2011 NFL Mock Draft: Entire 1st Round Projections with Video Highlights

2011 NFL Mock Draft Seems to Change By the Hour!

2011 NFL mock drafts are a dime a dozen. But how about one with video!?

The combine begins today and things will soon change drastically, based on 40-times, bench results, and the all important Wonderlic.

We’ve tried one last stab at the pre-combine mock.

And while defensive players dominate the early going, the skill position will catch up in the later portion of the first round. 

Happy mocking!

No. 1: Carolina Panthers, Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

The Panthers are starting from scratch (basically for a third time in 15 years). 

Ron Rivera knows the value of a great game-changing rusher off the edge: He played with Richard Dent. He coached Jevon Kearse. He coached Shawn Merriman.  

For Bowers to stand out as the premier pass rusher in a draft filled with them says a lot about his value and potential. 

Furthermore, if the Panthers lose Charles Johnson (and they shouldn't pay him an exorbitant amount based on one great year in which he was simply stepping into Pepper's role), they'll need to replace him quickly.

Bowers can make an immediate impact in a division that is fast becoming a quarterback superstar breeding ground: Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and it looks like now Josh Freeman.

No. 2: Denver Broncos: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

The Broncos might have considered taking Patrick Peterson here. After all, even with Champ Bailey, who they just re-signed, they had one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. And against Phillip Rivers, you can never have enough corners.

But that defense a year ago was even worse against the run: 31st in the NFL.

And since the AFC West also features young superstars, Jamaal Charles and Darren McFadden, and the solid young duo of Ryan Matthews and Mike Tolbert, the Broncos had better amp up their run defense. 

For that purpose, Fairley is the top prize in this year's draft. And in John Fox's mind, he can create great pass rushers out of what he has if Fairley is occupying so much attention up the middle.

No. 3: Buffalo Bills: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Peterson is the best player in this draft: 6'1", 212 lbs, 4.4 40-yard dash.

But defensive backs just don't get taken first overall. And only one (Eric Turner from UCLA) has ever went second. 

The Bills will even be hesitant to take Peterson with their pick: their defense is miserable against the run, not the pass. And in the past decade they've spent first rounders on defensive backs three times, with less than heroic results each time.

But Peterson is just too good to pass up. For one, he can contribute right away as a punt returner: that way C.J. Spiller can focus more on the playbook instead of doing both punt and kick duties. 

And on the defensive side of the ball, Peterson will help the front seven (which had the fourth lowest sack total in the NFL) get more coverage sacks.  

No. 4: Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

On the surface, the last thing that the Bengals need right now is another wide receiver: With Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson (Ochocinco)  they managed to win just four games. 

But T.O. won't be back in 2011, and Johnson's future is very hazy: He could be gone by training camp and almost certainly after 2011. That would leave a gaping hole and if they have any hopes of keeping Carson Palmer from retiring, Green is their best approach. 

Green is one of the few players in this draft who should be able to step in right away (a la Dez Bryant last year) and contribute significantly. 

No. 5: Arizona Cardinals: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

If the Cardinals had the first pick, and Andrew Luck was coming out, then they'd jump on him in a heartbeat. 

But for all their desperate straits at the quarterback position, they have no interest in reaching this spot. Cam Newton is too much of a wild card and although they'll consider Blaine Gabbert, it's just not a great fit. They'll cross their fingers on a Kevin Kolb deal or a surprise out of Max Hall and/or John Skelton and/or Derek Anderson.  

It's better for the Cardinals to make the safe play and take a defensive lineman with two years of SEC seasoning. 

Dareus is extremely athletic and will help improve the NFC's worst run defense. 

No. 6: Cleveland Browns: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M

Colt McCoy probably won't be thrilled about seeing Von Miller...although he should be, knowing that the 2010 Butkus winner won't again be chasing him on game day, just in practice.

Still, Miller would be a wonderful addition to the Browns defense that will be going under changes with the new regime.

With great size (6'3") and good speed (4.56) Miller will be a great NFL pass rusher, but he is capable of great coverage/recovery speed in the flats and will frequently help limit screens and quick hitches to minimal gains.  

No. 7: San Francisco 49ers: Robert Quinn, DE, UNC

The 49ers certainly need a quarterback,  but with the possibility of trading for Carson Palmer and the apparent "good relationship" between Jim Harbaugh and Alex Smith, they may postpone their drafting a QB until 2012—or maybe just the second round, if Jake Locker, who Jim Harbaugh knows well, is still around. 

There's some interest in upgrading the secondary with Prince Amukamara, but with Robert Quinn still on the board, the thought of pairing him with Patrick Willis and Ahmad Brooks is too intriguing. 

No. 8: Tennessee Titans: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

New head coach Mike Munchak would probably rather not take a quarterback with his first pick, but with Vince Young leaving, Kerry Collins a free agent and Kevin Kolb not on the move yet, they have to address the position.

Although Gabbert has plenty of question marks, he is the type of prototypical signal caller that teams love to build around.

And there is no better friend to a rookie quarterback than a MVP-type running back like Chris Johnson.

No. 9: Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

The Cowboys don't want to spend another draft choice on a defensive back: They took Mike Jenkins, Terrance Newman and Roy Williams last decade. 

But Amukamara would give them arguably the best secondary in the NFL, something they sorely need in a pass happy NFC. 

He has routinely went up against top notch NFL receivers (Dez Bryant, Justin Blackmon, Michael Crabtree, Ryan Broyles, Jordan Shipley) and should make for an amazing one-on-one matchup with DeSean Jackson or Hakeem Nicks.  

No. 10: Washington Redskins: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

If there's a team in need of a quarterback AND willing to take a gamble, it's the Redskins. 

Daniel Snyder would love to have the star power Newton brings and Mike Shanahan is enough of an offensive genius (or so people seem to think) to create an offense where he'll succeed.

And if Shanahan can turn running backs like Olandis Gary, Mike Anderson, Reuben Droughns and Tatum Bell into 1,000-yard runners, imagine what Newton can do in a similar zone scheme.

As a passer, Newton has all the physical tools, so there are no arm strength or accuracy questions. Shanahan will love that John Elway-like quality.

In terms of success, this Heisman Trophy acquisition will be more in the Joe Theismann mold than the Danny Wuerffel-mold. 

No. 11: Houston Texans: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal

After Bowers and Quinn, Jordan is the premier defensive end on the board.

And while the Texans sorely need help in the secondary, they don't want to reach on a corner like Brandon Harris or Jimmy Smith here.

Of course they already have Mario Williams but pairing him with Jordan would give the Texans the best young pass rushing duo in the NFL, something of great use twice a year against Peyton Manning.

And as disappointing as the secondary was in 2010 (allowing the most passing yards in the NFL) having Jordan and a healthy Williams would lead to coverage sacks and hurried throws. 

No. 12: Minnesota Vikings: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

Minnesota is in the market for a quarterback but with Gabbert and Newton off the board and Vince Young out there, the Vikings will address other needs.

Pat Williams is running out of time and Kevin Williams is coming off knee surgery. 

Luiget is a stretch at this spot but Leslie Frazier will like a player who was on the field every week as a freshman in the Big Ten. 

He also has a knack for forcing fumbles and can help get the Vikings defense back to playoff form. 

No. 13: Detroit Lions: Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri

Last year the addition of Ndamukong Suh improved the Lions by leaps and bounds. 

Bringing in another tremendous player for the front seven will give Detroit a formidable defense.

He's extremely raw (just a redshirt sophomore), but has limitless potential. 

Smith's likely a 4-3 defensive end and not a linebacker, but given his size they can still contemplate playing him there.   

No. 14: St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

The Rams will be crossing their fingers the first few hours of the draft that—after A.J. Green goes early on—no one else nabs the second best receiver available—Alabama's Jones.

Jones would obviously give the Rams and Sam Bradford a great target over the next decade or so. And with the return of Mark Clayton, Bradford will continue to improve and things will open up even more for Stephen Jackson. 

They'll still be a long way off from a Greatest Show On Turf 2.0, but it's a start.

No. 15: Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram Jr., RB, Alabama

Despite all the questions about their quarterback and the secondary, the most pressing need is likely running back. 

Ronnie Brown could be gone once free agency kicks off and Ricky Williams will be 34 in May.

If they don't land DeAngelo Williams, they have to explore a replacement and/or heir apparent in the draft.

Ingram is hands down the top back prospect in this year's draft and would fit into that offense as a solid in-between-the-tackles runner.    

No. 16: Jacksonville Jaguars: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

The Jags have to improve their pass rush (they tallied the second fewest sacks in the NFL last season) and fortunately this draft is loaded with great defensive ends.

Clayborn played against some of the nation's best tackles in the Big Ten and should transition well to the NFL.

He is big, has very good speed for his size, and uses his hands well which will create turnovers in the NFL—another category they were extremely deficient at seeing as they tied for the fewest in the NFL with just 18.  

No. 17: New England Patriots: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

New England will contemplate this pick hard: They want to come away with both a defensive lineman and an offensive lineman with their two picks. They will think about taking J.J. Watt here and addressing the offense at the end of the first round.

But Castonzo is widely considered the best offensive lineman in the draft so with the likely departure of Matt Light their hand is almost forced.

And since Castonzo is a local talent (by school, not birth) this pick is a bit easier.  

No. 18: San Diego Chargers: Tyron Smith, OT, USC

The Chargers aren't desperately in need of a tackle or any offense for that matter. So they might take a look at an end like J.J. Watt or a backer like Akeem Ayers.  

But Smith has such potential and such an upside that they might take him as a "project" and expect him to be a star a few years from now.

Playing in an offense like USC's certainly prepared Smith for the type of pass-happy approach he would partake in with the Chargers. 

No. 19: New York Giants: Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois

If Brandon Jacobs is shipped out of town or just cut, that leaves Ahmad Bradshaw as the feature back. And considering his fumbling issues last year (six lost in 2010) they could definitely use a second option. 

Leshoure would not only be a good backup next year, he'd give them a formidable duo that would take a lot of pressure off of Eli Manning and likely reduce his turnovers. 

And although he's a big load (230), he has decent hands and runs a 4.5, so he should be able to play a role in the passing game as well.

No. 20: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

The Bucs would definitely consider drafting one of the good offensive lineman still available, but putting a top notch defensive end on the same line with Gerald McCoy would have the most immediate impact. 

Tampa's run defense really struggled in 2010 and Watt is multi-talented enough to contribute against both run and pass rush.

And more than anything, he has the terribly cliched "high motor and work ethic" that will be attractive to a coach like Raheem Morris.   

No. 21: Kansas City Chiefs: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

Ayers is very good—not exceptional—at everything an outside linebacker needs to do.

He's a good tackler, can rush the quarterback and has good ball skills in pass coverage.

In Romeo Crennel's defense that type of diversity is important, especially with Tamba Hali on the opposite side. 

Mike Vrabel may have played his last game in Kansas City but either way, it's vital that they find a replacement.

They have the makings of a great defense with Glenn Dorsey, Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Eric Berry, and Brandon Flowers. 

Adding a player like Ayers would solidify it.  

No. 22: Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Solder played against some outstanding defensive lineman during his three-year reign as the Buffaloes left tackle. 

That will prepare him for the rigors of the NFL, but given his size (6'9"), great footwork and quickness, he could be a steal at this spot: He might turn out to be the best lineman in this draft. 

And playing in Dan Hawkins offense, he should adapt well to a shotgun offense where Peyton Manning squares up in the pocket some 700 times a season. 

No. 23: Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (FL)

The Eagles will definitely be pursuing a veteran corner in the free agent market, whether it's Ike Taylor, Antonio Cromartie or the top candidate Nnamdi Asomugha. But regardless of whether or not they land one of the top corners, they should also take a look at Harris.

He's undersized (5'9", 195) but his 4.45 speed certainly makes up for that. Harris covers as much field as any player in this year's draft and has good hands. 

But most importantly, he is aggressive in the run game and is a very good tackler. 

No. 24: New Orleans Saints: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

In addition to it making a great story (Heyward's dad, Iron Head, spent five great years with the Saints), drafting Cameron Heyward makes a load of sense for New Orleans. 

Another former Buckeye first rounder, Will Smith, could be suspended at the beginning of next year: not to mention the fact that a grand jury is deliberating on his domestic violence case from last November. 

Heyward would be a great fit in New Orleans, no matter how much longer Smith is on the roster: His production dipped greatly in 2010.

Heyward is a tremendous pass rusher and is blessed with outstanding athleticism. He may not wow everyone at the combine, but as a four-year starter in the Big Ten who played very well in the Sugar Bowl, he is certainly no reach at 24.  

No. 25: Seattle Seahawks: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

Rudolph's draft status is tricky considering the two injuries (shoulder and hamstring) he suffered the past two seasons.

And he is not going to be participating at the combine because of his recent surgery. 

But when he was on the field for the Irish he was clearly the nation's top tight end. 

Even though Seattle has a few other more pressing concerns—perhaps they can get Jake Locker in the second round—they are thin at tight end. 

Regardless of whether or not it's Matt Hasselbeck, Charlie Whitehurst, Locker or Dave Krieg, a quarterback would love to have a 6'6", 4.6 40-yard dash sure-handed tight end on the roster. 

No. 26: Baltimore Ravens: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

As highly thought of the Ravens defense was in 2010 (and seemingly always is) there were some problems with Baltimore's unit last season: Just go back and look at how the Texans tore them apart in Week 14. 

And since Haloti Ngata is returning with Terrell Suggs, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, the greatest need along the defense will be at the corners. 

Smith is big (6'2", 209) and still runs a blistering 40-yard dash. And since he is extremely physical, especially at the line of scrimmage, he should fit in perfectly with the Ravens.  

No. 27: Atlanta Falcons: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pitt

The Falcons might need more help on the defensive side of the ball, but they really can't take Stephen Paea at this spot, considering they took Peria Jerry around this spot just two years ago and he hasn't had that many opportunities to prove himself yet.

And since they could also pursue a defensive end in free agency (Charles Johnson perhaps) they might look to the draft to provide the right book end receiver for All Pro Roddy White. 

Baldwin has great speed (4.49) is enormous (6'5", 230), runs excellent routes and has great hands. 

With White on one side, Tony Gonzalez up the middle, and Matt Ryan emerging as a top notch quarterback, Baldwin could become a starter by the middle of his rookie season. 

No. 28: New England Patriots: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

With their need on the offensive line filled earlier in the first round, the Pats will look to the defensive side of the ball at this spot.

There are a few good options available to them, including Aaron Williams from Texas and Stephen Paea from Oregon State. 

But the Pats' ability to consistently pressure the quarterback was lacking a bit in 2010 and was one of the main reasons they finished 30th against the pass.

Kerrigan is a middle of the first round talent but because of the surplus of defensive ends he'll fall to the Pats here.

No. 29: Chicago Bears: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Carimi will immediately improve the Bears offensive line, which allowed an NFL worst 56 sacks. 

He's big but very quick on his feet, which is vital in an offense with Matt Forte: he can get downfield on screens and draws.

Carimi, the 2010 Outland Trophy winner, uses his hands extremely well and is very good moving down hard on the inside, something that will help mask some of the rest of the line's problems.

Since he's played so many snaps against first round choices like Heyward, Kerrigan, Clayborn, Brandon Graham and even J.J. Watt (in practice) he is well prepared. And he will only get better with repeated work against Julius Peppers during training camp. 

No. 30: New York Jets: Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia

Since Antonio Cromartie could be leaving there might be a desire to go after a corner. But don't rule out his returning or even an attempt to sign Nnamdi Asomugha. That would leave the Jets free to go after the outside backer they need.

Even if they don't release Bryan Thomas as was predicted, he is a free agent after next year and they should be searching for a replacement for him and Jason Taylor.  

Fortunately for Justin Houston, he played in a 3-4 last year at Georgia so he will be more appealing to a team looking for a new outside backer like the Jets.

He is something of a project, but under Rex Ryan he is in the perfect scenario.  

No. 31: Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida

Like the Rams were, Pittsburgh spends most of the first round with their fingers crossed. They wouldn't mind nabbing Derek Sherrod at this spot to replace a possibly departing Willie Colon, but Pouncey is the best interior lineman in this draft. 

And putting him opposite Chris Kemoeatu and next to his twin brother, Maurkice Pouncey will have that offensive line—just two years ago a major weakness—now a strength. 

He's very quick off the snap, can pull, which will keep the Steelers running game from being predictable (Kemoeatu is almost always their lone pulling guard), and is a solid pass protector, especially in the shotgun.  

No. 32: Green Bay Packers: Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech

As defending Super Bowl champions, the Packers can afford to take a slight gamble here. 

They might be in the market for another offensive lineman and if Cullen Jenkins leave they'll need a new defensive end.

But with the running back situation so dicey next year, they will also look at that spot as a need.

Brandon Jackson is a free agent, Ryan Grant is coming off a major ankle injury, and James Starks had one good month, not one good full season.

Williams has very good hands and will be a valuable tool in the screen game for Aaron Rodgers, but since he's a 4.46 40-yard runner, he is going to be an even bigger asset on draws. Maybe he'll become a feature back eventually, but next year, if the Packers again have to go the running back by committee route, they'll be stacked.