2011 NFL Mock Draft: First 2 Rounds
It's about that time of year kids. Only four teams remain in the playoffs, so most of us are looking towards our teams' offseasons. That means it's time to start putting together our mock drafts.
This is a two-round mock draft I've comprised. I've based the undecided part of the picking order on my own predictions for how the rest of the playoffs will play out. So yes, I believe the Green Bay Packers will defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl.
This could end up being a very interesting draft. There are a lot of teams with the same needs and the draft order is such that we could see a lot of trades.
The problem with that is that there most likely won't be a collective bargaining agreement in place. So what does that mean?
That means that teams can swap picks, but no players can be involved in the trades. That will significantly complicate matters.
I still believe we'll see some wheeling and dealing. If we don't, there will be some teams reaching on picks to try and fill major holes on their roster, especially when it comes to cornerbacks.
For the sake of this mock draft, I'm gonna assume that there won't be any trades.
1. Carolina Panthers Select Nick Fairley, DT Auburn
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Reason for Pick
With Andrew Luck returning to college, this puts Carolina in quite a pickle. Of the remaining choices, Fairley is easily the most dominant player.
The Panthers don't have a great need on the defensive line. They held opponents to 3.9 yards per carry last season, but Fairley is a beast who is comparable to Ndamakung Suh.
Not only will he further bolster their run defense, but he'll also give them a strong interior presence in the pass rush as well.
Other Possible Picks
They could take AJ Green here, but I don't think any team will ever lock up No. 1 dollars in a wide receiver. Another choice could be Da'Quan Bowers, but they don't have a strong need at defensive end either.
There are rumors that they could be interested in Cam Newton, but that would be quite a stretch.
2. Denver Broncos Select Patrick Peterson, CB LSU
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Reason for Pick
Champ Bailey is a free agent this year, and his skills are starting to decline. Peterson is the best athlete in this draft class and would give the pass defense and return game an instant jolt. This is a no-brainer.
Other Possible Picks
I don't think it's very likely they'll go in a different direction, but I suppose they could take Da'Quan Bowers or even Prince Amukamara if for some reason their scouts would like him better as a pure cover corner.
3. Buffalo Bills Select Da'Quan Bowers, DE Clemson
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Reason for Pick
This to me is also a no-brainer. The Bills are in desperate need of a pass rush, and Bowers was the best pure pass rusher in college football last season. He led all of college football in sacks.
Other Possible Picks
Once again, I don't see much likelihood that they would go in a different direction unless one of the two teams ahead of them would take Bowers. If that were to happen, I'd look for them to take Robert Quinn.
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4. Cincinatti Bengals Select Robert Quinn, DE North Carolina
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Reason for Pick
The Bengals defense could not find a way to get pressure on anyone last year. Quinn is a freak athlete with a constant motor and a ton of speed coming off the edge. He does come with some questions after being suspended last season due to NCAA violations.
Other Possible Picks
If by some miracle Fairley or Bowers were still available, they'd jump on either of them in a heartbeat. A.J. Green could be another possibility here, but the Bengals appear to be pretty enthusiastic about their young group of receivers.
5. Arizona Cardinals Select Von Miller, OLB Texas A&M
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Reason for Pick
Some might say this is a slight reach, but the Cardinals have a need for an outside linebacker who can rush the passer. They also have a need for a quarterback, but I believe they'll look to solve that problem through trade or free agency. Miller is a tenacious pass rusher who also has shown the ability to play in coverage.
Other Possible Picks
The Cardinals could select Blaine Gabbert, but their team is built to win now. They already have two developmental quarterbacks and there isn't anyone in this draft that's ready to step in and take over.
6. Cleveland Browns Select A.J. Green, WR Georgia
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Reason for Pick
The Browns have no one on the team that can get open or catch the ball. With Colt McCoy going into his second year, they're going to need to give him some weapons. Green is the best wide receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson.
Other Possible Picks
If Green is already taken, the Browns would take Fairley, Bowers, Peterson or Quinn if they were to fall to them here. Prince Amukamara or Adrian Clayborn could also be options here.
7. San Francisco 49ers Select Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska
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Reason for Pick
San Francisco will look to improve on the 24th-rated pass defense in the league. Quarterback could be another strong possibility, but this team is ready to win, so I believe they'll try to pick someone up like Kyle Orton or Donovan McNabb. Amukamara will be an instant starter who will drastically improve they're coverage.
Other Possible Picks
If Patrick Peterson or Von Miller would still be available, they could be possibilities. Any of the top four quarterbacks in the draft could also be possibilities, depending on which one would catch Jim Harbaugh's eye. You can bet he knows what he wants in a quarterback.
8. Tennessee Titans Select Marcel Dareus, DT Alabama
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Reason for Pick
Jeff Fisher never has found a way to replace Albert Haynesworth. Dareus fits the bill. Tennessee needs help at all levels of the defense and Dareus is the kind of defensive tackle Fisher loves. He provides excellent penetration and pass rush abilities in the interior of the line.
Other Possible Picks
If Amukamara should fall here, he'd probably be the pick. The Titans need a lot of help in the defensive backfield. Adrian Clayborn could be another possibility here.
9. Dallas Cowboys Select Nate Solder, OT Colorado
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Reason for Pick
Dallas would rather get help at cornerback here, but Amukamara and Peterson should be gone by this point. Dallas also has a need at left tackle. Solder is still a little raw, but he's huge, long and athletic. He's a slight reach here, but he fills a definite need.
Other Possible Picks
If Amukamara or Peterson are still here (which they won't be), either one would be the pick. Gabe Carimi could be another possibility here.
10. Washington Redskins Select Cameron Newton, QB Auburn
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Reason for Pick
Newton is the kind of player Dan Snyder gets goofy over. That may also be why the Redskins are terrible. They need a quarterback, and I think they fall in love with Newton's upside. This isn't the pick I'd make, but I think it's the pick they'll make.
Other Possible Picks
I think the Redskins go quarterback here no matter what. Blaine Gabbert or Jake Locker are the other likely candidates.
11. Houston Texans Select Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa
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Reason for Pick
The Texans defense is terrible, especially the pass defense. There will be no one available at this point in the defensive backfield. The next thing would be more of a pass rush. Clayborn would be an excellent bookend opposite Mario Williams and would solidify the run defense as well.
Other possible picks
If they're desperate enough, they could reach for cornerback Brandon Harris from Miami, but that would be quite a reach. Akeem Ayers or Stephen Paea could be other possibilities.
12. Minnesota Vikings Select Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri
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Reason for Pick
I think the Vikings are looking for a more immediate solution at quarterback, but there really isn't anyone here that would fill a need. I think they'll take Gabbert to develop him behind whoever else they bring in to start next year.
Other Possible Picks
If Clayborn is still available they might take him since Ray Edwards is a free agent this year. Stephen Paea could be a possibility too, since the Williams wall isn't getting any younger.
13. Detroit Lions Select Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin
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Reason for Pick
The Lions would love to upgrade their secondary, but with all the best options gone, their next biggest need is on the offensive line. Carimi is a mauler who's faced off against several of the best defensive ends in the country. He could start immediately and improve their run game and pass protection.
Other Possible Picks
The Lions are another team that could reach for Brandon Harris if they're really desperate, but I don't see it happening. Anthony Costanzo could be another option. They could also choose to get another weapon opposite of Calvin Johnson in Julio Jones.
14. St. Louis Rams Select Julio Jones, WR Alabama
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Reason for Pick
If he's still there, this may be the biggest no-brainer of the first round. Sam Bradford was throwing to nobodies all season and still managed to have an impressive rookie campaign. They got a good left tackle in last year's draft, so now they'll give him a viable weapon to throw to.
Other Possible Picks
If Jones is gone, they could look to further solidify their offensive line with Anthony Costanzo or Mike Pouncey.
15. Miami Dolphins Select Jake Locker, QB Washington
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Reason for Pick
The Dolphins have needs at quarterback and running back. Owner Stephen Ross has recently stated that he wants them to open up the offense, so it makes more sense that they would start with the quarterback. Chad Henne didn't show much last year and Locker has the skill set to be a star. Now it's just a question of if he can develop the accuracy.
Other Possible Picks
Mark Ingram could be a possibility, though I think Miami may be the eventual destination for DeAngelo Williams. Akeem Ayers could be another possibility, but I think the Dolphins will stick with offense here.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars Select Ryan Kerrigan, DE Purdue
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Reason for Pick
Jacksonville tied for second-last in the league in sacks. Kerrigan plays with a constant motor and is forever making plays behind the line of scrimmage. He led college football in tackles for loss this season.
Other Possible Picks
Akeem Ayers is another player who could pressure the quarterback for the Jags from the outside linebacker position. The pass rush has to be their No. 1 priority though.
17. New England Patriots (from Oakland Raiders) Select Mike Pouncey, OG Florida
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Reason for pick
I think Belichick takes Pouncey to play guard, which would make the disgruntled Logan Mankins expendable. Mankins wants more money and Pouncey has a skill set very similar to his brother Maurkice.
Other Possible Picks
Matt Light will be a free agent this season, so they might choose to draft someone like Anthony Costanzo to take his place as well.
18. San Diego Chargers Select Akeem Ayers, OLB UCLA
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Reason for Pick
Ayers would be an excellent fit to replace the departed Shawne Merriman. Ayers is super-athletic and versatile. He can bring pressure and is excellent in coverage.
Other Possible Picks
With the near certain departures of Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd, the Chargers could reach for wide receiver Jon Baldwin here.
19. New York Giants Select Mark Ingram, RB Alabama
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Reason for Pick
Brandon Jacobs wants out, and Ahmad Bradshaw is a free agent. Ingram kind of gives you the best of both worlds. He runs with power, but is fast enough to break a long run.
Other Possible Picks
If Ayers is still available, they could go that route. They could also look to reinforce an effective, but aging offensive line with Anthony Costanzo or Mike Pouncey if he's still available.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Select Cameron Jordan, DE California
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Reason for Pick
Tampa was a little weak at defensive end last season and Stylez White is a free agent this season. Last season Tampa solidified both defensive tackle positions, so now they add an athletic end who can stuff the run and get after the quarterback.
Other Possible Picks
The Bucs could also use some help at outside linebacker, so if Akeem Ayers is available he could be the choice. Justin Houston also would fit that bill.
21. Kansas City Chiefs Select Tyron Smith, OT USC
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Reason for Pick
Kansas City ran the ball extremely well this past season, but the Chiefs could still use an upgrade on the offensive line. Smith is very long and athletic and still has some room to grow into his frame.
Other Possible Picks
The Chiefs could also use an upgrade at weakside linebacker. Mike Vrabel can only last so long. Justin Houston would be a good pick here too.
22. Indianapolis Colts Select Stephen Paea, DT Oregon State
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Reason for Pick
The Colts couldn't stop anyone from running the ball this year. Paea is the best run stopper in this draft, and a great value at this point of the first round.
Other Possible Picks
The Colts couldn't stop anyone from running, but they couldn't run either. They could look to improve the offensive line with Anthony Costanzo or Benjamin Ijalana.
23. Philadelphia Eagles Select Justin Houston, OLB Georgia
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Reason for Pick
The Eagles don't have many holes, but one spot they could really use an upgrade is linebacker. Houston is easily the best linebacker still available.
Other Possible Picks
The oft-injured Ellis Hobbs is a free agent, so the Eagles could probably use some help at cornerback as well. Ras-I Dowling or Jimmy Smith could be the pick here.
24. New Orleans Saints Select Anthony Costanzo, OT Boston College
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Reason for Pick
The Saints have several members of the offensive line becoming free agents this offseason, and they could use some improvement in the run game.
Other Possible Picks
The Saints could also some help on run defense, so Corey Liuget could be an option.
25. Seattle Seahawks Select Brandon Harris, CB Miami
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Reason for Pick
The secondary is definitely the biggest whole on for the Seahawks. They got a stud safety in the first round last year; this year they get a cover corner. Harris isn't real big and still needs some work, but he's the best available corner at this point of the first round.
Other Possible Picks
The Seahawks could go many different directions. Ras-I Dowling or Jimmy Smith could be options if they want a bigger corner. Ryan Mallett could be an option, or any of the other quarterbacks if they should fall. They could also choose to further shore up their offensive line with Rodney Hudson or Orlando Franklin.
26. Baltimore Ravens Select Ras-I Dowling, CB Virginia Tech
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Reason for Pick
The Ravens run defense is stout, but the pass defense is suspect. Dowling is a big, physical corner that will fit in nicely with Baltimore's physical style of defense.
Other Possible Picks
Jimmy Smith and Aaron Williams could be alternatives to Dowling at corner. The Ravens could also opt for Jonathon Baldwin. Derek Mason has been on the verge of retirement for what feels like the past five years.
27. Atlanta Falcons Select Rahim Moore, S UCLA
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Reason for Pick
If you watched the Falcons playoff game versus the Packers, then you saw their secondary get torched by Aaron Rodgers. Last offseason they signed Dunta Robinson to help the secondary, but it's apparent that they need more help. Rahim Moore is excellent in coverage from the free safety position and would help solidify their pass defense.
Other Possible Picks
The Falcons offense is very balanced, but a little on the conservative side. Adding a wideout to play opposite of Roddy White would help. Jonathon Baldwin could be a possibility here.
28. New England Patriots Select JJ Watt, DE Wisconsin
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Reason for Pick
The Patriots defensive line could use some help. Watt is the kind of hard-working, blue-collar player that Belichick loves. He would be an excellent value pick here.
Other Possible Picks
If Justin Houston would fall to them here, he could be an option. Allen Bailey and Corey Liuget could be other possibilities to solidify the defensive line.
29. Chicago Bears Select Benjamin Ijalana, OT Villanova
29 of 37Reason for Pick
The Bears offensive line is easily Chicago's biggest weakness. Ijalana was dominant in FCS play. He didn't face the toughest competition, but he completely dominated. The guy just doesn't give up sacks, which is exactly what the Bears need. Sorry, but I couldn't find any pictures.
Other Possible Picks
Some experts have Derrick Sherrod ranked in the late first round or early second round, so if the Bears really like him he could be the choice. Another possibility could be to go after a big deep threat in the passing game for Jay Cutler in Jonathon Baldwin.
30. New York Jets Select Cameron Heyward, DE Ohio State
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Reason for Pick
The Jets pass rush isn't what it was last season. Heyward is a strong power rusher that would fit nicely in a 3-4 set. He's better rushing inside than from the edge.
Other Possible Picks
LaDainian Tomlinson wore down throughout the season, so the Jets could look to get another running back here. Mikel Leshore is someone I expect to climb up draft boards once scouts get a better look at him. Ryan Williams could be another possibility. The Jets' top two receivers are also set to enter free agency, so they could also take Jonathon Baldwin here.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers Select Jimmy Smith, CB Colorado
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Reason for Pick
Smith is a big, physical corner who is underrated because he plays on a really bad team. The Steelers need help at corner and Smith fits the bill.
Other Possible Picks
The Steelers also still need help at offensive tackle. Ijalana could be a possibility if he's still available. Derrick Sherrod or Jason Pinkston could also be the pick. Aaron Williams could be taken at corner instead of Smith as well.
32. Green Bay Packers Select Mikel Leshore, RB Illinois
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Reason for Pick
The Packers are a good running game away from being the best offense in the NFL. They'll get Ryan Grant back, but he's hardly dominant and he'll be coming off a serious injury. With him out, the Packers run game was inconsistent at best. Leshore is a big powerful back with quickness. He doesn't have blazing speed, but he's shifty enough to make defenders miss.
Other Possible Picks
The Packers could look to improve their interior offensive line with Rodney Hudson. They also have a couple players on the defensive line heading towards free agency, so Corey Liuget could also be a possibility. Charles Woodson isn't getting any younger, so they could also draft someone to replace him so that he can move to safety.
Round 2: Picks 33-39
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33. New England Patriots (from Carolina Panthers): Jason Pinkston, OT Pitt
Matt Light is going to be a free agent, and we all know how much Belichick hates to pay anyone.
34. Denver Broncos: Corey Liuget, DT Illinois
Liuget is a run-stuffer and Denver had one of the worst run defenses in the league last year.
35. Buffalo Bills: Rodney Hudson, C Florida State
Some would say that they'll jump on Ryan Mallett here, but I think the biggest problem on their offense is on the offensive line. Hudson is easily the best center in the draft.
36. Cincinatti Bengals: Ryan Williams, RB Virginia Tech
This pick would make Cedric Benson expendable.
37. Arizona Cardinals: Bruce Carter, LB North Carolina
This is another place Ryan Mallett could go, but the Cardinals already have Derek Anderson, and Mallett could pass for his twin. The Cardinals take the best available player here and completely overhaul a weak linebacking core.
38. Cleveland Browns: Allen Bailey, DE Miami
Cleveland already had a big need at defensive end. Now that the Browns are switching back to a 4-3, that need is even bigger. Bailey gives them good value here.
39. San Francisco 49ers: Ryan Mallett, QB Arkansas
Jim Harbaugh is great with quarterbacks and Mallett will give him a good project to work on behind whoever he brings in to start this year. This should be a good situation for Mallett to grow in.
Round 2: Picks 40-46
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40. Tennessee Titans: Aaron Williams, CB Texas
The Titans need help all over the defense. Williams can help in coverage opposite Cortland Finnegan.
41. Dallas Cowboys: Brandon Burton, CB Utah
The Cowboys would have liked to have addressed this position in the first round. They can't afford to wait any longer. Burton is the best remaining corner prospect in the this draft.
42. Washington Redskins: Jon Baldwin, WR Pitt
The Redskins have had a need for a big-play wideout for several years. Santana Moss isn't getting any younger and could use some help. Baldwin has the size and ability to win jump balls that could help a rookie like Cam Newton with a big arm.
43. Houston Texans: Curtis Brown, CB Texas
The Texans have a huge need in the secondary and will have to reach some point if they can't find a way to swap picks to move into position to draft a corner.
44. Minnesota Vikings: Drake Nevis, DT LSU
The Williams wall isn't getting any younger and Nevis is a great value here. He's slightly undersized but plays with a great motor and loves to penetrate.
45. Detroit Lions: Orlando Franklin, OG Miami
With all the cover corners gone, there's no one left at the position for the Lions to reach for. They further overhaul their offensive line here setting themselves up for possible offensive dominance in the future. Detroit is another team that could look to swap picks with someone to draft a corner.
46. St. Louis Rams: Marvin Austin, DT North Carolina:
Austin could've been a first round pick before his issues with the NCAA. He'll help the Rams solidify their run defense and give them a pass rush presence in the interior of the defensive line.
Round 2: Picks 47-53
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47. Denver Broncos (From Miami Dolphins): Kyle Rudolph TE, Notre Dame
If the Broncos are going to develop Tim Tebow, they should know that he loves throwing to tight ends. Rudolph is the best one available in this draft.
48. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Carter S, Oklahoma
Jacksonville could use some help in the secondary. Carter is good in coverage as a safety. Jacksonville had the 28th-ranked pass defense this season.
49. Oakland Raiders: Pernell McPhee, DE Mississippi State
McPhee will help solidify a defensive front seven that finished tied for 26th in sacks this season.
50. San Diego Chargers: Wesley Saunders, TE South Carolina
Antonio Gates isn't getting any younger and the offense sputtered with him out towards the end of the season. Saunders has a similar skill set to Gates and might have been a first rounder if not for character questions.
51. New York Giants: Greg Jones, LB Michigan State
The Giants haven't really replaced Antonio Pierce in the middle of their defense. Jones is a tackling machine with a nose for the ball and an all-american.
52. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Randall Cobb, RB Kentucky
Cobb is a do-everything type of offensive weapon. He'll make a great third-down complement to the bruising style of Lagarette Blount.
53. Kansas City Chiefs: Torrey Smith, WR Maryland
The Chiefs need another receiver to play opposite of Dwayne Bowe. Smith is a little raw, but is great at tracking the deep ball.
Round 2, Picks 54-59
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54. Indianapolis Colts: Phil Taylor, DT Baylor
The Colts are awful on run defense, and Taylor is a huge body in the middle. He moves pretty well when he has fresh legs too. He reminds me of Terrence Cody.
55. Philadelphia Eagles: Chris Hairston, OT Clemson
The Eagles add depth to their offensive line and look to better protect Michael Vick in the future.
56. New Orleans Saints: Luke Stocker, TE Tennessee
Jeremy Shockey isn't the same player he was. Stocker will make a good understudy and help the Saints with run blocking.
57. Seattle Seahawks: Clint Boling, OG Georgia
Seattle got its big-time left tackle in last year's draft. This pick will help solidify the interior of its offensive line.
58. Baltimore Ravens: Robert Sands, S West Virginia
Time to prepare for life after Ed Reed. Sands is huge for a safety, but he's also very fast and decent in coverage.
59. Atlanta Falcons: Jerrel Journigan, WR Troy
Journigan can help open up the Atlanta offense by giving the Falcons a speed option in the passing game who can make people miss in the open field.
Round 2, Picks 60-64
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60. New England Patriots: Tandon Doss, WR Indiana
The Patriots were nearly unstoppable this year with a rag-tag group of wide receivers. Doss will give them another athletic weapon who can be a deep threat.
61. Chicago Bears: Shane Vereen, RB Cal
The Bears get a nice complement to Matt Forte here. Forte has proven to be better as a receiver out of the backfield. Vereen will give them a better between the tackles runner. Cal has a pretty decent track record of producing NFL running backs in recent years.
62. New York Jets: Greg Little, WR North Carolina
Odds are that the Jets will lose either Braylon Edwards or Santonio Holmes to free agency. Little is a big target that could've gone higher had he not gotten in trouble with the NCAA.
63. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jared Crick, DT Nebraska
I think Crick will make a good understudy for the aging Aaron Smith.
64. Green Bay Packers: Marcus Cannon, OG TCU
Cannon is a huge body that can really move people in the running game. He plays with a mean streak and can help the Packers establish a dominant ground attack.
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