2011 NFL Mock Draft: Will Carolina Panthers Take Cam Newton or Da'quan Bowers?
After the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis it is time to re-do my mock draft.
There are some players who seriously under-performed like Akeem Ayers. There are some players who stood up and made scouts take notice of them like Virgil Green. And there were established top picks who solidified their reputations like Patrick Peterson and Julio Jones.
At the top of each slide, I will indicate in bold the player that was selected in my last mock draft with the same pick.
If you see any selection that you think is wrong then please comment about it.
Enjoy!
For Mock draft version 1, go to
1. Carolina Panthers...Da'quan Bowers (DE): Clemson
1 of 32
V.1 selection: Patrick Peterson
The Panthers have holes all over the board, but one of the cornerstones of a successful franchise is an elite pass rusher, and this is what Bowers will provide. They could go with a defensive tackle at this spot to stiffen their run defense, but the likely loss of Charles Johnson solidifies this pick.
Riser (+3)
2. Denver Broncos...Marcell Dareus (DT): Alabama
2 of 32
V.1 selection: Nick Fairley
Denver needs to improve its run defense after ranking 31st in the league for rushing yards allowed. Dareus is a big body who could play at either tackle position in their new 4-3 defensive line and can anchor or penetrate. His superior combine performance is what elevated him over Fairley.
Riser (+4)
3. Buffalo Bills...Nick Fairley (DT/DE): Auburn
3 of 32
V.1 selection: Robert Quinn
The Bills were even worse than the Broncos at stopping the run last season, and giving Kyle Williams some help on the defensive line is the top priority of the off season. Fairley was smaller than expected coming into the combine, but showed impressive burst and ability in the workouts and drills. The Bills will not allow such a talented defensive lineman drop past them.
Slider (-1)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
4. Cincinnati Bengals...Julio Jones (WR): Alabama
4 of 32
V.1 selection: Da'quan Bowers
The Bengals need to do everything they can to tempt Carson Palmer into coming back for the 2011 season, and adding a lethal weapon at wide receiver is the best way to do that. Jones blew us away at the combine, leapfrogging A.J. Green and getting into the top five. He will more than make up for losing Chad Ochocinco and Terrel Owens.
Riser (+10)
5. Arizona Cardinals...Von Miller (OLB): Texas A&M
5 of 32
V.1 selection: Ryan Mallet
Rounding out the top five are the Cardinals who have need for a quarterback and a pass rushing outside linebacker. With the lack of elite quarterbacks in the draft, Arizona will take Miller, the consensus best outside linebacker who dazzled at the Senior Bowl and the Scouting Combine. He will provide an instant pass rush and improve them from 18th in the league in sacks.
Riser (+13)
6. Cleveland Browns...A.J. Green (WR): Georgia
6 of 32
V.1 selection: Marcell Dareus
The Browns need a top offensive playmaker in the passing game, and have not had anyone since they let go of Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow a while back. However, Green could change this. He may not be the most athletic wide receiver, but he is a playmaker who can make any catch, and is the best route runner of the top prospects. A day one starter and star. He would make life much easier for Colt McCoy under centre.
Riser (+2)
7. San Francisco 49ers...Blaine Gabbert (QB): Missouri
7 of 32
V.1 selection: Jake Locker
While Gabbert may not be the best quarterback in this draft class, he is the safer pick when compared to Cam Newton. Jim Harbaugh will hope to start a new era in the Bay, and a quarterback with his first pick to groom is a good place to start. Gabbert is a great thrower who looks to be the most accurate of the top flight quarterbacks. He has a powerful arm, and has the intangibles to learn the pro style system.
Riser (+3)
8. Tennessee Titans...J.J. Watt (DE/DT): Wisconsin
8 of 32
V.1 selection: A.J Green
Every great Titans team of recent years has been built around an imposing defensive line, and I doubt that the front office will be able to resist selecting a hard working, versatile defensive lineman at the top of this draft. Watt is very underrated at the moment, but he excelled at the combine and will be a force against the run and the pass at the NFL level. He could be one of the biggest steals of the draft, even at eighth overall.
Riser (+18)
9. Dallas Cowboys...Patrick Peterson (CB): LSU
9 of 32
V.1 selection: Adrian Clayborn
Another huge steal, Peterson is the best cornerback in the draft, and maybe even the best defensive player. His drop comes from the quality of the defensive line prospects, but is works out perfectly for Dallas. They would like a top shutdown cornerback to improve their secondary, which is already about middle of the road.
Peterson is athletic, strong, tall and fast. He will become the most physically gifted corner back in the NFL as soon as he enters it, and backs this up with good technique and solid ball skills. He can also help the Cowboys returning punts.
Slider (-8)
10. Washington Redskins...Cam Newton (QB): Auburn
10 of 32
V.1 selection: Blaine Gabbert
Newton's famous smile may be strained a bit by the time he is selected, but it is what can be expected after a merely good combine. He has not dealt with the issues surrounding him yet, and these will cause this mini-slide on draft day. In the end it will be Mike Shanahan who will pull the pin, and this quarterback expert could well be the best place for Newton to land. A few years and Newton could very easily be the best quarterback from this draft.
Riser (+5)
11. Houston Texans...Prince Amukamara (CB): Nebraska
11 of 32
V.1 selection: Prince Amukamara
Amukamara is now the clear cut second best cornerback after he ran a 4.43 40 yard dash at the combine. He has good technique, size and fluidity. The Texans will be drafting on defense for the first two or three rounds, but the most pressing need, despite converting from a 4-3 to 3-4 defense, is their woeful secondary. Amukamara would give them a top cornerback to solidify their pass defense and allow them to make a playoff run.
No change
12. Minnesota Vikings...Gabe Carimi (OT): Wisconsin
12 of 32
V.1 selection: Nate Solder
Carimi is not the best left tackle in the draft, but he is the best run blocking tackle by quite a distance. This will attract the Vikings, who will be looking to make Adrian Peterson the focal point of their offense again after the loss of Brett Favre. Carimi will offer serious push in the run game, and can also hold his own in pass protection.
Riser (New to the List)
13. Detroit Lions...Tyron Smith (OT): USC
13 of 32
V.1 selection: Brandon Harris
This selection will raise a lot of controversy, as most Lions fans want to see a linebacker or a corner back taken in the first round. However, with the $78 million investment in Matthew Stafford the Lions have to draft a franchise left tackle now. Smith looks to be the prospect with the most upside, who is very athletic, can get some push in the run game and is a smooth and athletic pass blocker in the run game. He should lock down the left tackle spot in Detroit for the next 15 years.
Riser (+16)
14. St. Louis Rams...Jon Baldwin (WR): Pittsburgh
14 of 32
V.1 selection: Julio Jones
Jones surprising combine excellence has pushed him out of reach of the Rams, and this will make them trade down to get Baldwin. However, for the purposes of this mock draft, they will take him a 14. Baldwin is not in the same league as Green or Jones, but is still a big, playmaking wide receiver for Sam Bradford to throw too. He will be a serious red zone threat, and has the ability to make plays downfield. The Rams simply need to add a receiving playmaker to complement their young quarterback.
Riser (+7)
15. Miami Dolphins...Mark Ingram (RB): Alabama
15 of 32
V.1 selection: Cam Newton
Ingram may not have burnt away the competition in the 40 yard dash, but he did show why he is being compared to the great Emmit Smith. He is quick, runs powerfully, has great vision and can make defenders miss. The Dolphins would love to add him to their team, and replace the aging and often injured Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown. The one issue with Ingram is that he will need a decent offensive line to make holes for him, but the Dolphins line is top five in the NFL calibre.
Riser (+9)
16. Jacksonville Jaguars...Robert Quinn (DE): UNC
16 of 32
V.1 selection: Cameron Heyward
The Jaguars need to add a pure pass rusher who can help them generate some pass rush. Quinn is a serious steal at 16th overall, but his disappointing athletic performance at the combine and his year long suspension last season will force him down. His explosion and strength makes him a lethal pass rusher on the outside, and he will be able to consistently threaten the edge in the NFL. He is a dream come true for Jags fans.
Slider (-13)
17. New England Patriots (via Oakland Raiders)...Cameron Jordan (DE): California
17 of 32
V.1 selection: Akeem Ayers
The Patriots offense is a juggernaut, but they do need to add a few more playmakers on defense to intensify their pass rush. This first pick of the first round is a deliberate move to try to replace Richard Seymour. Jordan may have slipped behind Watt as the best 3-4 defensive end, but Jordan is a more fluid outside pass rusher. He can set an anchor against two players, but is more of a penetrator. This style of playmaker is exactly what the Patriots need on defense.
Riser (+13)
18. San Diego Chargers...Aldon Smith (DE/OLB): Missouri
18 of 32
V.1 selection: Von Miller
The Chargers have a very strong team that had one of the best statistical defenses and offenses last season. However, their defense is more suspect, and they will use the majority of their early picks improving their defensive front seven. They mainly need another pass rushing outside linebacker, and Aldon Smith fits the bill. He may not be able to start, but given a year to learn the system and the new position he would be a lethal, athletic pass rusher. He looks to be another coming of Jevon Kearse.
Riser (+2)
19. New York Giants...Anthony Castonzo (OT): Boston College
19 of 32
V.1 selection: Derek Sherrod
The Giants need to improve their offensive line to give Eli Manning more time to throw, and allow their running game to be as good as it can be. Primarily, a new left tackle is a pressing need, and one that they would fill if they drafted Castonzo in the first round.
While Castonzo will never be as good as the man he replaced at Boston College, he was a freshman starter who is very athletic. He is great in pass protection, and while not a mauler, has good technique and opens up lanes in the running game.
Riser (not on original draft board)
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers...Ryan Kerrigan (DE): Purdue
20 of 32
V.1 selection: Aldon Smith
The pressing need for the Bucs this off season is to get a player who can rush from the edge. With the strength of this draft class in defensive ends, this should be no problem, and ending up with Kerrigan, a high motor guy, will vastly improve their defense.
Kerrigan impressed at the combine, flashing explosion we did not know about, and making him a far more interesting prospect. A defensive line with him and Gerald McCoy would be dangerous indeed.
Riser (+6)
21. Kansas City Chiefs...Nate Solder (OT): Colorado
21 of 32
V.1 selection: Jon Baldwin
The Chiefs would have loved to get another receiving playmaker on offense to help out Dwayne Bowe, but it is also a known fact that their offensive line needs an injection of youth. This makes Solder a good pick for them.
Solder is a huge man who can easily add another 20 lbs to his frame. He projects as a silky athletic left tackle who can mirror very well in space, and with extra bulk may gain enough strength to be a force in the run game. This is what he will need to do to really star in the Chiefs smash mouth run orientated offense.
Slider (-9)
22. Indianapolis Colts...Stephen Paea (DT): Oregon State
22 of 32
V.1 selection: Stephen Paea
It is no surprise that this selection has stayed the same for both of my mock drafts. The Colts have a serious need to add a dominant run stuffing defensive force to the middle of their line. Paea would provide this, while also being a threat in the passing game.
Paea was the strongest man at the Combine by a country mile, and this strength, his bulk and his technique make him one of the best run stoppers in the draft. He will never be an explosive pass rusher, but with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, this is not a primary concern.
Did not move
23. Philadelphia Eagles...Brandon Harris (CB): Miami
23 of 32
V.1 selection: Mike Pouncey
The Eagles lack of depth at corner back was on display for all to see when Asante Samuel went down with injury last season. With that in mind, they will be looking to add another quality corner in the draft to complement Samuel and develop to be their shut down man when Samuel retires.
Harris and Jimmy Smith are very equal in my eyes, but Harris suits the Eagles off man and zone heavy coverage schemes. He was also the best overall cornerback at the combine, who combines great athleticism with very solid technique.
Slider (-10)
24. New Orleans Saints...Adrian Clayborn (DE): Iowa
24 of 32
V.1 selection: Mark Ingram
The deterioration of the Saints championship defense can be attributed to the decrease in the level of play of the defensive line, and this is the area of concern that the Saints will fill this year, with there being such a deep class of defensive linemen.
Clayborn had a disappointing 2010 season at college, and has dropped from a preseason top ten pick to a late first rounder. He is a really powerful defensive end who is a beast against the run, and can win as a pass rusher with his power and lateral agility. He is not a speed rusher, but is a very solid left defensive end.
Slider (-15)
25. Seattle Seahawks...Jake Locker (QB): Washington
25 of 32
V.1 selection: Jurell Casey
The Seahawks made the playoffs through luck, being the best team in a terrible division. They are well and truly in a rebuilding phase, and what better way to start than by drafting potential franchise quarterback and local hero.
Locker performed well at the combine, showing increased accuracy and touch, good arm strength and surprising athletic ability and straight line speed. While he is a bust threat he should pan out as at the least a solid NFL starter who can make plays with his arm and his feet.
Slider (-18)
26. Baltimore Ravens...Jimmy Smith (CB): Colorado
26 of 32
V.1 selection: Ryan Kerrigan
The Ravens may have a star in their secondary who goes by the name of Ed Reed, but there is little overall depth, and a lack of great corner backs in the back four of their vaunted defense. While it would be wise to draft the replacement for Ray Lewis retires so he can learn from the master, a talent like Smith in a position of need is too good to pass up.
Smith both helped and hurt his stock at the combine. He showed good athletic ability, speed and technique in press coverage, which has solidified him as the second/third best press corner in the draft. However, his attitude in the interview will scare some teams away from him.The Ravens veteran D, especially Lewis, will keep him in line though, and he should be a good day one contributor.
Riser (+2)
27. Atlanta Falcons...Kyle Rudolph (TE): Notre Dame
27 of 32
V.1 selection: J.J. Watt
The Falcons have a strong team, and have very few holes to fill. They do need more top receiving threats, and especially a young, receiving tight end who can replace the nearly retired Tony Gonzalez. Giving their next tight end a year to learn behind the best receiving tight end is history would be wise too.
Rudolph is the consensus best tight end in the draft, and is both a good run blocker who can set the edge and dominate at the second level. In the passing game he is not really quick, but is athletic for his size, is a great catcher and is a dangerous runner after the catch. The only catch is his chequered injury history, which could drop him into the second round. His talent should stop that though.
Riser (not on original list)
28. New England Patriots...Justin Houston (DE/OLB): Georgia
28 of 32
V.1 selection: Jimmy Smith
The New England Patriots have two first round picks in the 2011 NFL draft, and after grabbing a defensive end with their first, they will take a rushing outside linebacker to finish the redevelopment of their pass rush.
Houston may not be a popular 3-4 outside linebacker pick after the combine, but he still has real potential there. He showed some flexibility in coverage, and is explosive off the line. He also weigh in at 270 lbs, which is in keeping with the Patriots outside linebackers. They like big guys.
Riser (not on original list)
29. Chicago Bears...Derek Sherrod (OT): Mississippi State
29 of 32
V.1 selection: Tyron Smith
The Bears had the leakiest offensive line at the start of last season, and while it did improve as the season progressed they still really need a good tackle or guard who can hold his own man to man and allow Jay Cutler time to throw.
Sherrod entered the season as the best senior offensive tackle, but a lacklustre off season has lowered his stock. He could well be a steal taken this late in the first round, and at the very least will be a good left guard or right tackle. He is 321 lbs, is athletic, long armed and has very solid pass protection technique which allows him to mirror pass rushers in space.
Slider (-10)
30. New York Jets...Phil Taylor (NT): Baylor
30 of 32
V.1 selection: Cameron Jordan
The Jets 3-4 defense has been good these past two seasons due to great play calling and brash arrogance, but they need to add more playmakers to their defensive front seven. With Clayborn, Watt and Jordan already off the board the Jets will look to draft a replacement for Kris Jenkins, who will not be playing a major role, if any, in 2011 after suffering season ending injuries in 2009 and 2010.
Taylor is head and shoulders above the rest as a nose tackle. He is a bear inside at 340 lbs, and is unblockable one on one. He is a lethal bull rusher who also has surprising lateral agility for a big guy. He can anchor, and would vastly improve the Jets run defense by keeping David Harris and Bart Scott clean to make tackles.
Riser (not on original list)
31. Pittsburgh Steelers...Mike Pouncey (G/C): Florida
31 of 32
V.1 selection: Jeremy Beal
The Steelers need to pay attention to their secondary, but the primary concern for this off season will be the offensive line. There are very few bright spots on it, with the exception of Markice Pouncey, so adding the top interior lineman in the draft who happens to be Markice's twin would be a dream come true for Pittsburgh.
Mike Pouncey may not be as good as his brother, but he is still and very athletic, very strong guard or center who does a good job mirroring in space, moving the defensive line and pulling or sealing off players at the second level. Mike, Markice and Kemeuatu would be one of the best young interior offensive lines.
Slider (-10)
32. Green Bay Packers...Martez Wilson (OLB): Illinois
32 of 32
V.1 selection: Allen Bailey
The Green Bay Packers are in an enviable position. They won the Super Bowl with four key starters on the bench (Nick Barnett, Jermichael Finley, Ryan Grant and Mark Tauscher). Despite this, they still need to improve their offensive line and get another bona fide pass rusher to complement Clay Matthews.
Wilson has been a recent arrival as a first round selection, but he was the fastest linebacker at the combine. He is not a powerful pass rusher, but uses his length, speed and agility to slip around blockers. He is also a good blitzer, which suits the system that Dom Capers runs. As a plus, Wilson is a linebacker, so will be great at diagnosing the run and dropping into coverage.
Riser (not on original list)
.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 🤩")