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2011 NFL Mock Draft First Round: An In-Depth Look at All 32 Selections

Drew Marini
Jan 11, 2011

Most analyzed Mock draft on Bleacher Report!

The NFL draft is getting closer and closer, andย every football fanย who is a football fan just can't wait to see who and how there beloved team will pick each college stud. I will go over all 31 teams(Raiders don't have a first round pick) and give my best insight on who each team should draft and why.ย 

This will be my first Mock draft of many to come so stay tuned for more! (Instead of makingย completely new slideshow I will just make changes to this current article)

IF YOU JUST WANT TO JUMP TO YOU TEAM'S PICK THEN CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

1. Carolina Panthers: AJ Green, WR Georgia

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This pick could really be any of these three players: A.J. Green, Da'Quan Bowers and Nick Fairley. Green is the best route runner in college football and is as completeย receiverย as they come (Speed, Size, Hands). As much as I can see Bowers going here,ย Green is the next of the elite receivers in the mold of Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. Steve Smith is getting old and dropped a fair share of his balls this year so a new #1 WR needs to be established. Having Green toย stretch the field vertically will fit Jimmy Clausen's style of play (whichย John Fox refused to let happen) to improve this offense tremendously. He is as sure of thing as they come in this draft class. ย 

2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB LSU

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Peterson is anย extraordinarily athlete and the total package withย amazingย ability. The Broncos need secondary help right away and this rare star player can more than fill that hole.ย Locates the ball anywhere in the air, takes great angles to the point of attack, and thenย plays the ballย aggressively.ย Lock down cover corner withย lightning 4.3 speedย whileย possessingย the size of a safety. Can also serve as aย play makingย return-man with excellent skills inย specialย teams aspect of the gameย as well.ย ย 

3. Buffalo Bills: Nick Fairley, DT Auburn

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As many needs as the Bills have, Fairley is a top talent at DT and fits Buffalo perfectly becauseย he has the ability to play a 4-3 defensive tackle or a 3-4 defensive end. Fairley dominated in big time games (SEC champ. & national champ.) against big time opponents and put on a showcase while not even at 100 percent. Times the snap perfect off the ball and can watch the playย developย like a movie then react.ย 

4. Cincinnati Bengals: Da'Quan Bowers, DE Clemson

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If Carolina passes up on Bowers there's no way he falls past the Bengals. Bowers is theย draft's best pass rusher and is a phenomenal talent just starting to play to full potential.ย Didn'tย produce much his 1st two years in college but made up for it big this year leading the NCAA in stacks. Transfers speed to power well and has great lower bodyย strength toย excelย against the run. Bowers aside Carlos Dunlap, who had a terrific rookie season, could be the best pass rush duo in a few years down the road.ย ย ย 

5. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB North Carolina

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As much QB trouble as the Cardinals had this year, I don't see them drafting a QB hereย simplyย because there is no QB worthy of a top 5 pick in this draft. Also, withย Whisenhunt's job on the line it makes moreย sceneย for him to sign/trade for a vet like Kevin Kolb instead of putting his fate in another rookies hands. Saying that, Quinn would be a better fit here than Princeย Amukamara (CB Nebraska). The Cardinals had some issue's at corner but that issue has diminished as the year wen't along. Quinn plays with leverage holding the edge, changes directions fast, and moves well laterally. Hes aย diverse natural pass-rusher and a solid athlete with a serious motor that will boost Arizona's poor pass rush at DE or OLB. ย 

6. Cleveland Browns: Marcell Dareus, DE/DT Alabama

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Dareus is a complete solid penetrator having pass rush skills that trump his above average run-stopping ability. With the Browns looking to get more physical on defense, replacing their worst defensive player, Brian Schaefering, would be a smart move. Fires out low with great leverage, and showcasesย quick hands to disengage from blockers with ease.ย Would fit very well at DE in the Brown's 3-4 scheme with his huge 306 pound body combined with his exceptional speed(4.8) for his size.ย 

7. San Francisco 49ers: Ryan Mallet, QB Arkansas

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Trust me when I say this, Blaine Gabbert will NOT be as good as NFL QB as people think.ย Gabbert is constantly out of shape, makes horrible decisions with hisย inaccurateย throws, and worked in a gimmicky spread offense. Cam Newton will beย successful though he willย take some time toย develop, and Jake Locker hasn't really proven anything,ย especially against top competition. Resulting in Ryan Mallet being the best QB in this draft. Newย regime means new QB, and Jim Harbaugh will take full advantage of Mallet's big arm, huge 6-7 frame, andย experienceย in aย pro-styleย system. He displays good mechanics while throwing with great balance and can make any NFL throw on the field.ย Hisย check-downย skills and footwork need work, but Mallet performed excellent against the nation's top defenses. Will be a Joe Flaco type QB.ย 

8. Tennessee Titans: Cam Newton, QB Auburn

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Titans need a QB bad,ย and if they opt to sign a veteran, I really can see Cam Newton fitting in very nicely in Tennessee. Cam Newton has similar tendencies as Vince Young (but way better skill throwing and running) so theย Titans offense will suit Newton very well. Newton isย so athletic, has TREMENDOUS accuracy, and is a physical freak. He reminds me of Ben Rothliburger with his huge frame but with more mobility and big play potential. His downfall is the lack ofย experience under center andย Kerry Collins would be a very good mentor for Newton toย receiveย some great insight under. Kids a winner which translates to success in the NFL. Just ask Sam Bradford.ย 

9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska

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Don't you love when this happens, the best playerย available just happens to play the exact position your team needs. The Cowboy'sย secondary is horrible and Amukamaraย has great instincts, ball awareness, and ballย handlingย skills.ย The Cowboys secondary surrendered over 300 passing yards in the final half of the season and QB's of the likes of John Skelton and Rex Grossman burned them. Amukamara isn't that far behind Patrick Peterson in talent and possess such great covering skills that it almost seems like he is the oneย runningย theย receiver'sย route.

10. Washington Redskins: Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri

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Although I do not think Gabbert is an elite prospectย becauseย of his poor decision making, accuracy and ability toย step up in the pocket when feeling edge pressure, many scouts love his big arm, mobility, and think he has tremendous upside.ย Because of that andย Washington's QB need that McNabb couldn't satisfy, it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring in Gabbert forย Shanahan to work with at this spot in the draft. He plays with confidence and puts good zip on the ball. Like I said, good upside and the signing a veteran route did not turn out so great last year for Washington. ย 

11. Houston Texans: Von Miller, DE/OLB Texas A&M.

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A little home cooking here for Miller. The Texans need a CB and NT here but no one left on the board at those positionsย is talented enough to be picked right outside the top 10. Houston, now shifting to the 3-4 defense, needs another pass rushing OLB opposite of Connor Barwin. And let me tell you, no one gets to the QB like Von Miller. Asย quick of edge burner and sackย choreographerย he is, Miller canย alsoย drop into excellent zone coverage. Best OLB in this draft in my opinion.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Aldon Smith, DE Missouri

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QB is a need with Farve long gone (maybe not lol), and although Locker is the next best QB left on the board, I still think he is very unproven to be drafted here. Joe Webb showed some promise and I see a trade/sign for a QB better fitting for the Vikes then drafting Locker. DE Ray Edwards will hit the free-agent market this March and I doubt Minnesota resigns him. Drafting Aldon Smith will provide an athletic freak for a DE with size and speed. He molds the prototype 4-3 DE. Missed time this year and still produced totaling 17 sacks in his 21 career starts. Way underratedย by many.

13. Detroit Lions: Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB Purdue

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Janoris Jenkins would have been to the perfect fit here forย Detroit's hugeย need at CB, but he decided to be a good boy and stay in school. The Lionsย desperatelyย need an elite pass rusher and Kerrigan provides theย versatility to play both DE and OLB in the 3-4. Contains above average speed/power combination and shows great balance when driving tackles back. He lead the NCAA with 26 tackles for loss while beingย double teamedย throughout the whole year.ย Best playerย availableย at this time making him a fantastic choice.ย 

14. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma Sate

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Simply put, theย down filedย play-makingย ability of the Ram'sย receivers was the main reason they lost their playoff clincher toย Seattle. They could not get anythingย down field, and now that the Rams have found their franchise QB in Sam Bradford, it's time to weaponize the offense with a true #1 WR. Blackmon's instinctive size and speed combo gives him the ability to open up the field vertically for Bradford and to back off theย safetiesย for Steven Jackson's running lanes. Blackmon's stock has risen all year long, and he finished with an outstandingย 111 catches, 1,782 yards and 20 touchdowns. Production at its finest.ย 

15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB Alabama

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Again, another team in need of a QB, but nothing to fill it with. Jake Locker has struggled way too much this year and rarely look like an NFL ready QB. He hasn't produced his entire career, and Chad Henne would have more or just as much success as Locker next year so why waste the pick. On the other hand, both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are Free Agents this offseason and both wont be back, if either, so drafting a premier RB is important thisย off-season. Former Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingram is the best RB in this draft, and is very explosive and physical. When approaching the line of scrimmage, he uses hisย pristineย vision toย utilize blocks forย accessย to the second level.ย His Solid frame,ย great speed for size, and his punishingย loweredย shoulder will allow forย Ingramย toย succeedย at the next level.ย 

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa

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One things for sure you can never predict what the Jags will do with their pick,ย especially after shocking everyone taking Tyson Alualu early last year. DE is a need so I'll stick along that line. Adrian Clayborn is a hugeย talentedย prospect but underperformed this year and had some off-field issues. Saying that, he dose posses top tier skill as a power DE being able to batter offensive linemen left and right with his great motor that never quits. Sheds blocks well and almost never gets sucked inside the line ofย scrimmage from fakes and misdirections.ย 

17. New England Patriots: Akeem Ayers, OLB UCLA

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Bill Belichick will continue to build around the defense as long as Tom Brady is on Offense.ย Tully Banta-Cane is the only true starting OLB for the patriots, and filling the 3-4 OLB position is the hardest to do in football. Akeem Ayers is a excellent pick hereย becauseย he is theย Ideal every-down 3-4 OLB who can rush the passer and cover. Great at tracking down runsย becauseย he seals off the edge well,ย forcingย the ball carrier back inside and then closes quickly while pursuing.ย Exceptional athleticism makes him very versatile, and he is the best line backer in zone coverage in the draft.ย 

18. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Jordan, DE California

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Cesaire is a free agent this year, so drafting a 3-4 DE here would be a smart move considering Cameron Jordan can fill that 5-technique nicely. The Chargers need more consistency and could improve their run defense by taking Jordan with his prototypical size and adequate top-end speed. Heย comes off the ball low and shows good overall strength at the point of attack to help with the run.ย Powerful pass rusher,ย outstandingย hands, and will never take a snap off.ย ย 

19. New York Giants: Stephen Paea, DT Oregon State

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Cofield played great this year so if the Giants are going to resign him, they're going to have to give up some big bucks. I don't really see them doing that so it would be very logical to draft Paea who a lot of people are really looking past. At 306 pounds he is the best run stopping DT in this draftย becauseย of the way heย fires out of his stance while stillย maintainingย good leverage. Paea shocks offensive linemen with hisย excellent natural strength and the way he is able to lock on to guy across from him. Would be a greatย complementย alongside the Giants already stout defensive front.ย 

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cameron Heyward, DE Ohio State

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The Bucs got their stud on the middle of the line in McCoy last year, but adding one to the edge would do wonders for thisย Defense. Tampa Bayย didn't add a DE until the 7th round last year so that would make Heyward an excellent choice. After a complete dominating Sugar Bowl performance, Heyward's stock has sky-rocketed after heย didn'tย quite live up to this seasons expectations.ย Stays low and stout for size making him tremendous against the run and has that quick first step and punch to get passed the O-line. Very versatileย becauseย he can line up at defensive tackle or defensive end in a four-man front.ย 

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Julio Jones, WR Alabama.

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Besides Dwayne Bowe, Matt Cassel has no one to throw to, putting theย Chiefs inย desperateย need of a legit #2 WR. Juilo Jones, with his huge 6'4 215 frame and top end speed makes him a legit threat atย receiver. When 100% healthy he wasย impossible to stop and playing hurt this year he was still good. Also a Toughย receiverย allowing his body to take a hit over the middle and throwing himselfย in front of defenders to make aย block.ย  His big play ability is amazingย becauseย he always finds a way to get behind the secondary with his long strides, top end speed, and quick start off the line. The Dwayne Bowe, Julio Jones, Dexter McClusterย receiving core could be a very scaryย tandem.ย ย ย 

22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, OT Colorado

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And the first O-linemen comes off the board. We saw what happenedย Saturdayย night against the Jets when pass protectionย brokeย down. Peyton Manning is great and he will need to be protected if the Colts want him to last. Nate Solder is a MONSTER. A towering 6foot 9inches, 315 poundย physical specimen. Probably one of the smartest OT out there, heย identifying targets and quicklyย spotsย the blitz.ย Will need to bulk up as he is somewhat lanky and will be prone to bull rush, but is aย workoutย warrior and will do what it takes to succeed.ย 

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin

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Almost all the spots on the Eagles O-line need to be upgraded and they gave up 49 sacks all year and thats with the shifty Michael Vick at QB. Gabe Carimiย is perfect for Andy Reid's blocking schemeย becauseย he can kick inside right away and eventually move to tackle. Footwork has improved greatly and takes great angles to blocks. Gives tremendous effort and justย doesn'tย sustainย blocks, he drives them 10 to 15 yards off the line ofย scrimmage.ย 

24. New Orleans Saints: Drake Nevis, DT LSU

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The Saints Don't have many holes on their team, but DT is a need, just ask Marshwan Lynch. The Saints must be able to stop the run if they want to win another Superย Bowl, Drew Brees can't do it all. Nevis is a perfect fit for their scheme and it gives them another talented player on their defensive lineย as Nevis was the core of LSU's powerful defense. He's an explosive, up-the-field tackle with good pad level and leverage. Isn't the best pass rusher, but a strong anchor thatย anticipates the snap count very well.ย ย ย 

25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB Washington

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If Jake Locker is stillย availableย at this point in the draft, I do believe Pete Carroll (being a PAC-10 guy) would take a shot at Locker. The Seahawks still need along term answer at QB, and Hasselbeck is getting old. As I have stated before, Locker has underperformed all year, hasย accuracy questions, and his football intelligence is alright at best but improving.ย Durabilityย is also a question. Stating that, he does have an upside. Locker has greatย intangibles and it is very easy to tell he is tough by the way heย will hang in the pocket and take the hit in order to deliver the ball on time. Hisย releaseย and arm strength are very good and has excellent speed forย theย type of passer he is. Could be an elite NFL QB but with lots of work.ย 

26. Green Bay Packers: Anthony Castonzo, OT Boston College

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If Mark Ingram is stillย available the Pack willย defiantlyย take him hereย considering Grant can't stay healthy andย Jackson is garbage. If not, look for them to take a good tackle to protect Rodgers and help in the horrible run game. Castonzo is smart,ย reliable with solid footwork, and very consistent. Very good athlete for his size which enables him to keep up with speedy pass rushers off the edge. Adding some more bulk will help with his run blocking ability, although he is veryย efficient in that category by using angles and a quick first step.ย ย 

27. Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod, OT Mississippi State

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The offensive lineย continuesย to be the weakness of the Bears and is really holding back an offense that could be very explosive. The bears aloud a league most 55 sacks last season and need to keep Jay Cutler upright. Derek Sherrod is one of the premier pass blockers in this draft and can help keep Cutler on his feet. Has a greatย mirroring techniqueย shufflingย to stay in front of rushers, uses hands well in combat, and his long arms help push speed rusher down and out of the pocket. Will work hard toย sustainย blocks and displays perfect timing to come off of combo blocks to get toย linebackerย level. ย 

28. New York Jets: Allen Bailey, DE Miami(FL)

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It has become quite obvious that if the Jets want to get to a Super Bowl they are going to have to beat the Patriots. To do that you have to put pressure on Tom Brady without blitzing.ย Becauseย of that, Rex Ryan loves to collect young pass rushing talent which make Bailey a good fit here. Bailey was somewhat restricted in college being stuck at end in a 4-3 scheme when he was really built as a 3-4 DE. His wide array of pass rush moves, along with his combination of size, quickness, and power, allow him to reach the QBย effectively. Shows great strength at the point of attack against the run and looks like one of the more natural defenders in this draft. Should strive in the Jets 3-4 attack.ย 

29. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Harris, CB Miami(FL)

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The secondary needs some help if theย Baltimoreย defense want's to be as dominant as it used to. Corner has the most problems right now and Brandon Harris, being the balanced CB he is, can fill that spot nicely. Harris is prototypical size for his position and his speed is better than average. Won't get caught in the play action game and has naturalย instincts in man coverage. Knows when to attack the ball and can track it down in zone, while at the same time he can be effective in stopping the run with excellentย pursuitย angles. Sounds like a true Ravens cornerback.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey, G/C Florida

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There are so many questions along the Steelers O-line and moreย specifically there is a void at right guard. And what better person to fill that need than with thanย brother of Steelers Pro Bowl rookie center Maurkice Pouncey, Mike Pouncey. He hasย a wide base and gets into his pass set quicklyย which allows him to amazingly recover if knocked off balanced. His quick first step and powerful legs allowย him to work down the lineย effectively. Versatile interior blocker, ready to start day 1 in the NFL.ย 

31. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph, TE Notre Dame

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Tony Gonzalez is getting old and if the Falcons win the Super Bowl he isย defiantlyย going to retire. Matt Ryan needs to have offensive weapons around him, including at the TE position, to beย successful. Kyle Rudolph is a huge talented TE and without question the best in this draft class. Is almost as perfect route runner as they come, an aggressive ballย catcherย plucking anything out of the air, and has the big playย capabilityย becauseย of his above average TE speed and athleticism. Does need to work on blocking, but his effort and toughness make up for it fighting for every yard. ย 

32. New England Patriots: JJ Watt, DE Wisconsin

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With the Patriots second pick in the first round of the draft, Belichik will probably stay on the defensive side of the ball knowing Tom Brady is on the other. No one has been productive opposite of Ty Warren at end so drafting one here makesย scene. Although Watt played as a 4-3 DE in college, he has the size and ability to play as a 3-4 DE in the pros. Has greatย leadership skills to bring along the line, quickness for his size, and tremendous strength.ย Watt has mid first round talent as well, so drafting him here would almost be a steal.ย 

Don't Sleep on These Offenses ๐Ÿ˜ด