2011 NFL Mock Draft: Can Cameron Jordan Break the Top 10?
With the draft only a few months away and the combine already taking place, it's time for me to roll out the first edition of my mock draft.
Keep in mind that this is based solely on where the players currently rank and is not accounting for the combine, as I try not to focus so much on the combine. While it's good to look at the combine to scout, it will never correctly predict how well a player does, such as Vernon Gholston.
In my mock draft, I will be using the draft order as of now, so the only traded pick is my Raiders' pick to the Patriots. I will also be making a few offseason predictions.
1. Carolina Panthers: DE Da'Quan Bowers
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The Panthers have a boatload of needs, whether it's quarterback, receiver, offensive line or something else. They can't address all those needs in this draft, but they can draft one that helps solve others.
Former defensive coordinator Ron Rivera should be looking for a defensive end for him to groom. In Chicago and San Diego, Rivera led the team to a great defense. He'll be looking to do the same. With an explosive defensive end, the pass defense will improve since the quarterback will have less time to react, partially solving their defensive backfield needs.
Bowers is an electrifying player who will blow up any offense. Bowers has remarkable size for a defensive end, standing at 6'4" and weighing over 280 lbs. He is also expected to run around a 4.6 40, incredibly fast for someone as large as him.
To go with his size, Bowers does a great job eluding blockers, shedding them left and right, to get to the quarterback. He showed his arsenal of moves as he got to the quarterback 16 times in the 2010 season.
2. Denver Broncos: CB Patrick Peterson
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The Broncos have let the world know they're interested in drafting Da'Quan Bowers. Unfortunately, he might be gone by the time they're up to pick. They could draft Robert Quinn, but Quinn has a lot to prove before he should be considered second overall.
They also recently re-signed Champ Bailey to a new deal, four years for $43 million. Still a great player, Bailey is now 32, an age considered "old" in the National Football League.
However, opposed to Bailey, the Broncos have no one else capable of defending the pass. Patrick Peterson is possibly the best player overall in this year's draft. He's an amazing athlete, is very smart and could single-handedly shake up a game, whether it's returning a kick or intercepting a pass and taking it back all the way for a touchdown.
3. Buffalo Bills: DT Nick Fairley
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The Buffalo Bills were dead last in the NFL in run defense last year, giving up nearly 170 rushing yards per game. They obviously need help stopping the run but don't have anyone to stop it.
Marcell Dareus and Nick Fairley are the top two defensive tackles in the draft. Both players have had great careers while in college. Dareus has remained consistent throughout his collegiate career, recording at least five sacks in both of the seasons where he played.
Fairley only started in two games in 2009 but recorded 28 tackles and one sack. As the starter entering 2010, Fairly completely exploded. He recorded 56 tackles, with 32 solo tackles, to go with his 12 sacks as a defensive tackle.
While both are great players, I believe Fairley edges out Dareus at the No. 3 spot. Dareus is more consistent, but Fairley has the explosiveness the Bills will be looking for come draft day.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: WR A.J. Green
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My, are the Bengals going down the toilet or what?
They pair up Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson together, two ingredients that should be mixed. Their franchise quarterback Carson Palmer is demanding a trade and is threatening to retire if he doesn't get his wish.
I believe if they draft A.J. Green, Carson Palmer will return with the team. However, they have to release Owens, while keeping Johnson for only one more year.
Green, along with Julio Jones, has been considered the best receiver in the draft. By drafting Green, the Bengals will give Palmer a young and exciting receiver who can make all the catches, even the arid ones that Palmer threw constantly last year.
Drafting Green would revitalize the passing offense and excite fans of the "Who Dey" once again.
5. Arizona Cardinals: OLB Von Miller
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The Cardinals are pretty thin at outside linebacker, with their starters being Clark Haggan and Joey Porter. While they have many other needs, they could improve their linebacking core by 10-fold if they drafted Von Miller with the fifth overall pick.
In my eyes, Von Miller is the best outside linebacker prospect since Brian Orakpo, who I projected to be better than Aaron Curry, Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews.
Miller has really good speed to go with some impeccable awareness. His one-on-one abilities easily allow him to get into the backfield and blow up any play, run or pass.
Unlike many prospects, Miller isn't a college one-year wonder who used their final year to boost themselves into a better draft position. Miller has been consistent throughout his career at Texas A&M. He sacked the quarterback 17 times in 2009 and 11 times in 2010. To go with his 33 career sacks, he brought the ball carrier down behind the line of scrimmage 50 times, 21 times in 2009, and 17.5 times in 2010.
6. Cleveland Browns: DT Marcell Dareus
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Again, Nick Fairley and Marcell Dareus are both considered the top defensive tackles in the draft. Either one that Buffalo takes gives Cleveland an easier decision to make at No. 6.
Since I have Fairley taken at three, that means Dareus will go to the Cleveland Browns, who were 27th in run defense and 18th in pass defense.
Dareus is a good run stopper, as he excels in getting past the blockers and blows up the defense. He hits with power and players fear him.
The Browns already have Ahytba Rubin, but with the recent release of Shaun Rogers, they need a new rock to man the middle of the defensive line.
Dareus is a good pass rusher as well, recording 11, averaging 5.5 per year. He played in eight games in 2008 but didn't record many statistics.
7. San Francisco 49ers: CB Prince Amukamara
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The 49ers have a lot of pieces in place, but execution is what is holding them back.
However, one piece they don't have in place is a good, young cornerback who can help the pass defense. Nate Clements is a great cornerback, but he also has a lot of negatives. The most noticeable negative Clements has is how often he takes chances on plays, often leading to a big play over his head.
Despite that, Clements is a good cornerback. However, he has no one of his caliber to cover the second receiver.
Prince Amukamara is quickly getting his name out there. He has good cornerback speed, but it's his awareness that puts him as the second best rated cornerback, just behind Patrick Peterson. Once Amukamara sees a play developing, he'll come in and break it up, similar to what Nate Clements does.
8. Tennessee Titans: QB Blaine Gabbert
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With the Vince Young experiment finally over, the Titans need a quarterback, perhaps the only piece that's the difference between their offense being good and great. They have a phenomenal runningback in Johnson and a great receiver in Kenny Britt.
The Titans could go with Cam Newton here, but it seems like they're done with dual-threat quarterbacks, seeing as they''ve had problems with Young for a while now. While it's true that Young has a lot of issues that Newton doesn't have, I don't think it's the risk taking another dual-threat quarterback here.
Blaine Gabbert's stock has really skyrocketed lately. I'm not sold on the Gabbert-hype, but I feel like with some good workouts, the Titans will buy it. I do think with some grooming, Gabbert could soon be the face of the franchise. The Titans in a normal offense with Kerry Collins over Young isn't that bad, and with Gabbert, they could be good.
9. Dallas Cowboys: DE Cameron Jordan
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Here's a surprise pick for my mock! The Cowboys will reach for 3-4 defensive end Cameron Jordan out of California.
Cameron Jordan has been flying under the radar because of all the other studly defensive players but look no further than No. 9 for Jordan to be drafted.
Jordan is a monster and has a knack for bringing down the ball carrier in a way that makes coaches fear they have to take out their player so he won't hurt him.
The Cowboys defensive ends are aging. They have Hatcher, Olshansky and Bowen. Bowen is still young, at 26, but Hatcher and Olshansky are getting high in age.
The Cowboys have a few needs, such as cornerback, but after Peterson and Amukamara, the talent level just falls off. They may need a safety, but No. 9 is too high for Rahim Moore, the best-rated safety.
10. Washington Redskins: QB Cam Newton
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After trading for and giving Donovan McNabb boatloads of cash, they benched him in favor of Rex Grossman—the Dr. Jekyll and Hyde of quarterbacks. It's obvious that the Redskins don't want either of these quarterbacks to be the future of their team.
The Redskins will probably heavily consider drafting Mark Ingram here, as their starting runningback is Keiland Williams, a player who wasn't that bad, but isn't the type of player you build a franchise around.
However, I believe quarterback is a more pressing need than runningback, at this moment. Cam Newton has been hyped up as much as Tim Tebow last year, but the thing is, Newton is better. He doesn't have the intangibles that Tebow has, but his quarterbacking skills are better than Tebow.
The Redskins don't have the best of linemen—or receivers. A dual-threat quarterback system should be able to hide that a little, allowing the quarterback to get outside the pocket so the linemen don't have to maintain blocks as long as they would in a pro-style offense.
11. Houston Texans: DE Robert Quinn
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Every since they drafted Mario Williams first overall in 2006, the Texans have been incapable of finding another pass rusher to cause the same troubles for the other offensive tackle.
Robert Quinn, despite not playing the 2010 season because of a suspension, has risen up the draft boards. He's been rated as high as the best defensive end by analysts such as Mike Mayock of the NFL Network.
Rightfully so, Quinn is a freak. He has an amazing motor and never gives up on a play. He has the speed to beat the best of offensive tackles, such as Anthony Castonzo. He has a nose for the ball and simply does nothing better than getting to the quarterback.
Even with the recent change to a 3-4 defense, Quinn can still play for the Texans. A versatile player, Quinn has the ability to stand in a two-point stance and rush the quarterback from a linebacker position.
12. Minnesota Vikings: S Rahim Moore
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When you have safeties Jamarca Sanford and Husain Abdullah, you definitely need to draft a safety in the draft.
I admit that I haven't seen neither Sanford nor Abdullah play that much, I can see that they aren't the cream of the crop when it comes to safety talent.
Despite quarterback being a bigger need than safety, most think drafting Locker or Mallett 12th overall is way too high.
Rahim Moore is the hands-down best safety prospect in this year's draft class. He will be able to help the Vikings pass defense, who was 10th in pass defense—very high for a team that performed that badly.
13. Detroit Lions: CB Jimmy Smith
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The Lions have been rebuilding. The rebuilding project may have taken years and years now, but it looks like they're ready to start to turn the corner.
Speaking of corners, the Lions cornerbacks are pretty bad. They have guys like Nathan Vasher, Tye Hill and Chris Houston. All guys who haven't made a name for themselves in the NFL.
Smith didn't have a great statistical season in his senior year at Colorado, as he didn't record any interceptions. Despite the lackluster stats, Smith is still high on the draft boards for many teams. He stands at a tall 6'2" and possesses good speed for a cornerback.
He's very fundamental and knows how to play his role very well. He's the type of player that could groom into someone such as Nnamdi Asomugha or Darrelle Revis—two cornerbacks who are fundamental.
14. St. Louis Rams: WR Julio Jones
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The Rams had a great season last year compared to the season before. Many of their young players stepped up, such as Bradford, Laurenitis, Long and Fletcher.
However, outside of Amendola, the receivers were unable to help out Bradford much. Donnie Avery, their No. 1 receiver, went down early in the season to an injury, and they were never able to replace him.
Julio Jones, arguably the best receiver in the draft, will unfortunately fall because the teams before don't really need a receiver. Jones possesses great receiver abilities, and Sam Bradford needs a big receiver who can catch any type of throw.
Drafting Jones gives the Rams the best receiving core since the receivers of the Greatest Show on Turf.
15. Miami Dolphins: HB Mark Ingram
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At first, I didn't think this was such a great fit for the Dolphins. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are just a few seasons removed from being one of the best runningback duos in all of football.
However, after some research, I realized that Ronnie Brown has lost his touch and is no longer the electric player he once was. Ricky Williams wasn't the premier back after coming back, but he always provided the clutch runs when the Dolphins needed him to. However, at 33, Williams is now considered "done" and needs to be replaced.
Mark Ingram is the unanimous best runningback in this year's draft. He has decent speed, but it's his vision and power that put him over the edge. He plays behind his pads and needs more than one defender to bring him down.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: OLB/DE Aldon Smith
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The Jaguars are in desperate need for a pass rusher, as they struggled to bring down the quarterback in their final few games of the season.
Aaron Kampman is a good defensive end, but injuries have plagued his recent years in Green Bay and Jacksonville. Derrick Harvey, a former top-10 pick, has been lackluster in his days at Jacksonville.
Aldon Smith brings a lot to the table. He has a high motor and can really get after the quarterback. He's very consistent throughout his college years, getting 11 sacks in 2009 and six in 2010, while missing three games.
He does a good job shedding blocks and has the ability to blow up almost any play. He has good power and can occasionally move inside to play against the guards. He also has good speed, allowing him to run around offensive tackles with ease.
17. New England Patriots: DE Adrian Clayborn
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Ever since trading Seymour to my beloved Raiders, the Patriots have been looking for a new defensive end to scare offenses that Seymour did. Ty Warren was able to step in and replace Seymour well, but that still leaves the rest of the line. Wilfork has the same effect, so two of three linemen cause problems for the opposing offensive line. The problem is, that last defensive end spot has no one to cause fear for opposing offenses.
Adrian Clayborn is a great player. He's versatile enough to play in both the 4-3 or 3-4. He has good speed and is very fundamental. He has character issues, but with Bill Belichick there, he could easily be coached to turn those character issues into great end play.
He's good against both the pass and run as he does a good job getting into the backfield, breaking up plays constantly.
18. San Diego Chargers: DE J.J. Watt
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San Diego is a great pass-rushing team. They have a knack for building up good 3-4 defensive ends, such as Olshansky and Luis Castillo. At 27, Castillo is still in his prime, while Olshansky is over in Dallas playing for the Cowboys.
Playing opposing Castillo is Jacques Cesaire, a 30-year old defensive end who played mediocre football last season. After only 1.5 sacks, the Chargers should be looking to replace the veteran, who doesn't look like he has much left in the tank.
J.J. Watt is a stud at defensive end. He has good pass rush abilities, yet can also defend the run. He has good instincts, allowing him to sniff out the ball carrier, especially behind the line of scrimmage, something that will further help the Chargers' high-rated defense.
19. New York Giants: OLB Akeem Ayers
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The New York Giants have a great offense, but their defense is very mediocre. Their main weakness is their linebacking corps. They have guys like Michael Boley, Gerris Wilkinson and Keith Bullock. Bullock is a great player, but he's getting high in age, and it's time to replace him on the edge.
Ayers is the next best outside linebacker behind Von Miller. Like Miller, Ayers excels in many places. He's a good player against the run while possessing good cover skills. He's also not that bad when he has to rush the quarterback.
Ayers is a do-it-all player. In his four seasons at UCLA, Ayers recorded 11 total sacks, 177 tackles, six interceptions, two touchdowns and two forced fumbles.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DE Ryan Kerrigan
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Kerrigan is another versatile player that can play defensive end and outside linebacker.
The Buccaneers could use help at either position. At left outside linebacker, they have Dekoda Watson, a young and incredibly fast linebacker with a lot of potential, but he should ride the bench for a while and learn the ropes.
At defensive end, the Bucs should consider replacing Stylez G. White, despite how awesome his name is. White is in his 30s now, but he had a really solid season, recording 4.5 sacks.
Kerrigan is a good player with a high motor. When he gets going, it's incredibly hard to block him. He's not as fast as Bowers or Quinn, but it's his stamina that impresses scouts. The Jaguars will be smiling when they see him sacking the quarterback late in the fourth when everyone else is tired.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: NT Phil Taylor
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As a Raiders fan, I watch closely as my Raiders beat down on the Chiefs. I noticed that the Chiefs didn't have a strong nose tackle to wreak havoc in the middle. They have a great outside linebacker in Tamba Hali, two potential-filled defensive ends in Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson and a great secondary, made up of Flowers and Berry.
They have a Shaun Smith, a good defensive end who can play nose tackle, but in his 30s, the Chiefs cannot build around him.
Phil Taylor from Baylor is the best nose tackle in this year's draft. At 340, Taylor is pretty much a rock. He's going to need teams to double and triple team him just to move him to create a path.
22. Indianapolis Colts: OT Anthony Castonzo
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It's no secret that the Colts struggled last season because they couldn't keep Peyton up right. They no longer have the amazing line they had a few seasons ago.
In efforts to keep their franchise player out of harms way, they should draft an offensive tackle to protect Manning's blind side.
Though the tackle class isn't as good as it was in previous years, there are a few that stand out. Anthony Castonzo, for one, stands out. Castonzo is a good player. He's big and tall, standing at 6'7" to go with his 34.5" arms. Playing in the ACC against pass rushers like Robert Quinn, in '09, and Bowers, Castonzo knows what it takes to block great pass rushers.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Tyron Smith
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The Eagles have a good left tackle in Jason Peters. While he's not outstanding like a Jonathan Ogden was in Baltimore, his services are good enough for Michael Vick.
Unfortunately, the same can't be said for their right tackles. Guys like Winston Justice, Todd Herramans and King Dunlap are just not doing the job for the Eagles.
Tyron Smith, a player best suited at right tackle, should be available for the Eagles at No. 23? The Eagles don't exactly have too many other weaknesses, so it makes sense for them to draft Smith here. They have a quarterback, a great young runningback, two phenomenal speedsters to catch the ball and a great defense that gets after the quarterback.
24. New Orleans Saints: HB Daniel Thomas
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My sleeper of the draft...Daniel Thomas. Thomas has been moving up my boards quick, and he might be one of my favorite players of the draft.
I love the way he plays. He's not very fast, but he's powerful and makes defenders pay with his bruising style of play.
The Saints have a decent runningback group, consistenting of Reggie Bush, Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas. Pierre Thomas is like Daniel Thomas but not as explosive. Of all of the Saints running backs, I believe Daniel Thomas is the best inside the tackle runner, while Bush and Ivory are more outside.
Something the Saints running backs need is catching ability. Thomas is a good pass catcher, catching 52 passes for 428 yards in his college days.
25. Seattle Seahawks: CB Brandon Harris
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Kelly Jennings and Marcus Trufant are good cornerbacks and don't necessarily need to be replaced just yet.
However, behind Jennings and Trufant, the Seahawks have no depth at corner. They have a couple very young guys, but they don't seem to have the it factor that's needed to be a starting cornerback.
Brandon Harris is a good athlete. He's fast, can return kicks and can occasionally play receiver, However, that doesn't show how well he can play corner.
When I watched some film on the guy, I see that he has good instincts. He does a good job locating the ball and uses his speed to stay stride for stride with the best of receivers.
26. Baltimore Ravens: WR Titus Young
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The Ravens have little needs on their team. In fact, wide receiver isn't that huge of a problem either. It's just that their receivers are getting old.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh is 33, Derrick Mason is 37, Donte Stallworth is 30 and Anquan Boldin is 30.
Titus Young is a good and fast receiver who is a big play threat. In his college days at Boise State, Young averaged 15 yards per catch, with 17 yards per catch in his senior year. He also has a nose for the endzone, catching 25 of them through the air while rushing for seven when the coaches wanted to see how versatile he is.
However, at 5'11", teams may be hesitant to take him. If he was to bulk up, he can be used like Wes Welker in New England.
27. Atlanta Falcons: WR Jonathan Baldwin
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Perhaps the problem with the Falcons this past postseason was that they don't have a clear cut No. 2 receiver. They've tried out Harry Douglas, Michael Jenkins and Brian Finneran. All have been unable to produce the type of numbers Roddy White has put up.
The Falcons offense is really good. Matt Ryan is a great quarterback, and Michael Turner is one of the best runningbacks in the entire league. Tony Gonzales, while only a shell of what he once was, is still an elite tight end.
They have a good offense, but when you only have one receiver that defenses really need to key in on, it causes difficulties for the quarterback. Jonathan Baldwin, I believe, has what it takes to be the perfect counterpart for Roddy White. Baldwin is a giant, standing at 6'5". He has good hands and uses them to catch, instead of his body, unlike many inexperienced receivers in the league.
28. New England Patriots: OT Nate Solder
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Nate Solder has an incredible amount of potential.
The Patriots don't necessarily have many holes, being the perennial top team in the NFL. However, left tackle Matt Light is barking up the "old" tree.
Solder has the intangibles and the physicality needed to be a starting left tackle in the NFL. He's inconsistent at times, but other times, he's a meat-shield that's impossible to get through. I'm sure with some coaching by Bill Belichick, he'll be able to dent out those inconsistency issues and replace Matt Light nicely.
29. Chicago Bears: G Mike Pouncey
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The Bears have a bad offensive line. We saw that when Cutler was tossed around like a rag doll and went out with a concussion in that one Sunday Night Football game.
Mike Pouncey's brother Maurkice has been phenomenal in Pittsburgh, and the Bears will be hoping Mike turns out the same. A versatile player, Mike can play both center and guard. I'd imagine if he was to play for Chicago, he'd play guard, unless Olin Kreutz retires, then which he would slide over to center.
I don't think Mike will be an All-Pro rookie like Maurkice was, but I see him having a great career.
30. New York Jets: WR Torrey Smith
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Both Santonio Holmes, Brad Smith and Braylon Edwards are free agents this offseason, and I imagine they won't be saving all three.
Of the three, I see Edwards being the one that isn't going to be wearing Jet green next season.
Torrey Smith is much like Braylon Edwards. Edwards is taller, but they have mediocre speed with suspect hands.
If the Jets can draft a player like Edwards that's six years younger for about the same price, maybe less, then they should do it.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Gabe Carimi
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The Steelers were able to make the Super Bowl despite a franchise left tackle. They have a lot of mediocre tackles that are better fit for right playing left.
Gabe Carimi played for Wisconsin, a team that's produced some great blockers including two others that might get drafted this upcoming draft.
Big Ben is a rock, but he can only play that style of football for so long. Without proper protection, his career could be cut short by a few seasons.
Gabe Carimi is a solid offensive tackle. He's fundamental, and while he'll never "wow" anyone, he should be able to get the job done.
32. Green Bay Packers: DE Cameron Heyward
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The Packers might be in danger of losing Cullen Jenkins this year, even though they have expressed their desire to re-sign him.
Even if they do re-sign him, they need to think about the future. Cullen Jenkins is 30 years old while Ryan Pickett is 31.
Cameron Heyward is a perfect fit for the Packers defense. He's a good 3-4 end with a high motor and can get after the quarterback, something the Packers do very well in their defense.
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