2011 NFL Mock Draft: Complete First-Round Selections
The 2011 NFL Draft is still nearly three months away, but that doesn't change the fact that it's already the second most talked-about topic around the league. The Super Bowl is first, of course.
But one week from now, after a champion has been crowned, all the attention will turn to the draft.
Every person has his own opinion, and every fan has a different idea as to who their team should select. This does nothing but add to the excitement, confusion, and anxiety that will be felt on April 28 (Don't worry, Oakland fans, with no first-round pick, you get a pass this year).
This year's class is one of the most anticipated in recent years.
So, with the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers will select...
1: Carolina Panthers / DT Nick Fairley
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When Andrew Luck announced he would return to school for his senior season, this spot became a three-man race.
A.J. Green, Da'Quan Bowers and Nick Fairley.
With the first overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft, I have the Panthers selecting defensive tackle Nick Fairley out of Auburn.
Fairley was a dominant force this season in Auburn, racking up 12 total sacks. To put this into perspective, that's how many sacks Ndamukong Suh had in his Senior season.
There are some character issues with Fairley, but I'm willing to look past this. In fact, maybe his aggressive attitude is what the Panthers' defense needs.
He may be one of the dirtiest players in the draft, but I don't think Fairley will mind that title after being selected first overall.
2: Denver Broncos / DE Da'Quan Bowers
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Last season, the Denver Broncos finished last in the NFL in sacks at 23. The return of injured linebacker Elvis Dumervil will help, but the Broncos need a star pass rusher on the defensive line.
Da'Quan Bowers was not on many people's radar before this season. He had been inconsistent and hadn't shown any real explosiveness.
This was the breakout year for Bowers, and it will launch him to the second spot in the draft. He ended the year with 16 sacks, the most in college football.
Even more support for the decision comes with the hiring of John Fox. Fox will probably change the Broncos defense back to a 4-3, and Bowers will fit the mold with his athleticism.
There has also been a history of Fox taking defensive ends with high picks. He selected Julius Peppers during his first year in Carolina, and Everette Brown more recently.
3: Buffalo Bills / CB Patrick Peterson
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The Bills are in a tricky situation with their pick. Cornerback isn't one of the positions that they really are in desperate need to address, but players like Patrick Peterson do not come around often.
It's rare that cornerbacks are selected this high, but exceptions can be made for star players. The same thing was said last year about defensive tackles, and we all know how well Suh played for Detroit this year.
Peterson can step in Day One and be a starter in the NFL, which the Bills may ask him to do. Terrence McGee can't seem to stay healthy an entire season, so Peterson may take over his role in the defense.
If not used on defense immediately, or if only used in nickel packages, Peterson has extraordinary ability as a return man. He can make big plays on the field at any time.
Another option for the Bills would be to look in trading down a few positions to see if they can nab DT Marcell Dareus. But, we aren't going that in depth in this mock draft. So, if the Bills do make a selection, it should be Peterson.
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4: Cincinnati Bengals / WR A.J. Green
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I think that Chad Ochocinco/Johnson still has the ability to be a No. 1 receiver for another season or two, but it won't happen if he does stay in Cincinnati. It's possible he won't be.
So with the fourth pick, the Bengals should take A.J. Green.
Green will give Carson Palmer fresh talent at wide receiver, a move that may keep the grumbling quarterback happy.
After missing the first four games of the season, Green ended his senior year with 57 catches for 848 yards and nine touchdowns.
Green is one of the top receiving prospects since Randy Moss, it will be hard for the Bengals to pass on the opportunity.
5: Arizona Cardinals / LB Von Miller
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No, the Cardinals will not take a quarterback with the fifth pick in the draft.
Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller has been rocketing up the draft charts in recent weeks. His performance at the Senior Bowl toppled him into the top five in my mock draft.
During the week of the Senior Bowl, Miller was receiving comparisons to linebacker Clay Matthews. I don't think I need to explain the significance of this comparison.
The Cardinals need a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball, especially at linebacker. Miller will bring this to the table.
For clarification, I believe the Cardinals will look to sign a veteran quarterback during the offseason like Donovan McNabb or Marc Bulger. They could trade their second-round pick to the Eagles for Kevin Kolb as well.
6: Cleveland Browns / DT Marcell Dareus
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The Browns would like to get a play making wide receiver for Colt McCoy, but if A.J. Green isn't available at this point then the Browns are more than likely going to look defensive line. Julio Jones would be far too much of a reach at this point.
Marcell Dareus didn't have a year that would catch too much attention, but he is still a very solid player capable of being a top five pick.
He is a tweener, and could play at either defensive end or defensive tackle.
The Browns will be converting back to a 4-3 defense, so Dareus could fit at either position.
7: San Francisco 49ers / CB Prince Amukamara
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Most experts have the 49ers taking a quarterback with the seventh pick, but I just don't see it.
Blaine Gabbert should be the first quarterback to go. Jake Locker, Cam Newton and Ryan Mallett could all be first-round picks as well.
But none of them fit Jim Harbaugh's offensive scheme. They are all strong arm, down the field passers. That doesn't fit the West Coast offense Harbaugh will run in San Francisco.
So, I have the 49ers going in another direction. Cornerback.
Clements is aging, and he has a huge price tag on him. Spencer is inconsistent at best.
Prince Amukamara is questionably the best cover corner in the draft. Peterson has versatility, but Amukamara brings that shut-down ability.
8: Tennessee Titans / QB Blaine Gabbert
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I let him slide past Arizona. I let him just fall past San Francisco. I hope Gabbert likes his home in Tennessee.
Jeff Fisher is gone. Until the other day, we thought that meant Vince Young was going to stay. Bud Adams shocked plenty of us by throwing Young to the curb as well.
A fresh start with a fresh coach should begin at quarterback. Gabbert is the best quarterback available.
Plus we all know Bud Adams. He may not give his new coach a chance, and demand that a quarterback is the pick.
9: Dallas Cowboys / DE Robert Quinn
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With the ninth selection, the Cowboys should look at offensive tackle. Tony Romo got injured this season, and the Cowboys can't afford that happening again. Nate Solder should be the pick here.
But, he won't be. Jerry Jones has never taken an offensive lineman with a first-round pick, and I don't see him starting now. This is America's team after all. Can't have them settling for a lousy lineman.
Well, they will go lineman. But on the defensive side of the ball. And chances are he won't play on the line.
North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn often draws comparisons to the Cowboys' DeMarcus Ware. Imagine the two lining up at opposing sides of the linebacking corps. Jerry Jones will have to have such a gifted player on his team.
10: Washington Redskins / QB Jake Locker
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The more I watch Mike Shanahan, the more I realize he just is not a "players' coach".
He had problems with quarterback John Elway. We saw him scuffle with Donovan McNabb this season.
I think it's pretty obvious that the pick here is going to be a quarterback. Everyone seems to be on the Cam Newton bandwagon with this pick, but I just don't see it.
Let's face it, Newton has problems. It's not with his game, but his personality. They started back in Florida. He then had the recruitment dilemma.
I don't know if you follow this guy on twitter (@CameronNewton), but some of the things he says are just unbelievable. You are in the spotlight; what in the world are you saying this nonsense for!
For these problems, I see Shanahan passing Newton over for a quarterback he likes. Jake Locker.
The talent level may be different, but they are almost on the same level when it comes to skill. Locker doesn't bring the distractions Newton would bring. Something Shanahan wouldn't tolerate.
11: Houston Texans / DE Aldon Smith
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Wade Phillips is the new defensive coordinator in Houston, and with the addition, the Texans will be moving to a 3-4 defense.
Out of the front seven, the team will have potential spots to fill. One at defensive tackle, and the other at outside linebacker.
Aldon Smith would be a 4-3 lineman to move to the 3-4 outside linebacker position.
Although he is probably better suited for the 4-3, the move to linebacker should still go smoothly with Smith. He is smaller and has the athleticism to make the move.
12: Minnesota Vikings / QB Cam Newton
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The Vikings are desperate for a quarterback. With Locker and Gabbert off the board, the Vikings will have a choice at either free agency: Ryan Mallett or Cam Newton.
Leslie Frazier hinted his interest in finding the next Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco in the draft. The mold of the quarterback he suggested fits that of Ryan Mallett, but I think he was talking in terms of success.
Nobody has had more success than Cam Newton, which is why the Vikings will select him with their first-round pick.
13: Detroit Lions / OT Nate Solder
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Your star quarterback isn't worth much to the team, if he is sidelined with an injury. Jeff Backus will also be entering his contract year.
It's not flashy, but offensive line is probably the smartest choice for the Lions here.
Nate Solder measures in at a massive 6'8", 320 lbs.
He just came off of a good performance at the Senior Bowl, and will probably square off against Tyron Smith for the top spot at offensive tackle during the combine.
As of right now, he is the more solid of the two choices.
14: St. Louis Rams / WR Julio Jones
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The Rams' main goal in the offseason is to get a weapon for Sam Bradford. The Rams ultimately lost their spot in the playoffs due to a poor performance by the wide receivers against the Seahawks.
Bradford to Jones. Sounds pretty good. Get used to hearing it.
Jones is one of the most athletic receivers I've seen in quite some time. However, he often drops far too many easy receptions.
The addition may actually be all St. Louis needs to win the division next year.
15: Miami Dolphins / RB Mark Ingram
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It's amazing how a team can go from one of the best rushing teams to one of the worst in just one year.
It's looking like the days of Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown are all but done in Miami. Both had quite the drop off this season, and the team is looking to head in a different direction.
That direction will probably be Mark Ingram. Ingram has all the physical tools to be a great player with a long career in the NFL.
Some feel the Dolphins may look at quarterbacks here, but I think they may try to address it in a later round by trying to get a steal like Colin Kaepernick.
Talk about a good wildcat threat right there.
16: Jacksonville Jaguars / DE Cameron Jordan
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Jeremy Mincey is unproven. Aaron Kampman is coming off another ACL injury.
In a division with Peyton Manning, pressure on the quarterback is pivotal. The Jaguars will look defensive line for a good pass-rushing end.
Defensive end Cameron Jordan has been on a rage lately. He couldn't be stopped at the Senior Bowl. With a combine that will be more than likely amazing, he could find himself shooting up the draft charts into the top ten.
Until the combine, we can't know for sure, but if he hangs around for the Jaguars, he could be a great fit.
17: New England Patriots / DE Adrian Clayborn
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The Patriots need help with the front seven. The team managed to go 14-2 despite having the 30th-ranked passing defense in the league.
Iowa's defensive end Adrian Clayborn had a bit of a down year after a fantastic junior season.
This slight slip in play is probably going to cost him a slip in the draft that Bill Belichick will take advantage of.
There are some character concerns, but if any coach in the league can fix that, it's Belichick.
Clayborn would be a solid fit in the Belichick defense.
18: San Diego Chargers / LB Akeem Ayers
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Shawne Merriman is gone. Larry English hasn't lived up to the hype.
Akeem Ayers is one of the most versatile and athletic players in the draft. He has the ability to play at any linebacker position and can do so in multiple schemes.
The Chargers need a linebacker, and would be thrilled if Ayers would fall to them.
19: New York Giants / OT Tyron Smith
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The New York Giants are looking for a franchise left tackle. William Beatty hasn't looked great in his limited time in the position.
Tyron Smith is by far the most athletic offensive lineman in the draft. The majority of his time at USC was spent at right tackle, but he has the agility to make the move to left tackle.
With the agility comes a slight lack of size and strength. Smith isn't a finished product, but he has the potential to be a longtime starting left tackle in the league.
20: Tampa Bay Buccaneers / DE Ryan Kerrigan
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The Buccaneers will look to improve their defensive line even further in this draft. Last season's addition of Gerald McCoy looks like it was a promising choice.
Ryan Kerrigan was one of the top defensive players in the nation this season. He consistently made plays in the backfield, shifting momentum of games.
Kerrigan has been one of the most consistent pass rushers in the draft class. He has 33 sacks during his time at Purdue; 25 came during his Junior and Senior season.
Adding Kerrigan to the defensive line in Tampa Bay could be the one piece needed to help the Buccaneers make a push to the playoffs next year.
21: Kansas City Chiefs / LB Justin Houston
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Georgia changed to a 3-4 defense this season and it helped nobody more than Justin Houston.
Houston had made strides as a defensive end. His pass-rushing abilities had improved greatly, but he was still undersized for the position.
As an outside linebacker this season, Houston provided a lot of help in the pass rush.
Houston fits perfectly in the Chiefs' scheme and could be a weapon across from Tamba Hali.
22: Indianapolis Colts / OT Anthony Castonzo
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Peyton Manning struggled at points this season. Many questioned if Peyton was finally slipping, but it appears that is not the case.
During his struggles, opposing teams were getting a lot of pressure on Manning. It's obvious an upgrade is needed on the line.
Left tackle Charlie Johnson will be replaced for next season. Anthony Castonzo has the athletic tools to be a starting tackle for years to come.
Some mocks have him as the top offensive lineman, so if he is still available at this point, the Colts would have to seize the opportunity.
23: Philadelphia Eagles / CB Jimmy Smith
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The two glaring weaknesses for the Eagles this season were the offensive line and cornerback opposite of Asante Samuel.
With the three top offensive tackles off the board, I expect the Eagles to take the cornerback route with Colorado's Jimmy Smith.
Smith plays a very physical game, something the Eagles defense has been lacking in recent years. He plays a strong press in man coverage, and can come up to make a tackle in the running game.
He has the speed to go with his physical game. The Eagles could find a solid shutdown corner in Smith.
Offensive line may be a bigger need, but Smith can't be passed on at this point. Kolb may be traded for an early second-round pick. The Eagles could go offensive line then.
24: New Orleans Saints / DE J.J. Watt
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There aren't too many holes that need to be filled on the Saints roster. If there is a weakness, it's in the defensive front.
Expect the Saints to go with the best pass rusher available. At this point, that's Wisconsin's J.J. Watt.
Watt has decided to pass on his senior year to enter the draft. In his sophomore and junior seasons, he compiled a total of 106 tackles, 11 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception.
Watt may start as just a man in the rotation for the Saints, but could work his way into a position as a starter before long.
25: Seattle Seahawks / QB Ryan Mallett
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Every year, there is at least one quarterback that falls further than everyone expects him to. Whoever that is, it will probably end in Seattle.
The Seahawks are in need of a quarterback, even though they may act like Hasselbeck and Whitehurst are enough.
Mallett has undeniable talent. He has a huge arm, and a build that is more impressive than any other quarterback in the draft.
His maturity is often called into question, and he hasn't always played great in big games.
If he falls this far, the Seahawks will have to take the chance.
26: Baltimore Ravens / CB Brandon Harris
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It's surprising that a defense as good as the Baltimore Ravens doesn't have any stud cornerbacks on the roster. They could change that with this draft pick.
Brandon Harris is ranked as a late first- to early second-round talent. I see the Ravens making the selection here.
Harris has the potential to be a great corner in the NFL, and he fits the Baltimore style of defense. Despite being a little smaller than the prototypical physical corner, Harris isn't afraid to stick his helmet in on plays.
27: Atlanta Falcons / WR Torrey Smith
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The Falcons need help at wide receiver. Tony Gonzalez is regressing, and Roddy White is really the only target for Matt Ryan.
GM Thomas Dimitroff is all about quality players. He wants his guys to be great on and off the field.
Torrey Smith received his degree at Maryland in 2 1/2 years. He is known for having a good work ethic and being a high-character individual.
Not to mention that he can ball.
During the team's season finale against NC State, he caught 14 passes for 224 yards and four touchdowns.
28: New England Patriots / G Mike Pouncey
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Most mock drafts have the Patriots taking a running back with their second pick in the first round.
However, BenJarvus Green-Ellis put together a 1,000-yard season and seemed to be improving as the season progressed.
Matt Light and Logan Mankins will both be hitting free agency in the offseason.
I see the Patriots heading in the direction of an offensive lineman because of this.
Mike Pouncey is the top-ranked center/guard in this year's draft class. His brother, Maurkice on the Steelers, was selected to the Pro Bowl despite it being his rookie season.
29: Chicago Bears / OT Gabe Carimi
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It's hard to blame Jay Cutler for anything when he played behind an offensive line as bad as the Bears. The team led the NFL in sacks allowed this season with 60.
Although there is a long way to go, Gabe Carimi could be the start of the solution. Carimi's best attribute comes in run blocking, but he is well-suited as a pass blocker as well.
Carimi won the Outland Trophy last season, which goes to the best offensive lineman in the nation.
30: New York Jets / DT Muhammad Wilkerson
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Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger. When you have to face these guys every year, it's nice to have a team filled with solid pass rushers.
Shaun Ellis is set to be a free agent this offseason. If the Jets don't re-sign him, they will need a defensive tackle.
Luckily for the Jets, defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson may be one of the more underrated players in this years draft.
Only a junior, Wilkerson totaled 16 sacks during his career at Temple. Ten of those came last season. He is a perfect fit for the 3-4 scheme, and the Jets will be lucky to get him.
31: Green Bay Packers / DT Corey Liuget
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Cullen Jenkins is going to be a free agent when the season ends. If Green Bay doesn't re-sign him, that means they are left with Ryan Pickett, Johnny Jolley, and Mike Neal for options at defensive end.
The Packers may look to solve this problem with the selection of defensive tackle Corey Liuget.
Liuget can move to defensive end, and will likely do it if the Packers select him, since B.J. Raji is set at defensive tackle.
Much is still unknown about Liuget. He is coming out after a fantastic junior season, when he seemed to come out of nowhere.
32: Pittsburgh Steelers / OT Derrek Sherrod
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There are a lot of question marks on the Steelers' offensive line. Max Starks just had neck surgery. Willie Colon suffered a torn Achilles this season. Flozell Adams will turn 36 before next season starts.
Pittsburgh is probably best off taking the best lineman available at this point. That spot goes to Mississippi State tackle Derek Sherrod.
He is better equipped as a pass blocker, and needs to develop his technique in run blocking.
Sherrod is a pretty raw player, but with the right coaching, he has the capability of becoming a great player.
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