2011 NFL Mock Draft: Entire First-Round Draft Pick Predictions
The NFL regular season has come to an end, and for those teams not participating in this year's postseason, the NFL Draft has taken top priority.
With the college football bowl season coming to an end next week, players are beginning to prepare themselves for the April 28 draft.
The first 20 picks of the 2011 NFL Draft are set in stone, while the remaining 12 spots will be determined by how each team fares in this year's playoffs.
I completed my first NFL Mock Draft just over three weeks ago:
With a number of shakeups in team positioning and players' performances in bowl games, check out how my mock draft has changed and what it looks like now.
32. New England Patriots, Bruce Carter, OLB, UNC
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What Makes Carter Special
The talent is there, but his 225-pound frame stops him from being a potential top-10 pick. Carter is one of the best all-around athletes in this year's draft. His speed and quickness make him the ideal outside linebacker.
Why Carter Fits
The Patriots could very well trade this pick, but if not, it is likely they will try to continue to build their defensive unit. Carter is a project, and while he might not start right away, he has the potential to be a very good NFL linebacker down the road.
31. Atlanta Falcons, Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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What Makes Solder Special
He has great size, standing at 6'9", which is valuable because he can control pass rushing defensive ends with his long arms. He also has impressive mobility and can get out of his stance quickly.
Solder started his college career at tight end, but was moved to the offensive line because of his superior size and footwork.
Why Solder Fits
From a potential standpoint, Solder could be the most dominant offensive lineman in this year's class.
The Falcons have shown that they have an elite passing game with young Matt Ryan behind center. How about adding a 6'9" tackle to protect your franchise quarterback?
30. Pittsburgh Steelers, Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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What Makes Carimi Special
The 2010 Outland Trophy winner, Carimi is the next in line of great offensive tackles to come out of Wisconsin. He has great size at 6'8", 320 pounds, and excels in run blocking, which was evident as Wisconsin featured one of the top backfields in the country this season.
Carimi has been a three-year starter for the Badgers, so he has the experience that NFL teams are looking for.
Why Carimi Fits
The Steelers have been banged up this season on the offensive line, specifically at the tackle position. One aspect that was lacking in the Steelers offense this year was the consistency of franchise running back Rashard Mendenhall.
Adding Carimi would open up some holes for Mendenhall to run off-tackle and perhaps propel him to an elite NFL rusher.
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29. Chicago Bears, Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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What Makes Sherrod Special
He is one of the most experienced linemen in the country, starting over 40 games in his collegiate career.
Sherrod is a good pass protector with good range who has the ability to play on both sides of the line at either tackle position. He paved the way for one of the best rushing attacks in college football this season.
Why Sherrod Fits
The Bears' top priority this offseason will be to get some protection for quarterback Jay Cutler. He has been sacked over 50 times this season and has taken a number of gut-wrenching hits from his blind side.
Adding Sherrod would give the Bears a top-notch offensive tackle, who should give Cutler more time to do what he does best: sling it downfield.
28. Baltimore Ravens, Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
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What Makes Harris Special
He is an aggressive, in-your-face corner who features elite speed. Combine that with the fact that Harris is known as a gamer who brings it on every down, and he has everything a team wants in a lockdown corner.
Why Harris Fits
The Ravens are one of those teams that don't have many glaring weaknesses. But if you had to pick one, the defensive backfield, specifically cornerback, would stand out.
Harris gives them an aggressive option who won't back down against anyone. Sounds like a perfect fit for the Ravens.
27. New Orleans Saints, Greg Jones, OLB, Michigan State
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What Makes Jones Special
He is a two-time All-American who has been a starter since his freshman season. Jones is a great athlete who really brings meaning to the term "ball-hawking" linebacker.
Why Jones Fits
The Saints need to shore up their front seven, and free agency could leave the Saints looking for depth at the linebacker position. Jones has the ability and experience to step in right away and contribute at outside linebacker.
He actually moved to middle linebacker midway through his college career, and could fill in there as well and spell Jonathan Vilma at times.
26. New York Jets, J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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What Makes Watt Special
He has the ideal work ethic and a nonstop motor that became more than evident as he terrorized Big Ten quarterbacks this season.
Watt is explosive off the end, recording seven sacks this season while leading one of the top defensive units in the country. He already has good size and is only going to get stronger and better with time.
Why Watt Fits
While the Jets feature one of the top defenses in the NFL, the unit did take a slight step backwards this season.
Rex Ryan loves hard-nosed defensive players who get after the quarterback, and that is exactly what Watt will bring to the table in Ryan's 3-4 defensive scheme.
25. Philadelphia Eagles, Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida
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What Makes Pouncey Special
He has good size and versatility to player both guard or center in the NFL.
Pouncey is hands-down the best interior lineman in this year's draft class. He is an exceptional run blocker that has experience playing on college football's biggest stage.
Why Pouncey Fits
With the rejuvenation of Michael Vick this season, the Eagles need someone to block for him and pave the way for the running game. Drafting Pouncey gives the Eagles just that.
He should crack the lineup right away and give Andy Reid a stud offensive lineman who he can move around if needed.
24. Green Bay Packers, Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
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What Makes Williams Special
He has good size for a corner, and even better speed. Williams is considered by many to be one of the fastest defensive backs in this year's draft class and has experience going up against some of the top receivers in college football.
Why Williams Fits
The Packers have some big names on the defensive end, but they are one defensive back away from being one of the top units in the NFL. Williams would have the opportunity to learn from one of the best in All-Pro Charles Woodson.
23. Indianapolis Colts, Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU
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What Makes Barksdale Special
This 6'5", 320-pound senior has been anchoring LSU's offensive line since his freshman year. He has paved the way for what is consistently one of the top rushing attacks in the SEC, but his value comes as a exceptional pass protector.
Barksdale has competed and succeeded in college football's top conference, which makes NFL scouts believe he is ready for the next level.
Why Barksdale Fits
Peyton Manning spent much of this season being pressured by a constant heavy pass rush. It's time to get Manning a top-notch lineman who can protect his blind side. Barksdale should fit that role perfectly.
22. Kansas City Chiefs, Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
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What Makes Floyd Special
He is a physical receiver and while he didn't put up eye-popping numbers this season, he does possess big-play ability.
Floyd has exceptional body control, which he is able to use to snag balls out of the air. He also has the knowledge of a pro-style offense after playing under former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis.
Why Floyd Fits
Matt Cassel had an outstanding season this year and the Chiefs need to continue to provide him with offensive weapons.
Dwayne Bowe has proven that he is a worthy NFL No. 1 receiver, but the Chiefs need another receiving option to complement Bowe.
Drafting Floyd would give them two big-play receivers to go along with what is already a dominant rushing attack.
21. Seattle Seahawks, Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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What Makes Locker Special
He has shown he can excel in the passing game and was expected to be the No.1 pick had he declared for last year's draft.
While Locker did not perform up to expectations in some big games this season, he still should be a first-round lock based on talent alone.
He threw for over 2,000 yards for the second consecutive season and led the Huskies to an impressive bowl win over Nebraska this year.
Why Locker Fits
It's time for the Seahawks to make a splash at the quarterback position. Matt Hasselbeck is getting up there in age and Charlie Whitehurst does not look like a long-term answer for this club.
Pete Carroll is familiar with Locker and knows how talented he is, having coached against him in the Pac-10 at USC.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
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What Makes Moore Special
He has great speed to go along with good strength, which makes him an ideal safety in the NFL. Moore excels in breaking on the ball when it is in the air, as he posted 10 interceptions this season at the free safety position.
He has been a starter since his freshman season, which means he has experience reading coverages and should adjust quickly to the pace of an NFL game.
Why Moore Fits
The Bucs are a youthful team that took a giant step in the right direction this season. The offense was solid, but the defense needs to continue to improve.
When you play in the same division as Drew Brees and Matt Ryan, you need all the defensive backfield help you can get. Moore will provide the Bucs with just that.
19. New York Giants, Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
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What Makes Ayers Special
He is a superior athlete who excels in both pass rushing and pass coverage situations.
At 6'4", 255 pounds, Ayers can play both inside or outside linebacker, and he already possesses the necessary skill level to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Why Ayers Fits
The Giants had one of the top defensive units in the NFL this year, but they could use some help at the outside linebacker position. Ayers has the ability to drop back in coverage, which should fit nicely in New York's zone schemes.
18. San Diego Chargers, Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
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What Makes Miller Special
Miller won this year's Butkus Award, which is given to college football's top linebacker.
He is a pass-rush specialist, recording a combined 27 sacks over the past two seasons. His experience playing in a 3-4 defensive scheme makes him a hot NFL commodity.
Why Miller Fits
The offense was never a problem in San Diego. Where the Chargers need help is on the defensive end, and Miller will make an immediate impact.
He is the perfect replacement for Shawne Merriman, which is just what the Chargers have been looking for since he departed earlier this season.
17. New England Patriots (From Oakland), Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
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What Makes Kerrigan Special
He has been one of the Big Ten's most feared pass rushers in his time at Purdue, posting 25 sacks over the past two seasons.
The 6'4", 265-pounder is quick, powerful and possesses one of those "non-stop motors" that coaches love to see in players. He possesses the work ethic and willing-to-learn attitude that will make him successful in the NFL.
Why Kerrigan Fits
The Patriots have been nearly unstoppable on the offensive end this season, so one would have to assume that Bill Belichick would want to shore up his defense.
The Pats have been making a youth movement as of late on defense, with the likes of Jerod Mayo and rookie Devin McCourty leading the unit.
Adding Kerrigan would give them their defensive lineman star of the future. He is an ideal power defensive end, that would fit nicely in the Patriots' 3-4 defensive scheme.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars, Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
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What Makes Jenkins Special
He makes up for his lack of size with his aggressive playing style, which is needed at the next level. His speed and ability to jump routs make him one of the top cornerback prospects in this year's draft class.
Jenkins is a proven cornerback, having gone up against and stopped some of the best receivers in the top conference in college football.
Why Jenkins Fits
The Jaguars secondary ranked in the bottom tier of the NFL this year and needs to upgrade at the corner position.
Jenkins has the ability to step in and start right away for the Jags, which could be just what they need to get over their recent playoff drought.
15. Miami Dolphins, Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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What Makes Ingram Special
He is hands-down the top rusher in this year's running back class. The 2009 Heisman winner is a powerful runner who was the most dominant player on the field at all times during Alabama's 2009-10 national championship season.
Combine his skills with the fact that he has played and succeeded on college football's biggest stage, and he is a can't-miss player for a team that is in need of a running game.
Why Ingram Fits
Ricky Williams has gone on the record and said that he wants out of Miami.
Combine that with the fact that Ronnie Brown's production has gone down this year, and the Dolphins need some new legs in their backfield. Ingram has the big-play ability to bring this offense back to relevance.
14. St. Louis Rams, Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
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What Makes Blackmon Special
He was the best receiver in college football this year, leading the nation with 1,782 receiving yards and 20 touchdown receptions.
He has the ideal size and speed to develop into an NFL No. 1 receiver down the road.
Why Blackmon Fits
He will be the best receiver available at this point and the Rams need to give Sam Bradford an explosive playmaker to work with.
And in all reality, Laurent Robinson and Donnie Avery are not NFL No. 1 wideouts. Blackmon is.
13. Detroit Lions, Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
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What Makes Costanzo Special
At 6'7", 305 pounds, he has NFL size and possesses superior athleticism at the tackle position. He's a four-year starter who is hands-down the best offensive lineman in this year's draft class.
Why Costanzo Fits
Everyone had the Lions tagged for taking a top-notch defensive back, but after Detroit finished the season with four straight victories, Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara will likely be gone at this point.
Not a problem, because the Lions need to address their offensive line as well. Costanzo will provide much-needed protection for Matthew Stafford, who has missed significant time in his first two seasons as the Lions signal-caller.
12. Minnesota Vikings, Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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What Makes Newton Special
The way he dominated college football this season should answer that question in itself. Newton is a once-in-a-decade talent who should not be passed up.
Despite the scrutiny that has been associated with him throughout this year's college football season, he was, without a question, the most talented player in the country. His ability alone makes him worthy of a first-round selection.
Why Newton Fits
Although you can never be positive, one would have to assume that the Brett Favre era is going to come to an end after this season. With that said, this is a no-brainer.
Newton can develop a connection with Sidney Rice, not to mention, could you imagine the Vikings rushing attack with Newton and Adrian Peterson?
11. Houston Texans, Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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What Makes Amukamara Special
He had a great career at Nebraska and is considered to be the second-best defensive back in this year's draft.
His size and physical style of play have allowed him to shut down some of college football's elite receivers. Amukamara has all the intangibles to allow him to be a starter from Day 1.
Why Amukamara Fits
The Texans allowed a league-worst 267.5 passing yards per game and desperately need an upgrade in their secondary. He could go even earlier, but if he does fall to Houston, they will rush up to the podium for this pick.
10. Washington Redskins, Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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What Makes Clayborn Special
He has been the MVP of one of college football's top defenses over the past couple of years. Clayborn has a non-stop motor and the ability to put constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Why Clayborn Fits
Mike Shanahan will take a look at which quarterbacks are left on the board at this point, but with Luck and Mallett likely gone, he will switch his focus to defense.
The Redskins have a lot of needs on defense, but the pass rushing combination of Clayborn and Brian Orakpo would not allow teams to expose other weak parts of their defense.
9. Dallas Cowboys, Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
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What Makes Quinn Special
He has the physical tools that every coach looks for in a defensive end, having been compared to former UNC Tar Heel Julius Peppers.
Had it not been for his off-the-field issues this season, Quinn very well could have been a top-five selection. Even with the baggage that might come along with him, he is too talented to pass up.
Why Quinn Fits
The Cowboys saw their pass-rush numbers drop drastically this year. They need to find someone to place opposite of DeMarcus Ware, and Quinn could be just that guy.
He is a sack machine that could bring the Cowboys defense back to where they were just a few years ago.
8. Tennessee Titans, Nick Fairley, DE/DT, Auburn
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What Makes Fairley Special
He was the best defensive player on college football's top team this year. Fairley has great size and decent speed, allowing him to stop the run but also be an effective pass rusher.
Why Fairley Fits
At this point, the Titans will likely look to draft the best player available, which should be Fairley.
The Titans defense ranked amongst the league's lower half this season, and Fairley will give them an impact player who can be moved between tackle and defense end.
7. San Francisco 49ers, Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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What Makes Peterson Special
He is the prize defensive back in this year's draft class. Peterson has been a mainstay in LSU's defensive backfield since he arrived there.
He is a hard-hitting corner with great cover skills who should be an immediate starter wherever he ends up.
Why Peterson Fits
San Francisco needs help in the secondary, and with Peterson, they are getting a franchise corner who should have a long, successful NFL career.
He already has gone up against some of the best receivers in the country, which makes him an NFL-ready, can't-miss prospect.
6. Cleveland Browns, Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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What Makes Jones Special
He has ideal size, strength and leaping ability to make an immediate impact at the next level. He has had big games on college football's biggest stage and has put up huge numbers in a run-first offensive system.
Why Jones Fits
It is between Jones and Georgia's A.J. Green for who is this year's first receiver taken. Cleveland should be pleased with either of them.
The Browns have one of the worst passing offenses in the league, but a playmaker like Jones will only help Colt McCoy improve over time.
5. Arizona Cardinals, Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
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What Makes Mallett Special
It is not too often that you see a kid with this size and arm strength come around.
Mallett has the talent and all-around skills to be the top pick in this draft, but he needs to work on his decision making before he can be a star at the next level.
Why Mallett Fits
Arizona is in desperate need of a quarterback, and with this pick, their quarterback of the future falls right into their lap.
The Cardinals have some explosive playmakers—they just need the right guy to put the ball in their hands. Mallett will be that guy.
4. Cincinnati Bengals, Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama
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What Makes Dareus Special
He was dominant the past two seasons as both a pass rusher and run stopper.
Dareus possesses big-game experience and was key to Alabama's 2010 national championship victory. He is a proven force, playing in the most physical conference in college football.
Why Dareus Fits
The Bengals finished amongst the leagues worst pass-rush defenses this season.
Dareus has the ability to play anywhere on the defensive line, and drafting him gives the Bengals a game-changer who will be ready to step in and play right away.
3. Buffalo Bills, A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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What Makes Green Special
He has the type of big-play ability that doesn't come around every year in the draft.
Green can stretch the field and make catches in traffic. He would have been the top receiver taken had he gone in last year's draft.
Why Green Fits
Buffalo wanted Andrew Luck, but while he will likely be gone, they will go ahead and draft the best player available, which is Green.
Ryan Fitzpatrick showed promise at times this season, and adding Green will give him a true No. 1 wideout to throw to.
2. Denver Broncos, Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
31 of 32
What Makes Bowers Special
He led the nation with 16 sacks this season and was a nightmare to ACC quarterbacks all season long. Bowers possesses a unique combination of size, speed and a killer instinct.
Why Bowers Fits
Denver's defense was nothing short of awful this year, and adding a dominant pass rusher like Bowers will help their cause. They will have their pick out of a large pool of good defensive players, but in the end, Bowers looks to be the most dominant of the group.
1. Carolina Panthers, Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
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What Makes Luck Special
He is talented, smart, and has the physical tools to be a successful NFL quarterback. He already has succeeded in a pro-style offense, which will help him adjust to the NFL game.
His decision-making ability separates him from other top-tier quarterbacks.
Why Luck Fits
Jimmy Clausen has not given any type of sign that he can be the Panthers' quarterback of the future.
Carolina had the worst offense in the NFL this year, but with Luck under center, those numbers will rise in no time.
He has everything that a coach would want in a franchise quarterback.
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