NFL Mock Draft 2011: Defense Is King Headlined By Auburn DT Nick Fairley

Every draft in the NFL seems to have one position that is loaded with talented players.  

The 2009 NFL draft saw six wide receivers drafted in the first round.  Last years draft had five defensive tackles going in the first round. 

This year, the theme seems to be defense again.  

Defensive lineman rule the early picks, as well as two great cover corners. 

From Panthers all the way to the Steelers, here is a mock draft full of talented defensive players.

1. Carolina Panthers: Auburn DT Nick Fairley

I recently wrote an article on why Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers should be the number one overall pick. 

(http://bleacherreport.com/articles/584426-2011-nfl-draft-why-daquan-bowers-of-clemson-should-be-the-number-one-pick) 

However, even though I think he SHOULD be the number one pick, I don't think he WILL be. 

Fairley was never a starter until this season, but he burst onto the scene in a big way, leading the Tigers to the BCS National Championship. 

The Panthers did just lose Julius Peppers this offseason, but Charles Johnson really stepped up in his absence with 11.5 sacks. 

I have my doubts as to whether Johnson is the future at DE, but he certainly is talented.  So, the Panthers will add another talented pass rusher at the DT position to play alongside Johnson.

2. Denver Broncos: LSU CB Patrick Peterson

The Broncos defense needs help in a lot of ways, but drafting a CB makes the most sense.

Peterson is a big, athletic corner who can also return punts.  Playing in a division with tall, athletic receivers such as Dwanye Bowe and Vincent Jackson, the Broncos need a corner who can match up man to man with the talented receivers of the AFC West. 

Peterson can do just that- he has the potential to be a shutdown corner like Revis in New York or Asomugha in Oakland. 

Besides, Chmap Bailey is clearly in the twilight of his career and is a free agent.  I don't see the Broncos resigning him. 

Instead, I see them drafting his replacement in Peterson. 

3. Buffalo Bills: Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers

The Bills offense has some young playmakers such as CJ Spiller and Stevie Johnson, so I see the theme of defense continuing with this pick. 

The Bills defense allowed 27 points a game this last season, fifth worst in the NFL.  Furthermore, the Bills defense only had 27 sacks on the season, again tied for fifth worst. 

Bowers would certainly help a young Bills D with no true pass rusher.  He is ranked the number one overall prospect by many, so getting him third overall would certainly be great value.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: Georgia WR AJ Green

QB Carson Palmer keeps calling for changes in the offense, and Bengals management is trying their best to appease their franchise QB.  

Earlier this week they fired their offensive coordinator, and come draft time they will continue trying to please Palmer by drafting Georgia WR AJ Green. 

Green has size, great hands, and is already a great route runner.  He is perhaps the most talented player in the draft. 

He was suspended the first four games this season for attending an agent's party in Florida, but still had nine receiving touchdowns in just eight games.

Terrell Owens is gone this offseason, and Chad Johnson has also been asking for a trade.  Palmer has to be tired of dealing with WR's who act like divas, so the Bengals would be wise to add a true playmaker for Palmer to throw to after the likely departures of Owens and Johnson.  

5. Arizona Cardinals: Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert

After a revolving door of QB's this past season, the Cardinals have to take Gabbert here. 

He is not a top five talent, as this is a weak QB draft, but Derek Anderson is not the future at QB.  Hell, he is not even the present at QB. 

Gabbert still needs work, but has the prototypical body of an NFL QB at 6'5 235 lbs.  He is also athletic and a good runner- he carried the ball 22 times against Nebraska this year.

The Cardinals need a replacement now.  They have to find a QB who can get Larry Fitzgerald the ball and let him make plays.  Hopefully, Gabbert can be that guy.  

6. Cleveland Browns: UNC DE Robert Quinn

Quinn did not play at all this season, so drafting him here is based purely on his talent. 

He will have an oppurtunity to impress at the combine, and if he shows up in shape, he will be a top ten pick. 

The Browns need weapons on offense for young QB Colt McCoy, but this is a defensive draft.  If they don't trade down, expect them to take a defensive lineman, either Quinn or Alabama DE Marcell Dareus.

7. San Francisco 49's: Alabama DE Marcell Dareus

The Niners need help on both sides of the ball, so taking the best available player left on the board is the most logical choice.

That player is Alabama DE Marcell Dareus, a freakishly athletic DE considering his size.

LB Von Miller is also a possibility, but the Niners linebacking core is very good with Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes in the middle.  

If the Niner's front could generate a pass rush, it would really help their secondary, which is physical but can struggle in pass coverage. 

Dareus would do just that, and he is also very good against the run, which makes him a perfect fit for the Niner's 3-4 defense.

8. Tennessee Titans: Texas AM LB Von Miller

The Titans need to find the long-term answer at QB, and if the Cardinals pass on Gabbert, they could take him here. 

However, with Gabbert gone, the will Titans go with defense, as there are a lack of quality QB's in this draft. 

The Titans have a great front with DE Jason Babin and a good secondary with CB Cortland Finnegan. 

They also just drafted Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan in last years draft, so taking a LB would make sense.

Miller is a great pass rusher who is versatile enough to play OLB or DE in the NFL.  His pass coverage skills are above average as well. 

He should be a starter in this league for years to come and is a very safe pick.  

9. Dallas Cowboys: Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara

Amukamara is another great cover corner worthy of a top ten selection. 

Some scouts point out his zero interceptions this past season, but that's only because opposing QB's were too scared to throw at him. 

Terrence Newman is in the twilight of his career, and Mike Jenkins had a rough season last year.  The Cowboys need help for a secondary that was 26th against the pass this last season.  

Amukamara is a great value at nine, and would likely be the top corner in any other draft.  The Cowboys would be happy to have him here.

10. Washington Redskins: Alabama WR Julio Jones

Donovan McNabb will most certainly not be back next season, and many analysts have the Redskins taking a QB here. 

But Cam Newton and Jake Locker are both prospects, and Washington needs someone who can contribute right away.  

If they don't trade the pick, Julio Jones would help whoever is behind center for the Skins next year.  He is explosive and tall, but his hands could be better. 

Still, the Skins offense has a lack of playmakers, and Jones is just that.  Even though QB is a more pressing need, the Skins should avoid the pressure to draft one and take the safer pick in Jones.

11. Houston Texans: UCLA LB Akeem Ayers

The Texans have a pressing need for talent in the secondary, but drafting a corner here would be quite a reach. 

Ayers would also help a defense that really struggled last year after MLB Ryans' went on IR.  He would provide much needed depth on a young defense that needs all the playmakers it can. 

Ayers went largely unoticied playing for a UCLA team in the bottom of the Pac-10, but he has the size and speed to start in the NFL from day one.

With a good combine, he should cement himself as a mid first round pick, and he fits in very well with the Texans defensive scheme.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Oregon State DT Stephen Paea

Both of the Williams' are getting older (Pat is expected to retire), so the Vikings need to get a replacement on their defensive front. 

Paea is a three year starter who won the Pac-10 DPOY award this past season.  

He played big against the Beaver's top competition this year as well, totaling eight tackles and two sacks against Stanford, and six tackles and a sack against USC. 

An injury prevented him from competing in the senior bowl, and may be a concern if not fully healed by draft time.  

Still, Paea is a talented player worthy of a top pick.

13. Detroit Lions: Colorado OT Nate Solder

Matthew Stafford is a talented young QB, but he can't seem to stay healthy.  The Lions porous offensive line is partly to blame, so Detroit will take a tackle to protect their young franchise QB. 

This years offensive line class is rather weak, but Solder is the best of the bunch. 

He is giant at 6'8, and played every snap for the Buffalos this past season, allowing only one sack. 

A defensive player is also a possibility, but fixing the offensive line is the greater concern. 

With a healthy Stafford, the Lions could have one of the most explosive offensives in the NFL next season, and Solder would also help open holes for young, but talented, RB Jahvid Best.

14. St. Louis Rams: Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn

The Rams really need playmakers on offense to help young QB Sam Bradford, and if Julio Jones is still here, the Rams should take him. 

But Jones is a gifted WR, and I don't see him being around this late.  The WR's in this draft fall off after Jones, so once again the Rams will go defensive. 

Clayborn was a top ten pick going into the season, but his sack total fell from 11.5 last year to 3.5 this season. 

Still, he is a talented player and is good against the run.  NFL coaching should help him regain his dominant form, and he would pair nicely playing alongside Rams DE Chris Long.

He is a risk-reward pick, but is fairly good value in the mid first round, especially if he produces like he did two years ago.

15. Miami Dolphins: Alabama RB Mark Ingram

Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are both free agents, so it's time for the Dolphins to find a new face in the backfield. 

Miami is at their best when they can run the ball, and they were not able to do that last season- Brown averaged less than four yards a carry. 

Ingram, the 2009 Heisman winner, is a big, physical back, whose breakaway speed and pass catching ability are both impressive for a man his size. 

He is a proven winner and the Dolphins need more playmakers on offense- Ingram is the easy pick for them. 

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan

Another DE taken here, as the Jaguars need a pass rusher to help their awful pass defense. 

Kerrigan was third in the FBS in sacks this past season and his work ethic is very impressive- Kerrigan never takes plays off. 

The unanimous All-American also tied the FBS career record for fumbles forced, with 14.  

The Jaguars have tried hard in recent years to fix their defensive line, which is full of talented players that did not work out, such as drafting Derrick Harvey and signing Aaron Kampman. 

Neither has seemed to work, and you need to get pressure from your front four, especially playing in the same division as Peyton Manning.  

Look for the Jags to continue their pursuit of a premier DE by drafting Kerrigan.  

17: New England Patriots: Missouri DE Aldon Smith

Other than Jerod Mayo, the Patriots linebacking is very weak. 

In only his first year starting, Smith set the single season Missouri record for sacks with 11.5, and was named Big 12 freshman of the year. 

Although he played DE in college, Smith would fit perfectly as a hybrid LB/DE in the Patriots 3-4 scheme. 

The Patriots need a true pass rusher, and although he would have to switch positions, Smith is the last great pass rusher in this draft. 

Expect the Pats to draft him if he's still available.  

18. San Diego Chargers: Cal DE Cameron Jordan

The Chargers had the number one defense last year, and Philip Rivers led the league in passing. 

The Chargers have a talented team, and could go a number of directions in this years draft. 

After being suspended for taking an illegal substance, Shawn Merriman has never been the same, and the team parted ways with him this last season. 

The Chargers will look to replace his lost product and draft DE Cameron Jordan, who was one of the most impressive players at the Senior Bowl. 

According to ESPN draft analyst Todd Mcshay "no one could block him." 

Jordan has all the physical tools you look for in a DE, and while not a true sack artist, he will be the best player left at this position.

19. New York Giants: Boston College OT Anthony Castonzo

After winning their SuperBowl title, many analysts said the Giants had the best offensive line in football. 

For whatever reasons, that's not the case anymore.  The Giants should add some new blood to their o-line by drafting Castonzo.  

He was a four year starter, and holds the record for most starts in BC history with 54.  Running behind Castonzo, RB Montel Harris lead the ACC in rushing yards this year. 

Castonzo would be a welcome addition to a declining Giants offensive line.

20. Tampa Bay Bucs: Miami CB Brandon Harris

The retirement of Ronde Barber is not far off.  By drafting Harris, Tampa Bay would have another talented, young corner to play with Aqib Talib, who is on his way to becoming a superstar in this league. 

Harris was the anchor for a Miami defense that ranked second nationally against the pass, and is also great against the run.

The defense needs other playmakers as well, especially at the LB and DL positions, and although this is a great draft for DE's, expect teams above Tampa to stock up on them. 

That leaves Harris as the logical selection for the Bucs.  

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt

It's a shame the Chiefs still need help on the DL, but with recent draft choices Tyson Jackson and Glen Dorsey not living up to expectations, expect the Chiefs to continue to work on their DL. 

Watt is the best DE left on the board and is surprisingly athletic.  

Although a DE, Watt can do it all- he had three blocked kicks and nine passes defended this past season. 

He is not a true sack artist and needs to develop better pass rushing moves, but he does everything else very well.  

22. Indianapolis Colts: Wisconsin OT Gabe Carimi

Two Wisconsin players will be drafted back to back as the Colts really need to fix their o-line. 

Carimi was the Outland Trophy winner as the best OL in all of college football last season, and is a giant at 6'7 330 lbs.  He is a four year starter and should be ready to play from day one. 

Tyron Smith, the OL from USC is also a possibility here.  But Carimi's experience makes him a better fit for the Colts, who love to draft players with good work ethics. 

After their Superbowl loss two years ago, President Bill Polian said the line was to blame.  Two years later, expect the Colts to finally fix that problem.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Texas CB Aaron Williams

The Eagles defense needs work in a lot of areas, but particularly at corner. 

Samuel is as good as they come at the CB position, but teams really picked on CB Dimitri Patterson, who lacks ball skills. 

Williams has just that, leading the Longhorns with 13 pass breakups last year to go along with a blocked kick, a sack, and three forced fumbles. 

A LB is also a possibility, but expect the Eagles to go defense with this pick.  Their offense really has no holes.  

24. New Orleans Saints: Illinois RB Mikel Leshoure

Reggie Bush is due a large rooster bonus, and Pierre Thomas is a free agent. 

It would be a shock if both were to come back, so the Saints will look to replace one (or both) in the draft. 

Leshoure fits in great with their system.  He is a shifty, one-cut back whose is an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield. 

To boot, he has never lost a fumble in his collegiate career, something Saints RB's had problems with this year. 

After throwing 22 picks this last season, expect the Saints to give more weapons for Drew Brees to throw to.  

25. Seattle Seahawks: Washington QB Jake Locker

This is a bit of a reach, but the Seahawks do need a QB of the future. 

Locker can be that guy.  Pete Carroll said the teams "number one priority" this offseason was to resign QB Matt Hasselbeck, so Locker probably would not start right away. 

But he is a project, and learning from Hasselbeck would help him in the long run.  

Seattle fans would certainly love their team taking the hometown kid, and while he will not be a starter for a while, expect the Hawks to design some plays for him to take advantage of his great running ability. 

He would have been the top pick in last years draft (even above Bradford) so to get him at 25 here is good value.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Pitt WR Jon Baldwin

At 37, last year was probably Derrick Mason's last in this league. 

Donte Stallworth and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are also both free agents, so expect the Ravens to get another receiver for Joe Flacco. 

Baldwin is the biggest receiver in this years class, similar to a Vincent Jackson or Brandon Marshall. 

He has the size to go up and get those jump balls, and is a great red zone threat. 

He is a bit slow and it's hard for him to get separation from DB's.  Some scouts have him as a second round talent, but expect the Ravens to get him at the end of the first round.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Georgia LB Justin Houston

Houston played at the University of Georgia, so he will be right at home playing for the Falcons. 

The Falcons defense was great last season, but they overperformed based on their talent.  Expect the Falcons to continue their recent trend of drafting defensive players. 

Houston is a talented pass rushing linebacker who totaled ten sacks this last season.  His pass coverage skills still need work however, as he only has one career interception.

28. New England Patriots: OSU DE Cameron Heyward

Heyward has a top ten pick entering the season, but much like fellow Big Ten DL Adrian Clayborn, he fell off this season. 

He is the son of Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, so he certainly has NFL blood in his genes. 

His pass rushing skills are suspect, and although he is 6'5, he is undersized at 290 lbs. 

Still, he reminds of former Patriots DE Richard Seymour, play like him to. 

The Patriots already drafted a DE in Aldon Smith who is a good pass-rusher.  Here, expect them to take another DL who is better against the run.  

29. Chicago Bears: USC OT Tyron Smith

The Bears biggest concern is offensive line, so any other choice would be a shock. 

Smith is the best linemane available, and probably the most athletic lineman in the draft.  But, at only 280 pounds, he is very undersized and could get pushed around by bigger DE's. 

Still, he's the only logical choice for a Bears line that surrendered 56 sacks this past season, worst in the NFL.  

30. New York Jets: Illinois DT Corey Liuget

Kris Jenkins is an All-Pro player, but he has been put on IR the past two seasons. 

It's unknown whether the Jets can consistently rely on him, so expect them to take a replacement in Illinois DT Corey Liuget.  

He is a big, run-stopping tackle that would fit perfectly in the Jets 3-4 scheme. 

A WR is also a possibility here, as WR Santonio Holmes is a free agent.  

31. Green Bay Packers: Maryland WR Torrey Smith

Donlad Driver will be 36 next season, and had a major drop off this year. 

The Packers need to find Rodgers another WR to throw to besides Greg Jennings, 

Smith can be that guy.  The WR from Maryland had over 1000 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns this past season. 

Smith can be a dominating force- in Maryland;s regular season finale against NC State, Smith had 14 catches for 224 and four (yes, four!) touchdowns. 

A good combine could shoot him up the draft board much like former Maryland WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, but if he's still here, expect the Packers to scoop him up.  

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Florida OL Mike Pouncey

Pouncey's brother Markice already plays for the Steelers, and the two started together on Florida's offensive line. 

Expect the two to be reunited in the NFL. 

Pouncey can move back to his natural guard position playing for the Steelers, and he certainly fits the mantra of Steelers players with his tough, physical play. 

While not as gifted as his brother, he is still a first round talent, and would fit best with the Steelers.

Themes Of Draft

Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Taking a look back at the first round, it's obvious this will be a defensive draft.  

19 of the 32 picks were defensive players, with no position being selected more than DE, with nine DE's projected to go in the first round. 

Furthermore, the two teams in the Superbowl were both one and two in points allowed this season.

With the projections of this years draft, and the two teams in the Superbowl, the old saying "Defense Wins Championships," seems to be making a comeback.