2011 NFL Mock Draft: Will Prince Amukamara Sneak into the Top 5?
As I post this, we are roughly 21 hours away from the start of the 2011 Super Bowl. That means we are roughly 25 hours away from entering a vast NFL football wasteland.
The only thing we will have to distract us from rich people complaining about how to split up giant piles of cash is the NFL draft.
I don't know about you, but I don't want to sit around a pitcher of beer and discuss the labor strife of millionaires. That means lots of draft talk. We need to be prepared for these conversations.
Here is my current and latest—unless you are reading this after I have posted another one—NFL mock draft.
No. 1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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Why the Panthers Need a DT: The Panthers need a lot. For starters, they were unable to stop the run or get to the passer, and that is one deadly combo.
Why Fairley Makes Sense: Fairley's stock seemed to rise on every snap in 2010. He is the prototypical run stuffing DT that teams covet. What will push him up this high is that he can also get to the QB. As he displayed in the BCS National Championship Game, Fairley can dictate what offenses try to do.
No. 2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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Why the Broncos Need a CB: Champ Bailey has likely played his last game as a Bronco. Even if he returns, his tank is approaching empty. In reality, the Broncos could draft any position on defense and be drafting for need.
Why Peterson Makes Sense: Peterson has an elite combination of size and speed. He has all the tools to be a shutdown corner. He will also bring with him an electrifying return game.
No. 3. Buffalo Bills: Da'Quan Bowers, OLB/DE, Clemson
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Why the Bills Need a OLB/DE: The Bills struggled to rush the passer in 2010. They were 28th in sacks per game. They also struggled to hold their ground on the edge against runs.
Why Bowers Makes Sense: Bowers' quickness for his size approaches freak range. He is very stout against the run, and he can hold the edge. It is, however, his elite pass rushing skills that are going to catapult him to the top of the draft though.
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No. 4. Cincinnati Bengals: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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Why the Bengals Need a DE: The Bengals need a DE for the 3-4 system that will allow their linebackers to get some heat on the QB. They finished 2010 ranked 28th in sack percentage.
Why Dareus Makes Sense: Dareus has a the size and quickness that makes him an ideal fit for a 3-4 end. He demonstrated the ability to dominate a game. He will eat up blockers in the run game and force his way into the backfield.
No. 5. Arizona Cardinals: Prince Amukamara, DB, Nebraska
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Why the Cardinals Need a CB: Dominique Rodgers Cromartie is a solid corner. He had a slightly down year in 2010 and may not be worth his lofty salary. The addition of a top-flight corner would allow them to cut his salary—or give them a dynamic one-two punch.
Why Amukamara Makes Sense: Amukamara has the size, 6'1" and 205 pounds, speed and instincts to play on day one. He has shown the ball skills to be one of the elite corners in the NFL.
No. 6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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Why the Browns Need a WR: The Browns didn't have one WR in 2010 who had more than 40 catches or 500 yards.
Why Green Makes Sense: Green has everything you look for in a WR. He has the size at 6'4" and 200 pounds, 4.4 speed and hands. He should be a No. 1 WR for years to come, and his talent and upside will be too much for the Browns to pass on.
No. 7. San Francisco 49ers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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Why the 49ers Need a QB: The Alex Smith experiment is over. First-year coach, Jim Harbaugh, is going to want to bring in a QB that fits his offense and mold him into a dominant signal caller.
Why Gabbert Makes Sense: Gabbert has shot to the top of most QB draft boards. He has a great arm, solid mechanics and good accuracy.
No. 8. Tennessee Titans: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
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Why the Titans Need a OLB: It remains to be seen what defensive system the Titans will be running in 2011. No matter what system it is, they are going to need to get increased pass rush on the QB.
Why Miller Makes Sense: Miller is the 2010 Big 12 sacks leader. He has been a consistent pass rusher his entire career. He has the size and the speed to carry this talent to the next level.
No. 9. Dallas Cowboys: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
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Why the Cowboys Need a DE: The Cowboys have an aging and eroding D-line. They have not put consistent pressure on opposing QBs, and they have not been able to stop the run. A fatal double whammy, they will look to rectify.
Why Jordan Makes Sense: Jordan spent his week practicing for the Senior Bowl grabbing the attention of scouts. At 6'4" and 285 pounds, he has the size and strength it will take to excel as a DE in a 3-4 NFL system.
No. 10. Washington Redskins: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
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Why the Redskins Need a DE: Mike Shanahan does not have the luxury of job security that would afford the time needed to mold a QB. He is going to draft someone that can make an instant impact.
Why Smith Makes Sense: Smith has the look and potential to be a perfect fit in a 3-4 as an end. He will instantly upgrade the Redskins' rush defense, while getting to the QB on occasion. He is explosive and stout against the run.
No. 11. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, OLB, North Carolina
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Why Houston Needs an OLB: The Texans were horrible on pass defense. A big part of the problem was a lack of pass rush. They are switching to a 3-4 defense, and they need the OLBs to do it.
Why Quinn Makes Sense: Quinn is an excellent athlete. He can rush the passer and is solid against the run. If Quinn falls lasts this long, the Texans will be doing cartwheels.
No. 12. Minnesota Vikings: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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Why the Vikings Need a QB: Because they weren't begging Brett Favre to play two years in a row and because they thought Tarvaris Jackson was the answer.
Why Newton Makes Sense: Newton is going to amaze at the combines. The guy has freakish size, strength and speed. He comes to the NFL from a spread offense, and he will be a project. This is the definition of a high risk/reward pick.
No. 13. Detroit Lions: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
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Why the Lions Need an OLB: The Lions are thin at LB—especially after they cut OLB Julian Peterson. They need some athleticism and pass rushing on the edge.
Why Ayers Makes Sense: Ayers is an excellent athlete. He has displayed good, but not quite elite, pass rushing skills. He has also has great all-around game and is solid in coverage.
No. 14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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Why the Rams Need a WR: The Rams lack a true No. 1 WR for their franchise QB, Sam Bradford. They need to grab a playmaker on the outside who can grow with their young QB.
Why Jones Makes Sense: At 6'4", 210 lbs, Julio Jones has the size to go over DBs. With a clocked 40-time of 4.42, he has the speed to run past them. The guy has all of the physical tools to be a dominant WR in the NFL.
No. 15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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Why the Dolphins Need a RB: The Dolphins are built to run the football. Both of their RBs are going to be free agents, and both are getting up there in years.
Why Ingram Makes Sense: Ingram has the kind of straight-ahead running style the Dolphins love. If they pick up Ingram, they will be able to lose either Williams or Brown and not miss a beat.
No. 16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
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Why the Jaguars Need a DE: The Jaguars struggled to put pressure on opposing QBs. They are happy with their young DTs, and they will look for an end to put outside of them.
Why Kerrigan Makes Sense: Kerrigan was such a force at Senior Bowl practices, he earned the nickname "Superman." Kerrigan is a high motor player with tremendous strength.
No. 17. New England Patriots: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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Why the Patriots Need a DE: The Patriots aren't getting to the QB as often as they like. They already have a young defense but look for them to go after a pass rusher with their first pick.
Why Watt Makes Sense: Watt is the complete package. He can rush the passer and stop the run. Watt will make the Patriots young defense younger and instantly improve it in the process.
No. 18. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Heyward, DE, OSU
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Why the Chargers Need a DE: Two of the Chargers DEs contracts have expired. They are unlikely to re-sign both of them, and this is a great draft for a D-lineman.
Why Heyward Makes Sense: Heyward had an outstanding Sugar Bowl after a disappointing 2010 season. He has the speed and size—now he just needs to perform at the combine.
No. 19. New York Giants: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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Why the Giants Need an OT: The Giants' inconsistency on offense stems from their offensive line. David Diehl is slowing down, and William Beatty did not look like a starting NFL LT.
Why Solder Makes Sense: All-American Nate Solder is a pro-ready prospect. He has great size and matches it with better footwork. He would be able to play RT or LT in the NFL.
No. 20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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Why the Bucs Need a DE: Tampa is set up the middle on their defensive front. They spent their first two picks on DT in 2010. They will look to add firepower there and take the pressure and attention away from their DTs.
Why Clayborn Makes Sense: He can rush the passer and stop the run. At 6'4" and 285 pounds, he has great size to hold the edge against the run and enough explosiveness to be a solid pass rusher.
No. 21. Kansas City Chiefs: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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Why the Chiefs Need an OT: The Chiefs led the league in rushing, but their o-line struggled down the stretch—especially in pass protection.
Why Sherrod Makes Sense: Sherrod is an excellent athlete at the LT position. He is a little light at 6'6" and 300 lbs, but he makes up for it with technique and footwork, and he has plenty of room to add some beef to his frame.
No. 22. Indianapolis Colts: Jurrell Casey, DT, Southern California
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Why the Colts Need a DT: The Colts run defense has struggled all season. The Colts are set at DE, but they could use some help on the interior D-line to help slow down the opposition's run game.
Why Casey Makes Sense: Casey hasn't been as productive this season as scouts had hoped, but he is facing constant double-teams. Casey remains a physical beast, and he will make a difference on any NFL defensive line.
No. 23. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
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Why the Eagles Need an Offensive Lineman: While the Eagles are one of the better rushing teams in the league, they are one of the worst pass blocking. Their QBs took a beating in 2010.
Why Smith Makes Sense: Smith has good quickness and footwork. He is a little light for the NFL, but he has plenty of room to add bulk on his 6'5" frame.
No. 24. New Orleans Saints: Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia
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Why the Saints Need a DE: The defensive line is thin for the New Orleans Saints. They will look to bolster it in all positions. They will go for the best lineman available.
Why Houston Makes Sense: Houston has a great combination of power and quickness. In 2010, he lived in the opposition's backfields as he tallied 19.5 tackles for loss.
No. 25. Seattle Seahawks: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
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Why the Seahawks Need a DT: The Seahawks really struggled to stop the run as the season went on. They had a patchwork offensive line and their best lineman, DT Brandon Mebane, is no longer under contract.
Why Taylor Makes Sense: At 6'4" and 350 lbs, Taylor has the body and strength to be the run stuffing DT. As long as Taylor proves to the Saints he is committed to staying in football shape, he will be a quality pick.
No. 26. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
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Why the Ravens Need a DB: The Ravens defense lacks the corners on the outside that can shut down a WR and allow the rest of the defense to get after the QB and stuff the running game.
Why Harris Makes Sense: The Texans will be ecstatic if Harris lasts until they pick. He has all the tools to be a shut-down corner in the NFL. He has great ball skills and speed. He should be able to play man-to-man or zone.
No. 27. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
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Why the Falcons Need a TE: Tony Gonzalez is old—that's why. He has mentioned during the year that this could be his final season. Even if he does come back, the Falcons can lighten his load and train his heir apparent.
Why Rudolph Makes Sense: Rudolph is widely regarded as the best TE prospect in the draft. He is 6'6", 260 lbs and runs a 4.6 40. The guy has all the physical tools, and he put them together to have a productive college career.
No. 28. New England Patriots: Jon Baldwin, WR, Pitt
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Why the Patriots Need a WR: The Patriots offense lacks size and speed at the WR position. They have great route-running WRs and TEs with solid hands, but they lack that guy to take two players with him down the field.
Why Baldwin Makes Sense: Baldwin has struggled a bit this year, but that is easily attributable to the struggles of the QB position at Pittsburgh. Baldwin is 6'5" and has good hands. He has a less-than-blazing 4.5 40 time, but his size is enough to make him a deep threat.
No. 29. Chicago Bears: Anthony Castonzo, T, Boston College
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Why the Bears Need an OT: It is amazing the Bears have made it to the Championship game with their putrid offensive line. They will take the best tackle remaining.
Why Castonzo Makes Sense: Castonzo is a four-year starter. He has the footwork and strength to play both the LT and RT positions. He is a solid run blocker and a capable pass blocker. He would likely be an instant upgrade.
No. 30. New York Jets: Gabe Carimi, OT/G, Wisconsin
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Why the Jets Need an OT: The Jets are staring at a couple of expiring contracts on their offensive line. They will look to add some depth and versatility.
Why Carimi Makes Sense: Carimi is a big mauling tackle who may be moved to guard in the NFL. While his pass blocking technique has been questioned, he has the work ethic to improve. At 6'8" and 320 pounds, he certainly has the size.
No. 31. Green Bay Packers: Mike Pouncey, C/G, Florida
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Why the Packers Need an OL: The Packers had a hard time generating a consistent run game all year. They could use a physical presence on the interior of their line.
Why Pouncey Makes Sense: Mike is the twin brother of Maurkice, who is currently the Steelers center. Mike brings similar skills and has the potential to start at guard or center.
No. 32. Pittsburgh Steelers: DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas
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Why the Steelers Need an OL: The Steelers were last in the league in sacks allowed percentage. Even more importantly, the Steelers want to run the football, and they have been unable to do so consistently due to their subpar offensive line.
Why Love Makes Sense: At 6'5" and 315 pounds with four years of college starting experience, Love could come in and start right away for the Steelers. He is a bruising run blocker, which the Steelers will love, but he needs to work on his footwork in pass protection.
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