2011 NFL Draft Order: Predicting All 32 1st Round Picks
2011 NFL Draft order is almost set, and as we go into the postseason, it's time to look to the offseason and break down the first round.
The college football bowl season is winding down, and people's draft stocks are rising or falling. It's time to get a read on where these players are going to end up when the teams meet in New York for the draft.
We go through the entire first round. If you have any thoughts or comments, make sure to leave them below.
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No. 1: Carolina Panthers (2-14)
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Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Why He's No. 1
Luck is the top prospect in the draft if he declares, and it looks like the Panthers aren't going to trade the top pick for anything, so taking him is the only option for Carolina, even if they drafted a quarterback last year.
Why They Need Him
The Carolina Panthers clearly need a quarterback in the worst way, and Andrew Luck is the best guy on the board. Jimmy Clausen hasn't proven much of anything, and with John Fox out, the new regime will want to start over. Luck is the clear-cut top pick if he declares.
No. 2: Denver Broncos (4-12)
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Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Why He's No. 2
Peterson is a stud cornerback, and he's one of two top cornerback prospects in the draft. It's between him and Prince Amukamara of Nebraska for that slot, and depending on the combine and the rest of the process, either could be the guy here.
Why They Need Him
Champ Bailey is a free agent at the end of the year, and if comments by the cornerback are any indication, he won't be back, and the Broncos will need to replenish that position. Denver also could use a lineman, so they are in play as well, but look for Peterson to be the guy here.
No. 3: Buffalo Bills (4-12)
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Nick Fairley, DL, Auburn
Why He's No. 3
Fairley is a guy whose stock has consistently risen during the year, and he's become one of the top linemen in the draft. He's always getting after the quarterback and has a motor that doesn't stop. Sometimes that leads to penalties, but it's something that can be corrected.
Why They Need Him
The Bills haven't had a great defense in a while, and seeing as Fairley can play in both the 4-3 and the 3-4, that makes him an attractive option for a team like Buffalo, which has had a lot of change in the defensive format in recent years.
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No. 4: Cincinnati Bengals (4-12)
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A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Why He's No. 4
Green is the top wide receiver in the draft and a guy who is a playmaker, plain and simple. He's a guy who can go up and get it and help make plays that a lot of guys can't make in the NFL. He has the size, the strength and the talent to be a great pro player.
Why They Need Him
Terrell Owens won't be back, and there's a chance that Chad Ochocinco could be out as well in Cincinnati. If that's the case, the Bengals need to stock up at the position, and getting a young guy in there in Green would be a great start.
No. 5: Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
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Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
Why He's No. 5
Mallett is a quarterback who has a cannon of an arm, and for a big guy he is surprisingly nimble and can shift the pocket and extend plays with his legs. He's very accurate and looks like a guy who has all of the skills to make it in the NFL.
Why They Need Him
Have you seen Arizona's quarterbacks play? Derek Anderson is awful, and while John Skelton is a young guy, I'm not sure how much faith the team has in him becoming the team's franchise quarterback any time soon. I wouldn't lean on them at all.
No. 6: Cleveland Browns (5-11)
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Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
Why He's No. 6
Quinn sat out all year with a suspension, but that doesn't change the fact that he's a beast of a pass rusher who would fit in well in a 3-4 defense as a linebacker. He could also play on the line as a pass rusher, and that could make him very enticing to the Browns.
Why They Need Him
Cleveland has a lot of holes on the team and defense, particularly in the pass rush. The Browns could use a dominant force on the defensive line, and Quinn would give them a guy who could do a lot for them.
No. 7: San Francisco 49ers (6-10)
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Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Why He's No. 7
This time last year, Locker would have been the top guy in the draft, but a poor season has cost him his draft spot. Don't sleep him him because of it though. He has all of the tools to get the job done, especially with talent around him.
Why They Need Him
The San Francisco 49ers quarterback situation this year has been nothing short of a dumpster fire. Alex Smith has melted down yet again, and it's clear that whoever takes over in San Francisco will have to start over with a new quarterback.
No. 8: Tennessee Titans (6-10)
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Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Why He's No. 8
Newton is the Heisman Trophy winner and the type of quarterback who can really change the game around. He's a physical freak, and while his skills are a little raw, they can be developed with time and patience.
Why They Need Him
With Vince Young having another total meltdown, it's clear that his time as the starting quarterback has come and gone for the Tennessee Titans. Newton would be a bit of a risk at this spot, but the Titans need to shake things up.
No. 9: Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
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Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
Why He's No. 9
Amukamara is one of the top corners in the draft and could actually be the first one off the board if things play out right for him leading up to the draft. He's got a ton of skills and really knows the position and will be a stud for whoever gets him.
Why They Need Him
The Dallas Cowboys clearly need a cornerback after being torched by all year long by numerous wide receivers. Their secondary is a big weakness this year and is a big area of need for the Cowboys and needs to be addressed one way or another.
No. 10: Washington Redskins (6-10)
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Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Why He's No. 10
If Blackmon declares for the draft, he's automatically one of the top prospects in the draft. He's a physical freak and a guy who can make plays down the field in any system. He'd be a hard guy to pass up at this point in the draft.
Why They Need Him
If you've watched the Washington Redskins this year, it's clear that they don't have a lot of playmakers to get the ball to. Donovan McNabb or whoever the quarterback is next year doesn't have many people who can stretch the field and allow him to air it out.
No. 11: Houston Texans (6-10)
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Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
Why He's No. 11
Dareus is a mountain of a man on the defensive line; falling to this position, he would be a steal for the Texans. He's a game-changer on the line and a guy that would fit seamlessly into a lot of defenses around the league.
Why They Need Him
The Texans have struggled on defense this year, especially with the pass rush, and Dareus would be a beast of a player to get at this point. He, along with Mario Williams on the end, could make the secondary look better than it is.
No. 12: Minnesota Vikings (6-10)
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Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Why He's No. 12
Bowers is a guy with a motor that just won't quit. He's a fearsome force on the defensive line and someone that every offense will have to game-plan to stop. He's a game-changer, and those types of players don't come along often.
Why They Need Him
The Minnesota Vikings have struggled on defense this year, especially with the pass rush, and Bowers would be a beast of a player to get at this point. He's been shooting up the draft board and could go a lot higher than this.
No. 13: Detroit Lions (6-10)
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Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
Why He's No. 13
The Lions would love to get some cornerback help at this point in the draft, but the top two prospects in the draft are off the board at this point, and that allows Sherrod to move up Detroit's draft board and put him in range to be drafted.
Why They Need Him
He's the best player available at this point since Detroit can't fill any needs, and Sherrod will bolster an offensive line that can hopefully protect Matthew Stafford this time around and keep him off the injured list.
No. 14: St. Louis Rams (7-9)
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Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Why He's No. 14
Jones is another one of the top wideouts in the draft. He made so many plays for Alabama during his time there. Jones would be an instant upgrade for a lot of teams out there who are really starving for a target to throw to.
Why They Need Him
The one thing the Rams are missing is a big target for Sam Bradford to throw to. Jones would be an instant upgrade at the position and would help take the pressure off Steven Jackson in the running game.
No. 15: Miami Dolphins (7-9)
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Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Why He's No. 15
Ingram is the best running back in the draft in an otherwise less than stellar class for running backs this year. Usually we have a few backs up near the top, but not this year, and Ingram could fall into the mid-first round.
Why They Need Him
The Miami Dolphins really need a running back. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams aren't the answer, and Ingram is a Heisman Trophy winner who can make a huge impact for them in the running game and get some explosiveness back there.
No. 16: Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8)
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Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
Why He's No. 16
Jenkins is part of the second tier of cornerbacks and this will send him into the middle of the first round unless a miracle happens between now and draft day. He's not as polished as the top corners, but he'll make plays.
Why They Need Him
The Jaguars weren't very good against the pass this year, and 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.
No. 17: New England Patriots (Via Oakland) (8-8)
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Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Why He's No. 17
Kerrigan is a guy who can really get after the passer, and he's an attractive option for any team who can't get their hands on the top lineman in the draft. He's got a knack for being in the right spot at the right time, and that fits in with the Patriots.
Why They Need Him
The Patriots have rebuilt their defense, and Kerrigan would be a player who could come in and help New England rush the passer. Kerrigan is a great player, and he's going to make an impact in a line where there are plenty of chances for playing time.
No. 18: San Diego Chargers (9-7)
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Von Miller, DE, Texas A&M
Why He's No. 18
Miller is a guy who has a lot of flexibility on defense and can be a real force for a team out there, especially one that runs a 3-4 like San Diego does. He's able to get after the passer and can really make plays in the backfield.
Why They Need Him
The San Diego Chargers have missed having a playmaker who's a hybrid type of player for a long time, and that's Von Miller in every sense of the word. The Chargers could use a player with his talents in that defense.
No. 19: New York Giants (10-6)
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Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
Why He's No. 19
Well, there's a Boston College connection there with coach Tom Coughlin, and when you throw in his size and strength at the position, it pushes it over the top when you look at Castonzo and how he'd fit in with the Giants.
Why They Need Him
The Giants have had injuries on the offensive line and have had guys playing out of position, so it would be nice to get the line back in order because if Eli Manning is going to carry the burden like this year, he better have guys who can keep him upright.
No. 20: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6)
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Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Why He's No. 20
Ayers is a beast at the linebacker position. This very young Bucs team could use a guy who can get after the passer and make opposing quarterbacks nervous when they see him line up across from them before the snap.
Why They Need Him
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could really use an upgrade at the linebacker position, and given how that young defense is playing, Ayers makes great sense here. The Bucs are lucky to get him here, as the Tennessee Titans could have taken him higher in the draft.
No. 21: Seattle Seahawks (7-9)
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Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
Why He's No. 21
He's a big, strong guy with a good arm who has a lot of tools to succeed at the next level. He's more of the second tier when it comes to this year's quarterback class, but that doesn't mean he's not going to amount to anything. He has a lot of potential.
Why They Need Him
Gabbert would fill an immediate need in Seattle with Matt Hasselbeck being a free agent and Charlie Whitehurst being, well, Charlie Whitehurst. He'd become the guy in Seattle and get molded under Pete Carroll.
No. 22: Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)
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Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
Why He's No. 22
Baldwin is another guy who's part of that second tier of wideouts and a guy who can really stretch the field and open things up for an offense. He's a valuable piece to a team that already has an offense in place and needs a couple of pieces.
Why They Need Him
The Kansas City Chiefs have a total beast in Dwayne Bowe at this position, but he can't do it all by himself. The Chiefs have a great running game, and it's time to beef up the passing attack and give Matt Cassel more options.
No. 23: Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
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Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Why He's No. 23
Solder is a big, physical lineman who was a force at Colorado and has all of the tools to be a dominant force on an offensive line for years and years to come.
Why They Need Him
The Indianapolis Colts have been banged up a lot this year, and the line is a mess. The Colts could use some young talent in there they can mold and turn into a guy that can anchor the line for years to come.
No. 24: Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
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Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
Why He's No. 24
Pouncey is a big guy who helped anchor the Florida offense for years as the Gators went through their run in the SEC. He's a guy who can help protect the quarterback and is a mountain of a man who can impose his will.
Why They Need Him
The Philadelphia Eagles really struggle on the offensive line and have for years. It's time for Philadelphia to step up and try to protect Michael Vick. Some of it is on him getting rid of the ball quicker, but you need to protect the quarterback.
No. 25: Green Bay Packers (10-6)
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Brandon Harris, CB, Florida
Why He's No. 25
Harris is one of the players who isn't at the top end of his position but is one of those guys who is a good value pick at the late first round. He's a guy who has a lot of physical tools and can be groomed to be a great corner.
Why They Need Him
Charles Woodson is a great corner, but he won't be around forever, and he's going to be getting out of the league in a couple of years. Harris can be his replacement at the position and can be groomed by one of the best in the business.
No. 26: New Orleans Saints (11-5)
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Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
Why He's No. 26
Just watching the Sugar Bowl last night, Heyward leapt off the screen. He took over the game and made life miserable for Ryan Mallett and the Arkansas offense all game long and helped win the game for the Buckeyes.
Why They Need Him
The Saints love to blitz, and a guy like Cameron Heyward would be a great way to get some young talent into a defense that is constantly blitzing under Gregg Williams. He's a big, strong guy who can dominate games and will be a force for years.
No. 27: New York Jets (11-5)
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J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Why He's No. 27
Watt is a big guy with the toughness to get to the quarterback and can really cause problems for quarterbacks and get an offense out of its timing. He can help make plays for a secondary and cause turnovers all game long.
Why They Need Him
The New York Jets are all about defense, and getting a big, strong guy like Watt would be a great way to get some young talent into a defense that is one of the best in the league. I'm sure Rex Ryan can find a way to use him, as the Jets could use a pass rusher.
No. 28: Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
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Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
Why He's No. 28
Dowling has excelled at a program that hasn't exactly won much of anything in Virginia, but it's a high-quality program. He's a guy who combines talent with a good character, and that's always an attractive option.
Why They Need Him
The Ravens are an aging defense, and we've seen signs of that this year. Not only that, but Baltimore's secondary isn't as dominant as it used to be, and getting a young player in there can really bring some youth to the team and getting him coached up by some of the best coaches in the business would be a great move.
No. 29: Chicago Bears (11-5)
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Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Why He's No. 29
Carimi has been part of that massive offensive line in Wisconsin and dominated the Big Ten and the nation this year. He had a slow start to the year, but he closed it out well and has impressed a lot of people this year. He should be a guy who can make a big impact.
Why They Need Him
If you've watched the Bears at all this season, you've seen that their offensive line is atrocious. Chicago can't keep Jay Cutler upright, and there's something there that needs to be fixed. Drafting Carimi will do just that.
No. 30: Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
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Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
Why He's No. 30
Williams is a corner who played very well at the college level but is a little rough around the edges. If he's brought into a system like Pittsburgh's, he can be coached up and shown the tricks of the trade by a great defense.
Why They Need Him
The Steelers love defense, and while they'd love to get an offensive lineman here, the major targets are off the board right now, and now it's time to turn their attention to the best player on the board. Right here it's Williams.
No. 31: Atlanta Falcons (13-3)
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Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
Why He's No. 31
When you're this far down, sometimes it's about the best player left on the board, but right here, it's also about need. Tony Gonzalez won't be around forever, and it's time to plan for the future. Picking Rudolph would be a smart move.
Why They Need Him
Gonzalez said he was torn on retirement earlier this year, and if he decides to call it quits, Atlanta is going to need to do something at the position. Rudolph can step in and work his way into that Falcons offense that has grown over time.
No. 32: New England Patriots (14-2)
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Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
Why He's No. 32
The Patriots never waste a draft pick, and Houston is a need selection. He can get after the passer, and he's the type of guy who can help bolster a defense. With how good of a defensive mind Bill Belichick is, he'll be a player in no time.
Why They Need Him
The Patriots are building a young defense that has struggled at times this year but has played very well down the stretch. Adding Houston to this unit would just be another piece of the puzzle as Belichick builds a defense that can dominate for years to come.
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