2011 NFL Mock Draft: Whose Stock Is Rising During Senior Bowl Week?
The East-West Shrine Game has come and gone and we are down in Mobile, Alabama, for the Senior Bowl this week.
With no underclassmen and a few of the top senior prospects sitting out, the participating stars take center stage in what is basically the last time they will put on pads before being drafted in late April.
The Senior Bowl gives a lot of players who are not accustomed to the bright lights of the big stage a chance to show what they have against some of the nation's very best.
Small players with big names and big players with small names alike, everyone is excited about the Senior Bowl.
Things will change after the actual game this weekend, but here is a look at a mock draft as things stand now, with a few players using the Senior Bowl as a platform to make themselves known.
1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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Why Fairley Is Special: Fairley is the most disruptive defensive player in the entire country. While teammate Cam Newton was deservedly grabbing all the headlines this season, Fairley was proving just as dominant on the defensive side of the ball. He has fantastic quickness inside, powerful hands, good top-end speed and plays with a mean streak.
Why Fairley Goes Here: The Panthers have an obvious need at defensive tackle and Fairley can be an instant playmaker inside or out. Carolina could move away from him due to concerns about his work ethic and maturity, but his elite ability to disrupt an offense will be too much to pass up.
Why Fairley Fits: It's the No. 1 need for a team in dire need of upgrading almost everywhere. They've got a new head coach with defensive background, as well as a new defensive coordinator. They will put him in position to make plays.
2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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Why Peterson Is Special: He's the top cover corner in the draft with elite physical tools and shutdown corner mentality. Speed, versatility and overall size (6'1", 211 pounds) make him a force to be reckoned with in the secondary. He also brings added value as a return man.
Why Peterson Goes Here: The Broncos could use a defensive lineman like Da'Quan Bowers of Clemson on the edge and the hiring of John Fox would be an ideal fit for his 4-3 defense. But Peterson could be the next Charles Woodson.
Why Peterson Fits: The Broncos are in desperate need of upgrading almost everyone on the defense, and there is no certainty that Champ Bailey will be back next season. If he is, Peterson can play opposite him and learn. But if he goes, Peterson takes over right away.
3. Buffalo Bills: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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Why Dareus Is Special: He's a fantastic big athlete with incredible agility. His lateral quickness and overall athleticism are something to marvel at, and he has penetration skills to complement it. He can effectively chase down quarterbacks in the backfield and is instinctive on the defensive line.
Why Dareus Goes Here: With Fairley off the board and the Bills in a 3-4 defense, Dareus becomes the best available defensive lineman. His potential is off the charts.
Why Dareus Fits: As a dominant player in a 3-4 defensive at the collegiate level, he is accustomed to lining up as a five-technique and will immediately help the pass rush, as well as a defensive front that gave up way too many yards last season on the ground.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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Why Green Is Special: He's 6’4", 207 pounds with the elite quickness and athleticism. He can stretch the field vertically as well as make plays underneath. He will battle for the football and goes up with only hands for every catch.
Why Green Goes Here: He's a potential No. 1 overall prospect at the position the Bengals will most assuredly need to upgrade going into next season.
Why Green Fits: Chad Ochocinco will cost a $6 million option for next season and Terrell Owens is unlikely to be back as a Bengal. Green instantly becomes their future on the outside.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, UNC
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Why Quinn Is Special: He's got elite speed off the edge as a pass rusher with a plethora of potential at the next level. Quinn is a high-energy guy out to prove his off-field mistakes are nothing against his character or the type of player he is.
Why Quinn Goes Here: The Cardinals will likely be tempted to add a quarterback here, but they are not altogether ready for a player they are not 100 percent committed to. Quinn fills a hole at a position of need.
Why Quinn Fits: He's ideal for the 3-4 outside rush end and is the best available prospect for the Arizona system. He has ability enough to possibly even fill in as a regular outside backer.
6. Cleveland Browns: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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Why Bowers Is Special: The former No. 1 overall recruit in the country finally came into his own this season and led the nation in sacks. He's a big, disruptive force off the edge with a ton of potential, and his size-to-speed ratio is impressive.
Why Bowers Goes Here: He's the best available prospect for a team that desperately needs it. With Quinn and Fairley off the board and the Browns' likely future on Colt McCoy's arm and Peyton Hillis' legs, he is the best the player for them. A wide receiver cannot be ruled out, but it would be a bit of a reach here at No. 6.
Why Bowers Fits: The Browns are likely facing scheme changes on the defensive side of the ball and Bowers is an ideal fit for a 4-3 defensive end. He could make a big impact for this team.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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Why Gabbert Is Special: He possess a good blend of size and overall athleticism. He has strong leadership capabilities, is a fierce competitor and seems the most NFL-ready out of all the quarterbacks in this draft.
Why Gabbert Goes Here: The 49ers had three different former starting quarterbacks on the roster last season, two of which were No. 1 picks, and still could not figure out who to play under center. They may go after a quarterback in free agency, but only one quarterback has successfully led his team a Super Bowl in the last seven years that was acquired through free agency. Both quarterbacks in this year's Super Bowl were drafted in the first round by their respective teams.
Why Gabbert Fits: He's got the most NFL-ready arm in the draft class on a team that has a lot of pieces in place. He will need to learn fast and certainly will not be a dynamic game-changer, but could lead this team to an NFC West crown in a weak division. It also gives the 49ers a reason to stick with one quarterback and give him a chance, seeing as they haven't been too successful at sticking behind one for some years now.
8. Tennessee Titans: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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Why Newton Is Special: He possesses a rare, innate ability to win football games in the face of adversity, and is blessed with an almost unnatural size/speed combination with unlimited athleticism. He has the most potential of any player in the draft.
Why Newton Goes Here: Tennessee does not have too many glaring needs, but certainly does need a quarterback. Kerry Collins will simply not cut it again.
Why Newton Fits: Whether comparisons to former Titan Vince Young are fair or not, Newton brings a lot of the same abilities to the table with a better arm and a fresh start.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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Why Amukamara Is Special: A top-flight senior talent with all the qualities of a shutdown cornerback, he has extensive experience and is a willing tackler that will always fight for the ball.
Why Amukamara Goes Here: He's the second best cornerback on the board, with the potential to be an even higher pick. The Cowboys' other needs would be reaches here.
Why Amukamara Fits: Mike Jenkins was exposed a bit this season and Terrence Newman has seen better days and will continue to get older. Their nickel back, Orlando Scandrick, is exactly that, a nickel back at best. Amukamara brings help into a unit that has to play the the Giants and Eagles receiving corps twice a season.
10. Washington Redskins: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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Why Locker Is Special: He's got elite athleticism for the position with a rumored 4.5 40-yard dash speed, an NFL arm that can make all the throws and leadership intangibles desperately needed for the quarterback position. Locker also has experience in a pro-style offense with teachings from an NFL-style coach.
Why Locker Goes Here: Quarterbacks are almost always over-drafted when they are desperately needed and this is no exception. One year ago, Locker would have likely been the No. 1 overall pick. A bad Senior Bowl performance could effect him negatively, though.
Why Locker Fits: The Redskins were targeting him at No. 4 a season ago had he declared, and despite not putting up the numbers most expected, I think Coach Shanahan still sees the necessary skills he needs from him to be successful. The Redskins do not have a quarterback otherwise, and they could go with Ryan Mallett, but I see Locker as a better fit.
11. Houston Texans: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
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Why Miller Is Special: Speed, versatility, sure tackling and an unnatural ability to disrupt the quarterback make Miller a complete prospect. His size may force some to question his chances, but put on his game tape.
Why Miller Goes Here: The Texans had a terrible time defending the pass this season, but a lot of that started up front. Outside of Mario Williams, the Texans had no other pass rush and it wrought havoc on their secondary.
Why Miller Fits: New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips will likely bring in his 3-4 defense and while the Texans' talent is not all suited to this system, drafting a versatile playmaker like Miller, who can rush the passer from anywhere, will certainly help.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
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Why Mallett Is Special: A huge frame with a cannon on his arm, Mallett can make every throw necessary to succeed. His size and vision make it easy for him over the line and he is a load to bring down behind the line of scrimmage.
Why Mallett Goes Here: The Vikings have issues at quarterback and likely will not answer them with the current talent on their roster. Mallett is the last of the big four quarterbacks who will likely go in the first round.
Why Mallett Fits: A large arm and experience against top-flight competition make him the potential starter for the Vikes on opening day. He may not have been the quarterback they wanted, but if he is the last of the four left, it is hard to see them passing.
13. Detroit Lions: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
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Why Ayers Is Special: He's a dynamic, playmaking linebacker that can do it all. Rush the passer, drop into coverage or make plays in space—Ayers is everything in one.
Why Ayers Goes Here: The Lions desperately wanted one of the two cornerbacks, but would have to trade up for a shot at one of them. Ayers is hardly a small consolation prize and could actually be viewed as a steal in a few years.
Why Ayers Fits: The Lions made leaps and bounds as a defensive unit last season and could use the services of a young, playmaking linebacker to pair up with Ndamukong Suh for years to come.
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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Why Jones Is Special: He's a physical, domineering presence on the outside with speed and athleticism to boot. He has consistently become a better player during his time at Alabama and has developed a good set of route running skills. Jones is a physical freak that reminds me of a young T.O. without the head issues.
Why Jones Goes Here: The second-best receiver on the board, the Rams should have this card ready to go in three seconds.
Why Jones Fits: The Rams almost made the playoffs this season with less-than-unknown players catching the rock from Sam Bradford. Jones is the perfect target for Bradford in the future years.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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Why Ingram Is Special: Ingram is a tough, versatile runner that has proven his worth in the college game. He shows tremendous leg drive and despite lack of breakaway speed, he can break a long run with his patience, vision and determination alone.
Why Ingram Goes Here: He's the No. 1 running back on the board with very few teams in the market before him.
Why Ingram Fits: Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams could be wearing different uniforms next season and the Dolphins need a new spark back there either way. Ingram can do any and all things asked of him by Miami.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
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Why Jordan Is Special: A big, powerful specimen at defensive end with the versatility to play multiple positions along the line, Jordan has displayed an array of pass rush moves with a tenacity to defeat anyone lined up in front of him.
Why Jordan Goes Here: A rising prospect that has taken the Senior Bowl by storm, by week's end he could be even higher.
Why Jordan Fits: He gets paired up with former teammate and last season's first round pick, Tyson Alualu, in Jacksonville and can help put some pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
17. New England Patriots (via Oak): Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue
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Why Kerrigan Is Special: He's a blue-collar worker with a relentless motor and fantastic range. Kerrigan chases down plays from the backside consistently, gets around the edge and has shown toughness against the run. Quite simply, he is going to go hard all the time.
Why Kerrigan Goes Here: A run of intriguing defensive end prospects will take place and the Patriots are one of those teams in need of help at that position.
Why Kerrigan Fits: He's a Belichick-style player with hustle, determination and the ability to play multiple positions. He came into the Senior Bowl at 255 pounds and may be heading to strictly outside linebacker. Belichick could use that pass rush ability off his edge.
18. San Diego Chargers: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
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Why Smith Is Special: He's a young, raw and athletic prospect with a lot of upside rushing the passer. Smith is primarily a defensive end with enough ability to stand up and play in space. He has flown up draft boards and could continue to do so.
Why Smith Goes Here: Another one of the intriguing defensive ends to come off the board, Smith's potential drives him higher than some proven talents.
Why Smith Fits: He could be the answer the Chargers have been looking for as a pass rushing linebacker.
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
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Why Castonzo Is Special: The Golden Eagle has a big, athletic frame with solid muscle on the exterior. The former tight end has developed nicely into a solid all-around prospect on the offensive line.
Why Castonzo Goes Here: The offensive tackle rankings are a heavily debated topic with a ton of different scenarios. With no true franchise left tackle emerging amongst the group, it could come down the team with the biggest need of a certain guy.
Why Castonzo Fits: The New York Giants know they had issues up front last season and they may not be able to get through another season without a solid amount of starting depth. Shawn Andrews may not be the answer, but another Golden Eagle for Coughlin certainly may help.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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Why Clayborn Is Special: He's got versatility at the defensive end position with good size, toughness and speed to make plays all over the field. Clayborn was graded out much higher at the beginning of the season and could return to that form in the right scenario.
Why Clayborn Goes Here: The Buccaneers addressed the interior of their defensive line last season, but still need some help getting after the quarterback. Clayborn, another one of those defensive ends, can play a few different positions.
Why Clayborn Fits: He's a smart, heady player with the tenacity to relentlessly attack offensive linemen. He can also play the run and is a complete defensive prospect that could help the young Bucs defense.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
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Why Paea Is Special: He's a stout, run-stuffng defensive tackle that could be one of the strongest prospects in the class. Can eat up blockers and allow linebackers to flow freely into playmaking lanes.
Why Paea Goes Here: One of several second-tier defensive tackle prospects looking to find a home in the first round, Paea may be the closest to the top two. Some believe he will go higher than this, so his value is something to be excited about as well.
Why Paea Fits: The Chiefs need an interior defensive lineman to help stuff the run and he is the ideal candidate.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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Why Solder is Special: Solder, at 6’8" and 312 pounds, is a big man on the offensive line. Hard-working and smart with good athletic ability, his potential as franchise left tackle might be as real as anyone's in the draft.
Why Solder Goes Here: The second tackle off the board may very well be the highest graded. He could be a potential left tackle in the future if coached up right.
Why Solder Fits: The Colts need to find a way to get any semblance of a running game next season and also need to keep Peyton standing upright.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
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Why Smith Is Special: He's a raw, talented athlete with a ton of upside. He has the potential to be the best tackle in this class down the road if he works for it. Smith has good size, but can get stronger going up to the next level.
Why Smith Goes Here: Offensive tackles will continue to come off the board in the latter portion of the first round and Smith has more upside than anyone. He could test higher than this and would provide good value to the Eagles at this pick.
Why Smith Fits: Andy Reid likes to build the big men through the early portions of the draft and Smith is the type of prospect they could work with and develop into a stud.
24. New Orleans Saints: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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Why Watt Is Special: A big-time athlete with fantastic size at 6’6", 292 pounds, Watt flew up draft boards this season at Wisconsin with a relentless motor. His drive to get into the backfield is fun to watch.
Why Watt Goes Here: Watt could grade out higher by the end of the draft process, but is another one of those intriguing defensive end prospects looking for a home in the first round.
Why Watt Fits: New Orleans needs another pass rusher opposite Will Smith if they want to put pressure on opposing offenses next season. His style of play will help everyone on the defensive line.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
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Why Liuget Is Special: A prospect flying up draft boards as of late, Liuget is a tough player with good instincts on the inside of the defensive line. He's an every-down type tackle with penetrating ability and an active style of play.
Why Liuget Goes Here: One of the other second-tier defensive tackles looking for a home in the first round, Liuget could certainly jump in with Paea and go higher. He could bring good value here.
Why Liuget Fits: Seattle could use a force on the interior of their defensive line after addressing the offensive line a season ago. His value as the draft rolls around could be too much to pass up on.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (FL)
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Why Harris Is Special: He possesses the ideal cornerback size at 5'11", 195 pounds, displays good instincts in coverage and with the ball in the air, has good top-end speed and is a willing tackler in the run game.
Why Harris Goes Here: One of the second-tier level of cornerbacks that could hear his name called in the first round, his agility and speed make him a tough late-round prospect to pass on.
Why Harris Fits: The Ravens were once again very good on defense, but had less than stellar play out of their cornerbacks. Harris brings a legitimate boost of speed and energy to an unit that could use it.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
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Why Williams Is Special: He's got an excellent size/speed ratio with a ton of experience against top talent. Williams is a willing tackler in the run game and comes from a solid stable of defensive backs at the University of Texas. He also brings added value as an excellent special teams player.
Why Williams Goes Here: Another one of those second-tier cornerbacks with a lot of talent, it will come down to what the team wants more out of players like Harris and Williams.
Why Williams Fits: The Falcons could very much use help on the back end in a division with receivers like the Saints receiving corps and the development of the Tampa Bay Bucs. His abilities in every phase of the game could help any team.
28. New England Patriots: Cameron Heyward, DT, Ohio State
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Why Heyward Is Special: He's a tough, tenacious defensive tackle with the ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. Heyward has NFL bloodlines and is a hard-working athlete with good size and mobility.
Why Heyward Goes Here: He's one of the best available prospects on the board with a ton of experience and production out of a powerhouse program.
Why Heyward Fits: He can line up inside or out and would be a good fit as a five-technique end in the Patriots system. They want to get younger up front and Heyward certainly provides them with that opportunity.
29. Chicago Bears: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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Why Carimi Is Special: He's a big, productive talent out of a very good offensive line program. Carimi is a four-year starter with a massive frame and potential to play multiple positions across the line.
Why Carimi Goes Here: Another one of the tackle prospects that can help or hurt himself this week at the Senior Bowl, there are questions about Carimi's overall ability at the tackle spot.
Why Carimi Fits: The Bears already have a left tackle (hopefully) in Chris Williams, but they do need help up front no matter what. Carimi could grade out as a right tackle, or at the very least could move inside to guard to help protect Jay Cutler from being sacked over and over again.
30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
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Why Taylor Is Special: He's got a huge frame at 6'3", 337 pounds, but he wears it well and has surprising agility inside. He can clog up running lanes and give linebackers from all over the field the opportunity to make plays. The top NT prospect in the draft.
Why Taylor Goes Here: Amidst the other defensive tackles to go around him, Taylor fits solely in the 3-4 nose spot and is the best there is.
Why Taylor Fits: The Jets' Kris Jenkins missed the majority of the season for the second straight year, and while they gotten productive play out of their backups, Taylor could be the future at the nose.
31. Green Bay Packers: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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Why Sherrod Is Special: He's a prospect who does nothing great, but everything well. He possesses prototypical size for the position, has a ton of experience against top-level competition and has a strong work ethic with potential to play other positions.
Why Sherrod Goes Here: Another one of the top offensive tackles, this is simply how the board fell. He would be the best available lineman on the board for a team looking for help.
Why Sherrod Fits: The Packers are solid when healthy, but that is never a good enough answer in the NFL. Sherrod would be a welcome addition to a unit that could use the help next season.
32. Pittsburgh Seelers: Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida
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Why Pouncey Is Special: He's an extremely durable prospect with a high level of effectiveness against top competition. Pouncey is technically sound with good awareness, and he possesses NFL bloodlines.
Why Pouncey Goes Here: He's the No. 1 interior lineman on the board and the Steelers are always looking to upgrade on the offensive line.
Why Pouncey Fits: He would join his brother on a potential Super Bowl-winning team, just like at Florida. His ability to play multiple positions and the natural ability to be a starter make him a good fit for the Steelers.
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