2011 NFL Mock Draft: Post-BCS Championship Game Edition
The 2010 NFL playoffs have begun and the college football season has officially concluded.
Cam Newton and the Auburn Tigers beat Oregon in the BCS National Championship 22-19 and it is now time to look ahead to the 2011 NFL Draft.
Many players' stocks have changed since Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck decided to skip out on the draft and return to Stanford.
Still, there are many talented quarterbacks as well as major impact players on defense entering the draft, like LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson and Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers.
Here are projections of the entire first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
Please note that the draft order still corresponds to the seeding of the NFL playoffs prior to the Wild Card weekend.
Begin slideshow.
1. Carolina Panthers (2-14)
1 of 32
Needs: QB, WR
Pick: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck deciding to stay in school may be the worst thing that that could have happened to the Panthers, but there is still A.J. Green.
With wide receiver Steve Smith failing to reach 1,000 yards two years in a row, the 6'4", 212-pound receiver from Georgia would be perfect for the Panthers' No. 1 pick.
Green caught eight passes for 77 yards during a loss in the Liberty Bowl.
Denver Broncos (4-12)
2 of 32
Needs: DT, CB, DE
Pick: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
While Auburn's Nick Fairley is an option here, LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson would be a perfect fit for the Denver Broncos.
Peterson has amazing athleticism and would be perfect in replacing Champ Bailey, who is a free agent.
Peterson would give Denver the great playmaking ability it needs on defense to keep up with the Chiefs, Chargers and Raiders in the AFC West.
3. Buffalo Bills (4-12)
3 of 32
Needs: QB, WR, OLB
Pick: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
The Bills can also draft a quarterback with the No. 3 pick, but I think they will go with Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley.
Fairley would instantly improve a Bills defensive line that was dead last against the run during the 2010 regular season.
The 6'5", 298-pound Fairley's ability to get after the quarterback is also key for the Bills in making this selection, as he recorded 11 sacks in 2010.
Fairley was a force in the BCS National Championship game, helping the Auburn defense hold Oregon running back LaMichael James to just 50 yards rushing.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
4. Cincinnati Bengals (4-12)
4 of 32
Needs: DE, WR, RB, QB
Pick: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
With the the departure of Terrell Owens, A.J. Green would be a great pick if he gets past the first three picks.
However, with Green likely to be off the board, Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers will be the pick.
Bowers will be a great pick for the Bengals, as he will line up opposite of Carlos Dunlap, who recorded 9.5 sacks during his 2010 rookie season.
The Bengals can have a dominant pass rush with Bowers and Dunlap for years to come.
5. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
5 of 32
Needs: QB, CB, DT, OT
Pick: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
The Cardinals had instability at the quarterback position all season long so they will draft a quarterback in April's draft.
With Ryan Mallett of Arkansas and Blaine Gabbert of Missouri likely to be the top quarterbacks, I think the Cardinals will go with Mallett.
Derek Anderson is clearly not the long-term answer for the Cardinals so this would be a smart pick, especially with the Rams coming within one game of making the playoffs with a rookie quarterback.
The 6'6" Mallett has a big arm and can be the perfect quarterback to get the ball down field to Larry Fitzgerald.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-11)
6 of 32
Needs: WR, DE, OLB
Pick: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
The Browns could go with a wide receiver here, but they still might want to stick with young receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie.
As a result, I think the pick will be North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn.
Quinn was ineligible to play in 2010, but he did record 11 sacks in 2009 and his raw talent will make him a first-round pick in April's draft.
7. San Francisco 49ers (6-10)
7 of 32
Needs: QB, CB, DT, DE
Pick: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
Blaine Gabbert has declared for the draft and with Andrew Luck returning to school, he is one of the top quarterbacks in April's draft.
The Alex Smith experiment has failed in San Francisco and it is finally time to go in another direction. That will begin with Gabbert.
Many had Gabbert behind Luck in the draft, but I have him as the second quarterback taken, behind Ryan Mallett.
8. Tennessee Titans (6-10)
8 of 32
Needs: DT, CB, QB
Pick: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
The Titans have a few needs but Nebraska's Prince Amukamara would pair up well with Cortland Finnegan.
The Titans have decided to part ways with Vince Young and can go with a quarterback at No. 8, but they might not want to take Jake Locker or Cam Newton this early.
The Titans can turn to free agency and find a veteran quarterback if they decide not to draft one, but Amukamara would be a good fit.
9. Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
9 of 32
Needs: DE, S, LB
Pick: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Ryan Kerrigan recorded 33 sacks in four seasons at Purdue, with 25 in his last two seasons.
The Cowboys already have a sack machine in DeMarcus Ware, but Kerrigan would improve the Dallas defensive line almost instantly.
Kerrigan had a monster year during the 2010 season, including a game in which he recorded four sacks in a loss to the Michigan Wolverines.
The Cowboys can use all the help they can get after their disappointing 6-10 season.
10. Washington Redskins (6-10)
10 of 32
Needs: QB, CB, WR, DT
Pick: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
With all the issues with Albert Haynesworth, the Redskins could very well take Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt.
Haynesworth is unlikely to return to Washington, so defensive line will be a need the Redskins need to address.
Watt had a big year for the Badgers, recording seven sacks with two forced fumbles and one interception.
The Redskins can also take a quarterback here, but again, it may be too early for Locker or Newton.
11. Houston Texans (6-10)
11 of 32
Needs: DT, CB, S
Pick: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
The Texans had one of the worst defenses in the National Football League in 2010 and Dareus can help that defense improve.
Dareus has the ability to get to the quarterback and will also help improve the run defense.
He would make a great fit for the Texans if he is still available at No. 11.
12. Minnesota Vikings (6-10)
12 of 32
Needs: QB, CB, LB, S
Pick: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Locker's stock has definitely dropped in recent weeks, but his leadership and natural ability will allow him to be the third quarterback taken in the first round of the draft.
The Vikings' options are currently Tarvaris Jackson and Joe Webb, so it is likely that they will be searching for a franchise quarterback, and Locker may be their guy.
The Vikings can also use help at defensive end because Ray Edwards is a free agent.
13. Detroit Lions (6-10)
13 of 32
Needs: CB, S, LB, OL
Pick: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
ESPN's Todd McShay is very high on Miller, and rightfully so, because he possesses amazing natural abilities.
Miller recorded 27 sacks in his last two seasons with Texas A&M and has also greatly improved in coverage.
The Lions need a playmaker on defense and Miller can provide that for them.
14. St. Louis Rams (7-9)
14 of 32
Needs: WR, TE, DT, LB
Pick: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
The Rams are rebuilding and they need some weapons for quarterback Sam Bradford.
Bradford did not have much to work with in his rookie season and Jones would provide him with a playmaking wide receiver.
Jones totaled over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in 2010 and would be a great fit for the Rams with the No. 14 pick.
Jones caught three passes for 49 yards in the Capital One Bowl during a 49-7 win over Michigan State.
15. Miami Dolphins (7-9)
15 of 32
Needs: RB, QB, S
Pick: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
While the Dolphins can go with a quarterback and select Cam Newton, Ingram should be the pick.
If Ingram is selected, he will be the first back taken in the draft, even though he did not put up the same numbers as his 2009 Heisman Trophy year, missing two games.
Ingram had 875 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2010, scoring a combined 30 touchdowns in his last two seasons.
Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are not the answers in Miami, so Ingram should be the pick here.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8)
16 of 32
Needs: WR, CB, DE
Pick: Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
The Jaguars could use a defensive back, being that they were 28th against the pass during the 2010 season.
Jenkins may be somewhat underrated, but No. 1 has put up solid numbers during his three seasons with the Gators.
Jenkins intercepted eight passes and returned one for a touchdown in 2010.
17. New England Patriots (14-2) (via Oakland Raiders)
17 of 32
Needs: DE, RB, WR, LB
Pick: Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, Ohio State
The Patriots traded Richard Seymour to the Raiders for a first-round pick before the 2009 season and now they will be able to use that pick.
The Patriots should choose Cameron Heyward from Ohio State because he would make a great fit for that defense.
Heyward can play both inside and on the end, just like Seymour did.
18. San Diego Chargers (9-7)
18 of 32
Needs: DE, S, WR, OL
Pick: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Solder is ranked by many as the best offensive lineman in the draft and this would be a great pick for the Chargers which posses the 18th overall pick in the draft.
Philip Rivers was sacked 33 times this season and drafting Solder would certainly help bring that number down.
With a young, promising running back in Ryan Mathews, the Chargers could use some help on the offensive line.
19. New York Giants (10-6)
19 of 32
Needs: OL, DT, RB, LB
Pick: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Ayers has the ability to open eyes at workouts and he is a great athlete.
His size makes him versatile because he plays linebacker but can also spend some time on the line.
The 6'4", 255-pound Ayers would be a great fit for the New York Giants, who can use a linebacker with Keith Bulluck aging and Michael Boley being injury prone.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6)
20 of 32
Needs: LB, DE, WR
Pick: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers really struggled this season on defense, recording just 26 sacks all season, second-to-last in the NFL.
Although Clayborn did not have as great of a year as he did in 2009, the Bucs can use help with their pass rush and Clayborn will be their guy.
The 6'4", 285-pound Clayborn is difficult to block, so he would be tough against opposing offensive lines for the Bucs.
Clayborn recorded one tackle in the Insight Bowl.
21. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)
21 of 32
Needs: QB, RB, S, LB
Pick: Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn
About a week ago, people would have said the Seahawks desperately need a quarterback, but after Matt Hasselbeck's performance against the Saints in their Wild Card victory, that may not be the case.
However, Hasselbeck is aging and the Seahawks should select a young quarterback.
Cam Newton should be available at No. 21 and if he is, he can be the pick for the Seahawks.
Newton has the playmaking abilities that the Seahawks lacked all season, scoring 49 total touchdowns while winning the Heisman Trophy.
Newton threw for 265 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in a 22-19 victory in the BCS National Championship game.
Newton also carried the ball 22 times for 65 yards in the game.
22. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)
22 of 32
Needs: DT, LB, WR
Pick: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
The Chiefs were ousted in the first round of the playoffs by the Ravens and it is time to start thinking about the draft.
The Chiefs have a few needs, but drafting a receiver to compliment Dwayne Bowe could be the right move to make.
Blackmon had an amazing year with over 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns for Oklahoma State and he can be exactly what the Chiefs need.
With teams likely to double-team Bowe next season, drafting Blackmon would give opposing defenses two playmaking wide receivers to worry about.
23. Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
23 of 32
Needs: RB, DT, OL
Pick: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
The Colts have everything covered on the ends of their defensive line with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, but it is inside that needs some help, especially after the New York Jets ran all over them in their 17-16 loss Sunday night.
Stephen Paea can help the Colts' defensive line by stopping the run and he can also get after the quarterback.
Paea recorded six sacks during the 2010 season, so he will also be a factor in the pass rush.
24. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
24 of 32
Needs: CB, LB, OL
Pick: Gabe Carimi, OT, Washington
The Eagles offensive line has been one of their weaknesses this season, giving up 49 sacks during the regular season.
Six of those sacks came in a 24-14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Carimi is the best available tackle and will protect Michael Vick or Kevin Kolb in 2011, while also helping out in the Eagles' running game.
25. Green Bay Packers (10-6)
25 of 32
Needs: RB, CB, OL
Pick: Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State
While the Packers did run the ball extremely well in their Wild Card win over the Eagles, James Starks might not be the answer.
With Ryan Grant recovering from an injury, the Packers will certainly be looking to improve their running game which was 24th in the NFL during the regular season.
Daniel Thomas of Kansas State would be a nice pick at No. 25 for the Packers.
Thomas ran for nearly 1,600 yards and 19 touchdowns during the regular season while running for 90 yards and three touchdowns in the Pinstripe Bowl.
26. New Orleans Saints (11-5)
26 of 32
Needs: DE, DT, S
Pick: Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
After giving up 131 yards on the ground to the Seahawks' Marshawn Lynch in the first round of the playoffs, the Saints will be searching for answers to stop the run.
With the 26th pick, the Saints should look for a defensive tackle and North Carolina's Marvin Austin should be available.
Austin has the ability to clog up the run and put pressure on the quarterback. That is something the Saints can use in 2011.
27. Chicago Bears (11-5)
27 of 32
Needs: OL, LB, DT
Pick: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
Offensive tackle is a primary need for the Bears and Anthony Castonzo would fill that hole immediately in 2011.
Castonzo has great footwork and would be a great fit for the Bears.
Castonzo's abilities could earn him a starting job right away next season, protecting Jay Cutler who got beat up during the 2010 season.
28. New York Jets (11-5)
28 of 32
Needs: DE, S, OL
Pick: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
The New York Jets are riding high after beating the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night, so they are not thinking about the draft at this point.
However, when it is time for the Jets to think draft, they should look no further than Miami defensive end Allen Bailey.
Bailey recorded seven sacks in 2010 and will need to use his pass-rushing abilities in the NFL.
With Vernon Gholston yet to record a sack in his three-year career, the Jets will make sure that they will not pick the wrong defensive end again.
29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
29 of 32
Needs: OL, CB, WR
Pick: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
The Ravens defeated the Chiefs in Kansas City 30-7 in the first round of the playoffs so they have their minds set on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Looking ahead to the 2011 Draft, offensive tackle is a need for the Ravens and Tyron Smith of USC has the most upside.
He might take a little time to develop because he needs to build up, but his upside can get him drafted in the first round.
Ozzie Newsome has always drafted well for the Ravens and he will make the right pick here.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
30 of 32
Needs: OL, DE, CB, DT
Pick: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
While the Steelers are getting ready to play the Ravens this weekend, many are looking ahead to April's draft.
One of the Steelers' needs is at the defensive back position and Brandon Harris can come in and fill that need immediately.
It is possible that Harris may fall into the second round, but he definitely has first-round talent and I would not be surprised if the Steelers took him at No. 30.
31. Atlanta Falcons (13-3)
31 of 32
Needs: LB, CB, OL, S
Pick: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
This might come as a surprise to many, but I think the Atlanta Falcons can use another wide receiver alongside No. 84 Roddy White.
White had a monster year and will draw a lot of double teams next season, so Baldwin would take away some of those double teams and give Matt Ryan another option.
Baldwin caught over 800 yards and five touchdowns in 2010.
32. New England Patriots (14-2)
32 of 32
Needs: DE, RB, WR, LB
Pick: Justin Houston, LB, Georgia
Picking for the second time in the 2011 Draft, the Patriots should be looking for a linebacker at No. 32.
The Patriots' defense was somewhat vulnerable this season and drafting Georgia's Justin Houston would improve that young defense.
Houston can get after the quarterback and can drop back in coverage as well. He recorded 10 sacks this past season.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")