2011 NFL Mock Draft: Nick Fairley, A.J. Green and the Rest of the Class of 2011
The 2011 NFL Draft is the next piece of business to look forward to concerning football.
Last night was the last opportunity for draft hopefuls from Oregon and Auburn to make their case. Some like Oregon's Jeff Maehl and Casey Matthews and Auburn's Nick Fairley made themselves even more presentable to NFL scouts.
The 2010-11 college season is history, and now, Cam Newton takes center stage in the history books with a spectacular season. Newton was Tim Tebow 2.0 but with less credentials. Could he land around the same draft spot as TT15 did last season?
Oregon took Auburn to the max in last night's epic BCS National Championship Game. In fact, they came down to the final play where Auburn kicker Wes Byrum became a hero.
As for the draft, it already looks a lot different than it did on January 1st. Then consensus No. 1 pick Andrew Luck is now headed back to Stanford for his senior season. Thus, a new No. 1 pick will take shape and grab a handsome contract.
Could Carolina go the defensive route and take Nick Fairley who wowed the football world last night? Or will they look for a new weapon for Jimmy Clausen to throw to? In this case, will they select the electric A.J. Green with their first overall pick?
Green is probably the best receiving prospect to enter into the draft since Calvin Johnson and will likely be paid in a similar way. Even LSU's Patrick Peterson is picking up steam and getting recognition as a potential top pick. Either way, one thing's for sure, the top of this draft is likely to be SEC-heavy. That's what happens when a conference wins the BCS Championship five consecutive times.
Here's how the first round of the draft could play out come April.
1. Carolina Panthers: Auburn DT Nick Fairley
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Nick Fairley proved his dominance last night in the BCS National Championship Game. Fairley spent 60 minutes being the most dominant player on the field in last night's victory. By doing so, Fairley, along with Cam Newton, delivered Auburn their first title in over 50 years.
Now, it's time for Fairley to take his game to the NFL. He could become a force there as he's been with Auburn in 2010. Fairley's ability to collapse the pocket around a quarterback is something teams pay top dollar for. With Ron Rivera now at the helm, Carolina will likely go the defensive route in the draft.
Considering his size, he almost plays like a defensive end with his great speed and strength. This reminds many of Detroit's first-round pick in 2010, Ndumakong Suh.
Drafting Fairley would be a "fair enough" way for the Panthers to continue rebuilding.
2. Denver Broncos: LSU CB Patrick Peterson
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Patrick Peterson is a one-of-a-kind athlete. Come April, his talent will be hard to ignore for any NFL team at the top of the draft.
Although it's clear the Denver Broncos would like to help Tim Tebow out on offense, they need to cover other bases first. Another wise move would be to draft A.J. Green as a top target for Tebow. But how can you deny an athlete like Peterson? His aggressive style would fit well with the direction Denver is going. Though I'm not sure any of us know where that is right now.
With Champ Bailey unhappy and likely on the move, another physical SEC corner, this one out of LSU, could make it big in the NFL. Bailey played off respect for years and was one of the best corners the NFL has ever seen. It will be quite difficult for Denver to replace him without a doubt. For now though, Peterson is a golden option. Look for him to make an immediate impact on a defense that is in dire need of help.
3. Buffalo Bills: Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers
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The Buffalo Bills are in trouble in a lot of ways. On offense at least, they've been able to put up points. They play in a tough AFC East and are likely going to be out of contention for at least a few more seasons. What else is new?
They could very well reach for a quarterback here too, but for the time being, they believe in Ivy Leaguer Ryan Fitzpatrick. So it's about time they rebuild their defense. Take it for what it's worth but Penn State's Aaron Maybin has been a major disappointment. He might even be cut this offseason.
Bowers will likely be the best available player that suits the Bills' needs of defensive line help. He would complement the rest of this young defense nicely, and they might be able to start to rise little by little.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: Georgia WR A.J. Green
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A.J. Green is the "real deal" at receiver. With the Bengals likely losing both Terrell "T.O." Owens and Chad Ochocinco, Green would fit in nicely. This team probably needs help on defense even more, but if Green's on the board, they can't pass up on him.
Green is a sheer home run hitter and can help the Bengals rebuild next season. They sort of just unexpectedly fell apart in 2010. Some were calling for them to be Super Bowl contenders, but they greatly disappointed.
This can't-miss prospect could go at any point to one of the Top Four teams. But unfortunately, they all need help on both sides of the ball, and quite frankly, defense wins championships.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara
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Prince Amukamara is a true shut-down corner in this year's draft. The Arizona Cardinals will be looking for a player of this caliber with their No. 5 pick. Though they will need help with their quarterback situation, it's not their primary need. They really need to rebuild their defense for now.
The quarterback situation will work itself out during the offseason. They will be looking to acquire the likes of Kevin Kolb or Donovan McNabb. McNabb makes the most sense as he has a house in Arizona already and spends a lot of time there practicing. Drafting any quarterback this high is a risk for a team that may be better off signing an established one like McNabb, Kolb or even someone else.
That being said, Amukamara would complete Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie nicely in the secondary. After all, Ken Whisenhunt did have this team in the Super Bowl in 2009. Shockingly, they were close to defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII.
6. Cleveland Browns: Alabama DT Marcell Dareus
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The Cleveland Browns will have a new coach come 2011, but that doesn't necessarily mean a new agenda by drafting a quarterback early. Again, any signal-caller in this draft may be a gamble this early, but they don't need a quarterback anyway. They already have Colt McCoy who they have a plethora of faith in.
With that in mind, it's time to bring some more talent in for the defense and build there. While they'd like to equip McCoy with a top target, unless Green falls, there's no one else worthy this early. That's why they'll likely go with Marcell Dareus here.
Dareus is a powerful lineman that would help the Browns stop the run and force pressure on the quarterback. Dareus was the Defensive MVP from last year's BCS National Championship Game. He's now about to get paid like such.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert
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Here's another team with a new coach coming in for 2011. He has yet to be determined but will almost certainly focus towards drafting a quarterback.
The 49ers need to put an end to this Smith dilemma at quarterback, and Blaine Gabbert could be the answer at No. 7.
Gabbert, with the right coach in place, may be able to establish something concrete in San Fran and return them to their winning ways. Even though they've looked bad at times, they play in the NFC West so nothing is out of the question.
8. Tennessee Titans: Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett
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There may be no other route for the Titans to go. At least nothing as obvious as drafting Ryan Mallett—a rare physical specimen at quarterback. The Vince Young experiment is now over, and Mallett is their next project of the Jeff Fisher Era.
The Titans have no one at quarterback at the moment. I mean I suppose Kerry Collins is there but who else?
Mallett's pin-point accuracy could earn him big bucks in the NFL. Luckily for his sake, he will always have Chris Johnson to hand the ball off to because, in the beginning, it may be rough.
Then again, this could all be a farce, the Titans could go a different way or even trade down, and Mallett could fall. If this happens (this is a big "IF") Mallett could end up somewhere like Miami, Minnesota or Seattle. But for now, this appears to be the best choice for both parties.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Colorado OT Nate Solder
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The Dallas Cowboys surely need help on defense. Perhaps more than that though, they need to protect their quarterback better. Nate Solder is among the best offensive lineman in the country and the best in the Big 12.
Solder is an NFL-ready prospect that won't be passed on too many times. At 6'9", 315 pounds, Solder is a mountain of a man and can help fill a widening gap for the Cowboys.
This First-Team All-American could be Tony Romo's best friend in 2011.
10. Washington Redskins: Alabama WR Julio Jones
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If nine teams were to pass up on Julio Jones, that would be dramatic and pleasantly surprising. That would make it even more obvious the Washington Redskins will need to draft him.
On my board, Jones would be the sixth SEC player taken in the Top 10. He might be the most versatile of the bunch thus far as he returns punts as well. This receiver out of Alabama is a rare breed and would be a nice addition for a Redskins team that's been looking for a big-time receiver.
They will also need to focus on skill position players in the later rounds, but for now, Jones is a good start for the 'Skins. Jones is definitely a game-changer.
11. Houston Texans: LB Texas A&M Von Miller
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With new Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips bringing his 3-4 scheme across the state to Houston, Von Miller could be their guy here. Miller would make an immediate impact in Houston and would love to stay at home.
Miller is durable and could plug holes at linebacker. Also, he's a carnivorous leader on defense. He was exceptional at Texas A&M as an outside linebacker and is the best 3-4 linebacker in this draft.
Though this team could also use help at cornerback, Prince Amukarama won't be available though. No one else at defensive back is worthy enough for a No. 11 pick.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Washington QB Jake Locker
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Jake Locker is a pretty snug guess for the Minnesota Vikings' future at quarterback. At the moment, we believe Brett Favre will be retiring. Needless to say, neither Joe Webb nor Tarvaris Jackson give the Vikings a comfortable feeling as head signal-callers.
Locker has all the tools and appears to be NFL-ready. Though his draft stock fell off this season, his talent is undeniable. Locker is a dual-threat and is just what the Vikings need to continue their process of getting back to the top. I wouldn't necessarily call this "rebuilding."
A lot of the reason for his miserable senior season was the talent around him. The inconsistency that surrounded him put Washington in a bad way. Minnesota can overlook this in hopes of getting him back on track by taking him at No. 12.
In the meantime, the Senior Bowl will only help his draft cause.
13. Detroit Lions: Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt
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J.J. Watt has been a force off the edge for Wisconsin. He has good size and can disrupt any offense. Watt doesn't have the same ability as some of the other d-liners but will definitely be drafted early in the first round.
Watt would further help out Detroit in their rebuilding mode. Jim Schwartz has done a fine job in Detroit, and Watt would look nice lining up alongside Ndumakong Suh.
This team doesn't usually draft for need and will probably be aiming for a cornerback. Ultimately though, they won't get their desired, skill corner and will upgrade the defense in another way.
14. St. Louis Rams: Oklahoma St. WR Justin Blackmon
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Just Blackmon is that big-play threat that's missing from the St. Louis Rams offense. As you saw in their last game of the season against Seattle, no receiver was able to make a play when needed. Danny Amendolia and Brandon Gibson are good and both young; Blackmon would add to this corps.
Sam Bradford needs more weapons to play with. They're certain he's a star in the making at quarterback and will be in the elite someday. The Rams definitely paid a whole lot to find out at least.
Blackmon was one of the top receivers in college football in 2010. His play was reminiscent to that of OK St.'s Dez Bryant. Hopefully, Blackmon won't stir up the same trouble though.
15. Miami Dolphins: Auburn QB Cam Newton
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In many ways, Cam Newton boosted his draft stock last night. When he needed to, he made the big plays (particularly on third down) In other ways, he hurt his stock, but remember too, he himself was hurt in the second half. There are many positives about Newton; they camouflage his negatives. This guy is the total package.
The Miami Dolphins desperately need help at quarterback, and Newton may be the answer. Newton is already being compared with Ben Roethlisberger, hopefully just in terms of size for now. The comparisons may be fair though as both guys are big for quarterbacks, and they're winners.
Despite NCAA violations, Newton led the Auburn Tigers on an incredible journey. A journey that culminated in a BCS Championship last night.
His legacy is cemented now, and he's the closest thing to Tim Tebow college football will see for a while.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan
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Ryan Kerrigan's fantastic senior year has moved him up on many draft boards. He will likely still end up somewhere in the middle of the first round, right around here.
Jacksonville was very close to making the playoffs in 2010 but still needs help, particularly on defense. They ranked near the bottom of the NFL in sacks with just 26.
Defense starts up front with the ability to pressure the quarterback. In doing so, you can also create turnovers and get the ball back to your offense to score. This is a likely scenario where the dynamic Kerrigan could fit in with the Jags.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Trade With New England) Cal DE/DT Cameron Jordan
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Tampa Bay is a good young team that's on the rise and will contend in a few years. They just missed the playoffs this season despite playing in a tough NFC South.
Cameron Jordan could be the start of bigger and better things down south. He's a versatile d-lineman that can help their 30th ranked pass rush. They finished the season with just 26 sacks, but they're still very young and started loads of rookies on both sides of the ball in 2010.
The surprise Bucs will look for something in the front seven to kick-start this defense.
18. San Diego Chargers: Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn
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The San Diego Chargers could really use another skilled defensive player in their front seven. They could use a youngster like Adrian Clayborn to plug in defensive holes and get pressure on quarterbacks.
Clayborn is a nasty pass rusher and a solid tackler. He moves well for his size and is a menace for opposing quarterbacks.
Clayborn's draft stock may have fallen this year, but he's still going to come off the board at around this point.
19. New York Giants: UCLA OLB Akeem Ayers
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Akeem Ayers is a talented, versatile linebacker that can play numerous roles on defense. He would be the ideal fit for this Giants defense that collapsed down the stretch in 2010.
Ayers has a nose for the football, and it would behoove the Giants to pass up on him in this spot. Perry Fewell's defensive schemes call for a linebacker of Ayers' caliber, the Giants will keep this in mind on Draft Day 2011.
20. New England Patriots: Ohio St. DE Cameron Heyward
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The New England Patriots have few flaws in their game. One glaring one though is their inability to put pressure on quarterbacks. Cameron Heyward could go a long way in changing the Patriots' fortunes on defense.
Heyward would be a perfect Bill Belichick-type guy. Heyward didn't play well on a consistent basis but a superb Sugar Bowl put him back on the map and makes him a viable pick for the Pats.
The Patriots have two first-round picks at their disposal. They usually like to move around the draft board, but Heyward would make for a good opening pick.
21. Seattle Seahawks: Miami CB Brandon Harris
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Brandon Harris' draft stock fell off in 2010. For the most part, the Miami Hurricanes fell apart as a team to boot. Harris didn't make the big plays that the team needed on defense and it cost them.
Harris was sure to be heading back to Miami then changed his mind and decided to go pro instead. Michael Floyd really bullied Harris around in the Hyundai Sun Bowl. Floyd boosted his own draft stock with six catches for 109 yards and two touchdowns.
Even so, the Seattle Seahawks pass defense was horrendous, and they will turn to Harris for help in that department.
22. Kansas City Chiefs: Pitt WR Jonathan Baldwin
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Kansas City doesn't have a viable receiver opposite of Dwayne Bowe. Bowe was a one-man wrecking crew for a stretch this season but needs some help and so does Matt Cassel. But Bowe will be a free agent after the 2011 season, so they must upgrade at receiver quickly.
Although Jonathan Baldwin's draft stock took a hit this season, he's still ranked higher than Notre Dame's Michael Floyd on my board.
Baldwin is a naturally gifted receiver that has the ability to make plays. The Chiefs offense is good and young, drafting Baldwin makes them more dangerous.
23. Indianapolis Colts: Mississippi St. OT Derek Sherrod
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The Indianapolis Colts seem to be falling apart, particularly on the offensive line that's supposed to protect Peyton Manning. With the injuries they had all season long, Manning was asked to do a lot by himself to begin with. The fact he didn't have protection only heightened his troubles.
The Colts would send a message out by drafting an o-lineman. They would say they're protecting Manning's blindside in the future and also making way for the next generational quarterback in Indy, whenever that day comes. I can assure you though they're not rushing it.
Current tackle Charlie Johnson will be a free agent soon. He hasn't been the answer for the Colts and Manning at blindside; the most important o-line position since Lawrence Taylor made it that way.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Wisconsin OG/OT Gabe Carimi
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Gabe Carimi may be the most NFL-ready offensive lineman in this draft. The Philadelphia Eagles desperately need work on their line. It was their line that forced Kevin Kolb's injury in the opening game against Green Bay. Maybe, in a weird, unfortunate way, it was a blessing in disguise as it allowed Michael Vick to be sensational.
Their o-line forced Vick to have to use his legs more than your average NFL quarterback. Who better than Vick to avoid would-be pass rushers right? Well, considering his size, it finally caught up with him and even took a toll on him this season. It's no fun having to run around for an entire game.
Carimi may be just what the Eagles need to protect Vick or whoever their quarterback is in the future. He's an ideal fit for Andy Reid's pass-first West Coast Offense.
25. Green Bay Packers: Alabama RB Mark Ingram
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To put it bluntly, the Green Bay Packers' running back situation is bad. Ryan Grant wasn't what the Packers expected to begin with, and his injury hampered them offensively. That injury made them one-dimensional and forced Aaron Rodgers to do more than expected. In addition, none of Brandon Jackson, James Starks or John Kuhn are long-term answers for the Pack.
If Mark Ingram falls this low, the Pack would be insane to skip him. They probably wouldn't even need the full time limit to make their selection. Quite frankly, they shouldn't need any time at all.
Ingram was forgotten after his injury in the early going but finished strong and reminded us how dynamic he really can be. The 2009 Heisman Trophy winner is NFL-ready.
26. New Orleans Saints: Georgia LB Justin Houston
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Justin Houston is a perfect fit for Gregg Williams' defensive scheme. He has great size for a linebacker and posted 110 tackles this season. The Saints defense is better than people give them credit for, but they need help at outside linebacker.
He's a great rush linebacker off the edge and even had 10 sacks. Houston was a Second Team All-American in 2010.
27. New York Jets: UCLA S Rahim Moore
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Rahim Moore could fill a void a safety and help Darrell Revis in the secondary. To be honest though, Revis himself needs to get back on track after zero interceptions in 2010.
Moore is a smart player in the secondary and could definitely help the Jets who have but a few glaring weaknesses.
Rex Ryan would embrace a player of Moore's caliber after not getting sufficient production at safety throughout the season.
28. Chicago Bears: Boston College OT Anthony Castonzo
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The Bears must do a better job of protecting Jay Cutler in the near future. If nothing else, it will benefit the entire offense and drafting an o-lineman is exactly what they need. Even more than another offensive weapon, the Bears need to worry about Cutler's safety first not necessarily who he will throw to.
Boston College's Anthony Castonzo could be a stone on this line. Castonzo is a major upgrade from the current line, which has been tortured by many defenses this season.
To prolong Cutler's stay in Chicago, this is a more than necessary move for the Bears.
29. Baltimore Ravens: Notre Dame TE Kyle Rudolph
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Todd Heap won't be around forever right? Eventually, the Baltimore Ravens will need to consider replacing him with a suitable tight end. It appears as if Kyle Rudolph is the only first-round-worthy tight end in this draft.
Rudolph is a very good athlete and can block too. He can help the young Ravens continual growth while they still remain relevant as annual contenders.
Rudolph has developed into one of the top tight ends in the nation, and he's only a junior. It was a wise choice for him to enter into the NFL Draft in 2011.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: OG/C Florida Mike Pouncey
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This just makes sense. It might be the most obvious pick of them all. Last year, the Steelers drafted Maurkice Pouncey to anchor their o-line and protect Ben Roethlisberger. He's already hinted they're interested in his brother Mike.
Mike Pouncey struggled without Tim Tebow at Florida in the early going but eventually developed a rhythm. Believe it or not, he had trouble centering the football to new quarterback John Brantley.
The Pounceys could be a formidable duo on the Steelers line in the future.
31. Atlanta Falcons: LSU DT Drake Nevis
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Drake Nevis was one of the top d-lineman in the SEC this year. He posted six sacks this past season and can help the Falcons pass rush.
To his own credit, Nevis' high motor is appealing to NFL teams and could earn him a first-round pick in 2010. Maybe the Falcons will add him in hopes of improving their young defense even more. He's got the total package at nose tackle with both quickness and strength.
32. New England Patriots: Oregon St. DT Stephen Paea
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Year after year, the New England Patriots are the smartest team in the NFL Draft and the league for that matter. They consistently draft well and put guys in positions to succeed. They've recently drafted their fair share of Florida Gators but now will go a different way.
Big defensive tackle Stephen Paea is available in this spot; the Pats may jump on him. Paea would look nice lined up alongside Vince Wilfork.
Bill Belichick is a master on draft day. In past years, he's acquired Randy Moss for virtually nothing and often turns one draft pick into several via trade. Expect the Pats to do this again and potentially stock up for 2012 and beyond.
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