2011 NFL Draft: Who On-the-Cusp Teams Need in Order to Break Through
2011 NFL Draft will soon be all we have to talk about. The NFL is only three games short of ending its season. I, of course, skipped over the Pro Bowl, as it is an atrocity to the eyes.
But with the first round order almost finalized, we can finally get a sense of who your favorite team will be picking with their coveted first pick. As every season closes, the strengths and weaknesses of each team are highlighted.
The draft is a crucial time to shore up any holes you might have before camp and before free agency options are exhausted. Here is what you can expect in the first round.
1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley
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Da'Quan Bowers may eventually win back his supporters, but the vision of Fairley in the BCS championship game is too fresh in the mind.
Fairley was all over the field. At one point I was thinking that there had to be two Fairleys out there. His hustle and determination showed how good he can be. It also signaled what a defense boasting Fairley's skills can do.
He is a hulking figure that is fast off the block. Carolina lost out on Andrew Luck. They will be getting an assured future Pro Bowler in his place.
2. Denver Broncos: Da'Quan Bowers
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Bowers was a shoo-in for the No. 1 pick when Andrew Luck decided to go back to Stanford. He very well could win back support at the combine. He is just as explosive and powerful as Fairley. He just did not have the distinction of playing in a top bowl game to tout his skill set.
Even though John Fox and the Broncos sound ever doubtful that Tim Tebow will be their quarterback of the future, Fox will not be allowed to draft a quarterback here. The Broncos could not cover their own practice squad, their defense was so awful.
They will definitely take a defender with their pick.
3. Buffalo Bills: Patrick Peterson
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I normally would not condone drafting a cornerback with the third overall pick in the draft. Then again, there is no telling which of the many holes the Bills will choose to shore up.
The Bills are not necessarily hurting at cornerback, but when you have this high of a pick, you do not draft for need. You take the best athletic talent in that spot and call it a victory. Peterson is just that. He is an amazing specimen that has a nose for the ball.
If you want a guy that will lock down his side of the field, you may want to take this guy with your first pick.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green
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Well, the two Pro Bowl receivers experiment was an utter failure. The Bengals had full confidence that having two tremendous options would lead to lopsided victories for Cincy. It didn't quite happen that way. Carson Palmer rarely found Ochocinco, instead choosing to go with Terrell Owens as the No. 1 option.
It is anyone's guess who will return of the two. One thing is certain: They need another option. The Bengals actually got a late season victory without Ocho or Owens in the lineup. Green is a talent on par with Percy Harvin.
I would like to see the Bengals take a quarterback here. I am just not sold on Blaine Gabbert as their solution.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert
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When you are picking this high, you have your fair share of issues. The Cardinals need a quarterback badly. I am not sold on any of their options. In fact, I don't even think Derek Anderson is sold on himself.
The Cardinals need defense badly, but they also need a quarterback. What is a team to do? There is no doubt that the Cards will still be bad next season. At least a fine quarterback will put butts in the seats. Blaine Gabbert may not be Andrew Luck, but the Cards will take what they can get.
Gabbert has a powerful arm that can fit any style of play. The Cardinals can feel comfortable opening up the offense and letting him find receivers downfield. Now they just need to draft some receivers.
6. Cleveland Browns: Prince Amukamara
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The Browns are right there on the cusp of becoming a real playoff contender. They shocked fans with a couple of surprising upsets. They also have an offense that can score. Colt McCoy will use the offseason to mature and come back even stronger.
The Browns are also set in the backfield with the emergence of Peyton Hillis. Now all they have to do is stop the passing game. The Browns get a great defender and potential leader in Prince Amukamara.
He is physical enough to handle bigger receivers and quick enough to stay with them on the wings. A couple more pieces and the Browns just might have something here.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Marcell Dareus
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At some point you have to stop drafting quarterbacks, right? They drafted Alex Smith in 2005 and then went with Troy Smith at times this year. Neither Smith has proved to be capable of delivering this team to the promised land.
But with two arms in the stable, I don't know how Jim Harbaugh drafts again for that position. The 49ers were already set as a playoff team that greatly underachieved. Harbaugh will go with his defensive-minded mentality and draft for grit.
Marcell Dareus would be the next best player available. He would give the 49ers some mobility on the defensive line. Maybe then they can win some games in a horrid division.
8. Tennessee Titans: Ryan Mallett
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The Titans need a quarterback desperately. They have parted ways with Vince Young and have no prospects for an elite quarterback in the wings. They could use some help on defense, but the QB situation must be addressed first.
The Titans were a playoff team until Young left the roster with an injury and then seemingly a bad attitude. Mallett has fallen off in recent days. Mock drafts once had him this high until questions on his accuracy surfaced.
His powerful arm will resurface at the combine. I am convinced he can be used in Tennessee to great worth.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Robert Quinn
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The Cowboys and Robert Quinn need each other. The Cowboys would do well with a superb talent like Quinn, who is also modest and extremely down to earth. Quinn only really cares about playing football and doing it the right way. Hopefully the sentiment is contagious.
Quinn could use the publicity that is brought from playing on the Dallas stage. He is a lightning-quick end that deserves to get a little more press. This is a no-brainer for a team that was soft on that side of the ball all year long.
10. Washington Redskins: Jake Locker
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Andrew Luck messed up the board for everyone. This was supposed to be a quarterback-heavy draft with a plethora of teams that need that exact position. With so many NFL clubs needing an arm, the Redskins will have no choice but to draft Locker high.
The Redskins could use a great many things, but they need a quarterback above all else. It is abundantly clear that Donovan McNabb will not play for Mike Shanahan again. It is also clear that the Redskins will be in the market for character guys.
Locker fits both attributes famously. He is a running quarterback that can deliver precision passes. But most importantly, he is a leader. He is not afraid to lead by example or stay in the pocket with an assured hit on the way. Both of these things are in big demand in Washington.
11. Houston Texans: Von Miller
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With Wade Phillips taking over defensive duties in Houston, you can bet the Texans will go to a 3-4 stance. That will be perfect for a linebacker with Miller's speed and strength.
The best part of Von is that he is a hard worker that keeps quiet and concentrates on the task at hand. Think Andre Johnson from the other side of the ball. The Texans are a young team that could use a shot from a great character guy.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Cam Newton
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The nation's top player in 2010 will finally get his big payday—this time within the rules.
The Vikings will finally be rid of Brett Favre. Even if he has a change of heart, it is clear he is no longer up to the task physically.
This leaves the Vikings to dash Tarvaris Jackson's hopes of being the starter once again by drafting phenom Cam Newton. Newton could spend a season as a backup before he emerges as the No. 1 QB. His size, speed and vision make him a lock to become an eventual star.
Then again, we said the same about Ryan Leaf and JaMarcus Russell.
13. Detroit Lions: Akeem Ayers
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Julian Peterson is out in Detroit, which leaves a hole at linebacker. The best on the board is Akeem Ayers. The UCLA brute is a hard-hitting defender that has a good sense of the field.
He is consistently in the realm of the ball. He knows how to read the quarterback and is known for his quick jumps to the action on the field. The Lions would finally get a linebacker they can trust to lead the team in the future.
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones
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The Rams returned to relevance this season thanks in large part to quarterback Sam Bradford. Bradford was surprisingly poised as a first-year starter. He nearly returned the club to the playoffs in his rookie season. This is all without a solid receiver on the roster.
That all changes next season. Rams fans will finally have a player that makes some highlight catches—not that Jones will have to stray far to reach the precise Bradford throws.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram
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The Dolphins could use a quarterback, but they will take a chance on the prolific Mark Ingram. There just won't be a quarterback worth taking this high left in the draft. Ingram is right up the Dolphins' alley anyway.
He is explosive from the line and best of all is a great cutter. He knows how to find holes and can stop on a dime. The Dolphins can return to some exciting games. Let's just hope this means at least a couple of home wins next season.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan
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The Jaguars may have solved their issues for the time being on offense. It will take a lot for David Garrard to reproduce his 2010 effort, but the QB job is his to lose.
The Jaguars did suffer on the defensive line though. Too many teams were able to pick them apart as the quarterbacks went untouched. They also had a softer defense when it came to the run.
Ryan Kerrigan solves all of those issues. He is fast and strong, but most of all, he is tenacious. He will not quit until he brings down his target.
The Jaguars will be in a lot closer games than the ones they had to contend with in 2010.
17. New England Patriots (From Raiders): Cameron Jordan
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The Patriots could use some help in the secondary. They reverted to earlier-season iterations against the Jets on Sunday night. But the biggest problem area for them is along the line.
The Patriots may have beaten the Jets if they rattled Mark Sanchez a little more. The Patriots could use a guy like Jordan. He is tough and rugged. Most importantly, he has a knack for finding the ball. You can be sure that Jordan has a future taking down NFL quarterbacks.
18. San Diego Chargers: Nate Solder
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The Chargers have to worry about just one thing going forward: taking care of Philip Rivers. He is their lifeblood. He is their savior. Quite simply, he is their best player.
The offensive line was getting a bit shaky at times this season, and one universal adage is that you can never have too much protection. The Chargers will have insurance and then some that Rivers and their running game will be hitting on all cylinders with Solder on the line. He has amazing ability and may impress another team and be taken higher.
He exudes the type of talent that goes off at the combine.
19. New York Giants: Tyron Smith
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What you have here is your classic coin flip. The Giants will be choosing between Tyron and Gabe Carimi. As of this writing, Tyron has the advantage. Recent reports have scouts completely enamored with Smith and his ability.
Smith is not only strong but quick as well. He is perfect as a pass protector or lead blocker. The Giants may have had issues with toughness late in the year. All that goes out the window with a talent like Smith.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn
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Tampa Bay is one or two pieces away from not only making the playoffs but going deep within them too. They have the offense down. The secondary could use some work but is coming along. The real issue is with the pass rush.
The Bucs are soft on that particular front, and it leaves some opposing quarterbacks to linger comfortably in the pocket.
Rest assured, there is nothing comfortable with Adrian Clayborn. The defensive end is a monster. He will fly around the ends and light up whoever has the ball.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Justin Houston
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It was abundantly clear that the Chiefs need to add a couple pieces to their defense to take their team to the next level. The Ravens picked them apart in their Wild Card matchup. Joe Flacco had tons of time in the pocket.
Justin Houston is a player that opponents have to worry about. He can cover an inside route as well as blaze the middle on a blitz. He adds much-needed depth to that side of the ball.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Gabe Carimi
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The Colts might still be playing if they protected their quarterback better during the season. Injuries led to Peyton Manning becoming susceptible to an onslaught of defensive ends. Depth on the line would have bought the Colts a game or two. With a higher seed they might still be in the hunt.
With Carimi, the Colts would be comforted by the fact that not many players will be getting a hand on their prized quarterback. Carimi has the size and footwork to make a lasting impression in the NFL.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Anthony Castonzo
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The Eagles will have to figure out their quarterback situation before the draft. If they bring back Michael Vick, they will need to have a better, dare I say quicker, right tackle. The best one left is Castonzo.
He is both adept at pass blocking and run protection. The Eagles with Vick will need a versatile blocker on the line. Castonzo is just that. Vick will have all day to go around the ends for his world-renowned runs. This is a great pick at the right time.
24. New Orleans Saints: Stephen Paea
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If the draft shakes out the way I have it, the Saints will come away with the steal of the first round. New Orleans could use some more personnel along the defensive line to bully teams around. Paea gives you size and spacing as tackles try to contend with him.
Coming in at 300-plus pounds, Paea is a lot to handle. Couple that with his speed, and you have your hands full if you are trying to protect your passer.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Cameron Heyward
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The Seahawks really need some help on defense. Cameron Heyward is a defensive end that offenses have to make special note of. He is a long player with a great wingspan that is especially adept at wrapping up ball carriers.
The Seahawks may go with someone in the secondary but are also in desperate need of a tough, hard-nosed player like Heyward.
26. Baltimore Ravens: J.J. Watt
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Watt is an explosive defender who prides himself on hard work. That sounds an awful lot like the type of guy the Ravens would take a chance on. Baltimore can never have too much defensive help. That side of the ball is always getting fresh new faces in the offseason.
Watt is climbing up the mock draft charts lately. He has unbelievable hands that find errant passes and are adept at breaking up plays. He can also be used as a tight end if you are in need.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph
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It is still up in the air as to whether Tony Gonzalez will call it a career. Even if he comes back, the writing is on the wall. He will need an heir apparent posthaste. The best in the draft is Kyle Rudolph.
Rudolph is everything you want in a tight end. He has the frame for it and the hands. He is a great blocker downfield and can open up plays with his speed.
28. New England Patriots: Brandon Harris
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The Patriots will finally get some athleticism in the secondary. If they were having trouble keeping up in that part of the field in 2010, they will do well to take Harris. Harris is quick and decisive. He knows how to play the ball and is adept at picking it up on the field.
Brandon had a slide in interceptions last season. That is to be expected, as teams stopped throwing to his side of the field.
29. Green Bay Packers: Allen Bailey
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The Packers may have to say adieu to Cullen Jackson. That leaves a hole at defensive end that would need some filling. Enter Allen Bailey.
Bailey may slip to this late, as there have been some questions on his speed and whether he can consistently bother the pass from the outside. Even so, he is quick and powerful, touting a great swim move that will give the pass blocking fits. We will see how the combine fares for the young Hurricane.
30. Chicago Bears: Mike Pouncey
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The last four picks are in fluid motion until the Super Bowl is finished. But if the Bears pick ahead of the the Steelers, they will be taking the brother of Maurkice Pouncey, a current Steeler.
Chicago's one glaring hole has been on its offensive line this season. Pouncey would be a plug for that need. He is a looming figure that is quick on his feet. He does well in the pass rush and can stay with almost anyone.
31. New York Jets: Corey Liuget
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Corey is a big man. He was much bigger last season, and it was a detriment to his ability to perform. That is when he dropped weight to add quickness to his game. It has made all the difference.
The weight loss should also signal a guy who is serious about his prospects as a top NFL draftee. He will not take anything for granted and is always looking to put his best foot forward.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Williams
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If Pouncey is indeed gone by the time the Steelers pick, they will draft the next best talent. Ryan Williams is a tremendous running back with a ton of upside. He shows great maturity in the backfield. He is patient and waits for openings and senses when that might happen.
The Steelers will get some added depth for their already impressive running game.
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