2011 NFL Mock Draft: How Will the Coaching Carousel Affect the 2011 Draft?
2011 NFL Mock Draft: the postseason is upon us and for 20 of the league's football team winning the Super Bowl trophy is already out of the question.
That means, they have the NFL draft to look forward to and that always bring excitement. Because somewhere in the draft could be the league's next big superstar.
Someone in this year's league of college standouts could be next Super Bowl MVP.
With all the coaching changes taking place, about to take place or expected to take place soon, here's this week's mock draft.
Let's begin.
32. New England Patriots: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
1 of 32
Why He Is Special
He's got the versatility to play end or tackle at the next level. Bailey is 6'4", nearly 300 lbs. and can run the 40 in 4.6 seconds.
Why He Goes Here
What better team to pick up this talented defender than Belichick and the Patriots?
Why He Fits
Belichick loves guys that are versatile and athletic, and Bailey fits the bill.
31. Atlanta Falcons: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
2 of 32
Why He Is Special
Nevis is coming from a great program in LSU. The Tigers develop strong defensive players at this position.
Why He Goes Here
The Falcons defensive line has been solid this season, but help is always welcome.
Why He Fits
His quickness and great burst will be an asset to this defense.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
3 of 32
Why He Is Special
Only a junior but already one of the best corners in the Mountain West Conference.
Why He Goes Here
This is a defensively oriented team but this guy has too much talent to pass up.
Why He Fits
Pittsburgh is loaded with defensive talent but it's never too early to start thinking about the future. Burton is someone that can help them in the future.
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29. Chicago Bears: Demarcus Love, OT, Arkansas
4 of 32
Why He Is Special: He's one of the best offensive linemen in the SEC, protecting Ryan Mallet.
Why He Goes Here: The Razorbacks are getting a lot of air time with their BCS bid. But it's clear Chicago could use better pass protection for Jay Cutler.
Why He Fits: He's got plenty of experience blocking for a quarterback with a rocket arm.
28. New Orleans Saints: Corey Liuget, DT, Ilinois
5 of 32
Why He Is Special
Only a junior, he had a successful season with the Fightin Illini. This kid can pile on the tackles.
Why He Goes Here
There's plenty of talent in New Orleans. But depth is also good.
Why He Fits
He's young and he can spend some time learning from all of the experience on this football team.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
6 of 32
Why He Is Special
He's got NFL genes. This Heyward is the son of former NFL running back Craig "Ironhead" Heyward.
Why He Goes Here
Baltimore is a team built around defense and it's always a good thing to stockpile young defensive talent.
Why He Fits
He's fundamentally sound and could develop opposite Haloti Ngata.
26. NY Jets: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
7 of 32
Why He Is Special
Great athleticism and quickness. This kid is still learning the game after picking it up late and only playing one year of high school football.
Why He Goes Here
Every team needs a powerful force on the defensive line that commands double teams.
Why He Fits
He's a true talent that could be a big steal if he falls this late. Youth in the line is never a bad thing.
25. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
8 of 32
Why He Is Special
He's a big kid at 6'5" and nearly 300 lbs., with plenty of strength and power.
Why He Goes Here
Pass protection is key to any offense, especially an explosive one like the Eagles'.
Why He Fits
Michael Vick could always use more protection, assuming he returns to the Eagles next year.
24. Kansas City Chiefs: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
9 of 32
Why He Is Special
Brother of Maurkice Pouncey, a stud offensive lineman for the Steelers.
Why He Goes Here
The Chiefs offense is their strength and Matt Cassel is starting to gain more confidence throwing the football. Why not add more pass protection depth in case of injuries?
Why He Fits
It's always a good idea to stock up on help at the offensive line position, especially if you're the aiming to be one of the best teams in the AFC.
23. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
10 of 32
Why He Is Special
He comes from a great program in Boston College that has a history of developing NFL quality blockers.
Why He Goes Here
Either we can blame Peyton Manning for the Colts' deficiencies this year or blame his weak offensive line. Chances are someone that has won four MVP awards is not the reason this team is losing.
Why He Fits
The weak pass protection of the Colts need new talent.
22. Green Bay Packers: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
11 of 32
Why He Is Special
He's not just good at blocking pass rusher or opening up holes for runner, Sherrod is a well-balanced offensive lineman.
Why He Goes Here
With the Packers running game strugging this season, they could use a guy who will help open up running lanes.
Why He Fits
Aaron Rodgers could always use a big body to stand in front him, so he doesn't get so many head injuries.
21. Seattle Seahawks: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
12 of 32
Why He Is Special
He's a huge specimen at 6'8" and 320 lbs. But he's also got powerful arms and quick feet to provide ample pass protection as well as help open up running lanes.
Why He Goes Here
Have you seen the Seahawks offensive line? It's a never-ending turnstile of has-beens and never-was'.
Why He Fits
He can finally help solidify that glaring weakness with his size and talent.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue
13 of 32
Why He Is Special
Although he played defensive end in college, scouts can also see him playing the outside linebacker position in the professional level.
Why He Goes Here
The Bucs invested heavily on defensive tackles in their last year. Now's the time to shore up the rest of the line.
Why He Fits
He's a versatile defender that can play end the Bucs. He's the next big talent on this board.
19. New York Giants: Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
14 of 32
Why He Is Special: He's been a starter for three seasons at North Carolina. Carter has all the tools to excel at the next level, he's a very well-balanced defender, but thrives in pass coverage because of his great athleticism.
Why He Goes Here: The Giants have a need at linebacker. They need to stop filling up their holes with veteran free agent acquisitions and finally go with youth at the position.
Why He Fits: His ability to drop back in pass coverage and go up against big tight ends and pesky slot receivers will be an asset to the team.
18. San Diego Chargers: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
15 of 32
Why He Is Special
He's a balanced linebacker with all the tools to become a force in the league.
Why He Goes Here
The Chargers have always been great at developing top linebackers with Junior Seau, Stephen Cooper and Shawne Merriman. Ayers could be next.
Why He Fits
San Diego just shed themselves of Shawne Merriman this season. They'll need to find their linebacker of the future.
17. New England Patriots (via Oakland): Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
16 of 32
Why He Is Special
After Amukara, Jenkins is the next-best cornerback in most draft boards. His stock may have dropped a bit this season with the Gators in a rebuilding year.
Why He Goes Here
With Urban Meyer leaving, Jenkins may also be on his way out as a junior. The Patriots may be among the league's best teams, but they still give up a lot of passing yards.
Why He Fits
Jenkins can help their weak secondary — plus, if he slips all they way to the Patriots, it should be a no-brainer.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
17 of 32
Why He Is Special
He's a special athlete with great speed for his size.
Why He Goes Here
The Jaguars have been a pleasant surprise this year, making a run for the AFC South title. But their defense could still use some help.
Why He Fits
He's young, versatile and very talented. Of course they can use him.
15. Miami Dolphins: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
18 of 32
Why He Is Special
He's got great hands — Solder was a former tight end in his younger years.
Why He Goes Here
The Miami passing game has floundered at time this season. Chad Henne has been forced into making costly errors, with explosive receivers at his disposal. What he really needs is more pass protection.
Why He Fits
He is one of the top-rated offensive linemen in the draft, and Solder can play an immediate role with this team.
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
19 of 32
Why He Is Special
Only a junior, this youngster has excellent size at 6'4" and 211 lbs.
Why He Goes Here
Young Sam Bradford needs himself a young go-to target to develop alongside him. Mark Clayton is due back next season, and the Rams could have a potent receiving corps with Clayton, Amendola and Jones running routes for Bradford.
Why He Fits
This is a young football team that is on the way up. He could slide right in there and be a contributor from day one.
13. Detroit Lions: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
20 of 32
Why He Is Special
Only a junior, he's a true NFL prospect worthy of a first-round draft pick. This kid has superstar potential.
Why He Goes Here
Although he's probably only the third-best cornerback prospect in most draft boards and probably not expected to go this early, the Lions may make the reach to pick up this Longhorn corner based on his potential to become a shutdown corner.
Why He Fits
Detroit definitely needs help in their secondary and with Amukamara and Peterson going earlier in the draft, Williams may be the next best thing.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas
21 of 32
Why He Is Special
The guy is a giant at 6'7" with a rocket throwing arm. Quarterbacks with that kind of size and throwing ability don't grow on trees.
Why He Goes Here
Brett Favre is done with the Vikings, believe it. Tarvaris Jackson is probably done as well. And Joe Webb is a long-term project. They'll need to find their quarterback of the present and future in this draft.
Why He Fits
Mallet should be the youngster they'll develop to become their franchise quarterback.
11. Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
22 of 32
Why He Is Special
He has the size and speed to possibly become a shutdown corner in the league.
Why He Goes Here
Defense is what the Texans desperately need to improve upon, especially in their secondary
Why He Fits
Just like Peterson, this senior is being touted as having superstar potential. Houston was among the worst in the league in defending the pass. Even young Williams could be an upgrade for this team if he's added to their weak secondary.
10. Washington Redskins: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
23 of 32
Why He Is Special
After Andrew Luck and Blaine Gabbert, Locker is probably the most NFL-ready quarterback in this draft, though his stock has dropped a bit because of a poor season with the Huskies.
Why He Goes Here
Washington's quarterback as it stands is the newly re-signed but out-of-shape Donovan McNabb. Chances are McNbab will be released because he's not getting along with the Shanahan's. With Blaine Gabbert declaring for the draft, Locker could drop this far. If Locker is still available at this pick, this should be a no-brainer.
Why He Fits
The Redskins will need a quarterback. McNabb's career is over in Washington it's time to face the facts. They will need to develop another young arm sooner or later.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Robert Quinn, DE/OL, North Carolina
24 of 32
Why He Is Special
He can play defensive end or outside linebacker. Despite not playing a game this season, Quinn is still a highly touted prospect.
Why He Goes Here
The Cowboys need someone on the line to wreak havoc and help make plays on the defensive line. If Quinn drops because of his time away from football this year, he may be a steal just outside the Top 5 of the draft.
They could also take a long look at Prince Amukamara but may decide Quinn is a better pick for them.
Why He Fits
He can help quickly clog up open running lanes with his size and speed as a run stopper. And as a pass rusher, Quinn also has the potential to rack up plenty of sacks.
8. Tenessee Titans: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
25 of 32
Why He Is Special
He has shown that is strong enough to stuff the run and quick enough to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Why He Goes Here
The Bills are one of the worst run defenses in the league. Dareus can only help them.
Why He Fits
A big run-stopping force will find a spot on the Titansdefensive line. This team has plenty of needs but a defender like Dareus may be the guy they need go with for their first-round pick.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn
26 of 32
Why He Is Special
Newton has single-handedly launched the Auburn football program into nationwide prominence this season. He's a highlight play waiting to happen.
Why He Goes Here
There's desperation in San Francisco, with Alex Smith and Troy Smith expected to depart as free agents. They need someone exciting, and Newton may be the answer.
Why He Fits
The 49ers will need a quarterback. Why not Newton? He's a freak athlete for a quarterback his size 6'6" and unlike most mobile quarterbacks coming from the college ranks, he's proven he can throw the ball with accuracy.
6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
27 of 32
Why He Is Special
He's the best receiver on most draft boards and should be expected to go early in the draft. Green has already received comparisons to Calvin Johnson for his great size (6'4", 212 lbs.) and excellent hands.
Why He Goes Here
Outside of Peyton Hillis, the Browns offense has no other weapons. In fact, most of their receivers have suffered from one injury after another this year.
Why He Fits
The Browns need help on the offensive end. Having a top wideout with plenty of potential is a start. Without Mangini, the new coach will still probably want to upgrade their offense.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
28 of 32
Why He Is Special
After Andrew Luck, Gabbert could be the next best quarterback available. He has ideal size at 6'5" and has great accuracy with the football.
Why He Goes Here
The Cardinals need a quarterback. Derek Anderson is past his prime and undrafted rookie Matt Hall just doesn't project to be their long-term answer.
Why He Fits
With Larry Fitgerald still on board, the team needs a pass-thrower to get their offense going.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
29 of 32
Why He Is Special
This 6'5" and 298 lb. junior is one of the best defensive prospects in the draft. With his size, he has the ability to break through offensives lines and stop runners in the backfield.
Why He Goes Here
The Bengals defense has been poor to say the least, giving up plenty of points all season. Their defensive line could use a boost and this guy is solid.
Why He Fits
An influx of young talent on this aging team can only help.
3. Buffalo Bills: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
30 of 32
Why He Is Special
Meet the nation's sack leader. As a high schooler, he was ranked by ESPN as the No. 1 recruit in the nation.
Why He Goes Here
The Bills are desperate for defense and this guy should be one of the first defenders off the board. Bowers is 6'4" and 277 lbs. he's probably already an upgrade over anyone on the team right now.
Why He Fits
Denver's defense is a joke, they're among the worst in the league when it comes to giving up rushing yards and their pass rush barely puts any pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Needless to say, this kid will be welcomed with open arms. It doesn't matter who their coach will be defense is the way to go with this pick.
2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB/S, LSU
31 of 32
Why He Is Special
The guy can play safety or cornerback at the pro level and most scouts project him to be a shutdown force in the secondary.
Why He Goes Here
Between Peterson and Amukamara, Peterson is a year younger and is getting slightly more love in recent projections. There's also talk that Champ Bailey is on his way out of town.
Why He Fits
As tempting as it is to picked up a big guy to help their defensive line, Peterson is too big of a talent to pass on.
1. Carolina Panthers: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
32 of 32
Why He Is Special
Luck is extremely hyped and according to most scouts is the undisputed No. 1 pick in this year's draft. Under the tutelage of former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh, Luck has shown he has the potential to succeed at the next level with a great balance of size, decision making and ability to throw the football. In fact, we're already hearing comparisons to Peyton Manning and even the young Matt Ryan, two former Top 3 picks.
Why He Goes Here
The Panthers have already said they would go with Luck, if he were available in this draft. Luck is clearly the best pro prospect if he decides to forgo season. Passing on Luck could be a major mistake.
Why He Fits
There should be a lot of changes coming to the team in the offseason. Perhaps Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh might be interested in the idea of reuniting with luck in Carolina. And what better way for a new coach to get started with a new team than by drafting his old college quarterback?
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