2011 NFL Mock Draft: Will Mike Pouncey Crack the Top 15?
2011 NFL Mock Drafts are actually starting to become pretty relevant now that the book has finally closed on the 2010 college football season.
With the Senior Bowl wrapping up this past Saturday, it's on to the NFL Combine, where draft stocks are bound to rise and fall. For now, we have plenty of hot prospects to consider, one of which is Florida's Mike Pouncey. He represents one of the more intriguing offensive line options, and we're wondering right now whether or not he might even go in the Top 15.
Of course, there are 31 other players to consider as far as the first round is concerned, and we aim to give all of them their just desserts as well.
So without further adieu, start the slideshow to groove on all of my first-round picks for the 2011 NFL Draft.
1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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Why He's Special: Auburn's 6'5", 300-pound defensive tackle was probably the single most destructive force throughout the college football season. He dominated the line of scrimmage in every game he played and was a menace in the BCS National Championship against Oregon. For his efforts, he was given the Lombardi Award.
Why He Goes Here: It's been a while since a defensive tackle went No. 1 overall (Dan Wilkinson in 1994), but Fairley is by far the hottest prospect on the board right now. One way or another, picking him won't be a waste.
Why He Fits: The Panthers have holes all over the place on both sides of the ball, but Fairley would at least give them an enforcer on defense, not unlike Ndamukong Suh in Detroit.
2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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Why He's Special: Peterson is built like a running back at 6'1" and 222 pounds, but he's one of the best corner back prospects in years. He had four interceptions in 2010, which is considerable given the fact that he was largely avoided.
Why He Goes Here: The consensus is that Peterson is by far the best power-speed combo in the draft, and he should be a shutdown corner at the next level. He's also a great return man, which counts as a bonus.
Why He Fits: The Broncos could stand to patch their defensive line, but drafting Peterson would allow them to cut ties with an aging Champ Bailey, who is a free agent. They could draft Da'Quan Bowers, but they will bet on getting their best pass rusher back in 2011 when Elvis Dumervil returns from injury.
3. Buffalo Bills: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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Why He's Special: Bowers is the best pure pass rusher in this year's draft class. He led the country in sacks in 2010, and his 6'4", 275-pound frame make him a nightmarish beast for quarterbacks at any level.
Why He Goes Here: He's got the goods to go No. 1 overall, but he won't fall outside the Top Five. Thus, the Bills.
Why He Fits: The Bills would probably prefer to have Fairley in the middle of their D-line to fix their run-stuffing woes. However, they tied for the third-fewest number of sacks this year, and Bowers will fix that problem as well.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
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Why He's Special: Miller is actually still learning the linebacker position, which is pretty scary given the kind of season he had in 2010. He has great speed and agility and is equally skilled at rushing the passer and dropping into coverage.
Why He Goes Here: Miller has been picking up steam ever since the end of the regular season, and the Senior Bowl was his own personal showcase. This might seem a little high for him, but it might look like a slam dunk after the Combine.
Why He Fits: The Bengals actually have some pretty good young outside linebackers in Keith Rivers and Rey Maualaga, but it is becoming apparent that Miller is a can't-miss prospect. That's something the Bengals need on both sides of the ball, but moreso on defense.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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Why He's Special: Gabbert may not be the most polished quarterback in this year's draft class, but he does have the most potential. He's a 6'5" behemoth with a strong arm and a quick release, and he also has great mobility.
Why He Goes Here: With Andrew Luck out of the picture, Gabbert took over as the best quarterback prospect in the 2011 draft class. It actually wouldn't be all that surprising if the Panthers grabbed him with the first overall pick.
Why He Fits: Did you see any of the Cardinals' quarterbacks in 2010? I rest my case.
6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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Why He's Special: It's not every day that you find a 6'4" wide receiver who has great speed, great hands and an uncanny knack for making insane catches. He was suspended for the first four games of the season and still ended up with 848 yards receiving and nine TDs.
Why He Goes Here: Green is by far the best receiver in the class and will be until further notice.
Why He Fits: If they draft Green, they will suddenly have a pretty good trio in him, quarterback Colt McCoy and running back Peyton Hillis.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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Why He's Special: Not only does Amukamara have the size (6'1", 200 pounds) of an elite NFL cornerback, he also has the intelligence and the instincts of Nnamdi Asomugha. His route recognition skills and nose for the ball are as good as anybody's.
Why He Goes Here: Peterson may be the best physical specimen among this year's cornerback class, but Amukamara's smarts make him a worthy second option.
Why He Fits: The 49ers have a lot of holes to fill, but Amukamara would significantly upgrade their pass defense, which gave up far too many big plays last season (see the Green Bay game).
8. Tennessee Titans: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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Why He's Special: Dareus is probably not as good of a run stuffer as he should be, but his pass rush skills are as good as anybody's. This has a lot do with the fact that he can penetrate the line of scrimmage with the best of them, even Fairley.
Why He Goes Here: Dareus could very well go earlier than this, but there have been questions about his overall effort level, in addition to his run-stuffing abilities. As such, he will go lower because of Miller and other players whose draft stock is hotter than his.
Why He Fits: The Titans have been without an elite defensive tackle ever since Albert Haynesworth took his talents to Washington. Dareus would fix that in a hurry.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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Why He's Special: A former tight end, Solder developed into quite possibly the best left tackle in college football this season. He's pushing 6'9" and has the potential to add even more bulk to his 310-pound carriage.
Why He Goes Here: Solder did have his bad spots in the Senior Bowl, but he's probably still the best tackle prospect in this year's draft class—at least on the left side.
Why He Fits: The Cowboys have all sorts of holes they need to patch on their defense, but they could have a big one on their offensive line too if they can't re-sign Doug Free. If they don't, which is obviously a key factor in this pick, Solder could fill his shoes.
10. Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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Why He's Special: Like Green, Jones is also a 6'4" physical beast who has great speed and great hands. His route running isn't perfect, but he still makes plays anyway.
Why He Goes Here: Green is going to be off the board first, but Jones will follow closely behind.
Why He Fits: The Redskins need some serious upgrades at both wide receiver and running back. No running back is good enough to merit their No. 10 pick, so they'll have to settle for Jones (as if it were such a shame).
11. Houston Texans: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
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Why He's Special: At 6'4" and 250 pounds, Ayers has the right kind of size for an outside linebacker at the next level. But what sets him apart is his freakish overall athleticism, as he is dangerous both getting after the quarterback and in pass coverage. He's perfect for a 3-4 scheme.
Why He Goes Here: Had it not been for Von Miller's skyrocketing draft stock, Ayers would probably be the first linebacker off the board. As it is, he will go to the first team that needs him.
Why He Fits: The Texans would probably prefer to patch their secondary, but their pick is too early for anybody not named Patrick Peterson or Prince Amukamara. But with Wade Phillips coming in to fix Houston's defense, he's going to need a player to put all his chips in. That could and will be Ayers.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Pouncey, C, Florida
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Why He's Special: Maurkice's twin brother decided to stay at Florida for one more season in 2010, and in doing so he established himself as the top center prospect in the draft. He might have the best instincts of any of the offensive linemen in the draft, and the consensus is he also has the ability to play guard if called upon to do so.
Why He Goes Here: Well, here's your answer. Mike Pouncey will indeed be a Top 15 pick. Might seem a little high right now but give it some time.
Why He Fits: Before you ask, there just don't seem to be any quarterbacks worth taking at this spot, so expect the Vikings to look elsewhere (i.e. Vince Young) to solve that problem. Instead, Pouncey would help them patch what was a pretty shaky offensive line in 2010.
13. Detroit Lions: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
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Why He's Special: Quinn didn't play in 2010, but people have not forgotten about him. He may be a little raw, but at 6'5" and 270 pounds, and with an insane motor, he won't fall very far.
Why He Goes Here: It would actually be very surprising if Quinn fell this far, as he's the best defensive end to come out of North Carolina since Julius Peppers. Nevertheless, if he is available, the Lions may have no choice but to jump on him.
Why He Fits: The Lions are another team that would probably rather patch up their secondary, but the idea of having Ndomukong Suh and Quinn on the same defensive line would be too good to pass up. Of course, some have opined that Quinn could be converted into a linebacker if the Lions were so inclined.
14. St. Louis Rams: Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri
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Why He's Special: There's no questioning the fact that the 6'5", 260-pound Smith has the build of an NFL linebacker, and his excellent skills rushing the passer solidify him as a truly dangerous player.
Why He Goes Here: Smith is a pretty raw talent at the linebacker position, but his upside make him worth a gamble.
Why He Fits: The Rams will be cursing the heavens as soon as Julio Jones is taken, and they will probably be equally angry at Justin Blackmon for re-upping at Oklahoma State. As such, they will likely settle for the best player on the board, and that will be Smith.
15. Miami Dolphins: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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Why He's Special: Newton is the kind of physical marvel that only comes around a couple times every generation. He's 6'6", 250 pounds with great speed and a rocket arm. He accounted for 49 total touchdowns in 2010 and was awarded the Heisman Trophy. Despite a relatively poor performance, he also led the Tigers to the BCS championship.
Why He Goes Here: Newton is seen as a bit of a project, but he'll go to the first team that is willing to take a chance on a potential franchise player.
Why He Fits: For good or ill, Tony Sparano is back in the mix for the Dolphins. The first thing he's going to need is a quarterback not named Chad Henne, and Newton is just that. And given the style of offense Sparano likes to run, Newton is actually a very good fit.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
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Why He's Special: He led the nation with 26 tackles for loss, which is pretty impressive given the number of double teams he faced on a regular basis. His play in the Senior Bowl did nothing to discourage his standing as a legit first-rounder.
Why He Goes Here: It's obviously a pretty deep draft class as far as defensive ends go, and Kerrigan is easily the best one not named Da'Quan Bowers.
Why He Fits: Kerrigan projects as a 4-3 defensive end, and the Jaguars could definitely use him considering they managed just 26 sacks all season. His ability to penetrate should help their rush defense as well.
17. New England Patriots (from Oakland): Cameron Jordan, DE, California
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Why He's Special: Jordan is a beast of a pass rusher who is perfectly suited for a 3-4 scheme at the NFL level. What sets him apart is the fact he has a seemingly never-ending bag of tricks to get past blockers so he can smush the quarterback.
Why He Goes Here: Jordan didn't do much to live up to all the Senior Bowl hype, but you have to think he will continue to impress at workouts going forward.
Why He Fits: The Patriots really haven't had a truly great defensive end since trading away Richard Seymour, and Jordan is the right kind of guy for their defense.
18. San Diego Chargers: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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Why He's Special: Watt is not as much of a polished pass rusher as some of the other defensive ends in this year's draft class, but his size and motor suggest that it's just a matter of time before he becomes elite. He really came into his own during his junior season and will reap the benefits as a result.
Why He Goes Here: It actually wouldn't be at all surprising if Watt and Jordan change places, but they won't go too far apart either way.
Why He Fits: The Chargers have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, but Watt would definitely upgrade their defensive line. In fact, it has been thought that he could play anywhere on a 3-4 line, but I suppose that depends largely on his weight.
19. New York Giants: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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Why He's Special: Carimi anchored a Badgers offensive line that might have been the best overall unit in the country this past season. He's a got a great frame and greatly improved his footwork. He could play on either side of the line—and maybe even in between.
Why He Goes Here: Come to think of it, Carimi would actually be something of a steal right here, as he could very well end up being the first tackle off the board.
Why He Fits: The Giants already have a very strong offensive line, as they gave up a league-low 16 sacks in 2010. There aren't too many glaring weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball, and there aren't really any skill players worth drafting right here, so why not add to their strength?
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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Why He's Special: A lot of people saw 2010 as a down year for Clayborn, but that's because he faced a lot of extra attention. He doesn't have the quickest first step, but he is fast for a guy his size, and nobody questions his motor.
Why He Goes Here: Clayborn could go higher than this, but he simply hasn't done much to help himself over the last couple months, so a fall to No. 20 seems likely.
Why He Fits: The Buccaneers really didn't have much of a pass rush this season, so they need to upgrade their front seven one way or another. Clayborn shouldn't face too many double teams at the next level, so he could end up being a steal.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
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Why He's Special: Paea was inconsistent at times for the Beavers in 2010, and he is still pretty raw. That being said, his penetration abilities and high motor make him a fine prospect.
Why He Goes Here: Paea will have to re-establish himself at the combine after hurting his knee in the days leading up to the Senior Bowl. As it is, he's already fallen pretty far in a lot of peoples' eyes. But for now, this seems like a good spot for him.
Why He Fits: The Chiefs weren't terrible along their defensive line this past season, but Paea is the kind of guy they could stick in there to help free up their other tacklers.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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Why He's Special: Ingram won the Heisman Trophy in 2009, and his vision and lateral quickness have been legendary for quite some time now. He's also quite useful in the passing game, as he can both block and catch.
Why He Goes Here: One way or another, Ingram will be the first running back off the board. If he doesn't go to Miami, the Colts are as good a bet as anybody to nab him.
Why He Fits: The Colts have definitely had their issues at running back in recent years, and it is becoming apparent that Joseph Addai is no longer an elite NFL back. Ingram could end up being just that, and the fact that he could be a weapon for Peyton Manning out of the backfield should definitely excite them.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
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Why He's Special: Castonzo could probably stand to add a little bulk, but his footwork, smarts and everything else a good offensive tackle needs are all there.
Why He Goes Here: Castonzo did not really help his stock with his performance at the Senior Bowl, but he didn't hurt it enough to fall out of the first round.
Why He Fits: Michael Vick fell under pressure far too often as the season wore down. Because the Eagles are probably going to have to pay him an awful lot of money, they may as well do everything in their power to protect him. Thus, Anthony Castonzo.
24. New Orleans Saints: Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia
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Why He's Special: Houston is a classic 'tweener, but he ended up being one of the most dangerous defensive players in the SEC this past season anyway. He could end up being either an outside linebacker or a 4-3 defensive end.
Why He Goes Here: Houston is going to be a tricky pick, as there will be a lot of teams that will be on the prowl for more polished players. But he's a good enough athlete to stay in the first round regardless.
Why He Fits: The Saints defense turned out to be much worse than their numbers indicated by the time the season came to a close, and they could definitely use a boost in their front seven (just ask Marshawn Lynch). They'll take Houston and decide what to do with him later.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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Why He's Special: Great body, great arm, great release, and great mobility. Accuracy and decision-making...that's another story. Nonetheless, a potentially elite talent.
Why He Goes Here: Locker did everything in his power to kill his draft stock this season, which included a miserable showing at the Senior Bowl. Nevertheless, there's enough promise there to warrant a fist-round pick.
Why He Fits: Matt Hasselbeck will not be coming back to Seattle next season. You can count on it. The Seahawks could take Ryan Mallett here, but Locker just seems to have more upside.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
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Why He's Special: Moore isn't the best tackling safety out there, but his instincts in coverage and ability to make plays on the ball make him worth your while. His 10 interceptions in 2009 led the nation.
Why He Goes Here: Moore is without a doubt the only safety worthy of a first-round pick, so it's just a matter of finding the right fit for him.
Why He Fits: Ed Reed is obviously still a very good player, and the Ravens might have a bigger need for a defensive tackle if Haloti Ngata walks, but it wouldn't be a bad idea for them to draft Moore and give him a few years alongside Reed to develop into a true stud.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami
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Why He's Special: Hankerson is a big wide receiver (6'3"), but he doesn't have top-end speed. Nonetheless, he did have over 1,100 yards receiving and 13 TDs in 2010, and he put on a clinic at the Senior Bowl.
Why He Goes Here: No doubt, this seems way too high for Hankerson right now. But there's no denying that he did impress at the Senior Bowl, and his stock could very well keep picking up steam going forward. Either way, just know that I realize I'm definitely going out on a limb for now.
Why He Fits: The Falcons could use a wide receiver that can take some of the pressure off Roddy White. If Hankerson can be that guy, then Matt Ryan may not find himself having to force too many balls like he did at times this season.
28. New England Patriots: Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
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Why He's Special: Carter is another linebacker prospect that is still very raw. His smarts aren't quite there, but he is an outstanding athlete with above-average speed and strong tackling techniques. The rest will come with time.
Why He Goes Here: Carter isn't necessarily viewed as a first-round talent, as he is still something of a work-in-progress. Nonetheless, he could find his way into the back end of the first round if the fit is right.
Why He Fits: Having bolstered their D-line by drafting Cameron Jordan, the Patriots could go any number of ways with their other first-round pick. This is basically another way to say that I have no clue as to what Belichick and co. will do. But we all know how much he loves athletes, and one supposes he could find a way to put Carter to use if he decides to draft him.
29. Chicago Bears: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
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Why He's Special: Smith is little light at 280 pounds, but his quickness and overall athleticism allow him to make up for his lack of bulk.
Why He Goes Here: There seems to be a general consensus that Smith could end up being the first tackle taken off the board on draft day after lighting up the Combine. Until he does, however, it's probably best not to overrate him, especially given his relatively skinny frame.
Why He Fits: The Bears offensive line did get better as the season progressed, but it's still just not very good. They're going to need an lineman one way or another, and I'm sure they would be fine with Smith.
30. New York Jets: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple
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Why He's Special: One of the most unheralded sack specialists in college football, the 6-foot-5, 300-pound Wilkerson is the kind of player who could probably play anywhere on a given defensive line.
Why He Goes Here: Wilkerson is just now starting to creep into the national consciousness, but it is actually a pretty good possibility that he could go higher as we progress towards the draft. For now, he's yet another promising DE prospect.
Why He Fits: There's a possibility that the Jets could take a wide receiver instead, but that will depend on what happens with Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes. Wilkerson projects as a defensive end in a 3-4 defense, but Rex Ryan will have the option of using him at nose tackle if he is so inclined.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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Why He's Special: Sherrod has the requisite size and refined footwork you look for in an offensive tackle, but his technique is surprisingly subpar, as he doesn't seem to hold blocks well. Of course, there are harder problems to fix.
Why He Goes Here: Sherrod's stock has been up-and-down in recent weeks, and right now, it's looking like he could very well end up being the last offensive lineman taken in the first round. That's not a knock, mind you. Just a reality.
Why He Fits: The Steelers may be a great team, but their offensive line is mediocre at best. They started the rebuilding process by drafting Pouncey last year, and they will look to continue it this year regardless of who they end up with.
32. Green Bay Packers: Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois
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Why He's Special: At an even 6'0" and close to 230 pounds, Leshoure is definitely a bruiser. He's a lot like Oakland's Michael Bush, which I think is pretty high praise.
Why He Goes Here: Leshoure is not viewed as first-round talent right now, but his star has been rising pretty fast ever since he hung 330 yards on Northwestern at Wrigley Field.
Why He Fits: The Packers will be getting Ryan Grant back next year, and I obviously think they're good enough to win the Super Bowl as is, but they could use another running back. After all, they haven't had a truly elite running back since the days of Ahman Green.
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