2011 NFL Mock Draft: Ranking Where the Top 20 Underclassmen Are Drafted
The 2011 NFL Draft looks like it is going to be filled from top to bottom with talented underclassmen who have decided to leave school early and take their shot at making it at the next level.
With big names like Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers and Arkansas' Ryan Mallett already putting their names in the sweepstakes, many are expected to follow in the upcoming days.
I am going to take a look at the top 20 underclassmen in this year's draft and take my shot at guessing what NFL hat they might be sporting come draft day.
1. Carolina Panthers, Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
1 of 20
Now that Stanford's Andrew Luck has announced that he will be returning to school next fall, the Panthers are going to have to put on their thinking cap to figure out who they are going to select with the first pick of this April's NFL Draft.
Their original intentions were to take Luck, because he was the top quarterback available. But with him taking his name out the draft, there really isn't a quarterback worthy of the top pick. This is why the Panthers will go for the most dominant defensive player in this year's draft, Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers.
He is a menace to opposing quarterbacks coming off the edge, as he led college football with 16 sacks this season. The Panthers might not get their franchise quarterback this year, but this guy will be a franchise defensive end to build around for years to come.
2. Denver Broncos, Nick Fairley, DE/DT, Auburn
2 of 20
This junior had an outstanding season for the Tigers. He was the best defender on the field for the best team in college football.
Denver's defense struggled throughout this season, ranking last in the NFL in points allowed and yards per game. Fairley will help that defense improve and be a nice gift for whoever takes over that head coaching position.
3. Buffalo Bills, A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
3 of 20
This junior very well could be the most explosive playmaker in this entire draft. He has elite size, speed and the ability to go up and make a play when the ball is in the air.
Buffalo is in a position where they need so much, they should just focus on drafting the best player available, which in this case will be Green.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals, Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama
4 of 20
Dareus announced on Thursday that he will be entering the 2011 Draft, along with teammate Mark Ingram.
The thing that makes Dareus such a high draft prospect is that he is physically gifted, has the ability to play any position on the defensive line and most importantly, he has competed and won on college football's biggest stage. He was the most dominant player on the team in Alabama's 2010 National Championship victory over Texas.
Cincinnati needs to continue to build up their defense, and snagging Dareus with their first round pick would certainly help them for years to come.
5. Arizona Cardinals, Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
5 of 20
This pick could go one of three ways, but you have to assume that the Cardinals are going to take a quarterback, and Newton, Ryan Mallett and Blaine Gabbert will likely be there for them to choose from.
The thing that makes Newton stand out above the rest is that he was the most dominant player this year in college football. He is a once in a decade type talent, that can not be passed up on. I would be shocked if Newton came back to college. If Auburn wins the National Championship, he will have accomplished all there is to accomplish in college football and will take the next step in his football career.
6. Clevelend Browns, Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
6 of 20
Jones made it final today that he will be entering the NFL Draft after three standout years at Alabama.
Jones is the most physically gifted receiver in this draft and has consistently put up big numbers playing in the best conference in college football. He has the ideal size, strength and speed to be an elite NFL receiver right away.
Cleveland has their quarterback of the future in Colt McCoy. Now, they need to focus on putting some pieces around him to allow him to be a successful NFL quarterback. Jones is that first piece.
7. San Francisco 49ers, Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
7 of 20
Put it this way, if Peterson is still available at this point, the 49ers will jump at him and waste no time making LSU's All-American corner their first pick. If he is gone, they will likely look at moving down or taking a quarterback.
With Peterson, San Francisco would be getting the best cover cornerback in this year's draft with the ability to return kicks and play all over the field. He is a rare talent that should be a starter in the NFL from day one.
8. Tennessee Titans, Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
8 of 20
Mallett declared himself eligible for the NFL this season after a standout junior year at Arkansas. While most draft analysts do not rate him this high, his potential and team's pure need for a quarterback should make him a top 10 pick.
Mallett has the talent, size and arm strength teams look for in a franchise quarterback, but he needs to work on his decision making before he can be a star at the next level.
With Vince Young gone and Kerry Collins getting up there in age, it is time for the Titans to bring in their quarterback of the future, and that guy is Mallett.
9. Dallas Cowboys, Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
9 of 20
Had it not been for his off the field issues this season, Quinn very well could have been a top five selection. He has a knack for getting to the quarterback, similar to former UNC star Julius Peppers.
The Cowboys saw their pass rush numbers drop drastically this year. Could you imagine having to go up against both Quinn and DeMarcus Ware? Jerry Jones can, and he wants that vision to become a reality.
12. Minnesota Vikings, Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
10 of 20
The Redskins and Texas are going to take seniors, which leaves Minnesota being the next team to snag a talented underclassmen.
Brett Favre is gone (hopefully) and the Vikings are in the market for a new franchise quarterback. Into their arms falls Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert. He is a big, talented quarterback with a strong arm and good instincts. He impressed the entire nation with his standout game against previously No. 1 ranked Oklahoma. Now he will have the chance to impress Vikings fans at the next level.
13. Detroit Lions, Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
11 of 20
Jenkins just announced that he will be leaving Florida early to enter the NFL Draft. He is a speedy cornerback who loves playing press coverage.
Jenkins went up against some of the top receivers in college football this year playing in the SEC, and could fit into the Lions secondary right away as their second starting corner. The Lions need defensive backs, a linebacker and offensive linemen. Jenkins is the best player available that fills one of those needs in Detroit.
14. St. Louis Rams, Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
12 of 20
Blackmon was the top 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.
The Rams need to give Sam Bradford more weapons to work with. Blackmon should fit in nicely and could be the Rams' go-to wide out in his rookie season.
15. Miami Dolphins, Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
13 of 20
Ingram was the third Alabama superstar to declare for the draft as an underclassman, and just like Dareus and Jones, Ingram should be a top 15 pick in the draft as well.
He is hands-down the best running back in this year's class. He has a good combination of power and speed, and has succeeded on the biggest stage. Both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown could be gone after this year, so the Dolphins are in the market for a top tier running back. Ingram is their guy.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars, Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
14 of 20
This might be a little earlier then draft analysts have Harris going as of now, but after he shows off his electric speed at the NFL Combine, his stock will be sure to rise.
He is a playmaking corner and that is exactly what Jacksonville needs, as they ranked amongst the league's worst in pass defense this season.
19. New York Giants, Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
15 of 20
I have both New England and San Diego taking seniors, which brings us to the New York Giants. The G-Men have depth all over the offensive side of the ball, but need to improve on the defensive side.
Ayers is a superior athlete who excels in both pass rushing and pass coverage situations. He can play both inside or outside linebacker, and he already possesses the necessary skill level to make an immediate impact at the next level. He will add instant depth to what is already a pretty good football team.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
16 of 20
The Bruins standout safety declared on Friday that he will be entering this year's NFL Draft.
Moore is the top rated safety in this year's draft class, and will likely be the only player at that position to be selected in the opening round. 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. He will be a nice fit in Tampa's aggressive defensive scheme.
22. Kansas City Chiefs, Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
17 of 20
The Seahawks had the pick before this and everything points to them selecting a quarterback, perhaps Washington's Jake Locker. Now, the Chiefs have their opportunity to add another explosive player to their offense, which could be Notre Dame junior receiver Michael Floyd.
Floyd is a physical receiver with good leaping ability, and also played in a pro-style system. He should be able to adjust to the NFL game and give the Chiefs a solid receiving option to line up opposite of Dwayne Bowe.
24. Green Bay Packers, Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
18 of 20
Williams has good size for a corner and even better speed. Like Harris, his stock could rise when NFL scouts see him post a 40 yard dash time under 4.4 seconds.
The Packers have two immediate needs, running back and cornerback. With the weak running back class in this year's draft, Williams should be their guy. He can learn from Charles Woodson and step in when called upon.
27. New Orleans Saints, J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
19 of 20
Both the Eagles and Jets will draft seniors, and that leaves Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt to fall right into the Saints' arms.
Watt is a guy with a non-stop motor that NFL coaches love to work with. He is explosive off the end, recording seven sacks this season while leading one of the top defensive units in the country. His combination of strength and work ethic will make him a successful NFL player down the road.
36. Denver Broncos, Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
20 of 20
Sorry Kyle Rudolph, you are the last underclassmen to make the top 20 list, and unfortunately the only one that won't be selected in the first round.
The Broncos will likely address the defensive end of the ball in the first round, and then have to focus on getting some more weapons for second year quarterback Tim Tebow.
Rudolph has great size for a tight end and is one of the top playmakers in this year's draft. He will be the first tight end taken and will give instant help to the Broncos passing game next season.
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