2011 NFL Mock Draft: A.J. Green and Complete First Round Projections With Video

As the playoffs unfold, the order of the 2011 NFL Draft is becoming even more clear. 

The first 24 picks are now set in stone, but the remaining eight teams in the playoffs have yet to learn their final slot in the draft. 

It's been a while since Andrew Luck dropped out of the competition for the No. 1 spot with his decision to return to Stanford. 

Now, Janoris Jenkins, a cornerback from Florida, and Michael Floyd, a wide receiver from Notre Dame, are the most recent players to return to college. While the ramifications are far less wide-spread, they still do shake up the draft a bit. 

So without further ado, read on for the latest mock draft of the entire first round. For your viewing pleasure, videos have been attached of each and every player. 

As always, feel free to leave comments when you agree or disagree. 

1. Carolina (2-14)

A.J. Green, Wide Receiver, Georgia

Analysis: The Carolina Panthers will probably try to trade their way out of this pick, but if they can't, they'll select A.J. Green. 

The wide receiver from Georgia is the best all-around receiver in the draft, by a good margin. He's fast, big, physical and has great hands.

Plus, Carolina needs someone to help out Jimmy Clausen and Steve Smith on offense now that the new head coach has committed to Clausen at quarterback.  

2. Denver (4-12)

Nick Fairley, Defensive Tackle, Auburn

Analysis: The entire Denver Broncos defense was pretty awful during the 2010 season. 

While the primary need may be cornerback (both Champ Bailey and Perrish Cox look to be headed away from the Mile High City for various reasons), cornerbacks aren't generally drafted this high. 

So with that in mind, the Broncos will select Nick Fairley, the incredibly tough and strong defensive tackle from Auburn. 

Fairley proved his worth with a great performance in the championship game against Auburn. His stock is sky-high right now. 

3. Buffalo (4-12)

Blaine Gabbert, Quarterback, Missouri

Analysis: Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the answer at quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. In a draft riddled with quarterback talent, the Bills must select one with this pick. 

The NFL is trending more and more towards being dominated by quarterbacks and the Bills can't afford to be left behind watching teams utilize quarterbacks that they could have drafted. 

With Andrew Luck gone, Blaine Gabbert is without a doubt the best quarterback in the draft. 

4. Cincinnati (4-12)

Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End, Clemson

Analysis: With 25 tackles for losses and 15 sacks, Da'Quan Bowers can immediately help jump start the Bengals porous defense. 

Defensive end is the primary need for the Bengals in this draft, so Bowers is the perfect fit. He'll get to work immediately in his attempt to stop Colt McCoy, Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Flacco. 

5. Arizona (5-11)

Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, LSU

Analysis: Right now, there isn't much to like about the Cardinals. There are holes on every part of the depth chart. 

Arizona could take a quarterback, a lineman, a linebacker or a cornerback and no one would complain. 

However, they'll select the last position on the list by picking Patrick Peterson. The cornerback from LSU also doubles as a return threat and is too talented to let slip away. 

6. Cleveland (5-11)

Julio Jones, Wide Receiver, Alabama

Analysis: The Browns can claim a surprisingly good defense, a great young running back and a franchise quarterback in the making. 

Now it's time to grab a wide receiver that can help out Colt McCoy and Peyton Hillis. Cleveland lacks any playmakers in the passing game besides Josh Cribbs. 

Alabama's star wide receiver caught 75 passes for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns this past season. He could fit that role perfectly. 

7. San Francisco (6-10)

Ryan Mallett, Quarterback, Arkansas

Analysis: For Arkansas, the best thing about Ryan Mallett is that he's a quarterback without the last name "Smith."

Mallett has the size to play quarterback in the NFL and a rocket arm. Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis would love to have him join them in San Francisco. 

8. Tennessee (6-10)

Marcell Dareus, Defensive Tackle, Alabama

Analysis: Replacing Albert Haynesworth has been an unsuccessful project for the Titans thus far. This young man from Alabama could put an end to their suffering.

Marcell Dareus will be the best defensive player left at this point in the 2011 NFL Draft and the Titans will pounce. 

Dareus underachieved slightly this season, but there's no way he slips past the Titans.

9. Dallas (6-10)

Prince Amukamara, Cornerback, Nebraska

Analysis: I feel like every time I turned on a Dallas Cowboys game this season, I watched one of their cornerbacks get burned by an opposing wide receiver. 

You know who would change that? Prince Amukamara, Nebraska's best cornerback. 

Drafting Amukamara would be the first successful move for Jason Garrett in his new capacity as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. 

10. Washington (6-10)

Cam Newton, Quarterback, Auburn

Analysis: Now that Washington has driven Donovan McNabb away (at least, it seems like that's sure to happen), they need to realize that Rex Grossman is in no way deserving of a starting job in the NFL. 

Drafting Cam Newton would add unbelievable potential to their team and finally make people excited about Redskins football. 

A lot of people think that Newton lowered his stock in the national championship because he didn't dominate, but I disagree. 

Newton proved that he could stand in the pocket and deliver accurate passes. He showed good decision making for much of the game and displayed a rocket arm. Most importantly, he won the game. 

You can't ask for anything more than that. 

11. Houston (6-10)

Jimmy Smith, Cornerback, Colorado

Analysis: The Houston Texans had an historically atrocious pass defense. If you combine the stats from all opposing quarterbacks throughout the season, the resulting amalgamation would've won the MVP unanimously. 

To help change that, the Texans should take Jimmy Smith, the talented Colorado cornerback. He's a true shutdown corner that would help immensely.

Smith has only allowed 11 completions against him in the last two seasons. 

12. Minnesota (6-10)

Robert Quinn, Defensive End, North Carolina

Analysis: The Minnesota defense is aging and going away in free agency. To counter that and add some much-needed pass rush help, the Vikings should take the talented defensive end from North Carolina. 

Paired with Jared Allen, Quinn would do some amazing things in the NFL. In a division with Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler, it's important to be able to get to the quarterback. 

13. Detroit (6-10)

Von Miller, Linebacker, Texas A&M

Analysis: Cornerback is a desperate need for the Lions, but with Patrick Peterson, Prince Amukamara and Janoris Jenkins all taken, they'll either need to draft a different position or trade away the pick. There is no other cornerback worth taking this high. 

Another need is outside linebacker, and this year's Dick Butkus Award winner, Von Miller, would fill that need. Miller can do it all from the linebacker, and would be an immediate contender for defensive rookie of the year. 

14. St. Louis (7-9)

Jonathan Baldwin, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh

Analysis: The St. Louis Rams desperately need to provide Sam Bradford with a great wide receiver. 

Pairing Jonathan Baldwin with the league's top young quarterback would build an incredible core for the Rams to work with for the next few years. 

Although relatively unknown, he is tremendously talented.

15. Miami (7-9)

Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama

Analysis: Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams will both be on different teams next year as they'll leave Miami via free agency. Obviously, the Dolphins will need to replace them. 

Anytime you can score a Heisman winner with the 15th pick, you do it. Mark Ingram won the Heisman his sophomore year and backed up well with a productive, albeit injury-riddled, junior year. 

Now he'll get a chance to prove himself in the NFL. 

16. Jacksonville (8-8)

Ryan Kerrigan, Defensive End, Purdue

Analysis: Aaron Kampman will still be hobbled with an ACL injury and Derrick Harvey never panned out, so it's back to the defensive end pool for the Jaguars. 

Ryan Kerrigan led the nation in tackles for losses in 2010. He has an unstoppable engine and works harder than any player I've seen in quite some time. 

Pairing him with Tyson Alualu will give the Jaguars a very good defensive line. 

17. New England: From Oakland (8-8)

Akeem Ayers, Linebacker, UCLA

Analysis: The New England Patriots' young defense still needs some improvement at the linebacker position. There's a reason that Jerod Mayo is making every single tackle. As good as he is, he has to make up for some other players and is padding his stats to help the team. 

Akeem Ayers would be able to provide him with much-needed help on the outside. The UCLA linebacker is absolutely one of the best at his position. 

18. San Diego (9-7)

Cameron Jordan, Defensive End, California

Analysis: The top priority in the draft for the San Diego Chargers is going to be to upgrade their defense by drafting a defensive end. 

Many starters up front are going to be free agents so replacing them will be vital. 

Cameron Jordan, the defensive end from California, has proven to be quite adept at bringing down ball carriers, including the quarterback, in the backfield. The Chargers would love for him to fall to them. 

19. New York Giants (10-6)

Nate Solder, Offensive Tackle, Colorado

Analysis: Maybe if the New York Giants improved their offensive line, they'd prevent Eli Manning from having to rush his throws. And maybe if that happened, he wouldn't lead the league (in a bad way) in interceptions thrown. 

Nate Solder would be a man up for the job. The offensive tackle from Colorado is the best offensive lineman available in this draft class. 

20. Tampa Bay (10-6)

Adrian Clayborn, Defensive End, Iowa

Analysis: Adrian Clayborn started out 2010 ranked much higher than this, but because of both a lack of production at times and some character issues, he's slipped down the board. 

Tampa Bay needs another pass-rushing threat to pair with Gerald McCoy, and Clayborn could fill that role perfectly. One thing he does not lack is talent. 

21. Kansas City (10-6)

Stephen Paea, Defensive Tackle, Oregon State

Analysis: With much of the defense expected to leave in free agency, the Chiefs are going to need to draft a player they can build around on the defensive line. 

Stephen Paea is an incredibly talented defensive tackle from Oregon State and would be a great choice. 

He's 310 pounds and recorded 11 tackles for a loss, seven sacks and four forced fumbles in 2010. He's a complete player at defensive tackle. 

22. Indianapolis (10-6)

Derek Sherrod, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State

Analysis: Peyton Manning is going to throw a fit if the Colts brass doesn't draft an offensive lineman. He had to make almost every throw off his back foot while trying to escape the pressure that was immediately in his face after the snap. 

Derek Sherrod could help change that. He's an incredibly big and talented offensive lineman that could make an immediate impact. 

23. Philadelphia (10-6)

Mike Pouncey, Offensive Tackle, Florida

Analysis: The Eagles have allowed 43 sacks this year. They need an offensive lineman. 

Mike Pouncey is the best one left. 

Can I move on now?

24. New Orleans (11-5)

Drake Nevis, Defensive Tackle, LSU

Analysis: One of the few picks that wasn't somehow affected by the Andrew Luck news, Drake Nevis should still go to New Orleans. 

If the Saints are going to improve any area, it should be this one. 

Drake Nevis would be the best player available at this point, and should be able to easily help out the run defense. 

The lineman recorded 30 tackles for LSU this year, 13 of which were for losses. He also recorded six sacks and forced three fumbles.

25. Seattle (7-9)

Jake Locker, Quarterback, Washington

Analysis: For a full breakdown of why this pick is perfect, read the following article:

"NFL Draft 2011: Jake Locker Should Hope To Fall to the Seattle Seahawks" 

26. Green Bay (10-6)

Justin Houston, Linebacker, Georgia

Analysis: The Green Bay Packers' two biggest needs in the 2011 offseason are defensive end and outside linebacker. 

Justin Houston can fill both of those spots. 

The Georgia linebacker recorded 19.5 tackles for losses and 11 sacks on the year.

27. Chicago (11-5)

Gabe Carimi, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin

Analysis: The Bears' primary need right now is their offensive line. They allow Jay Cutler to be sacked way too often, and don't do the greatest job blocking for Matt Forte. 

If they added a lineman, Cutler may even make less mistakes, although that's quite unlikely. 

Gabe Carimi, the massive offensive lineman from Wisconsin, is incredibly talented and powerful. He needs to work on his technique, but has the potential to be a Pro Bowler. 

28. New York Jets (11-5)

Cameron Heyward, Defensive End, Ohio State

Analysis: The Jets defense was underwhelming in 2010, especially considering the lofty expectations that Rex Ryan placed on his team with his outspoken nature. 

One weakness is the defensive end spot and Cameron Heyward could definitely help that. 

The Ohio State star is very talented and an athletic freak. He didn't put up great numbers this past year, but that was because he drew double teams quite often. 

Heyward is a force to be reckoned with and truly changes games. 

29. Baltimore (12-4)

Brandon Harris, Cornerback, Miami

Analysis: With a depleted and aging cornerback group, that's the position that the Ravens should focus on first in the 2011 NFL Draft. 

At this point, the best one left will be Miami's Brandon Harris. 

Harris stands 5'11" and weighs 195 pounds. He has plenty of confidence and has become a player that quarterbacks fear to throw against. 

30. Pittsburgh (12-4)

Anthony Castonzo, Offensive Tackle, Boston College

Analysis: The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line is going to be in trouble after this season. Max Starks had neck surgery, Willie Colon will be a free agent and Flozell Adams is getting up there in age.

Someone is going to have to protect Ben Roethlisberger so he doesn't break his nose again. 

Anthony Castonzo, the big offensive lineman from Boston College, should be that guy. 

31. Atlanta (13-3)

Kyle Rudolph, Tight End, Notre Dame

Analysis: Another pick that hasn't changed is the one in the 31st spot. Here's what I wrote last time, because the analysis is no different:

If the Falcons win the Super Bowl, as they very well could, with home-field advantage throughout the NFC portion of the playoffs, Tony Gonzalez will most likely retire on top.

If not, there's still a chance that the All-Pro tight end could call it quits after a long, productive career. 

Gonzalez has said that there's a 50/50 chance that he returns. 

If he does choose to retire, he would leave a gaping hole in the Falcons offense. No player is better equipped to fill that hole than Kyle Rudolph. 

The tight end from Notre Dame has caught 28 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns this season in six games. 

32. New England (14-2)

Ryan Williams, Running Back, Virginia Tech

Analysis: Ryan Williams could become the most talented running back in New England since Corey Dillon. 

Sure, BenJarvus Green-Ellis just rushed for 1,000 yards and possesses an incredible nickname, The Law Firm, but he isn't really all that talented. 

Williams is.