2011 NFL Mock Draft: Comparing the Experts' Mocks from Around the Web
As the weeks go by, we continuously update our 2011 NFL Mock Draft. We're not the only ones out there.
Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. are known as draft gurus. They constantly debate over who should go where and why a certain player is better than another.
In this mock draft, I will be comparing my picks to the ones the experts have made. Who will be the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft? Will there be any surprises in the first round? We won't truly know these things until the actual draft, but it sure is fun to speculate.
Mock drafts will constantly be updated over the next few months. Next week, things will get really interesting because of the NFL Combine. We'll know a little bit more about all the top players as well as those guys we haven't heard much about.
Enjoy my 2011 NFL Mock Draft 3.0, and how it stacks up to the experts' picks. Be sure to let me know what you think.
1. Carolina Panthers: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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McShay and I agree that Bowers is the best overall pick. Kiper likes Nick Fairley here, as do a lot of people.
Bowers is the best pure pass rusher in the 2011 NFL Draft. He led the nation in sacks with 15.5. He’s also a Carolina boy. He’ll fit in well with the Panthers 4-3 "D."
The Panthers need help stopping opposing teams, as they allowed 408 points this season. Offenses will have to worry about two Panthers defensive ends now, because drafting Bowers will help Charles Johnson out as well.
Carolina wishes it could find its future quarterback here or get some offensive firepower with A.J. Green. But no quarterback is worth the top pick, and while Green is a phenomenal athlete, this pick is better served for Bowers.
Carolina needs him more than Green. They need to have constant pressure on the quarterback, and Bowers will give them that.
2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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I'm sticking with my original pick here, while McShay says the Broncos will take Nick Fairley and Kiper believes they will take Bowers.
Peterson is the best defensive back on the board. His quickness and great size at 6’1” allows him to shut down receivers. He is also a great special teams returner.
He's a guy that can come in and start right away. That works out really well, since the Broncos aren't 100 percent sure Champ Bailey will be coming back.
Even if he does come back, Bailey isn't getting any younger. Bailey could help turn Peterson into a future Pro-Bowl corner.
Denver ranked 25th in the league in passing yards allowed. They need Peterson not just to play corner, but to give them some explosiveness in the return game as well.
3. Buffalo Bills: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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A month ago, I had Blaine Gabbert going here, as did a lot of people. The way this mock has started, Fairley is the best player on the board right now and is too good to pass up.
McShay has a surprise pick of Von Miller, while Kiper's surprise pick is Cam Newton. I feel that is a stretch for both players, but a lot can happen in these next few months.
Fairley is a monster up front. He has the size (6'5", 300 pounds) and the tenacity to disrupt opposing linemen. His character issues may bother some teams, but his pure talent will triumph over his character—for now.
The Bills ranked dead last in rushing yards allowed, giving up 169 yards per game. If Fairley is available, it would be too difficult for the Bills to turn down a guy with this much talent. He can instantly help their defense, which is a huge area of concern.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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We're all in agreement here. The Bengals are going to take Green with this pick.
He's the best receiver in the draft class. Green's pure athletic ability allows him to catch anything thrown his way. His speed is of concern to some, but he makes up for that with his impeccable route running.
"The T.OCHO Show" exploded in Cincinnati this year, much like some expected it would. Carson Palmer had a tough time pleasing both receivers. With Green, he gets a rookie that is hungry to play.
That is, if Palmer remains a Bengal.
It is doubtful that T.O. will return to the Bengals, and Chad’s days are numbered. Expect the Bengals to draft their future wideout here.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
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McShay has the Cardinals taking Blaine Gabbert, which could very well happen. The Cardinals are in desperate need of a quarterback, but I believe the top prospects in the draft aren't quite ready to start right away like the Cardinals might need them to.
Kiper and I agree that Von Miller would be an instant upgrade for Arizona's defense. I think they will trade for a quarterback or sign a veteran free agent. They have two young quarterbacks that they can continue to develop.
Miller would improve a defense that ranked 30th in rushing yards allowed. He can play sideline to sideline, or he can come off the edge where he's at his best. Miller is an exceptional pass rusher that would excel in the 3-4 Arizona scheme.
Six sacks was the most any Cardinal player had in 2010. Miller will greatly improve their pass rush.
6. Cleveland Browns: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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Kiper believes the Browns will take defensive end J.J Watt here, and McShay and I are in agreement that Dareus is the best player available for the Browns.
Cleveland has a lot of needs, but Dareus can step in right away and contribute. Dareus is a versatile player that can play the defensive tackle position or the end. Here with the Browns, he'll probably play his natural DT position.
He's 6'3", 295 pounds and a tremendous run stopper. Darues thrives on getting in the backfield and disrupting plays.
The Browns ranked 27th in the league in rushing yards allowed. Dareus is a great player that will definitely help the Browns out.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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Both McShay and Kiper have Patrick Peterson falling here, but he's already been taken in my mock draft. The 49ers need an upgrade at quarterback and new head coach Jim Harbaugh will be finding his guy through the draft.
Alex Smith and Troy Smith are both free agents. San Francisco will likely keep Alex Smith and let Troy go. Harbaugh can draft his quarterback here and let him develop behind Alex Smith for a while. If Smith isn't getting them anywhere, Newton could step in as the season progresses.
Newton has tremendous athletic ability. He still needs a lot of work, but with Harbaugh as his coach, he will learn a lot about what it takes to be a great quarterback.
Harbaugh may use this pick to upgrade his defense, but Newton's size, speed, strength and pure athletic talent is too good to pass up.
8. Tennessee Titans: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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Both the experts believe Tennessee will take a defensive player here, but I still think they're drafting their future quarterback. McShay has Dareus here and Kiper believes Prince Amukamara is drafted by the Titans.
Tennessee has decided it's time to part ways with Vince Young. They will be trading him once a new collective bargaining agreement is worked out. If the Titans decide to re-sign Kerry Collins, Gabbert can wait behind him for some time to learn more about the game.
Gabbert comes from a spread system and needs more time to develop into a pro-style quarterback. At 6'5", 230 pounds, he's got the size to be a NFL quarterback, but just needs more time to grow.
If the Titans don't trade for an upgrade at quarterback, expect them to find their future star through the draft.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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Kiper and I agree—Amukamara will be drafted by Jerry Jones and the Cowboys. McShay had him at the last pick, and believes the Cowboys will take J.J. Watt from Wisconsin.
Amukamara is a shut-down corner with the ability to start right away. He has great hands and excellent ball awareness. He's a guy with great speed that can keep up with some elite receivers.
The Cowboys may look to sign free-agent Nnamdi Asomugha, but if they don't, expect them to upgrade their secondary through the draft. They ranked 26th in passing yards allowed.
Guys like David Garrad and Rex Grossman had a field day with this defense. Amukamara can contribute immediately.
Plus, the guy is royalty—how can you pass that up?
10. Washington Redskins: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
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Both experts have the Redskins taking a quarterback here. With the top two already gone, it doesn't make sense for them to stretch here and gamble on one of the others.
Drafting a quarterback in the Top 10 means you have plans of possibly starting him the following season. There isn't a guy left I see with the potential to hit the field next season and preform well enough to not get killed.
I'm sticking with my original pick in Robert Quinn. He's 6'5", 270 pounds and will vastly improve Washington's pass rush.
The Redskins could use a little help on the defensive front with all their Albert Haynesworth problems. Quinn has the ability to get after quarterbacks and confuse offensive coordinators.
The Redskins need to improve their pass rush. Outside of Brian Orakpo, no player had more than three sacks. Quinn had 11 last season, and would fit well with the Redskins.
11. Houston Texans: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
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Kiper believes the Texans will jump at Julio Jones while McShay and I go with the obvious pick.
The Texans secondary was atrocious last season. They were dead last in passing yards allowed, giving up an average of 267 yards per game.
The Texans have to improve their secondary and Smith is the best option available. They can't afford to wait until the later rounds.
Smith is 6'2", 203 pounds, which is an excellent size for a corner. He has the size and speed to keep up with the top receivers.
Smith has great instincts and exceptional cover skills. This pick just makes sense for the Texans. Too many times, they gave up big plays, and in 2011 (if there is a season), they will have a shut-down corner.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
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Both of the experts have the Vikings taking Robert Quinn. They believe the Vikings will take a defensive end, in case Ray Edwards doesn't re-sign with them.
The Vikings biggest need, however, is at quarterback. Brett Favre is gone, and no matter how many people visit him in Mississippi this offseason, he isn't coming back.
The Vikings could try to trade for a quarterback or sign a veteran free agent, but with the possibility of no new CBA being worked out, I don't think that will happen.
Therefore, the Vikings will look to the draft to stir their quarterback race up. If they re-sign Tarvaris Jackson, it should be with the intention that he will start.
I don't think they'll be bringing him back.
Mallett's stock has fallen, but he still has all the intangibles to become a great quarterback. The Vikings don't know who will start for them, so why not throw in another guy and see how things work out?
Needless to say, the Vikings will have a rough season next year if they don't figure out their QB problems.
13. Detroit Lions: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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McShay and I agree the Lions need work on their offensive line. Kiper has Detroit trying to improve their secondary with Jimmy Smith.
Solder is a mammoth up front. He’s listed at 6’9”, 313 pounds. He has great strength and will continue to hone his skills in the NFL.
The Lions drafted their franchise quarterback a few years ago, and now they need a guy who will protect him.
Stafford is continuously getting hurt because he's constantly under pressure. Adding Solder will guarantee protection for the multi-million dollar QB.
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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Once again, McShay and I agree here while Kiper believes the Rams will take defensive tackle Corey Liuget from Illinois.
The Rams found their franchise quarterback in Sam Bradford last year. Now, they begin the process of surrounding the young QB with talent.
Jones is 6'4" and every bit of NFL-ready. He's a great blocker with exceptional speed for his size.
Too often this season, Bradford's receivers struggled to hold onto the ball. Jones has had issues with catching the ball in the past, but has improved those skills every year.
He is a big, physical receiver that would be too difficult for the Rams to pass up.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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We all agree that Ingram is the best fit for the Miami Dolphins.
There is a possibility the Dolphins won't be bringing back Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams.
Ingram would be an excellent fit for Miami. His size and speed make him dangerous, as well as his immaculate vision. Ingram has the ability to see the field like no other, making quick cuts to elude defenders.
He is a true workhorse that will make an impact instantly. If the Dolphins don't bring back either Brown or Williams, they'll be okay with Ingram carrying the load.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
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McShay believes the Jaguars will take Adrian Clayborn, while Kiper sees them taking Aldon Smith. I am sticking with my original pick of Kerrigan.
Kerrigan is great at rushing the passer. He had 13 sacks this year and 12 the year before. He is a beast up front that loves to terrorize quarterbacks.
The Jaguars can’t beat Peyton Manning if they don’t disrupt his play. The addition of Kerrigan gives the Jaguars someone who will get after and pressure the quarterback, which they desperately need.
17. New England Patriots (From Oakland): J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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McShay and Kiper have the Patriots taking Cameron Jordan from California. Watt is the better overall player with much more upside.
This draft is filled with great defensive players that thrive on attacking the quarterback. J.J. Watt is a guy who excels in that area. He is an extremely hard worker that will fit in well in a 3-4 or a 4-3.
The Patriots could trade this pick away like they are known for, but predicting draft day trades is not what the mock draft is meant for. Watt is an exceptional player that would shine under Bill Belichick.
18. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
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McShay has Aldon Smith here and Kiper believes the Chargers will take offensive tackle Tyron Smith.
Jordan is a very hard-working player that never quits. After the NFL Combine next week, this guy could be moving up on a lot of draft boards. He's a versatile guy that can play the 4-3 or 3-4.
At 6'4", 283 pounds, Jordan will fit in nicely with the Chargers' 3-4 scheme. He would thrive playing the end position, and constantly confuse coordinators.
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
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We all agree that the Giants need help on the offensive line. However, McShay thinks they'll take Tyron Smith, while Kiper says they'll draft Nate Solder.
Once again, I'm sticking with my original pick. Castonzo is 6'7", 305 pounds and has great mobility for his size. He'll definitely put on more weight once he is drafted.
Castonzo will protect Eli Manning and give him much more time to throw the ball. Hopefully, Eli will make a smart throw.
Pass blocking is his strength and that is an area of need for the Giants.
Besides, with a name like Castonzo, he just belongs in New York.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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Kiper and I agree—Clayborn is the best fit here for Tampa Bay. McShay believes they will select Ryan Kerrigan.
The defensive end position is a spot the Bucs must improve on. Clayborn is NFL-ready with his great knowledge of the game and his superb moves.
His skills translate well to the NFL, and he will make Coach Morris very happy when he's disrupting plays in the backfield.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
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We all agree that Ayers will fall to the Chiefs. With the possibility of Tamba Hali leaving via free agency, the Chiefs must find a replacement. Kansas City must also soon find a replacement for Mike Vrabel.
Ayers is a solid fit for the Chiefs. He has the size and speed to play off the edge in Kansas City's 3-4 scheme.
Ayers can rush the passer, stop the run and drop into coverage. He is a versatile athlete that will contribute right away for this defense.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
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McShay and Kiper both have Anthony Castonzo going to the Colts. Indianapolis will definitely be drafting an offensive lineman with this pick, and I think they go with Smith.
I had him here a month ago and he isn't moving. Smith is 6'5", 291 pounds and he will have to bulk up once he begins his NFL career. Peyton Manning needs better protection and Smith will give him that.
Smith has excellent footwork and is very athletic for an offensive tackle. Once he adds more weight, he will see the field, but the Colts can feel good about drafting him because they know he will anchor their line for many years to come.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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We're once again all in agreement here. The 2010 Outland Trophy winner would make a great fit in Philadelphia.
Michael Vick is locked up as the Eagles quarterback for next year. He has developed into an all-around quarterback and can deliver the throw from the pocket.
However, the Eagles offensive line is weak and needs some help.
Carimi helped the Badgers get to the Rose Bowl. At 6'7", 315 pounds, he paved the way for the three-headed monster that was Wisconsin's run game.
He's an outstanding blocker and will have a long career in the NFL.
24. New Orleans Saints: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
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McSahy has the Saints taking Justin Houston and Kiper sees them taking defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson.
Smith is the best available player for the Saints in my mock draft. He's a versatile guy who will likely play the end spot in a 4-3, which is what the Saints run.
At 6'5", 260 pounds, Smith excels at getting after the quarterback. The Saints could use improvement in their pass rush as well as stopping the run.
Smith is a guy who meets their needs and can potentially have an impact in his first year.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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Kiper has lost all faith in Locker and doesn't have him in the first round. McShay and I agree he still has solid upside, and Seattle will draft him.
Seattle can pick the in-state kid and develop him into the future starter.
Matt Hasselback isn't getting any younger and the Seahawks need to think about their future. Is Charlie Whitehurst the answer? If there is any doubt there, the Seahawks need to have a backup plan.
Locker's stock has fallen, but he still has all the skills to be an NFL quarterback.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
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Kiper has the Ravens taking a corner as well, only he thinks they'll take Aaron Williams. McShay sees the Ravens taking the versatile Randall Cobb, who, after the Combine, could climb up a lot on the draft boards.
I like Harris here more than Williams. Harris is a playmaker, and the Ravens are all about that. They certainly need help in the secondary, as guys are getting older.
Harris can make noise in the return game while he develops his skills as a corner. He'll see the field in 2011 (if we have football), but it will only be in certain packages and, obviously, returning kicks.
Harris has that electrifying quality that guys are just born with. It is a skill that you just cannot teach.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia
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McShay has the Falcons taking Mike Pouncey, while Kiper believes they'll take Kerrigan. To me, the Falcons have to go defensive end here.
They would like another receiver to take the pressure off of Roddy White, but they'll probably have to get that through free agency, because with this pick, there are no strong wideouts to pick from.
Houston is the hometown kid that would fit in really well with the Falcons. He's better suited for a 4-3 defense, which is what he played in his first few years at Georgia. He can play the 3-4 OLB, but needs work on his coverage.
His best quality is getting after the quarterback, which is an area of need for the Falcons.
Aaron Rodgers had all the time in the world to pick apart Atlanta's secondary during its playoff game. Drafting Houston gives Atlanta a player that will constantly provide pressure to the opposing QB.
28. New England Patriots: Mike Pouncey, C/G, Florida
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Kiper sees the Patriots taking receiver Torrey Smith from Maryland and McShay has them taking offensive lineman Dan Watkins of Baylor.
The Patriots could use more depth on the offensive line, and if they chose to keep this pick, Pouncey is a great fit. We saw what his twin brother was capable of this past season with Pittsburgh, and one has to believe that Mike will be just as good.
This pick is a solid target for teams wanting to trade back into the first round. A few of those teams looking for quarterbacks could jump back into the first round and get their guy if he's still available. The Patriots love to trade draft picks for more draft picks, so this is a real possibility.
29. Chicago Bears: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
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McShay has the Bears taking defensive tackle Corey Liuget and Kiper thinks they'll draft Ben Ijalana from Villanova.
I believe the Bears will draft the replacement to Julius Peppers with this pick. Heyward is listed at 6'5", 288 pounds, and is a force on the defensive line.
He had 42 total tackles this season, with 9.5 of those for loss. Heyward has NFL blood in his genes, as his father was New Orleans Saints running back "Iron Head" Heyward.
The Bears are known for their tenacious defense. Adding Heyward to their team gives them a player who goes hard on every play. He can learn a ton from Peppers in his first year and then eventually take over.
30. New York Jets: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
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Kiper believes the Jets will take safety Rahim Moore from UCLA and McShay sees them taking Phil Taylor from Baylor.
I have the Jets taking the best defensive tackle available for their 3-4 defense. Liuget is 6'3", 300 pounds and will dominate the middle of the Jets defensive line.
He has great size, speed, quickness and overall skills to excel in the NFL. The Jets did a solid job of stopping the run this past year, and with Liuget, they'll get even better at stopping the run.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Ijalana, OT, Villanova
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McShay and I agree that the Steelers will select a player to improve their offensive line, while Kiper has the Steelers taking Heyward.
The Steelers had issues with a lack of depth on their offensive line, and Ijalana will provide them some help next year.
Protection broke down a lot for Ben Roethlisberger towards the end of the season, and with Ijalana, they'll be adding a strong lineman with great skills.
32. Green Bay Packers: Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
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McShay has the Packers adding insurance and depth on their defensive front by selecting Muhammad Wilkerson from Temple. Kiper sees them taking Justin Houston.
The Packers will probably re-sign Cullen Jenkins and be fine on their defensive front. Jenkins did a great job stepping up in the playoffs, and should play like that all year in 2011. I have the Packers upgrading a skill position by taking Ryan Williams.
Ryan Grant suffered a season-ending injury in 2010 and it made the Packers one-dimensional. Granted, they were fine that way, because Aaron Rodgers is one heck of a quarterback.
By taking Williams here, the Packers add some much needed depth at the running back position, should Grant get hurt again.
Grant will be coming back from an ankle injury, and there's no telling how well he'll do. Selecting Williams here gives the Packers some speed in the backfield and makes them even more dangerous in 2011.
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