2011 NFL Mock Draft: Is Cam Newton's Draft Stock Plummeting?
The lucky fans of four NFL teams have their thoughts supplanted squarely in the NFL present, but the remaining 28 have at least one eye turned towards the future. That means one thing: The NFL Mock Draft Season is in full swing.
While the college season may be over, there is still ample time for a prospect to enhance their value. They could have a dominant Shrine or Senior Bowl performance or knock scouts dead at the combine. There is also an almost infinite amount of time for them to destroy their value with bonehead decisions and/or poor showings at the combine.
For the most part, however, we all have a pretty good feel for where players are going to land and draft boards and the needs of the teams drafting.
No. 32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey, C/G, Florida
1 of 32Why the Steelers Need a Guard: Ben Roethlisberger is excellent outside of the pocket, but the Steelers would prefer that he didn't have to display that talent quite as often. Even more importantly, the Steelers want to run the football, and they have been unable to do so consistently due to their sub-par offensive line.
Why Pouncey Makes Sense: Mike is the twin brother of Maurkice, who is currently the Steelers center. Maurkice is enjoying a fantastic rookie season and has added great stability to their line. Mike brings similar skills, and it is safe to assume he will have chemistry with the Steelers' center.
No. 31. Chicago Bears: Anthony Costanzo, T, Boston College
2 of 32Why the Bears Need an OT: It is amazing the Bears have made it to the championship game with their putrid offensive line. They will take the best tackle remaining.
Why Castanzo Makes Sense: Costanzo is a four-year starter. He has the footwork and strength to play both the LT and RT positions. He is a solid run blocker and a capable pass blocker. He would likely be an instant upgrade.
No. 30. New York Jets: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple
3 of 32Why the Jets Need a DT: Rex Ryan loves his defense, and he will look to bolster it in the draft. The Jets have been outstanding against the run, but they are going to need a pass rush boost from their aging defensive line.
Why Wilkerson Makes Sense: Wilkerson is a perfect defensive end in the 3-4 system. He has the size at 6'5" and 310 pounds to stuff the run and enough explosiveness to get to the passer.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
No. 29. Green Bay Packers: Drake Nevis, DT/DE, LSU
4 of 32
Why the Packers Need a DE: The Packers are likely to lose some D-linemen via free agency this offseason. Lucky for the Packers, this draft is rich with quality defensive lineman.
Why Nevis Makes Sense: At 6'1" and under 300 lbs, Nevis has the look of a classic 3-4 defensive end. He is a disruptive force in the run game, and he can put some heat on opposing QBs.
No. 28. New England Patriots: Jon Baldwin, WR, Pitt
5 of 32Why the Patriots Need a WR: The Patriots' offense lacks size and speed at the WR position. They have great route-running WRs and TEs with solid hands, but they lack that guy to take two players with him down the field.
Why Baldwin Makes Sense: Baldwin has struggled a bit this year, but that is easily attributable to the struggles of the QB position at Pittsburgh. Baldwin is 6'5", he has good hands. His less than blazing 4.5 40 time, but his size is enough to make him a deep threat.
No. 27. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
6 of 32Why the Falcons Need a TE: Tony Gonzalez is old—that's why. He has mentioned during the year that this could be his final season. Even if he does come back, the Falcons can lighten his load and train his heir apparent.
Why Rudolph Makes Sense: Rudolph is widely regarded as the best TE prospect in the draft. He is 6'6", 260 lbs and runs a 4.6 40. The guy has all the physical tools, and he put them together to have a productive college career.
No. 26. Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
7 of 32Why the Ravens Need a DB: The Ravens defense lacks the corners on the outside that can shut down a WR and allow the rest of the defense to get after the QB and stuff the running game.
Why Williams Makes Sense: Williams has the size at 6'1" to compete with the bigger receivers. He has been clocked at 4.44 in the 40. He has all the physical tools, but his inconsistency and the quality of CBs ahead of him will keep him out of the first half of the first round.
No. 25. Seattle Seahawks: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
8 of 32Why the Seahawks Need a CB: The Seahawks pass defense struggled all season. Kelly Jennings' contract is expiring, and he is not a starting caliber CB to begin with.
Why Harris Makes Sense: The Texans will be ecstatic if Harris lasts until they pick. He has all the tools to be a shut-down corner in the NFL. He has great ball skills and speed. He should be able to play man-to-man or zone.
No. 24. New Orleans Saints: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
9 of 32Why the Saints Need a DT: The defensive line is thin for the New Orleans Saints. They will look to bolster it in all positions. They will go for the best defensive lineman available.
Why Taylor Makes Sense: At 6'4" and 350 lbs, Taylor has the body and strength to be the run stuffing DT. As long as Taylor proves to the Saints he is committed to staying in football shape, he will be a quality pick.
No. 23. Philadelphia Eagles: Gabe Carimi, OT/G, Wisconsin
10 of 32Why the Eagles Need an Offensive Lineman: Michael Vick can scramble, which is a good thing, because he needs to frequently. While the Eagles are one of the better rushing teams in the league, they are one of the worst pass blocking.
Why Carimi Makes Sense: Carimi is a big mauling tackle who may be moved to guard in the NFL. While his pass blocking technique has been questioned, he has the work ethic to improve. At 6'8" and 320 pounds, he certainly has the size.
No. 22. Indianapolis Colts: Jurrell Casey, DT, Southern California
11 of 32Why the Colts Need a DT: The Colts run defense has struggled all season. The Colts are set at DE, but they could use some help on the interior D-line to help slow down the opposition's run game.
Why Casey Makes Sense: Casey hasn't been as productive this season as scouts had hoped, but he is facing constant double-teams. Casey remains a physical beast, and he will make a difference on any NFL defensive line.
No. 21. Kansas City Chiefs: Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia
12 of 32Why the Chiefs Need an OLB: The Chiefs relied almost solely on Tamba Hali to provide their pass rush in 2010, which makes their 3-4 too predictable.
Why Houston Makes Sense: Houston has a great combination of power and quickness. In 2010, he lived in the opposition's backfields as he tallied 19.5 tackles for loss.
No. 20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
13 of 32Why the Bucs Need a DE: Tampa is set up the middle on their defensive front. They spent their first two picks on DT in 2010. They will look to add firepower there and take the pressure and attention away from their DTs.
Why Clayborn Makes Sense: He can rush the passer and stop the run. At 6'4" and 285 lbs., he has great size to hold the edge against the run and enough explosiveness to be a solid pass rusher.
No. 19. New York Giants: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
14 of 32Why the Giants Need an OT: The Giants' inconsistency on offense stems from their offensive line. David Diehl is slowing down, and William Beatty did not look like a starting NFL LT.
Why Sherrod Makes Sense: Sherrod is an excellent athlete at the LT position. He is a little light at 6'6" and 300 lbs, but he makes up for it with technique and footwork, and he has plenty of room to add some beef to his frame.
No. 18. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
15 of 32Why the Chargers Need a DE: Two of the Chargers' DEs contracts have expired. They are unlikely to re-sign both of them, and this is a great draft for D-lineman.
Why Jordan Makes Sense: Jordan has the size and strength it will take to excel as a DE in a 3-4 NFL system. He is 6'4" and 285 pounds. He can hold his ground on the runs and provide some pass rush.
No. 17. New England Patriots: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
16 of 32Why the Patriots Need a DE: The Patriots aren't getting to the QB as often as they like. They already have a young defense, but look for them to go after a pass rusher with their first pick.
Why Watt Makes Sense: Watt is the complete package. He can rush the passer and stop the run. Watt will make the Patriots young defense younger and instantly improve it in the process.
No. 16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cameron Heyward, DE, OSU
17 of 32Why the Jaguars Need a DE: The Jaguars struggled to put pressure on opposing QBs. They are happy with their young DTs, and they will look for an end to put outside of them.
Why Heyward Makes Sense: Heyward had an outstanding Sugar Bowl after a disappointing 2010 season. He has the speed and size—now he just needs to perform at the combine.
No. 15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
18 of 32Why the Dolphins Need a RB: The Dolphins are built to run the football. Both of their RBs are going to be free agents, and both are getting up there in years.
Why Ingram Makes Sense: Ingram has the kind of straight-ahead running style the Dolphins love. If they pick up Ingram, they will be able to lose either Williams or Brown and not miss a beat.
No. 14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
19 of 32Why the Rams Need a WR: The Rams lack a true No. 1 WR for their franchise QB, Sam Bradford. They need to grab a playmaker on the outside who can grow with their young QB.
Why Jones Makes Sense: At 6'4", 210 lbs, Julio Jones has the size to go over DBs. With a clocked 40-time of 4.42, he has the speed to run past them. The guy has all of the physical tools to be a dominant WR in the NFL.
No. 13. Detroit Lions: Robert Quinn, OLB, North Carolina
20 of 32Why the Lions Need an OLB: The Lions are thin at LB. Especially after they cut OLB Julian Peterson. They need some athleticism and pass rushing on the edge.
Why Quinn Makes Sense: Quinn is an excellent athlete. He can rush the passer and is solid against the run. If Quinn falls this far, the Lions will take him and run.
No. 12. Minnesota Vikings: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
21 of 32Why the Vikings Need an OT: This offensive line struggled so bad, not even Brett Favre could play every game.The once stout line has deteriorated quickly, and they will look to rebuild it from the outside in.
Why Solder Makes Sense: All-American Nate Solder is a pro-ready prospect. He has great size and matches it with better footwork. He would be able to play RT or LT in the NFL.
No. 11. Houston Texans: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
22 of 32Why Houston Needs an OLB: The Texans were horrible on pass defense. A big part of the problem was a lack of pass rush. They are switching to a 3-4 defense, and they need the OLBs to do it.
Why Miller Makes Sense: Miller is the 2010 Big Ten sacks leader. He has been a consistent pass rusher his entire career. He has the size and the speed to carry this talent to the next level.
No. 10. Washington Redskins: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
23 of 32Why the Redskins Need a QB: Here's a news flash for you: I don't think Donovan McNabb will be back with the Redskins. It also seems unlikely that any franchise is going to think that Rex Grossman is their future. Hence the Redskins need for a QB.
Why Locker Makes Sense: Locker finished the season strong, and he will receive another boost when he gets to show off his athleticism and attitude at the combine. Shanahan will see glimpses of John Elway in Locker.
No. 9. Dallas Cowboys: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
24 of 32Why the Cowboys Need a DE: The Cowboys have an aging and eroding D-line. They have not put consistent pressure on opposing QBs, and they have not been able to stop the run. A fatal double whammy, they will look to rectify.
Why Dareus Makes Sense: Smith has the look and potential to be a perfect fit in a 3-4 as an end. He will instantly upgrade the Cowboys' rush defense, while getting to the QB on occasion.
No. 8. Tennessee Titans: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
25 of 32Why the Titans Need a QB: Because Vince Young busted and Kerry Collins is too old. Fisher may want to get an experienced QB via free agency, but his owner will not allow it.
Why Newton Makes Sense: Bud Adams is going to try and erase the memories of Vince Young by drafting Newton. He is going to amaze at the combines. The guy has freakish size, strength and speed.
No. 7. San Francisco 49ers: Prince Amukamara, DB, Nebraska
26 of 32Why the 49ers Need a CB: The 49ers were shredded by opposing WRs all year. They will either look to limit that by adding a pass rusher or a shut-down corner.
Why Amukumara Makes Sense: Amukamara has the size, 6'1" and 205 pounds, speed and instincts to play on day one. He has shown the ball skills to be one of the elite corners in the NFL.
No. 6. Cleveland Browns: Da'Quan Bowers, OLB/DE, Clemson
27 of 32Why the Browns Need an OLB: The Browns have not been able to generate a consistent pass rush. With a 3-4 system, they are going to look to the OLB position to bolster their QB pressure.
Why Bowers Makes Sense: Bowers is a freak. He can rush the passer and is solid against the run. The Browns will be doing back-flips if Bowers falls to them.
No. 5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
28 of 32Why the Cardinals Need a QB: The Cardinals and their fans have suffered through some of the worst quarterbacking in recent memory. Due to injuries and ineffectiveness, the position has been a revolving door.
Why Gabbert Makes Sense: Gabbert has shot to the top of most QB draft boards. He has a great arm, solid mechanics and good accuracy.
No. 4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
29 of 32Why the Bengals Need a WR: The Bengals are unlikely to sign on the T.Ocho show for another year in what figures to be a rebuilding year. They need to get younger across the board and will likely look for the best player available.
Why Green Makes Sense: Green has everything you look for in a WR. He has the size, 6'4" and 200 pounds, speed, 4.4 and hands. He should be a No. 1 WR in for years to come, and his talent and upside will be too much for the Bengals to pass on.
No. 3. Buffalo Bills: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
30 of 32Why the Bills Need a DT: The Bills need to bolster their run defense, and they are thin at DT. They will likely consider taking a QB here, but given it seems to be a down year for QBs, they will go with a big man.
Why Dareus Makes Sense: Dareus has the look and potential to be an inside force on a D-line. He struggled with consistency, but he also showed the ability to take over a game.
No. 2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
31 of 32Why the Broncos Need a CB: Champ Bailey's career is winding down, and he may not be back with the Broncos anyway. In reality, the Broncos could draft any position on defense and be drafting for need.
Why Peterson Makes Sense: Peterson has all the tools. He is widely regarded as the best CB in the draft. He will also bring with him an electrifying return game. He has great size and speed and should be a shutdown corner for years to come.
No. 1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
32 of 32Why the Panthers Need a DT: The Panthers defense fell apart in 2010. They were unable to stop the run or get to the passer and that is one deadly combo.
Why Fairley Makes Sense: Fairley's stock has been on a steady rise. He is the prototypical run stuffing DT that teams covet. What will push him up this high is that he can also get to the QB. As he displayed in the BCS National Championship Game, Fairley can dominate a game.
.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 🤩")