2011 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Super Bowl Edition
The NFL season has come to an end, and that means that the final draft order has been set.
There has been plenty of NFL draft buzz going around as of late, and that will only grow now that the season has concluded. With the stocks rising and falling of so many players, it is anyone's guess where these top-notch college athletes will fall in the draft.
I have done two previous NFL Mock Drafts up to this point, but now that it has been over a month since my last one, many things have changed.
Let's take a look at my updated draft and figure out where these college greats will be playing at the next level.
1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley, DE/DT, Auburn
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Why Fairley Goes Here: Fairley was the most dominant defensive player on college football's most dominant team this season. He took on constant double teams and was still a force at stopping the run and at bull rushing the quarterback. He was the best player on college football's biggest stage.
Why He Fits with the Panthers: The Panthers need help wherever they can get it, and after Andrew Luck announced he was staying in college, Fairley put together an incredible performance in the National Championship game and jumped to the top of the draft board. He will help fill a pass rushing and run stopping void that has been weak since the departure of Julius Peppers.
Pro Outlook: Detroit’s Ndamukong Suh was a Pro Bowler and Defensive Rookie of the Year this season, and Fairley is right up there with him as far as talent level goes. I wouldn't’t be surprised to see Fairley put up big numbers in his rookie season and for his entire career, for that matter.
2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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Why Peterson Goes Here: Patrick Peterson is the best playmaker in this entire draft and is one of those once-in-a-decade players that doesn't come along all that often. He can play corner, safety, defend passes, catch passes and is dangerous in the return game as well. Peterson has been compared to Charles Woodson, which just goes to show what a talent this kid is.
Why He Fits with the Broncos: The Broncos struggled in their pass defense this past season, ranking 25th in the NFL in opponents' passing yards. Champ Bailey is getting up there in age, and the Broncos need to continue to build for the future. Peterson is the perfect fit for this team and will provide them an immediate spark from the second he puts on that Broncos jersey.
Pro Outlook: Call this a bold prediction, but in three years, Patrick Peterson will be a Pro Bowl corner who will be one of the most feared defensive backs amongst the names like Revis, Asomugha and Woodson.
3. Buffalo Bills: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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Why Bowers Goes Here: He is the most feared pass rusher in this draft class, racking up 13.5 sacks this season for Clemson. He has the looks of Mario Williams, plus a nasty side to him.
Why He Fits with the Bills: Buffalo needs a lot of help. This pick probably will come down to Bowers or A.J. Green; it just depends on what the Bills feel their biggest need is. Green is a playmaker that would help the offense, but Bowers is also a playmaker that would have more value to a defense then a receiver would to an offense.
Pro Outlook: Bowers has all the physical skills and talent to be successful at the next level. Signs point to him being a bit of a project to start, but he should began playing at an elite level by his third year in the NFL.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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Why Dareus Goes Here: Dareus was the best defensive player on one of the top defenses in college football. He has shown to be both a dominant pass rusher and run stopper over the past two seasons at Alabama.
Why He Fits With the Bengals: He possesses big-game experience and should be able to step right in and play right away for Cincinnati. The Bengals struggled mightily on defense this season, especially in stopping the run, allowing 115 yards per game. Dareus should help those numbers improve in a hurry.
Pro Outlook: This could be one of those guys who has hit or miss potential. He showed that he can be a dominant force playing against top competition, but he will need to watch his weight and make sure that he stays in shape if he wants to excel at the next level.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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Why Gabbert Goes Here: When Andrew Luck made the decision to return to school, the talent of the quarterbacks in this year's draft took a major hit. But Gabbert is a guy who is a physically gifted quarterback with a big arm and big-play ability.
Why He Fits with the Cardinals: There isn’t a team in the NFL that is in more desperate need of a quarterback than the Cardinals. With the fifth pick in this year's draft, their quarterback of the future falls right into their lap.
Pro Outlook: Gabbert will be solid, but not great. If he does get selected here, having a guy like Larry Fitzgerald to throw to will certainly benefit his progress. But beyond Fitzgerald, the Cardinals offense doesn’t have the same firepower they did when they made that Super Bowl run three years ago.
6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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Why Green Goes Here: Green is the top receiver in this draft with the type of big-play ability that doesn't come around every year. He can stretch the field and make catches in traffic, which should make him an immediate impact player in the NFL.
Why He Fits with the Browns: Colt McCoy showed signs of being a good NFL quarterback. Now, the Browns have to do all they can to surround him with some big-play targets. Grabbing Green with their first-round draft pick is a great start.
Pro Outlook: AJ Green is going to be a good NFL receiver. He still needs to add some mass to his skinny frame, but once he does, this guy should develop into one of the top deep threats in the entire league.
7. San Fransisco 49ers: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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Why Amukamara Goes Here: His size and physical style of play have allowed him to shut down some of college football's elite receivers. He is a game-changing corner that very well could have been a top-five pick if it hadn't been for Patrick Peterson.
Why He Fits with the 49ers: The 49ers need a quarterback, but the only position they might need just as bad is at defensive back. Amukamara is a guy that should be able to come in and start right away for this team. If they can land a quarterback in free agency and have the free reigns to take a guy like Amukarama with this pick, that is a huge score for San Fransisco.
Pro Outlook: Between Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford and Blaine Gabbert, this guy has already gone up against the best in college football and should transition nicely onto the next level. Signs point to him being a very successful shutdown corner at the next level.
8. Tennessee Titans: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
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Why Miller Goes Here: Miller is a guy whose name has shot up the draft board, and it seems like everyone is very high on him at this point. He is the top linebacker in the draft that should be able to come in and fill a void for any team needing help at the linebacking position.
Why He Fits with the Titans: The Titans ranked towards the bottom of the league in both pass and rush defense. Bringing in a guy like Miller will help with both of those statistics and give them the defensive presence they have been missing since the departure of Keith Bulluck.
Pro Outlook: With the hype that Miller has been receiving as of late, you have to believe that he is going to be special at the next level. He has a knack for the ball and making big plays with his superior combination of strength and speed.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
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Why Quinn Goes Here: Quinn is an athletic freak whose motor runs incredibly high at all times. He has the physical tools that every coach looks for in a defensive end, having been compared to former Tar Heel Julius Peppers.
Why He Fits With the Cowboys: DeMarcus Ware is about the only bright spot that the Cowboys had on their defense this year and adding another dominant pass rusher opposite of him would create constant havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Quinn played weak side end in Butch Davis’ 4-3 scheme, but his best position at the next level might be as a 3-4 pass-rushing outside linebacker.
Pro Outlook: This is the first player who I am going to call out and say won’t be a stud at the next level. I don’t think he'll be a complete dud, but Quinn will be a guy who has some solid years, puts up decent numbers and then moves on out of Dallas. Look at guys like Bobby Carpenter, Marcus Spears and Ebenezer Ekuban, another DE the Cowboys drafted early on from UNC.
10. Washington Redskins: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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Why Newton Goes Here: Despite the scrutiny that has been associated with him throughout this year's college football season, Newton was, without a question, the most talented player in the country. His ability alone makes him worthy of a first round selection.
Why He Fits With the Redskins: Mike Shanahan has made it clear that Donovan McNabb will not be the Redskins starting quarterback next season, so it’s clearly time to move on from here. Newton was the best player in college football this season, so why wouldn’t you want a guy with this type of resume on your team?
Pro Outlook: This is a tough one, but I’m going to have to say that Cam Newton is not going to be anywhere near as good as he was in college in the pros. In fact, he might not even last long in the NFL, unless he changes his style of play. He is a great runner, but he isn’t fast enough to be as successful as someone like Michael Vick. He has a good arm, but it’s not great. Newton won’t live up to his expectations coming out of college. Sorry Cam, that’s just the way it is.
11. Houston Texans: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
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Why Smith Goes Here: The 6-foot-4, 262-pound athletic specimen projects as an outside linebacker at the NFL level. This league is obsessed with pass rushers, and Smith very well could be the next great one.
Why He Fits With the Texans: Wade Phillips takes over this defense and brings his 3-4 scheme with him. Smith may not provide an immediate answer, but he's a phenomenal athlete that should transition well to outside linebacker.
Pro Outlook: Smith is a project that the Texans are looking at to fill a void for them down the road. He is a guy who might take a while to transition to the NFL game, but once he does, he could be a good one.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
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Why Mallet Goes Here: Mallett is the most physically gifted quarterback to come around in a long time. He has a perfect quarterback frame and a rocket arm that will be one of the strongest in the league from the second he steps onto an NFL field.
Why He Fits with the Vikings: Minnesota has made it more than clear that they don’t have the most confidence in the world in Tarvaris Jackson. With Brett Favre retiring, hopefully, it is time for the Vikings to grab their quarterback of the future. This might be a tough call between Mallett and Locker, but Mallett has the physical attributes that are hard to look past.
Pro Outlook: Mallett was a great college quarterback, but it ends there. He showed that he has trouble with his foot work and making smart throws when he attempts to escape the pocket. Mallett’s decision making is not ready for the NFL game, and if he is picked here, he could very well be thrown into a position that he is in no way ready for.
13. Detroit Lions: Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
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Why Ayers Goes Here: Ayers is a superior athlete who excels in both pass rushing and pass coverage situations. He can play either inside or outside linebacker, and he already possesses the necessary skill level to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Why He Fits with the Lions: The Lions have three major needs: Offensive line, linebacker and defensive back. There are some good offensive linemen and corners in this draft, but both positions might be a stretch at this point with who should be available. The best available player of all three of those positions should be Ayers.
Pro Outlook: Ayers is the type of player who has the potential to be special at the next level. I see him playing outside linebacker and being a very skilled pass rusher. The scary thing with Ayers is that he still has a ton of room to grow.
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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Why Jones Goes Here: He has ideal size, strength and leaping ability to make an immediate impact at the next level. It is between Jones and Georgia's A.J. Green for who is this year's first receiver taken. To get a receiver with this type of playmaking ability at this point in the draft should be considered a bargain.
Why He Fits With the Rams: The Rams need to give Sam Bradford more weapons to work with. Jones should fit in nicely and should be the Rams' go-to wide out in his rookie season.
Pro Outlook: Jones has all the intangibles to be a big time player in the NFL. He was he highest recruited receiver in the country coming out of high school and managed to put up some huge numbers in all three years at Alabama, despite playing in a run-first offensive system. Look for him to put up even bigger numbers down the road while playing at the next level.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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Why Ingram Goes Here: Ingram is hands-down the best running back in this year's class. He has a good combination of power and speed and has succeeded on the biggest stage.
Why He Fits with the Dolphins: Both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown could be gone after this year, so the Dolphins are in the market for a top tier running back. If they want someone who can step in and make an immediate impact, then Ingram is their guy.
Pro Outlook: Nick Saban knows how to get guys ready to play in the NFL, and after winning a Heisman Trophy and National Championship, Ingram is certainly ready. He will be a big play guy from the second he puts on the teal and orange.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
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Why Harris Goes Here: Because he is the best cornerback available at this point, and after he shows off his electric speed at the NFL Combine, his stock will be sure to rise.
Why Harris Fits With the Jaguars: He is a playmaking corner, and that is exactly what Jacksonville needs, as they ranked amongst the league's worst in pass defense this season. He has elite speed and will not back down to any challenge that come his way.
Pro Outlook: Harris is a guy who will take some time to fill out and build up his strentgth. Once he does that, he should be a good one. Maybe not a top notch NFL corner, but definitely a starter for a long time in the league.
17. New England Patriots (From Oakland): Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
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Why Kerrigan Goes Here: Kerrigan was one of the top defensive ends not only in the Big Ten, but throughout the country this year. At 6'4", 265-pounnds, he has good size and is quick and powerful in his release off the edge. He has shown to be a dominant pass rusher, accumulating 25 sacks over the past two seasons.
Why He Fits with the Patriots: The Patriots have been searching for that dominant pass rusher to fill out their defensive line since the departure of Richard Seymour. In a few years, Kerrigan could be that guy.
Pro Outlook: Kerrigan might not the biggest or fastest player in the league, but he does possess the work ethic and willing-to-learn attitude that will make him successful in the NFL. Look for him to have a long, extended NFL career.
18. San Diego Chargers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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Why Clayborn Goes Here: Clayborn has been the MVP of one of college football's top defenses over the past couple of years. He is one of those players who possess a non-stop motor with the ability to put constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Why He Fits With the Chargers: When healthy, the Chargers have one of the best offenses in all of football. With that said, the team will likely focus on the defensive side of the ball. Clayborn is a guy who has played and started for a long time in college and is ready to that next step.
Pro Outlook: Clayborn has the playing experience to step up and contribute at the next level right away. Look for him to grow and be a force at defensive end within three years of playing in the NFL.
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
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Why Castonzo Goes Here: He's a four-year starter with good athleticism and size. As it stands now, Castonzo looks like he very well could be the top offensive lineman in this year's draft class.
Why He Fits With the Giants: Let us not forget the hit that Eli Manning took against the Jets in their Monday Night preseason game? Grabbing a guy like Castonzo will protect Manning's blind side to make sure that doesn't happen again to the Giants franchise quarterback.
Pro Outlook: With the best offensive lineman going to one of the better teams in the NFL, all signs point to this being a very successful relationship between Castonzo and the Giants. He is a smart kid that has a lot of the intangibles to make him a threat in the NFL.
20. Tampa Bay Bucs: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
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Why Moore Goes Here: Moore is the top rated safety in this year's draft class and will likely be the only player at that position to be selected in the opening round. He has been a starter since his freshman season, which means he has experience reading coverages and should adjust quickly to the pace of an NFL game.
Why He Fits With the Bucs: The Bucs run an aggressive defensive scheme that could be a real nice fit for Moore. When Tampa Bay won the Super Bowl, their strongest aspect was their secondary. Moore could help them get back to the good old days.
Pro Outlook: Moore should be a good one at the next level. He has good size and exceptional speed to break on the ball. He will continue to get bigger, which will only help his development at the safety position.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
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Why Baldwin Goes Here: Baldwin is a physical receiver with great size standing at 6'5". Green and Jones are hands-down the top two receivers, and then there is a gap before it reaches a guy like Baldwin.
Why He Fits With the Chiefs: Baldwin should be able to adjust to the NFL game quickly. He will give the Chiefs a solid receiving option to line up opposite of Dwayne Bowe. In return, teams will be forced to pay attention to Kansas City’s passing game as well as their dominant ground game.
Pro Outlook: Sorry Kansas City fans, but I just don’t see Baldwin being anything exceptional at the next level. I don’t think he will be a bust, but he will never be a legitimate NFL No. 1 receiver.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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Why Carimi Goes Here: The 2010 Outland Trophy winner, Carimi is the next in line of great offensive tackles to come out of Wisconsin. He has great size at 6'8", 320 pounds, and excels in run blocking, which was evident as Wisconsin featured one of the top backfields in the country this season.
Why He Fits with the Colts: Peyton Manning spent much of this season being pressured by a constant heavy pass rush. It's time to get Manning a top-notch lineman who can protect his blind side. Carimi should fit that role perfectly.
Pro Outlook: It would be shocking if Carimi did not have a successful NFL career, especially if he does wind up going to a franchise like the Colts, where success is certainly a mainstay.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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Why Solder goes here: At this point in the draft, teams are looking for players who have a ton of NFL up-side, and that’s exactly the case with Solder. He has great size, standing at 6'9", which is valuable because he can control pass rushing defensive ends with his long arms. He also has impressive mobility and can get out of his stance quickly.
Why He Fits with the Eagles: Solder started his college career at tight end, but was moved to the offensive line because of his superior size and footwork. Michael Vick was as good as he was this year with a questionable offensive line. Adding a guy like this would only make life easier for the 2010 NFL comeback player of the year.
Pro Outlook: This is the definition of a project. Solder has great size, but the question remains, how will he be able to utilize that size and use it to his advantage? If he can’t figure that out, Solder very well could turn into a bust.
24. New Orleans Saints: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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Why Watt Goes Here: Watt is a guy with a non-stop motor that NFL coaches love to work with. He is explosive off the end, recording seven sacks this season while leading one of the top defensive units in the country.
Why He Fits With the Saints: His combination of strength and work ethic will make him a successful NFL player down the road. Watt is a guy who fits the Saints system perfectly, a player who works his butt off to get to the top.
Pro Outlook: All sings point to J.J. Watt having a long, successful career in the NFL. He went up against top notch competition in the Big Ten and was dominant every time he took the field.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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Why Locker Goes Here: He has passed for over 2,000 yards in two separate seasons and was expected to be the No.1 pick had he declared for last year's draft. But Locker did not perform up to expectations in some big games this season, but still should be a first round lock based on talent alone.
Why He FitsWith the Seakhawks: It's time for the Seahawks to make a splash at the quarterback position. Matt Hasselbeck is getting up there in age, and Charlie Whitehurst does not look like a long-term answer for this club. Pete Carroll is familiar with Locker and knows how talented he is, having coached against him in the Pac-10 at USC.
Pro Outlook: You heard it here before the draft takes place: Jake Locker will be an NFL bust. He wasn’t a winner in college and he won’t be in the pros.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
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Why Williams Goes Here: He has good size for a corner and even better speed. Williams is considered by many to be one of the fastest defensive backs in this year's draft class.
Why He Fits With the Ravens: Texas has had its fair share of defensive backs being drafted in the first round and Williams should add to that list. He is an aggressive, in-your-face corner with great speed. Could there possibly be a better fit team for him then the Ravens?
Pro Outlook: It looks like a guy like Williams is still a little raw and will need some time to ease into the NFL game. Don’t look for him to be an impact player in his first couple years in the NFL, but perhaps down the road once he gets some big game experience under his belt.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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Why Sherrod Goes Here: He was a three-year starter at Mississippi State, who paved the way for one of the top rushing attacks in the highly competitive SEC this year. He should be a guy that can play either right or left tackle on the next level.
Why He Fits With the Falcons: The Falcons have shown that they have an elite passing game with young Matt Ryan behind center. Wouldn't you want a three-year starter with great size to protect your franchise quarterback?
Pro Outlook: Sherrod has the size and experience to be a good pro. He has displayed that he can pave the way against some of the best defensive linemen in college football.
28. New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal
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Why Jordan Goes Here: At 6'4", 282 pounds, Jordan has great size for a defensive end and is NFL ready as far as strength and endurance goes. His stock should continue to rise as the draft gets closer.
Why He Fits with the Patriots: The Patriots look to be all good on the offensive side of the ball. On defense, they appear to be making a youth movement and adding a piece like Jordan should only help this young group get better.
Pro Outlook: Jordan is an ideal power defensive end, which would fit perfectly into a 3-4 defensive scheme. He will be a guy that should began to receive some headlines around year two or three in the NFL.
29. Chicago Bears: Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU
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Why Barksdale Goes Here: This 6'5", 320-pound senior has been anchoring LSU's offensive line since his freshman year. He has paved the way for what is consistently one of the top rushing attacks in the SEC, but his value comes as an exceptional pass protector.
Why He Fits with the Bears: The Bears' top priority this offseason will be to get some protection for quarterback Jay Cutler. He has been sacked over 50 times this season and has taken a number of gut-wrenching hits from his blind side. Adding an experienced tackle like Barksdale will give Cutler more time to do what he does best: sling it downfield.
Pro Outlook: To be honest, I am shocked that teams do not value this guy higher. He played against the best competition in the country and was arguably the best offensive tackle in the SEC this past season. He has all the intangibles to be a good pro.
30. New York Jets: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
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Why Heyward Goes Here: Heyward is a relentless pass rusher who helped anchor one of the top defensive units in college football this season. Heyward has racked up over 150 tackles at Ohio State and looks prepared to take his skill set to the next level.
Why He Fits With the Jets: Rex Ryan loves his defense, and chances are that he is going to go defense in the draft yet again. Hopefully, this Ohio State defensive end turns out better than the last one that the Jets drafted in the first round.
Pro Outlook: Heyward will be an average defensive end at the next level. He possesses good size and the type of superior athleticism that NFL scouts will be looking for in a defensive end.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
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Why Pouncey Goes Here: He has good size and versatility to player both guard or center in the NFL. Pouncey is hands-down the best interior lineman in this year's draft class. He is an exceptional run blocker that has experience playing on college football's biggest stage.
Why He Fits With the Steelers: The Steelers already have his brother as their starting center, and look at what a successful season he had. Could you imagine both Pouncey brothers playing next to each other in the black and yellow? Sounds like a dream for Dick LeBeau.
Pro Outlook: Based on what his brother has done in the NFL and on the success that he has had at Florida, one would have to believe that Mike Pouncey will be a successful pro.
32. Green Bay Packers: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
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Why Smith Goes Here: He is a shutdown corner that possesses elite speed and athletic ability. This year's cornerback class is loaded with talent and Smith potentially could be the sleeper of the draft.
Why He Fits With the Packers: The Packers capped off their magical season with the Super Bowl title, but in the midst of their run, they also lost All-Pro corner Charles Woodson. They need to build depth at this position, and Smith is a perfect guy to bring in and teach.
Pro Outlook: Like previously mentioned, Smith could very well be the sleeper of the draft. He has great speed and ability to hang with the fastest receivers in the league. He should start off as a nickel back and build his reputation from there on out.
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