
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Newton, A.J. Green, and Complete 3 Round Projections
The 2011 NFL Draft is more than 110 days away. ย Now that the NFL playoffs have begun, it's time to mock the first three rounds of the draft.
Where will Blaine Gabbert go now that he has declared? ย What about Terrelle Pryor?
These questions and more will be answered in this 2011 three-round NFL Mock Draft:
1. Carolina Panthers: Da'Quan Bowers (DE, Clemson)
1 of 96
Analysis: Charles Johnson had about one third of the Panthers sacks this season, and he's a free agent.
Grade: Even
2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU)
2 of 96
Analysis: Champ Bailey is long gone, but the Broncos don't take a step back by selecting Peterson.
Grade: Even
3. Buffalo Bills: Nick Fairley (DE, Auburn)
3 of 96
Analysis: The Bills have the worst run defense in the league, but that will change fast with Fairley on the line.
Grade: Even
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Robert Quinn (DE, North Carolina)
4 of 96
Analysis: Character concerns are the only thing holding Quinn back from going No. 1, which the Bengals obviously don't care about.
Grade: Even
5. Arizona Cardinals: Prince Amukamara (CB, Nebraska)
5 of 96
Analysis: The Cardinals will have two shutdown cornerbacks for years to come with Amukamara and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie manning the outside.
Grade: Even
6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green (WR, Georgia)
6 of 96
Analysis: Colt McCoy gets an All World talent on the outside to throw to for the next 10 years in Green.
Grade: Even
7. San Francisco 49ers: Blaine Gabbert (QB, Missouri)
7 of 96
Analysis: The 49ers new head coach will have no ties to either Smith and will want his own quarterback to run the offense.
Grade: Even
8. Tennessee Titans: Marcell Dareus (DT, Alabama)
8 of 96
Analysis: The Titans finally replace Albert Haynesworth in the middle of their struggling defense.
Grade: Even
9. Dallas Cowboys: Mark Ingram (HB, Alabama)
9 of 96
Analysis: The Cowboys running game has beenย infective for most of the season, and with no better option, why not?
Grade: Even
10. Washington Redskins: Ryan Mallett (QB, Arkansas)
10 of 96
Analysis: Mike Shanahan gets a gunslinger that's definitely an upgrade to Rex Grossman in the strong armed Mallett.
Grade: Even
11. Houston Texans: Stephen Paea (DT, Oregon St.)
11 of 96
Analysis: The Texans finally upgrade the defensive tackle instantly improving their entire defense.
Grade: Even
12. Minnesota Vikings: Cam Newton (QB, Auburn)
12 of 96
Analysis: Joe Webb isn't the answer, but the Heisman Trophy winner could be.
Grade: Even
13. Detroit Lions: Brandon Harris (CB, Miami)
13 of 96
Analysis: The Lions fill their number one need at cornerback with Harris, who has the potential to be a shutdown cornerback.
Grade: Even
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones (WR, Alabama)
14 of 96
Analysis: Sam Bradford gets a stud wide receiver in Jones that can turn a short pass into a home run at any time.
Grade: Steal
15. Miami Dolphins: Mikel LeShoure (HB, Illinois)
15 of 96
Analysis: Miami must select a running back to replace Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.
Grade: Reach
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan (DE, Purdue)
16 of 96
Analysis: The Jaguars have no legit pass rushers with Aaron Kampman's future in jeopardy with two bad knees.
Grade: Even
17. New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan (DE, California)
17 of 96
Analysis: The Patriots finally replace Richard Seymour with the pick they received in the Seymour-trade.
Grade: Even
18. San Diego Chargers: Von Miller (OLB, Texas A&M)
18 of 96
Analysis: The Chargers need someone opposite of Shaun Phillips who can rush the passer more effectively than Larry English.
Grade: Even
19. New York Giants: Travis Lewis (OLB, Oklahoma)
19 of 96
Analysis: Keith Bulluck is a shell of his former self and must be replaced.
Grade: Even
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn (DE, Iowa)
20 of 96
Analysis: The Buccaneers have no one at defensive end right now, and Clayborn falls because ofย inconsistency.
Grade: Steal
21. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker (QB, Washington)
21 of 96
Analysis: The hometown hero falls to the Seahawks and will sit a year behind Matt Hasselbeck.
Grade: Steal
22. Kansas City Chiefs: Justin Blackmon (WR, Oklahoma St.)
22 of 96
Analysis: The Chiefs need an upgrade opposite of Dwayne Bowe to eliminate double teams.
Grade: Even
23. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder (OT, Colorado)
23 of 96
Analysis: The athletic Solder is a pass blocker who fits great in the Colts system.
Grade: Even
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Janoris Jenkins (CB, Florida)
24 of 96
Analysis: The Eagles must find a replacement for Dimitri Patterson after the last few weeks of poor play.
Grade: Even
25. Green Bay Packers: Akeem Ayers (OLB, UCLA)
25 of 96
Analysis: The Packers have nothing across from Clay Matthews, and Ayers will be able to start right away.
Grade: Even
26. New Orleans Saints: Drake Nevis (DT, LSU)
26 of 96
Analysis: Nevis will really improve the Saints mediocre pass rush.
Grade: Steal
27. New York Jets: J.J. Watt (DE, Wisconsin)
27 of 96
Analysis: Watt has great size and can start right away at the Jets weakness on the defensive line.
Grade: Even
28. Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Williams (CB, Texas)
28 of 96
Analysis: All the Ravens cornerbacks are gone next year besides Lardarius Webb and Dominique Foxworth who's coming off of a torn ACL.
Grade: Even
29. Chicago Bears: Derrick Sherrod (OT, Mississippi St.)
29 of 96
Analysis: The Bears offensive line surrendered more sacks than anyone in the league this season.
Grade: Steal
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey (G, Florida)
30 of 96
Analysis: The Steelers fill their gaping hole at right guard with Maurkice Pouncey's brother Mike.
Grade: Even
31. Atlanta Falcons: Jonathan Baldwin (WR, Pittsburgh)
31 of 96
Analysis: Matt Ryan needs another weapon on the outside besides Roddy White.
Grade: Steal
32. New England Patriots: Justin Houston (OLB, Georgia)
32 of 96
Analysis: The Patriots haven't had a dangerous pass rusher since Adalius Thomas left.
Grade: Even
33. New England Patriots: Jimmy Smith (CB, Colorado)
33 of 96
Analysis: The Patriots solidify their secondary and defense with Smith and their third selected defender of the draft.
Grade: Even
34. Buffalo Bills: Terrelle Pryor (QB, Ohio St.)
34 of 96
Analysis: Pryor comes off the board and will sit a year behind Ryan Fitzpatrick for the Bills.
Grade: Even
35. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Floyd (WR, Notre Dame)
35 of 96
Analysis: Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens will both be gone after free agency and need to be replaced.
Grade: Even
36. Denver Broncos: Allen Bailey (DE, Miami)
36 of 96
Analysis: The Broncos biggest weakness this past season was their defensive line.
Grade: Even
37. Cleveland Browns: Ras-I Dowling (CB, Virginia)
37 of 96
Analysis:ย Eric Wright hasn't been the same talent and needs to be replaced.
Grade: Even
38. Arizona Cardinals: Pat Devlin (QB, Delaware)
38 of 96
Analysis: The Cardinals get their franchise quarterback in Devlin pleasing Larry Fitzgerald.
Grade: Even
39. Tennessee Titans: Bruce Carter (OLB, North Carolina)
39 of 96
Analysis: The Titans need an upgrade at outside linebacker and to their run defense.
Grade: Steal
40. Dallas Cowboys: Steve Wisiewski (G, Penn State)
40 of 96
Analysis: The Cowboys must upgrade a shaky offensive line for Tony Romo this offseason.
Grade: Steal
41. Washington Redskins: Ryan Broyles (WR, Oklahoma)
41 of 96
Analysis: The Redskinsย desperatelyย need to find some weapons for Ryan Mallett.
Grade: Reach
42. Houston Texans: Rahim Moore (FS, UCLA)
42 of 96
Analysis: Part two of five of the Texans defensive makeover is complete with the selection of Moore.
Grade: Steal
43. Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Castonzo (OT, Boston College)
43 of 96
Analysis: There's no reason why Adrian Peterson shouldn't lead the league in rushing every season.
Grade: Steal
44. Detroit Lions: Gabe Carimi (OT, Wisconsin)
44 of 96
Analysis: The Lions must protect their franchise quarterback in Matt Stafford to actually get somewhere.
Grade: Steal
45. San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Burton (CB, Utah)
45 of 96
Analysis: The 49ers must upgrade their horrible secondary and it starts at the cornerback position.
Grade: Even
46. Denver Broncos: Kyle Rudolph (TE, Notre Dame)
46 of 96
Analysis: The Broncos gave away Tony Scheffler a year ago and now finds his replacement.
Grade: Steal
47. St. Louis Rams: Greg Jones (OLB, Michigan St.)
47 of 96
Analysis: Both Rams outside linebackers combined couldn't reach 100 tackles this season.
Grade: Even
48. Oakland Raiders: Demarcus Love (OT, Arkansas)
48 of 96
Analysis: The Raiders could use an upgrade at right tackle, and Love has the upside Al Davis loves.
Grade: Even
49. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremy Beal (DE, Oklahoma)
49 of 96
Analysis: The Jaguars always double dip and grab Beal even with Ryan Kerrigan.
Grade: Even
50. San Diego Chargers: Jared Crick (DE, Nebraska)
50 of 96
Analysis: The Chargers must replace Jacques Cesaire, who is a free agent.
Grade: Steal
51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mason Foster (OLB, Washington)
51 of 96
Analysis: The Buccaneers mustย improveย their run defense, and that starts at outside linebacker.
Grade: Even
52. New York Giants: Ryan Williams (HB, Virginia Tech)
52 of 96
Analysis: Brandon Jacbos is gone, and the injury prone Ahmad Bradshaw needs a back to share carries with.
Grade: Even
53. Seattle Seahawks: Benjamin Ijalana (G, Villanova)
53 of 96
Analysis: The Seahawks must make their offensive line top notch before Jake Locker is thrown in as the starting quarterback.
Grade: Even
54. Indianapolis Colts: Jurrell Casey (DT, USC)
54 of 96
Analysis: The Colts haven't had a talent inside since who knows when, but finds one with Casey.
Grade: Even
55. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyron Smith (OT, USC)
55 of 96
Analysis: The Eagles offensive line is the only thing holding their offense back.
Grade: Steal
56. Kansas City Chiefs: Jabaal Sheard (OLB, Pittsburgh)
56 of 96
Analysis: The Chiefs must add a pass rusher opposite of Tamba Hali.
Grade: Reach
57. Green Bay Packers: Curtis Brown (CB, Texas)
57 of 96
Analysis:ย Charles Woodson is 34-years-old, so the Packers must find his replacement.
Grade: Even
58. New York Jets: Kenny Tate (S, Maryland)
58 of 96
Analysis: The Jets' safety play is the only weakness in their secondary.
Grade: Steal
59. Baltimore Ravens: Deunta Williams (FS, North Carolina)
59 of 96
Analysis:ย Ed Reed isย contemplatingย retirement, so a replacement must be found.
Grade: Steal
60. New Orleans Saints: Quan Sturdivant (ILB, North Carolina)
60 of 96
Analysis: Jonathan Vilma can move over and fill a need at outside backer with Sturdivant in New Orleans.
Grade: Even
61. Chicago Bears: Rodney Hudson (G, Florida St.)
61 of 96
Analysis: The Bears must continue to upgrade an embarrassing offensive line.
Grade: Even
62. Pittsburgh Steelers: Rashard Carmichael (CB, Virginia Tech)
62 of 96
Analysis: Cornerback play is the only thing stopping the Steelers defense from being legendary.
Grade: Reach
63. Atlanta Falcons: Sam Acho (DE, Texas)
63 of 96
Analysis: John Abraham is 32-years-old, so a replacement must be found.
Grade: Even
64. New England Patriots: Marcus Cannon (G, TCU)
64 of 96
Analysis: The Patriots must upgrade their offensive line with Matt Light and Logan Mankins becoming free agents.
Grade: Even
65. Carolina Panthers: DeVier Posey (WR, Ohio State)
65 of 96
Analysis: The Panthers must get Jimmy Clausen some weapons to throw to with Steve Smith's future in Carolina up in the air.
Grade: Even
66. Cincinnati Bengals: Shane Vereen (HB, California)
66 of 96
Analysis: Cedric Benson is a free agent and hasn't played well to begin with.
Grade: Steal
67. Denver Broncos: Jerrell Powe (NT, Ole Miss)
67 of 96
Analysis: The Broncos must continue to upgrade their weak defensive line by replacing the ancient Jamal Williams.
Grade: Even
68. Buffalo Bills: Matt Reynolds (OT, BYU)
68 of 96
Analysis: The Bills must provide Ryan Fitzpatrick with better protection on the right side.
Grade: Steal
69. Arizona Cardinals: Joseph Barksdale (OT, LSU)
69 of 96
Analysis:ย The Cardinals offensive line is horrible and must be improved for Pat Delvin.
Grade: Steal
70. Cleveland Browns: Cameron Heyward (DE, Ohio St.)
70 of 96
Analysis: Heyward falls, and the Browns take advantage by upgrading their run defense.
Grade: Steal
71. Dallas Cowboys: Robert Sands (S, West Virginia)
71 of 96
Analysis: The Cowboys must find an upgrade to the safety position and Alan Ball.
Grade: Steal
72. New Orleans Saints: Pernell McPhee (DE, Mississippi St.)
72 of 96
Analysis: The Saints must continue to improve their pass rush and find replacements to aging defensive ends.
Grade: Even
73. Houston Texans: DeAndre McDaniel (S, Clemson)
73 of 96
Analysis: With no outside linebacker and cornerback worth being selected, the Texans upgrade their other safety spot.
Grade: Steal
74. New England Patriots: Titus Young (WR, Boise St.)
74 of 96
Analysis: With the defense and offensive line set, the Patriots upgrade Tom Brady's weapons.
Grade: Even
75. Detroit Lions: Quinton Carter (S, Oklahoma)
75 of 96
Analysis: The Lions must continue to upgrade one of the worst secondaries in football.
Grade: Even
76. San Francisco 49ers: Steven Friday (OLB, Virginia Tech)
76 of 96
Analysis:ย The 49ers are forced to select a pass rusher, as it's their biggest need left.
Grade: Reach
77. Tennessee Titans: Kris O'Dowd (C, USC)
77 of 96
Analysis: Eugene Amano can't play center and must be replaced.
Grade: Even
78. St. Louis Rams: Will Hill (S, Florida)
78 of 96
Analysis:ย The Rams must continue to upgrade their defense, and safety is their biggest need left.
Grade: Even
79. Miami Dolphins: Nathan Enderle (QB, Idaho)
79 of 96
Analysis: Chad Henne isn't getting the job done and must be challenged.
Grade: Even
80. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalil Brown (CB, Colorado)
80 of 96
Analysis: Derek Cox is too inconsistent to be given the starting cornerback job without competition.
Grade: Reach
81. Oakland Raiders: Alex Linnenkohl (C, Oregon St.)
81 of 96
Analysis: The Raiders have nothing at center and must find an upgrade.
Grade: Reach
82. San Diego Chargers: Leonard Hankerson (WR, Miami)
82 of 96
Analysis: Vincent Jackson is most likely gone, so Philip Rivers could use another target on the outside.
Grade: Steal
83. New York Giants: Marvin Austin (DT, North Carolina)
83 of 96
Analysis:ย Austin falls because of huge question marks,and the Giants take the risk to upgrade an inconsistent defense.
Grade: Steal
84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: John Moffitt (G, Wisconsin)
84 of 96
Analysis: The Buccaneers have a hole at the guard position, and Moffitt is good enough to start right away.
Grade: Steal
85. San Diego Chargers: Chris Marve (ILB, Vanderbilt)
85 of 96
Analysis: Stephen Cooper, Brandon Siler, and Kevin Burnett are all free agents this off season.
Grade: Even
86. Philadelphia Eagles: Orlando Franklin (G, Miami)
86 of 96
Analysis: The Eagles must continue to upgrade a shaky and always injured offensive line.
Grade: Even
87. Kansas City Chiefs: Sione Fua (NT, Stanford)
87 of 96
Analysis: The Chiefs defensive line has been inconsistent down the stretch and could use an upgrade.
Grade: Even
88. Indianapolis Colts: Darius Morris (G, Temple)
88 of 96
Analysis: Peyton Manning wants more protection and he'll get more protection this off season.
Grade: Even
89. Green Bay Packers: Chris Hairston (OT, Clemson)
89 of 96
Analysis: The Packers have offensive tackles that are 33 and 34-years-old.
Grade: Steal
90. Baltimore Ravens: Jason Pinkston (OT, Pittsburgh)
90 of 96
Analysis: Jared Gaither is injured too often to not have a solid backup prepared to start.
Grade: Even
91. New Orleans Saints: Blake Gideon (FS, Texas)
91 of 96
Analysis: Darren Sharper, Roman Harper, and Usama Young are all free agents this offseason.
Grade: Even
92. San Diego Chargers: Noel Devine (HB, West Virginia)
92 of 96
Analysis: Darren Sproles is a free agent, and the Chargers won't lose anything by replacing him with Devine.
Grade: Even
93. Chicago Bears: Clint Boling (G, Geogia)
93 of 96
Analysis: The Bears offensive line is that bad; again, they upgrade with Boling.
Grade: Even
94. Pittsburgh Steelers: Nate Irving (ILB, NC State)
94 of 96
Analysis: James Farrior is 35-years-old and will eventually have to be replaced.
Grade:ย Even
95. Atlanta Falcons: Lance Kendricks (TE, Wisconsin)
95 of 96
Analysis: Tony Gonzalez may retire after this season, and if not after this year, then soon.
Grade: Even
96. New England Patriots: Daniel Thomas (HB, Kansas State)
96 of 96
Analysis: The Patriots upgrade their running game with a bruiser in Thomas.
Grade: Steal
David Daniels is an NFL Featured Columnist and Writing Intern at Bleacher Report and a Syndicated Writer. Follow him atย One Yard Short.comย or onย Twitter.
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