2011 NFL Mock Draft: Auburn Defensive Tackle Nick Fairley To Go No. 1?
As we get ready for the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, some teams are thinking about the 2011 NFL Draft this coming April.
After winning the BCS National Championship, Auburn's Cam Newton and Nick Fairley have officially declared for April's draft.
Since Newton has officially declared, the question becomes how high will he be selected?
Many players' stocks have changed since Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck decided to skip out on the draft and return to school.
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
1. Carolina Panthers (2-14)
1 of 32
Needs: QB, WR, DT
Pick: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
The Panthers have a few options with the No. 1 pick, but I think they will go with Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley.
Fairley would instantly improve a Panthers defensive line that was 23rd 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 Panthers 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
2. Denver Broncos (4-12)
2 of 32
Needs: DT, CB, DE
Pick: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
The Broncos would love to pick Nick Fairley but there is a strong possibility he will not be on the board.
Since Fairley might be selected by the Panthers, 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: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Wide receiver might not be the most important need for the Buffalo Bills, but how can they possibly pass up on A.J. Green, the best receiver in the draft?
With wide receiver Steve Johnson breaking out in 2010, the 6'4", 212-pound receiver from Georgia would instantly become a great complement for Johnson.
Green caught eight passes for 77 yards during a loss in the Liberty Bowl.
Quarterback is also a possibility with the No. 3 pick for the Bills.
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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, but unfortunately for the Bengals, Green will likely be off the board.
With Green gone, 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.
Although the Cardinals can target a quarterback in free agency, the right move is to pick up a franchise quarterback in the 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.
The 6'6" Mallett has a big arm and can be the perfect quarterback to get the ball downfield to Larry Fitzgerald.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-11)
6 of 32
Needs: WR, DE, OLB
Pick: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
The Browns could possibly go with a wide receiver here, but they still might want to stick with their 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: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
The 49ers have a few needs, but Nebraska's Prince Amukamara would pair up well with Nate Clements.
Alex Smith is a free agent, so the Niners can go with a quarterback here but they could also sign one through free agency.
Being the 49ers can turn to free agency for a quarterback, Amukamara would be a good fit.
8. Tennessee Titans (6-10)
8 of 32
Needs: DT, CB, QB
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 Vince Young experiment has failed in Tennessee and it is finally time to go in another direction. That will begin with Gabbert.
Many had Gabbert the second-ranked quarterback behind Luck in the draft, but I have him as the second quarterback taken, behind Ryan Mallett.
9. Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
9 of 32
Needs: DL, S, LB
Pick: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
The Cowboys defense was a little shaky during the 2010 season, 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 Cowboys if he is still available at No. 11.
10. Washington Redskins (6-10)
10 of 32
Needs: QB, CB, WR, DT
Pick: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Locker's stock has definitely dropped during this College Football season, but his leadership and natural ability will allow him to be the third quarterback taken in the first round of the draft.
The Redskins' only option is currently Rex Grossman, so it is likely that they will be searching for a franchise quarterback, and Locker may be their guy.
The Redskins can also use help on the defensive line, since Albert Haynesworth is unlikely to return.
11. Houston Texans (6-10)
11 of 32
Needs: DT, CB, S, DE
Pick: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Ryan Kerrigan recorded 33 sacks in four seasons at Purdue, with 25 in his last two seasons.
The Texans already possess a pass rusher in Mario Williams, but Kerrigan would improve the Houston defensive line, which ranked 23rd in sacks during the season.
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 Texans can use all the help they can get after another disappointing season.
12. Minnesota Vikings (6-10)
12 of 32
Needs: QB, CB, LB, S
Pick: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
I recently had the Vikings selecting Jake Locker, but i have reevaluated the pick and now have them taking UCLA safety Rahim Moore.
Safety is a primary need for the Vikings, and Moore is the best safety available in the upcoming draft.
Moore has intercepted 14 passes during his time at UCLA including 10 in the 2009 season.
A quarterback is also an option here, possibly Cam Newton.
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 extremely high on the talented Miller, and rightfully so, because he possesses amazing natural abilities.
Miller recorded 27 sacks in his last two seasons at Texas A&M and has also greatly improved in coverage.
The Lions can definitely use 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, and Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones would be the perfect pick at No. 14.
Bradford did not have many weapons to work with during 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: Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn
The Miami Dolphins can very well go with Alabama running back at No. 15, but I believe Cam Newton should be the pick.
Cam Newton should be available at No. 15 and if he is, the Dolphins should snag him.
Newton has the playmaking abilities that the Dolphins did not have at quarterback this season. Newton scored 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.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8)
16 of 32
Needs: WR, CB, DE
Pick: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
The cornerback class in the 2011 draft weakened a bit when Janoris Jenkins decided to stay in school, making Miami cornerback Brandon Harris' stock rise.
One of the Jaguars' needs is at the defensive back position. Brandon Harris can fill that need immediately for a Jaguars' defense that ranked 28th against the pass during the regular season.
It was possible that Harris could have fallen into the second round if Jenkins entered the draft, but now Harris should get selected in the first round.
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 Oakland Raiders for a first-round pick prior to the 2009 season and now they will be able to use that pick in this April's draft.
The Patriots should select 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
Colorado offensive tackle Nate Solder is ranked by many as the best offensive lineman in the draft, and this would be a great pick for the Chargers, who possess the 18th overall pick in the draft.
Quarterback 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 to boost that running game.
19. New York Giants (10-6)
19 of 32
Needs: OL, DT, RB, LB
Pick: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
This would be an amazing scenario if Alabama running back Mark Ingram fell to the New York Giants at No. 19.
Ahmad Bradshaw is a free agent and if the Giants decide to let him walk, Ingram can start for the Giants right away.
If Ingram is available and selected, he will be the first running back taken in the draft, even though he did not put up the same numbers as his 2009 Heisman Trophy year, missing two games in the 2010 season.
Ingram had 875 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2010, scoring a combined 30 touchdowns in his last two seasons.
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 the defensive side of the ball, 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 some help with their pass rush and Clayborn will be their guy with the 20th pick.
The 6'4", 285-pound Clayborn is very difficult to block, so he would be tough against opposing offensive lines for the Bucs.
Clayborn recorded one tackle in the Insight Bowl.
21. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)
21 of 32
Needs: DT, LB, WR
Pick: Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami
With wide receiver Justin Blackmon staying at Oklahoma State, Miami's Leonard Hankerson's stock will rise in the draft.
Hankerson has the size and speed to be a great compliment for Dwayne Bowe in 2011.
Hankerson caught 45 passes for 801 yards and six touchdowns this season.
The Miami receiver had six receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown during the Sun Bowl in a loss to Notre Dame.
22. Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
22 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 the interior of the line that needs serious help, especially after the New York Jets ran all over them in their 17-16 loss in the wild card round.
Paea can help the Colts' defensive line by stopping the run, and he recorded six sacks during the 2010 season, so he will also be a factor in the pass rush.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
23 of 32
Needs: CB, LB, OL
Pick: Gabe Carimi, OT, Washington
The Eagles offensive line has been one of their weaknesses all season long, giving up 49 sacks during the regular season.
Six of those 49 sacks came in a 24-14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Carimi will be the best available tackle and will protect Michael Vick or Kevin Kolb in 2011, while also helping out LeSean McCoy and the Eagles' running game.
24. New Orleans Saints (11-5)
24 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 New Orleans Saints will definitely be searching for answers to stop the run.
With the 24th pick, the Saints should look for a defensive tackle, and North Carolina's Marvin Austin should be available.
The 6'3", 310-pound Austin has the ability to clog up the run and put pressure on the quarterback. That is something the Saints can use in 2011.
25. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)
25 of 32
Pick: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Ayers has the ability to open eyes at workouts and he is a great athlete.
His great size makes him versatile because he plays linebacker, but he can also spend some time down on the line.
Although the Seahawks would love for a quarterback to fall to them at No. 25, the 6'4", 255-pound Ayers would also make a great fit for the Hawks.
26. Green Bay Packers
26 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 Philadelphia Eagles, James Starks might not be the long-term answer for the Pack.
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 2010 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.
27. New York Jets (11-5)
27 of 32
Needs: DE, S, OL
Pick: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
The New York Jets are riding high after beating the Indianapolis Colts in the wild card round of the playoffs, so they are not thinking about the draft at this point.
However, when it is time for the Jets to start talking 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 note make the same mistake twice.
28. Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
28 of 32
Needs: OL, CB, WR
Pick: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
The Baltimore Ravens can use some offensive line help, and Anthony Castonzo of Boston College can help that line immediately.
Castonzo has great footwork and would be a great fit for the Ravens.
The Ravens are only thinking about the Steelers, who await them in the divisional round of the playoffs so when the draft arrives, Castonzo should be the pick.
Ozzie Newsome has always drafted well for the Ravens, and he will do the same this year.
29. Chicago Bears (11-5)
29 of 32
Needs: OL, LB, DT
Pick: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
The Chicago Bears await the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round of the playoffs, so they have their minds set on other things.
Looking ahead to the 2011 Draft, offensive tackle is a primary need for the Bears, 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.
USC had a great offensive line this season, and it was largely due to Tyron Smith.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
30 of 32
Needs: OL, DE, CB, DT
Pick: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
The Steelers' offensive line is definitely a concern with the aging Flozell Adams and Max Starks coming off a neck injury.
Florida guard Mike Pouncey would be a good fit here in Pittsburgh to come in and help protect Ben Roethlisberger.
The 6'4", 310-pound Pouncey would join his brother Maurkrice Pouncey, who is a Pro Bowl center for the Steelers.
31. Atlanta Falcons (13-3)
31 of 32
Needs: LB, CB, OL, S
Pick: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
I had the Falcons taking Baldwin in my previous mock draft, and I have him as the 31st pick again.
This may be a surprising selection to many, but I think the Atlanta Falcons can use another wide receiver alongside No. 84 Roddy White.
White had a great year and will draw a lot of double teams next season, so Baldwin would take away some of those double teams and provide Matt Ryan with 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 New England Patriots should be looking for a linebacker with the final pick in the first round.
The Patriots' defense was somewhat vulnerable during the regular season, and drafting Georgia's Justin Houston would improve that young and talented defense.
Houston can get after the quarterback and can drop back in coverage as well.
The Georgia linebacker recorded 10 sacks this past season.
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