2011 NFL Mock Draft: Will Akeem Ayers Ascend Into the Top 15?
2011 NFL Mock Draft: What an exciting time for sports people. Okay, in all actuality, this is the lame part of year where we are forced to watch basketball and little else. But that is a blessing in disguise.
That gives us all the opportunity to dissect, reform, tear down and build back up the 2011 NFL Draft. This is a classic draft in the making. With the CBA far from being finalized, teams will have to shore up gaping holes with the draft.
There is no telling what they will get in free agency, or when that window will open back up. There are a great many questions to answer: Will Akeem Ayers ascend into the Top 15? Is Cam Newton a top five pick? Will the 49ers once again foul up their first pick on a quarterback?
All of these questions and more are answered inside.
1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley DT
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I have had him slotted here since the BCS title game ended and I continue to place him here until Da'Quan Bowers impresses me by fighting crime or showing off at the Combine. I am guessing he will want to concentrate on the Combine.
Fairley is a beast. That is the nicest thing I can say about the man. He was all over the field against the Ducks. It is not often that a defensive player can take over a game; that is exactly what Fairley did. I am not saying that he does not have his work cut out for him—he does.
The number one slot is sure to change hands a multitude of times before April. Nick is still my guy.
2. Denver Broncos: Da'Quan Bowers DE
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Speaking of my little crime fighter, here is Bowers himself in the number two slot. The Broncos have two questions for next season—okay, they have a ton more. But the two I want to concentrate on are their running game and defensive line.
There is nobody worth this high of a pick that will save their running game. Bowers can make the Broncos a stout defense, though. He is quick off the line and can shove almost any lineman out of the way. He can go inside, outside—really, anywhere the ball is.
There is a lot to like in my former number one pick.
3. Buffalo Bills: Cam Newton QB
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I am starting to get the feeling that warranted or not, a Top Five team will talk themselves into Cam Newton.
When he declared, he was a borderline first-round pick. Then he shot up to the mid-teens. Then a couple of weeks ago, pundits had him solid in the first five.
This is before any pro-day or combine workout. Mark my words: This kid will be mentioned as the first overall pick when all is said and done.
The first team that could take him are the Bills. This would actually be a great fit for Newton. He can sit back and take in the NFL and all that is needed to succeed while Ryan Fitzpatrick holds down the fort.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green WR
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The Bengals could soon need a quarterback as Carson Palmer wants nothing more than to not play for the Bengals. Cincinnati is not inclined to let him go. So they should concentrate on who Palmer will be targeting next season—if we have one.
Terrell Owens will most definitely be gone. That frees up at least one spot for another wideout. The Bengals need to get younger and more physical at the position. You normally want to take your receivers in later rounds, but Green is that good.
He can beat anyone downfield. He is fast. He is physical. He is simply one of the best athletes in the draft.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller OLB
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With Newton gone, the Cardinals will want to take a quarterback. Last week I had them taking a shot at Blaine Gabbert. Along with other teams, Arizona is just not that enamored with him.
The Draft process will have to go very well for him to rise this high. The Cardinals will look to shore up their quarterback emergency in the second round. They should use this pick to create some sort of defensive presence up the middle.
The Cardinals were soft last season. Miller in the gap would make teams think twice about going anywhere near him.
6. Cleveland Browns: Patrick Peterson CB
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The Browns could use some playmakers at the receiver position, but where they are really in need of help is on defense.
The Browns gave up too many yards on the wings last season. They need to make the opposition believe they can actually contain the pass.
Enter Patrick Peterson.
Peterson will challenge any receiver to the ball. He has the size and foot speed to start at corner tomorrow.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Marcell Dareus DT
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The Niners would love to take a crack at another quarterback. At this stage in their franchise history, they can only afford to take a sure thing; none exist in the arm department at this point in the draft.
The only sure thing they can bank on is Marcell Dareus. He is a monster on the line. The 49ers could use some help on the line.
Well, Dareus is more than help. He is a certified Pro Bowler in the making.
8. Tennessee Titans: Robert Quinn DE
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The Titans are yet another team that is in desperate need of a reliable arm to lead the team. That will have to a problem solved in later rounds. For now, it is time to beef up the defense.
Quinn is a lightning bolt. Once you snap the ball, you can almost guarantee that the man has breached the pocket. He is a gifted pass rusher and has a nose for the ball.
The Titans will have to be taken seriously with him on the line.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara CB
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The Cowboys have a decent defense; they just can't tackle anyone to save their lives. They need a playmaker that is dependable and hard-hitting—someone to bring back the "mean" to the Cowboys.
Prince is quick to the ball and most importantly, can tackle. No more frustrating visions of a receiver getting hit then going for 20 more yards. That all ends with this pick.
10. Washington Redskins: Blaine Gabbert QB
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The Redskins would love to get their hands on Cam Newton. All the cards say that he will be long gone by the time number 10 comes around. That does not negate the fact that they still need a quarterback.
Gabbert is the best around, albeit much maligned by pundits and experts. The critics seem to think that he has a bevy of accuracy issues. I am of the opinion that one decent quarterback is better than Rex Grossman.
11. Houston Texans: Jimmy Smith CB
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The Texans would love to get some veteran leadership in their secondary. Alas, that pesky CBA—or lack thereof—will not allow them to go fishing in free agency. That leaves them to answer the call at the draft.
Jimmy Smith has shot up the boards with his on-the-ball skill and strength. He has a great head for the game and could very well be molded into the leader they need.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Nate Solder OT
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Colorado goes back-to-back in the Draft at this spot. Solder is the key to a happy offense. The Vikings line single-handedley murdered Brett Favre last year. Okay—his inability to stay young forever did that.
Still, the line was atrocious. Solder can keep up with any mean old lineman that is thrown at him. He is a versatile talent that can line up from either side. Now all the Vikes have to worry about is getting someone to actually throw the ball.
13. Detroit Lions: Akeem Ayers OLB
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There you have it.
Ayers will indeed make the Top 15. You can't keep a good man down. This is the perfect talent for the perfect team. Ayers is a solid lock-down defender—something the Lions sorely need.
He is also a perfect player to slip into the Lions' defensive scheme. Ayers will add some versatility to the OLB position. He is a balanced player that is completely comfortable charging the line or staying at home covering a crossing route.
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones WR
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Sam Bradford pulled off the magic trick of the century last season: He compiled a terrific rookie season for a quarterback with absolutely no wide receivers. You would think at least one would be warranted.
The Draft will net the Rams one of the best prizes in the pool. Jones is an extremely strong sprinter that can catch anything near him. If that sounds like a star wideout in the making, you are correct. Jones has the tools and size to be a formidable player as early as next season.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram RB
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Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams may or may not be starting at running back for the Dolphins next season. If the two do stay, the Dolphins will still take Ingram. It is a running-back team and Ingram is the best in this year's draft.
He is actually the best in recent memory. The young athlete is just what you want in a running back. He is low to the ground and balanced.
He has no problems cutting and juking—that is if you can find him first. Ingram is compact and hard to find behind the line. When you do catch wind of his whereabouts, it's usually too late.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Adrian Clayborn DE
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There is no shortage of defensive ends hoping to make their mark in the NFL next season. Clayborn will stand out for his perfect blend of power, speed and awareness.
The Titans could have used such a player last season. Tennessee may need a quarterback, but they also need a pass rusher to bother the opposition. Clayborn is their man. He has no problems breaching the line.
He also has great hands. Once he gets a hold of you, you are going down, my friend.
17. New England Patriots (from Raiders): Cameron Jordan DE
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The Patriots like a very specific type of player. That is not to say that they are very demanding. They want an athlete to work hard and take orders—that's it.
Jordan is a perfect defensive end for New England. He has no qualms with putting in the extra work it takes to be a top pick. He is also versatile in a 3-4 or 4-3—it is all the same to him. Just tell him where and when and he will be there.
I am very interested to see what his ceiling could be. I think NFL staff will be very impressed with his ability at the Combine.
18. San Diego Chargers: JJ Watt DE
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The Combine is coming to you on Wednesday. This will be the J.J. Watt party—or it should be. The man has an amazing 40 speed for a behemoth and can stop and cut like a high-performance vehicle.
If Watt does indeed shine as he should, look for him to rise to top 15 status. As it is, there are just too many gifted defensive ends ahead of him. The combine was made to highlight the type of player Watt is: an unassuming superstar with a tremendous amount of talent.
19. New York Giants: Tyron Smith OT
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Smith squeaked into the first round a month ago and has continued to rise. The upcoming Combine should be even more reason to fall in love with this guy.
The Giants need to concentrate on only one thing this offseason: take care of Eli Manning. The line looked mighty soft last season; Smith will give Eli piece of mind. Knowing that you are safe in the pocket allows a quarterback to pass with confidence.
Maybe then Eli won't throw so many picks. I said maybe.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Aldon Smith DE
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The Bucs are in desperate need of a talent on the line that can get to the quarterback. That man could very well be Aldon Smith. He is quick and determined. Best of all, he is an extremely hard worker.
The only question marks on him are his size and strength. Those will be answered in short order at the upcoming NFL Combine. If he can prove he has the size for the next level, he could be going to Tampa Bay, or even higher.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Justin Houston OLB
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The Chiefs proved to me last year that they can control the AFC West. The trick now is keeping hold of the top over the Chargers. The one weakness they had was up the middle on defense.
The Ravens showed they could take their time taking apart the Chiefs in the playoffs. Kansas City would have done well with a linebacker that would make the opposition think twice.
Houston has seen his stock rise in the last couple of weeks; it should surprise no one. He has the size to dominate any team with his quickness. He can breach the line at a moment's notice or stay home and take on whatever comes his way.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Gabe Carimi OT
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Eli was not the only Manning that could have used some help on the line last year. Peyton saw his offensive protection drop like flies to injury. The Colts could have used some depth at the position.
The lack of protection saw Manning turn into a horrible quarterback for the span of three games. Carimi is here to help. With him in tow, there will be an eternity for Manning to get the pass off. Now the Colts can go back to being contenders.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Anthony Castonzo OT
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The Eagles have just franchise-tagged Michael Vick. It would behoove them to make sure he stays healthy for an entire season. They will need a mountain with the ability to move laterally to keep up with Vick.
Anthony Castonzo is a perfect fit. He is a driving blocker that can open up holes and clear up the outside for Vick to get around. Vick is the Eagles man and their insurance plan will be a pristine blocker. I can think of no one better for this pick.
24. New Orleans Saints: Muhammad Wilkerson DT
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The Saints have some holes on the line on defense. The most glaring need is someone who can handle their own in getting through the line. They need a versatile lineman that will give offenses fits.
Wilkerson has a lot to prove this week at the Combine. His speed and strength will come into question. I am confident he will hit it out of the ballpark. The Saints get exactly what they need late in the first round.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker QB
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My last mock draft had the Seahawks taking Ryan Mallett. To me, it was already a coin-flip between him and Locker.
Reports came out Tuesday that Mallett may have a drug problem that needs answering. For the time being, you can drop him from the first round. The Seahawks still need to quarterback to take over for Matt Hasselbeck—if he even returns.
Locker would do well with a year of seasoning under his belt.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Randall Cobb WR
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The Ravens could go one of two ways with their first pick: They could nab a defensive end, or go with a playmaker at receiver.
Joe Flacco really needs someone to get open downfield and make plays on the wing. Ryan Kerrigan or another defensive end that might be available would be nice, but Cobb has emerged as a potential star. That is one thing the perennial contenders were missing last season.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Ryan Kerrigan DE
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If the Ravens do take a stab at Cobb, you can bet the Falcons will snatch up Ryan Kerrigan. This would be a gift this late in the draft and shows how many talented defensive ends there are this year.
Kerrigan will add some grit coming from the outside portion of the line. The senior led the nation in tackles for a loss. That is a stat the Falcons could have used last season. They moved the chains nicely on offense, but then again, so did the opposition.
28. New England Patriots: Brandon Harris CB
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We all bought into the idea that the Patriots had found a solution for their porous secondary. Then came the AFC Championship game.
The defense reverted to midseason form. The Pats are in dire need of a slick talent that can stay with some of the faster bruisers at receiver.
Harris is strong and swift. He will have no trouble staying with whoever he is taxed to guard. The Patriots will finally have someone the opposition has to stay away from. That makes defending the entire field so much easier.
29. Chicago Bears: Mike Pouncey C/G
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One day, offensive coordinator Mike Martz will drop his affinity for the long ball. That day, though, is not close at hand. He tried numerous times to keep Cutler in the pocket as they waited for their receivers to get open downfield.
It was a losing scenario for any line, much less the lot they have in Chicago. If they really want to open up the game, they need a star guard. The pick here is Mike Pouncey—brother of Pro-Bowl Steeler, Maurkice. You can expect the same great things here.
30. New York Jets: Corey Liuget DT
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The Jets need help at defensive line. The hope for them is that Corey Liuget is still around for them to take. He is a phenomenal talent that keeps rising on the boards.
He can handle the pass or the rush with extreme efficiency. The Combine will be the first place this behemoth makes a name for himself.
If you are a Jets fan, you hope he does not show off too well.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cameron Heyward DE
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The Steelers have some looming questions on defense up front. They need a lineman that can play well in the 3-4 and switch positions all over the line.
Heyward is a versatile end that is comfortable breaching the line in a 3-4 set. He has no qualms covering the rush, either. The Super Bowl runner-ups will be that much more potent on defense next season.
32. Green Bay Packers: Ryan Williams RB
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Williams has been all over the board since the start of January. This running back is one player that should use the Combine to catapult his status into the next echelon.
The Packers could use a great many things. They would like to have an outside linebacker to complete their tandem. But they could also use a stout running back. James Starks did an excellent job by emerging as the team's number one back last season.
But it is unclear if he can carry the team a whole year. This position was the continuous problem area. It is time to fix it.
Be sure to visit Bleacher Report's Mock Draft Central:
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