2011 NFL Mock Draft (With Videos): 1st Round Shakes Up Post NFL Combine

The picture of how the 2011 NFL Draft will unfold is beginning to form after the conclusion of this weekends NFL Combine.

Prior to the combine there was a lot of speculation. Now, many of those questions have been answered.

A lot of those answers have resulted in a few twists that need to be taken into consideration. Some were obvious, others a little more hidden.

How are things looking right now?

Here is a complete first-round mock draft post combine.

1. Carolina Panthers: DT Nick Fairley

Previously: DT Nick Fairley

I know Cam Newton is popular among fans right now at the number one overall pick. I'm happy those fans are not in charge of any NFL franchise.

Nick Fairley measured in smaller than he was expected to at the combine.

Despite this, he is still the best player in this year's draft.

Fairley was the most dominant defensive player in college football this season. He brings an attitude and aggression with him to the NFL.

All Carolina needs to do is go back and watch the tape. This is an easy pick.

2. Denver Broncos: DE Da'Quan Bowers

Previously: DE Da'Quan Bowers

Due to a meniscus tear in his right knee, Da'Quan Bowers did not participate in the majority of the drills at the NFL Combine.

The fact that he didn't perform is not going to hurt his stock at all. Unfortunately, it also prevents him from taking over the top spot.

Bowers did participate in the bench press. He put up 22 reps, which was right on par with what was expected.

The Broncos will be shifting back to a 4-3 defense under John Fox. Bowers will be expected to be the elite end for years to come.

3. Buffalo Bills: LB Von Miller

Previously: CB Patrick Peterson

This change has nothing to do with what Peterson did, but rather everything to do with what Von Miller did.

Miller has been on the rise this entire offseason. He began with a great performance at the Senior Bowl, and continued it this weekend at the combine.

He measured in at 6'2 5/8" and 258 pounds. He benched 21 reps, had a 37" vertical, a 10'6" long jump and ran an unofficial 40-yard dash time of 4.46 seconds.

Miller helped his stock a little more.

The Buffalo Bills need help with their front seven. Their rushing defense was atrocious last year. Miller is the best player for Buffalo with the third pick.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: QB Blaine Gabbert

Previously: WR A.J. Green

The biggest news from this weekend appears to be going unnoticed. During an interview, Marvin Lewis stated that he was preparing the Bengals for the season under the assumption that Carson Palmer would not be returning as the team's starting quarterback.

What is the point of having a star receiver without having a quarterback to throw him the ball?

Sure, the Bengals could go with a quarterback in the second round, but why would they do this when they have the capability to get the best quarterback in the draft?

Despite the fact that Blaine Gabbert decided against throwing, he still had a fantastic combine. He is clearly the top quarterback in this year's class.

5. Arizona Cardinals: QB Cam Newton

Previously: LB Von Miller

In this mock, Von Miller is gone. Blaine Gabbert is also gone.

This will result in one of two things: The Cardinal's trading down, or having to make a reach. Since there are no trades in this mock, it's going to be the reach.

Arizona needs a quarterback, a linebacker or an offensive tackle.

At this point, the one that is the least bit of a reach is Cam Newton at quarterback.

Newton actually didn't personally impress me at the combine. He showed poor footwork and was inconsistent in the on-field drills, and his performance in the measurable drills was shocking. Newton is supposed to be this athletic freak, but nothing really stood out.

At the end of the day, Newton is still a good player. With the right setting, which he should be able to achieve in Arizona, he can become a successful quarterback.

6. Cleveland Browns: WR A.J. Green

Previously: DT Marcell Dareus

A.J. Green still available at the sixth selection?

Not much of a decision here.

Green may have had his stock damaged a little bit after the amazing performance of Julio Jones at the combine, but it's not enough for him to fall any further than this.

The Browns get Colt McCoy the weapon he needs to succeed.

7. San Francisco 49ers: CB Patrick Peterson

Previously: CB Prince Amukamara

In my previous mock, Patrick Peterson was gone after the Bills third overall selection. With the shake up in this mock, Peterson falls in the 49ers laps.

It appears that Harbaugh is happy with the quarterback situation in San Francisco, and with Gabbert and Newton already taken it's not likely the team will look in that direction.

Cornerback is the next biggest need on the team, and a top five talent falls to them at seven.

8. Tennessee Titans: DE Robert Quinn

Previously: QB Blaine Gabbert

Robert Quinn could very likely be the best pass rusher in this year's class. His suspension at North Carolina this year caused a bunch of red flags.

It appears that Quinn is saying the right things, and it won't hurt his draft stock too much.

Not to mention how he looked at the combine. Quinn didn't stand out too much with the measurable drills, but his on-field performance was great.

The Tennessee roster has a lot of holes, and one of the biggest is defensive end if Jason Babin walks. Quinn would be a solid replacement.

9. Dallas Cowboys: DE Cameron Jordan

Previously: DE Robert Quinn

What Dallas really needs is an offensive lineman. I just don't see Jerry Jones coming out of his trend of the no-first-round lineman policy.

Cameron Jordan, like Robert Quinn, is more of a hybrid player. He will likely be able to play on the end or stand up as an outside linebacker in a 3-4.

DeMarcus Ware and Cameron Jordan seems like it has the potential to be a pretty scary duo.

10. Washington Redskins: DT Marcell Dareus

Previously: QB Jake Locker

Defensive tackle Marcell Dareus had one of the best showings of any player at the combine, yet I still have him losing ground from my previous mock.

It really makes no sense, other than the fact that the sudden jump of Cam Newton into the top ten ruined the entire base for what I had set.

Dareus is a phenomenal player, and there is actually debate going on right now on whether or not he is better than Fairley.

He is probably a top five talent who slips in this mock. The Redskins get lucky if he is still available.

11. Houston: CB Prince Amukamara

Previously: DE Aldon Smith

The big winner of the whole debacle at the start of this mock is definitely the Houston Texans.

In my previous mock, both Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara were gone at this point. This time around, Amukamara is still available.

The Texans have one of the worst passing defenses in the league. They have for the last few years. It would be unbelievable if they passed on an opportunity like this.

Amukamara didn't have the greatest day at the combine. He looked tight in almost all the on-field drills. Despite this, there is no way the Texans can pass on him with how poor their defensive backfield is.

12. Minnesota: QB Jake Locker

Previously: QB Cam Newton

I have been sold on Jake Locker before this weekend's combine. All he did was verify my expectations.

Locker showed athleticism that nobody expected. He even had a better 40-time than the almighty Cam Newton.

He threw better than any quarterback in the on-field drills as well.

This isn't to say Locker won't be a project. He has flaws that will definitely need to be ironed out at the next level.

However, I do think he solidified himself as a first round talent.

13. Detroit: OT Nate Solder

Previously: OT Nate Solder

Nate Solder was a huge disappointment on the bench press. A star offensive tackle cannot only put up 21 reps.

Other than that, Solder had a great showing at the combine. He showed speed and athleticism that some questioned due to his overwhelming size.

Detroit has the star wide receiver. They finally got him the star quarterback to throw him the ball. Now they just need the star offensive lineman to keep him from getting hurt.

Nate Solder is that guy. Even with the poor bench press, he is still the top tackle on most boards.

14. St. Lous: WR Julio Jones

Previously: WR Julio Jones

The star of the weekend: Julio Jones. For his efforts, he gains no stock in this mock draft.

That's not to say he doesn't deserve it. Jones made a strong point that he has top ten talent written all over him.

Unfortunately for Jones, there isn't a strong need for wide receivers early in this years draft.

The only team that may have taken him was the Washington Redskins, but with Marcell Dareus still available, the decision is fairly easy.

The Rams get lucky with this one. Have fun Sam Bradford.

15. Miami: HB Mark Ingram

Previously: HB Mark Ingram

Every time Mark Ingram was handed the ball during the combine, I felt the need to run and hide.

He ran with such determination and power, that he would yell. It was a tad bit intimidating, and I liked it.

That said, it did nothing for his stock. Almost every person out there had Ingram going at 15th overall to Miami.

Chances are, nothing has changed.

16. Jacksonville: DE Aldon Smith

Previously: DE Cameron Jordan

No matter who is available, the Jaguars need to go defensive tackle in the first round. Unfortunately for Jacksonville, Cameron Jordan is off the board already in this updated mock.

The good news, is that Aldon Smith is still available.

The question on Smith was whether or not he could play in a 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker. After running a 4.78 second 40-yard dash time at the combine, it appears that answer is no. At least not on every play.

That's good news though, because Jacksonville runs a 4-3 after failing with experimenting with the 3-4 recently.

Smith will be a solid fit for the Jaguars, and they will need him. Facing Peyton Manning twice a year is no small task. The front four need to get as much pressure as possible.

17. New England: OT Anthony Castonzo

Previously: DE Adrian Clayborn

The New England Patriots have two key positions to address in the draft, linebacker and offensive tackle. Luckily for them, they have two first round picks.

So, with the first one they take the best player available at the two positions.

Anthony Castonzo was fluctuating with a couple offensive lineman in position prior to the combine. Post combine, I think he has taken the lead out of the bunch.

Castonzo showed that he had the strength to play the position, but what stood out was his quickness and athleticism.

Castonzo finished second out of all offensive tackles in the 3-cone drill and the 20-yard shuttle.

18. San Diego: LB Akeem Ayers

Previously: LB Akeem Ayers

Akeem Ayers actually had an up and down day at the combine. He ran a 4.80 second 40-yard dash time. That is way too slow to be first round talent.

However, when it came to the on-field drills he looked fast. He also looks fast when you look at the tape.

The 40-yard dash time was disappointing, but at the end of the day, it's on-field production and play that coaches look at.

Shawne Merriman is gone. Larry English hasn't lived up to the hype.

The Chargers need a linebacker in a bad way.

19. New York: OT Tyron Smith

Previously: OT Tyron Smith

The New York Giants are looking for a franchise left tackle. William Beatty doesn't appear to be the answer for the team.

Tyron Smith played right tackle all through college, but scouts believe he has the athleticism to move to left tackle in the NFL.

Smith pulled out of the combine early, due to a recovering knee injury. He did participate in the bench press, where he put up 29 reps.

The number was good, especially since the main cut on Smith is his size. He measured in at 6'5" and 307 pounds.

Don't expect the random drop out to hurt Smith. He will perform at USC's pro day on March 30th.

20. Tampa Bay: DE Ryan Kerrigan

Previously: DE Ryan Kerrigan

Ryan Kerrigan is one of the better pass rushers in this years draft.

He has the speed to get around the edge, and showed at the combine with 31 reps on the bench press that he also has the strength.

The only question mark comes with Kerrigan's size. He will likely need to put on a little weight before the season starts, but his talent level is high enough to compensate.

The Buccaneers starter working with the defensive line by drafting Gerald McCoy last year. They will continue with that this year with Kerrigan.

21. Kansas City: LB Justin Houston

Previously: LB Justin Houston

What stood out about Justin Houston this weekend was how well he performed in each and every drill.

He wasn't the fastest, but he was fast. He wasn't the quickest, but he was quick. He wasn't the strongest, but he was strong.

While players like Miller and Ayers seem to be more specialized in one aspect of the game, Houston stands out as a guy that can do everything.

Tamba Hali just came off of a nice season with the Chiefs. Houston on the other side could prove to be a great fit for Kansas City.

22. Indianapolis: OT Gabe Carimi

Previously: OT Anthony Castonzo

Gabe Carimi is known more for his run blocking attributes as an offensive tackle. Those won't come in too much use if he ends up on the Colts.

Carimi probably isn't the best fit for Indianapolis, but the only other option is Derek Sherrod at this pick. Sherrod, like Carimi, is more of a run blocking tackle too.

The Colts need to go offensive tackle no matter who they decide on. Keeping Peyton Manning protected needs to be the teams top priority.

For the few weeks Manning felt pressure, he struggled. The offense needs to get back into sync next year.

23. Philadelphia: CB Brandon Harris

Previously: CB Jimmy Smith

This change isn't so much what Brandon Harris did, rather than what Jimmy Smith failed to do.

Going into the combine, both were almost on even ground.

Smith, despite his larger frame, ran an impressive 40-yard dash time. However, he looked below-average at best during some of the on field drills. He was slow with his transitions and just looked sluggish.

Harris had a solid day overall. He ran a 4.53 second 40-yard dash and looked great in all the on field drills. His ball skills stood out among the group he was in.

The Eagles need help in the secondary opposite of Asante Samuel. Ellis Hobbs neck injury is likely a career ending one, and Dimitri Patterson was too inconsistent last year.

24. New Orleans: DE J.J. Watt

Previously: DE J.J. Watt

J.J. Watt was one of the unnoticed players who actually had a pretty good day at the combine.

He didn't do anything to really catch anyone's attention and raise his stock, but he did prove that he has the athleticism to be a great fit for any team.

Watt brings the ability to both rush the passer and stop the run. Most defensive ends are primarily pass rushers in today's game.

One of the many needs that New Orleans has on defense comes at defensive end. Watt would be a great pick up for the Saints, and they could get a guy who just happened to be overlooked by many.

25. Seattle: OT Derek Sherrod

There is no indivdual clip for Sherrod. In these highlights he is the left tackle.

Previously: QB Ryan Mallett

Ryan Mallett looked absolutely amazing when it came to throwing the ball during the combine. In the two drills he participated in, he looked awful.

I'm not convinced it was a lack of athletic ability, but actually lack of effort. Mallett continues to show reasons to question his character. As much as I don't want to do it, he's dropping out of the first round because of those issues.

Seattle has both Hasselbeck and Whitehurst if needed, so quarterback isn't a huge concern.

What the Seahawks do need is help on the offensive line. They need help bad. Tackle, guard, center, it doesn't matter.

Derek Sherrod was a kid that helped his stock a little during the combine. He showed some athleticism that scouts weren't sure he had.

That makes him eligible to play at left tackle. He could compete with Russell Okung for the position. Either way, the Seahawks would have two young talented tackles.

26. Baltimore: S Rahim Moore

Previously: CB Brandon Harris

While Ahmad Black took himself out of contention to be a first round pick, Rahim Moore almost guaranteed himself a spot in the first round with his performance at the combine.

Moore just looked like he belonged as a starter on an NFL team. He showed great quickness, and amazed spectators with his ball skills.

It shouldn't come as a surprise since Moore had 14 total interceptions during his three years with UCLA.

The Raven's may need a safety in a bad way this offseason. It looks like Landry could be taking his talents elsewhere next year.

Moore could end up starting the season next to Ed Reed, who just happens to be his favorite player.

27. Atlanta: OG Mike Pouncey

Previously: WR Torrey Smith

The Falcons really need to focus on the defensive front seven. However, the majority of the top players will be gone by the time it reaches pick 27.

The next biggest need for the Falcons comes at offensive guard. At this point, none have been taken, so why not get the best guy available at the position?

That guy is Mike Pouncey, brother of Pro Bowl rookie Maurkice Pouncey.

Pouncey looked good during the drills during the combine. Nothing stood out, but he didn't have to. He was already the top guard coming out this year.

Falcons fans will be hoping that Pouncey has similar success to that of his brother after this pick.

28. New England: LB Dontay Moch

Previously: OT Derrek Sherrod

No, this has nothing to do with his phenomenal performance at the combine. I liked Moch long before that (just go check out my sleeper article as proof.)

Well, maybe the combine had a little to do with it. Let's face it, Moch isn't much of a sleeper any more.

Moch ran a 4.44 second 40-yard dash, put up a 42" vertical jump and had a 10'8" long jump.

Combine that freakish athletic set with 29 total sacks during his time at Nevada, and you have a talented player.

Call it a reach, people usually do when Bill Belichick selects players early from lesser known universities. It actually happens a lot.

For some reason it always ends up working for Bill. I see it happening again.

29. Chicago: DT Corey Liuget

Previously: OT Gabe Carimi

The biggest downside of Corey Liuget is that he isn't built to play in a 3-4 defense. That doesn't bother the Chicago Bears.

Liuget didn't really stand out at the combine. He was hidden among the other star players that everyone was paying attention to. Despite this, he still had a good day.

It wasn't enough to really help his stock much.

Chicago has a huge need at offensive line, but the best guys are off the board at this point. It's a best player available situation, and defensive tackle is still a need for the Bears.

30. New York: DT Stephen Paea

Previously: DT Muhammad Wilkerson

All I can say about Stephen Paea is "Wow."

He participated in only one drill at the combine. That was enough to move him from an early second round selection to late in the first round.

Paea set a combine record 49 reps on the bench press.

If that doesn't catch the attention of Rex Ryan, I honestly don't know what will. The Jets are going to need a player on the defensive line.

Paea could be that guy.

31. Pittsburgh: OG Dan Watkins

Previously: OT Derrek Sherrod

The Pittsburgh Steelers need to go with the best offensive lineman available. The line was in shambles the entire season.

The best available at this point is offensive guard Dan Watkins.

Watkins never played organized football until 2007. He is 26 years old. That may scare some teams off.

However, it's amazing that after only four years of football Watkins is even being mentioned as a first round pick in the NFL Draft. That should say something about his potential.

32. Green Bay: WR Leonard Hankerson

Previously: DT Corey Liuget

The Green Bay Packers are now the defending Super Bowl champions. Can you imagine how good they could be with receivers that don't drop spot on passes from Aaron Rodgers?

What Leonard Hankerson showed at the combine may not have been anything extraordinary. He did perform well.

Despite this, he still isn't better than Torrey Smith.

However, the reason the Packers are taking a wide receiver here is because of drops. When it comes to sure handedness, I'd take Hankerson over Smith.