2011 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Senior Bowl Edition
Now that the college football season is officially in the books, the focus will start to turn to April's NFL draft. Underclassmen are starting to already declare, deepening the talent in the pool, and the Senior Bowl has yet to happen.
But nevertheless, it's never too early to speculate who will land where. With no clear No. 1 pick in the draft, it's going to make for an interesting few months before April. The combine and pro days could weigh heavier than in years past with so many players bunched together and no real separation.
Here's a pre-Senior Bowl mock draft.
1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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One of the Panthers' biggest weaknesses lies at defensive tackle. And after Fairley's dominant performance in the BCS championship, there's no question he has a chance to be a difference maker at the next level.
There are character concerns with Fairley, which will be heavily examined over the coming months, but if he's able to show up to his pro day in shape and his character doesn't raise any red flags, he'll go first overall.
Fairley's received a rep for being a dirty player, but that kind of edge and attitude is required to be a special player. As long as Fairley is able to control his temper and stay focused, he's going to be a disruptive force in the NFL for a long time.
2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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With Champ Bailey set to become a free agent, and his status for returning remaining uncertain, it makes sense for the Broncos to draft his replacement. Peterson is the best corner to come out in a while, and it's only fitting he could wind up replacing Bailey or playing next to him.
Denver has an aging defense so it makes sense that they would take the best defensive player available. Peterson is widely regarded as the top defensive player in the draft, if not close.
Drafting Peterson would be a safe and smart decision for the Broncos going forward.
3. Buffalo Bills: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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With Fairley off the board, the Bills will look to address the offensive side of the ball and grab a surefire stud in Green. Green has tremendous physical skills that will wow scouts, coaches and experts at the combine.
Buffalo received a breakout year from Steve Johnson, which was a nice surprise, but not even Johnson's solid play this past season will keep the Bills from drafting Green. Green will be a difference maker in the NFL and a welcomed addition for Ryan Fitzpatrick.
The Bills could look at taking a QB here, but it would be a bit of a reach.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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The Bengals would love for Green to fall this far, but that isn't happening. With Antwan Odom continuously battling injuries and struggling to stay on the field, look for Cincinnati to draft Bowers to take his place.
Bowers racked up terrific numbers at Clemson, tallying 16 sacks this past season, and some feel he's the best defensive player in the draft. The Bengals could use an offensive playmaker in this spot; the problem is there just isn't any worth reaching for with the fourth overall pick.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
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A lot of people think the Cardinals are going to go for a young QB with this pick, but I just don't see it. Donovan McNabb is going to land somewhere, and Ken Whisenhunt's revived a fading veteran's career before with Kurt Warner.
Instead of going for a project at the QB position, look for the Cards to take Quinn, who was ruled ineligible this past season due to receiving improper benefits. Quinn has great potential and would fit well in Whisenhunt's 3-4 defensive scheme coming off the edge rushing the QB.
There will be question marks about Quinn after missing the prior season, but an impressive combine should quiet the doubters.
6. Cleveland Browns: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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With Shaun Rogers battling injuries and overall ineffectiveness throughout his time with the Browns, Cleveland will hop on the opportunity to replace him with Dareus. Dareus would immediately add depth to the interior of Cleveland's defensive line.
The Browns need to find a receiver in the draft, but at the sixth pick, there isn't anybody on the board worth snatching up. Taking a Julio Jones or Justin Blackmon with this spot would be a reach.
Don't be surprised if Cleveland looks to trade this pick to move a few spots down to grab a receiver.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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Now that Jim Harbaugh's running the show in San Francisco, it makes sense that they would draft a QB with this pick. Harbaugh was a QB himself when he played and will probably want to pick his guy in the draft to develop going forward.
Gabbert didn't put up great numbers at Missouri this past season, and he's far from a finished product. But under the right tutelage, he has a chance to be a productive QB in the NFL.
The 49ers desperately need a QB for next season so drafting one seems like the logical answer, although bringing in a veteran to go with Gabbert would make the most sense.
8. Tennessee Titans: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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As bad as the Titans need a QB, with Gabbert off the board, I don't believe they'll go that route. Cam Newton won't be an option, especially after Jeff Fisher already tried his hand at molding a running QB and it failed.
In a division that features talented wide receivers like Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson and Pierre Garcon, it's important to have corners who can match up with them. Amukamara is a talented cover corner who would help turn around a Titans secondary that ranked 29th against the pass this season.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St.
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The Cowboys don't have many holes on the offensive side of the ball, so drafting the best defensive player available seems like the right move. Paea is a big defensive body who would strengthen Dallas' defensive line even further.
Dallas has a good rush on the outside, but adding Paea to take up space in the middle would be much welcomed. Another option for the Cowboys at this spot is Amukamara if he were to slip past the Titans.
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, that didn't happen in this mock draft.
10. Washington Redskins: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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Washington needs a new face of the franchise, and they'll get that with Newton. Mike Shanahan is a stubborn man who has been looking for the next John Elway since he retired.
While Newton had a so-so performance against Oregon, his stock is only going to rise after his pro day. The kid has a good arm, and you know a team is going to fall in love with Newton's potential. My bet is that will be Shanahan and the Redskins organization.
Picks 11-15
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11. Houston Texans: Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
With the upcoming switch to the 3-4 defense, Miller would be a great addition for the Texans. Wade Phillips' job is to turn one of the league's worst defenses around and adding a key pass rusher off of the outside will be key.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
The Vikings need to add a potential franchise QB in the draft instead of going for another stop-gap veteran. Mallett has the physical tools to make it in the NFL, but his intangibles and accuracy are questionable. Nevertheless, Minnesota opts to take a chance on Mallett.
13. Detroit Lions: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Many had Florida corner Janoris Jenkins penned to go to the Lions, but he decided to return to school. With Jenkins off the board, Clayborn becomes an option here to bolster the Lions defensive line. Clayborn has a good motor and would fit well in Detroit's defensive scheme.
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Jones possesses the size at 6'4", which will ultimately be the reason the Rams select him over Justin Blackmon. Sam Bradford needs a receiver he can rely on, and Jones has shown that he has the ability to be a go-to guy during his time at Alabama.
15. Miami Dolphins: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
We all know Locker's story and the physical tools he possesses, but his senior season was absolutely atrocious. The Dolphins need to find a new signal-caller because Chad Henne isn't the answer. Look for Miami to take a risk on Locker and hope it pans out.
Picks 16-20
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16. Jacksonville Jaguars: JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin
The Jaguars need to upgrade on their defensive line, especially after Aaron Kampman's injury. Watt could bulk up and move to DT if the Jags needed him to. Improving the defensive line will be important for Jacksonville this offseason.
17. New England Patriots (from Oakland): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St.
Without Randy Moss, the Pats have flourished, but adding a young talented receiver like Blackmon isn't a bad idea. Tom Brady gets a new toy to throw to here.
18. San Diego Chargers: Akeem Ayers, DE/OLB, UCLA
Ayers can drop back in coverage if need be or rush the passer, which is needed in the Chargers' 3-4 defensive scheme. Adding the UCLA standout will give San Diego a player that will make them forget Shawne Merriman.
19. New York Giants: Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue
Kerrigan has the ability to be a situational pass rusher next season for New York. He is also athletic enough to drop back and play linebacker in certain packages.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California
The Bucs ranked 28th against the run this past season and adding a defensive lineman with the talent of Jordan will be too much to pass up. Jordan would add much-needed depth on the line, and he has the ability to play either position.
Picks 21-26
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21. Kansas City Chiefs: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio St.
Ever since Jared Allen was traded to Minnesota, the Chiefs have lacked a dynamic pass rusher. While Heyward isn't the next Allen, KC needs to add a player who has a history of getting to the QB. And that's exactly what Heyward has.
22. New Orleans Saints: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Reggie Bush is likely gone as he is due a boatload of money in the final year of his contract, and Pierre Thomas could be an unrestricted free agent depending on the new CBA. It's time for the Saints to invest a high pick in a back they can rely on through 16 games. Ingram can run between the tackles and catch the ball out of the backfield, which is valued in Sean Payton's offense.
23. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
As Peyton Manning gets older, he's going to need more of a running game and a strong offensive line. The Colts need to start transitioning into a team that emphasizes the run more often, and a good start would be by drafting Solder. Solder's the top offensive lineman on the board and would help solidify the Colts line.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
The Eagles secondary was banged up for most of the year, and it will be important to add some depth to the position this offseason. Harris is a solid overall corner who shows a great passion for the game and is said to be an extremely hard worker.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
Seahawk fans aren't focused on the draft yet, with their team still in the playoffs. Even though the 'Hawks advanced to Round 2 in the playoffs, they still have significant flaws. One of those flaws is a lack of a pass rush. Bailey is a bit of a tweener but is a weight room warrior who would give Seattle a boost in the pass rush.
26. Green Bay Packers: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Keeping Aaron Rodgers protected over the coming years will be vital, and adding a talented tackle would be ideal. The Packers have a bit of a banged-up offensive line and could use a young body to add to the mix.
Picks 27-32
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27. Chicago Bears: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
Chicago needs to give Jay Cutler a legitimate receiver to work with going forward. Baldwin is a big receiver at 6'4" who has very good hands and deep threat ability. The Bears need a big-time receiver and Baldwin could end up being one.
28. New York Jets: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
Damien Woody isn't getting any younger, and it may be time for the Jets to think about developing his replacement. Castonzo has a good frame but needs to bulk up. New York doesn't have many holes on either side of the ball, so adding depth at offensive line seems like a smart way to go.
29. Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
The Ravens need help at corner, and Williams is part of a very talented CB crop. Williams has excellent ball skills and has been a very productive player on special teams at Texas. Baltimore struggled against the pass this season and adding a talented youngster to the defense could help turn things around.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey, C/G, Florida
There's a lot of uncertainty with the Steelers offensive line with all the injuries they've suffered. Ben Roethlisberger is too often forced to scramble to make something happen. Look for Pittsburgh to address the offensive line through the draft.
31. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
Tony Gonzalez is nearing the end of his career, and it's possible he could call it quits after this season. Even if he doesn't, it's a good idea to bring in his eventual replacement so he can learn from the future Hall of Famer.
32. New England Patriots: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
The Pats could go a number of different directions with this pick, considering it's their second of the first round. For now, I'll stick them with Smith, but it's hard to know what position they'll target here.
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