2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker's Stock Still Plummeting?
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Who Has Fallen Farther Jake Locker or Ryan Mallett?
The NFL Draft is just over two months away, and teams are starting to target which players they want to bring into their franchise.
Draft stocks of some players are rising while others are plummeting.
Which players are moving up and which are falling? Read on to see the latest mock draft in preparation for the draft.
Who do you want your team to draft? Let us know.
1. Carolina Panthers – Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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Believe it or not, this would not be a bad pick for the Carolina Panthers. Cam Newton has shown the ability to carry a team on his back, and the Panthers are in desperate need of a quarterback with a winning mentality.
Honestly, the Panthers do have a lot of holes on their roster, and they need more than just a quarterback to replenish their roster, but a good quarterback helps a lot.
Other possibilities:
Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
2. Denver Broncos – Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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The Broncos make it two straight Auburn players to start the draft off.
Nick Fairley is one of the more dominant players available in the draft, and he has shown moments of being unblockable. However, according to some scouts, Fairley also has a body that is not ideally built for football.
The Broncos need a ton of help on defense, and Fairley would be able to step in and give the Broncos a weapon on the defensive line.
Other possibilities:
Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Marcel Dareus, DT, Alabama
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
3. Buffalo Bills – Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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The Buffalo Bills need to start upgrading talent. At this point, they need to just draft the best available player, and Da'Quan Bowers would not only fit that mold, but he would also be a great addition to the roster.
Bowers was dominant at times during the 2010 season. He led the NCAA in sacks and is an NFL-ready defensive end.
Other possibilities:
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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4. Cincinnati Bengals – A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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A.J. Green has been an impact receiver ever sinse he first stepped on the field at Georgia. He is an athletic freak with vacuum-cleaner hands.
With the possible departure of Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, the Bengals are going to need a receiver, and Green is by far the best one available.
Other possibilities:
Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
5. Arizona Cardinals – Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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Blaine Gabbert has made a meteoric rise in most draft prognostications. He is a very smart quarterback with a live arm. He would be able to step in and make an impact for the Cardinals pretty easily.
The Cardinals are in desperate need of an upgrade at quarterback. Once Kurt Warner retired, the Cards turned to Derek Anderson and John Skelton and look where they ended up.
Other possibilities:
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
6. Cleveland Browns – Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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Macell Dareus is a versatile player. He has the size and strength to play inside as a defensive tackle, but he also has the explosiveness and pass-rushing abilities to play outside at defensive end in a 3-4 scheme.
Dareus could get drafted really by any team before the Browns here, but I think he falls and is available here.
Other possibilities:
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
7. San Francisco 49ers – Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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Patrick Peterson is one of the better athletes in this draft. Not only is he a great cover corner with outstanding speed, but he also has the size of a safety.
Peterson is also a very skilled return man, and he would help give the 49ers a legitimate returner. Honestly, if he falls to the 49ers at seven, it would be a steal.
Other possibilities:
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
8. Tennessee Titans – Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
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Von Miller is a terror off the edge from the linebacker position. He needs to upgrade his pass-coverage skills a little bit, but he is one of the best pass rushers in the draft.
The Titans need some help on defense if the can't get a good enough quarterback here. Miller would be a nice fit for Tennessee.
Other possibilities:
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
9. Dallas Cowboys – Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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Prince Amukamara's 2010 stats might be a tad underwhelming, but that is because he didn't get a lot of balls thrown his way. He is the college equivalent to Darrelle Revis.
The Cowboys secondary is in need of some help. The defense already has a lot of talent but Amukamara would be able to come in and give them a legitimate top-tier cornerback.
Other possibilities:
Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
10. Washington Redskins – Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
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Stephen Paea was voted the the Pac-10 defensive player of the year in 2010, and he is one of the better defensive tackle prospects in this draft. Not only could he play tackle but he could also play end in a 3-4 scheme.
Paea could be a very nice addition to the Washington Redskins line which is in need of a few playmakers. This might be a little high for Paea, but if some of the Redskins' other possibilities are off the board, then this makes sense.
Other possibilities:
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
11. Houston Texans – Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
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Jimmy Smith is another fast rising draft prospect. He has great size and speed to be a legitimate corner at the NFL level.
The Texans had one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL in 2010, and they need to add some real skill to the corner position. Smith could end up being very underrated in the draft.
Other possibilities:
Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
12. Minnesota Vikings – Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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Believe me when I say that Jake Locker will be a better pro than people are giving him credit for. Not only does he have a lively arm that allows him to make all the throws, but he is also mobile enough to get outside the pocket and make plays.
Many think that Locker doesn't deserve a first-round pick, but he would be a great pick by the Vikings. Not only would he give them the quarterback they desperately need but he would also be able to step in and manage the game.
Other possibilities:
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
13. Detroit Lions – Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
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Akeem Ayers has shown flashes during his short career at UCLA that he can be a dominant player. During the Texas game, he kept the Bruins on top and foiled the Longhorns offensive schemes almost single-handed.
Ayers has speed and strength to rush the quarterback, but he also can help in pass coverage. He is always a threat to force a turnover and take it to the house. He is similar to Clay Matthews but doesn't have quite the same motor as the Packers' star.
Other possibilities:
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
14. St. Louis Rams – Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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The Rams showed in their loss to the Seahawks in Week 17 that they need to get Sam Bradford some weapons to throw the ball to on the outside. Julio Jones would be a great addition to the Rams offense.
Jones is a legitimate big-play, physical receiver. Not only does he have an NFL-ready body, but he is easily the second best receiver in the draft.
Other possibilities:
Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Robert Quinn, OLB/DE, North Carolina
Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
15. Miami Dolphins – Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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The Dolphins are in need of an upgrade at runningback. Both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown have started to decline, so running back appears to be a big need if the Fins are going to get back into contention.
Mark Ingram is a Heisman Trophy winner often compared to Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith. Ingram is going to be a good pro; he just needs to find a team that likes to run. The Fins look like the perfect fit.
Other possibilities:
If they take anyone aside from Ingram it will be a mistake.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars – Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
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Ryan Kerrigan is an outstanding pass rushing defensive end. He has ideal NFL size and is a fantastic prospect. He looks like the type of player that is going to make an impact wherever he lands.
The Jags have a few needs to fill in order to get back in the playoffs, but when they were at their best, they had a great front four on the defensive side. Kerrigan would be a nice piece to build around.
Other possibilities:
Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Robert Quinn, OLB/DE, North Carolina
Cameron Jordan, DE, California
17. New England Patriots (From Oakland Raiders) – Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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Nate Solder is the preeminent offensive tackle in this draft. He has fantastic size and athleticism for an offensive lineman. He would be ideally fit to play in a fast offense.
The Patriots showed against the Jets in the playoffs that if they can't protect the quarterback, they are a below average team. Grabbing Solder here would not only help them going forward, but it would also keep him from going to some of their rivals.
Other possibilities:
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
18. San Diego Chargers – Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
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Robert Quinn was part of the contingent from North Carolina that was suspended for the 2010 season for taking improper benefits. That is the only reason he drops to the Chargers here. He is a fantastic prospect that could help out a number of teams.
The Chargers need some help on the defensive side of the ball, but linebacker appears to be the most pressing need. Quinn would be able to take over for the departed Shawne Merriman and just chase down the quarterback.
Other possibilities:
Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Cameron Jordan, DE, California
19. NY Giants – Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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Gabe Carimi is a mountain of a man who won the Outland this year as the best offensive lineman in college football. He is a legitimate left tackle prospect, and he will help stabilize the offensive line of whatever team he gets drafted by.
The Giants offensive line was good in 2010 but not great. Carimi would give them a star on the line.
Other possibilities:
Cameron Jordan, DE, California
Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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Adrian Clayborn is a big defensive end. He could end up putting on some weight and shifting inside, but I think he is better suited at end for the Bucs.
Last year, the Bucs added defensive tackles Brian Price and Gerald McCoy. Teaming Clayborn with those two would give the Bucs one of the best defensive lines in football within the next five years.
Other possibilities:
J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Cameron Jordan, DE, California
Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA
21. Kansas City Chiefs – Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
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Anthony Castonzo is another of the legitimate offensive-like prospects. He is ideally a tackle, but he could also shift inside and play guard as he showed during the Senior Bowl.
The Kansas City Chiefs made a leap this year, but they need to keep grabbing talent whenever possible. Castonzo would be the safe pick here.
Other possibilities:
Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
Ben Ijalana, OT, Villanova
22. Indianapolis Colts – Ben Ijalana, OT, Villanova
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Ben Ijalana could end up being the steal in this draft. He played his college ball at the FCS level, but he is a legitimate NFL prospect. He has ideal size and strength to be a Pro Bowl offensive tackle.
The Colts need some help on the offensive line, and they always seem to find good value in the draft. If Ijalana ends up being a good player, I think the Colts would be the team to show that to the world.
Other possibilities:
Any offensive lineman with a first-round grade
23. Philadelphia Eagles – Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
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Justin Houston has all the tools of a good outside linebacker, however he is a bit raw and will need time to put them all together. The Eagles would be able to give Houston time to develop.
The Eagles most pressing need is an offensive lineman to protect Michael Vick, but there isn't one worth the pick here.
Other possibilities:
Any available offensive lineman
24. New Orleans Saints – J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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J.J. Watt's draft stock might have taken a hit after a rather weak Rose Bowl showing, but he is still worthy of a first-round pick. He has a great motor and just will need some time to get stronger.
The Saint's most pressing need is to upgrade the front four, and Watt would definitely help to accomplish that.
Other possibilities:
Cameron Jordan, DE, California
Allen Bailey, DE/DT, Miami
Corey Luiget, DT, Illinois
Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
25. Seattle Seahawks – Tyron Smith, OT, USC
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Tyron Smith is a prototypical right tackle out of USC. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll has shown his tendency towards giving his former players more of a chance so I think it seems like a no brainer that Smith gets picked if he is still available here.
The Seahawks need some more help on the offensive line, and Smith seems like the ideal fit.
Other possibilities:
Allen Bailey, DE/DT, Miami
Cameron Jordan, DE, California
26. Baltimore Ravens – Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA
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The Ravens are going to need to find a replacement for Ed Reed at some point in the near future, and Rahim Moore has said that he models his game after the current Baltimore safety.
Moore is a ball hawk who led the NCAA in interceptions a season ago. He would be able to sit behind Reed and learn from him before being expected to contribute.
Other possibilities:
Allen Bailey, DE/DT, Miami
Cameron Jordan, DE, California
27. Atlanta Falcons – Mike Pouncey, OG/C, Florida
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Mike Pouncey is very similar to his brother Maurkice who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mike would be able to come in and help the Falcons immediately on the line.
The Falcons already have a bunch of prized offensive weapons, Pouncey would help to complement those weapons.
Other possibilities:
Allen Bailey, DE/DT, Miami
Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
28. New England Patriots – Allen Bailey, DE/DT, Miami
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The Patriots need some help on the defensive side of the football in 2011, because, as we heard from Jets' linebacker Bart Scott, they couldn't stop a nose bleed."
Allen Bailey would be a perfect defensive end for the Patriots scheme. He could come in and play a similar role that Richard Seymour played while he was in New England.
Other possibilities:
Cameron Jordon, DE, California
Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
29. Chicago Bears – Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
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Corey Liuget would be a steal here for the Bears. He has great size and speed for a defensive tackle and is adept at getting to the quarterback.
While the Bears need an offensive tackle and receiver, there are not players worth their pick here.
Other possibilities:
Any offensive tackle that might fall to them
30. NY Jets – Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
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Torrey Smith is a bit of a stretch here for the Jets, but they are desperate for a receiver because of the fact that their top two targets are free agents.
Smith has speed to be a big-play guy, but he can also run nice, polished routes.
Other possibilities:
Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA
Corey Luiget, DT, Illinois
Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
31. Pittsburgh Steelers – Dan Watkins, OG, Baylor
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The Steelers are in desperate need on the offensive line, but with no real first-round talent available to them here, they could either trade the pick down, or they could try and reach for a lesser player who isn't really worthy of a first round pick.
Watkins played tackle at Baylor, but he is more of a prototypical guard.
Other possibilities:
Either trade the pick or pick any available offensive line prospect
32. Green Bay Packers – Cameron Jordan, DE, California
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Cameron Jordan had an unbelievable week at the Senior Bowl. He has shown the ability to dominate offensive linemen at times, but he needs to be a little more consistent at it.
Jordan is also a more valued player for a 3-4 team because he has prototypical size for a 3-4 defensive end. Also the Packers are really just looking to add depth at this point.
Other possibilities:
Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
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