivers but with the best ones taken it would be to much of a risk gamble on an unsure guy. Paea gives them certainty and more depth to a defense that allowed 113 rushing yards per game.
23. Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
23 of 32
Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Why He’s Number 23
Solder is listed at 6'9" 315 pounds. That is a monster up front that can help protect Peyton Manning. He was considered for the Outland Trophy, given to the nation's best offensive lineman.
Why The Need Him
The Colts had a tough time getting the run going this season. They also had difficulty protecting Peyton Manning. They need help up front and Solder can be one of their big uglies. Solder will improve their run game and ensure that Manning has plenty of time to throw.
24. Green Bay Packers (10-6)
24 of 32
Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (FL)
Why He’s Number 24
Harris is a playmaker. He has incredible speed and great skills. He was named All-ACC this season and had 10 pass break-ups.
Why The Need Him
Charles Woodson isn't getting younger. It's time for the Packers to think about their future and Harris would be a great fit.
25. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
25 of 32
Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Why He’s Number 25
Should he decide to leave early, this year's Outland trophy winner will get a lot of looks. He's listed at 6'7" 315 pounds and is a mammoth of a man. He helped Wisconsin get to the Rose Bowl by paving the way for their three-headed monster.
Why The Need Him
The Eagles could use some better protection for Michael Vick. Vick has made their offensive line look great when in reality he is scrambling for his life sometimes. Adding Carimi helps the Eagles run game immensely. LeSean McCoy will have huge holes to run through with Carimi blocking for him.
26. New York Jets (11-5)
26 of 32
J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Why He’s Number 26
Watt ate up Big Ten quarterbacks and running backs, posting seven sacks and 62 tackles this season. Should he decide to leave early, Watt will fall to the bottom of the first round because this draft is loaded with pass rushers. But sometimes, that's a good thing because you end up with a great team and a great defensive minded coach in Rex Ryan.
Why The Need Him
The Jets could use a dominant pass rusher. Watt has the skills to get into the backfield and disrupt opposing quarterbacks. He also has the ability to be an every down player. Watt will fit in nicely with all of Ryan's schemes.
27. New Orleans Saints (11-5)
27 of 32
Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
Why He’s Number 27
Nevis is listed at 6'2" 285 pounds. He had 56 tackles, 13 of those for a loss and two forced fumbles. He also recorded six sacks. Nevis will continue to get stronger in the NFL.
Why The Need Him
The Saints could use a little more depth on their defensive front. They allowed 112 rushing yards this season. Nevis adds some local flavor being from LSU, and that's always a good thing.
28. Chicago Bears (11-5)
28 of 32
Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
Why He’s Number 28
Heyward is listed at 6'5" 288 pounds. He has anchored the defensive line for Ohio State this season and has been hard to stop since starting as a freshman. He had 42 total tackles this season with 9.5 of those for losses. Heyward has NFL blood in his genes, as his father was New Orleans Saints running back "Iron Head" Heyward.
Why The Need Him
Heyward fits in perfectly with the Bears. He can learn from one of the best defensive ends, Julius Peppers. They'll like his quickness and ability to shed blocks. The Bears starting defensive ends are getting older and adding young Heyward will ensure the tough Bears D won't miss a beat.
29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
29 of 32
Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
Why He’s Number 29
Williams has ideal size for a cornerback. He is listed at 6'1" 192 pounds. Williams has the speed to keep up with receivers and easily shut them down. He is very well-rounded with experience on special teams and playing the nickel position.
Why The Need Him
The Ravens are known for great defense. They took some hits this year with injuries so it will be crucial to add some young depth to their team. Williams brings his ability to lock down receivers and can learn from some of Ravens great defenders.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
30 of 32
Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
Why He’s Number 30
Pouncey is a true guard. Not to mention he is colossal. Listed at 6'4" 313 pounds he is a guy you want on your team. Regarded as one of the top lineman entering the Draft, he is the best at his position, offensive guard.
Why The Need Him
Drafting a Pouncey worked well for the Steelers last year. So why not do it again? Mike's twin brother Maurkice earned an invite to the 2010 Pro Bowl. While Mike snapped for UF this season, he is a better fit at guard and will join his brother in opening up massive holes for Rashard Mendenhall to run through.
31. Atlanta Falcons (13-3)
31 of 32
Justin Houston, LB/DE, Georgia
Why He’s Number 31
Should Houston decide to leave Georgia, which is very likely, he will fall towards the bottom of the first round. The 2011 draft is stock piled with pass rushers. He could stay and be a top 10 pick next year, but why go back to a pitiful Georgia team (I'm allowed to say that, I'm a disgruntled fan)?
Houston has great agility and an array of moves to shed blocks. He thrives on getting after the quarterbacks. He recorded 11 sacks this season and 19.5 tackles for loss.
Why The Need Him
Jamaal Anderson has been a bust and John Abraham is aging. Adding Justin Houston to the mix will help a Falcons defense that is already pretty strong. They could use help in the secondary but Houston has to much talent to pass on. It's always good to draft a local boy as well.
32. New England Patriots (14-2)
32 of 32
Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
Why He’s Number 32
Floyd had an outstanding junior season. If he decides to leave early he'll find himself late first round or into the second round. The Patriots will be quick to grab this 6'3" 227 pound kid and turn him into an elite NFL receiver.
Why The Need Him
Tom Brady and the Patriots have done great things with a bunch of no namers this season. Deion Branch won't be around for long and it appears Brandon Tate is more of a return man than a wideout. Adding Floyd will give Brady a legit deep threat. Floyd has excellent vertical skills and great route running. Brady will shape him into one of the NFL's best.
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