2011 NFL Mock Draft: Is Patrick Peterson Poised to Be the Top Pick?
While there is a slight "extension" of the NFL calendar year for today, there will be no more player movement until a new agreement is reached. For us fans, and NFL teams alike, it means the only thing we can turn our attention to is the 2011 NFL Draft.
The Scouting Combine has come and gone, and now only Pro Day workouts separate us from the annual player selection meeting held in late April.
The battle and debate for the No. 1 pick still rages on, but my top prospect, LSU defensive back Patrick Peterson, has been on top of my board since season's end.
He put on a show in Indianapolis during the defensive back workouts, and there is little doubt in my mind that he is the one truly "can't miss" prospect of this class.
Pro Day workouts will still have an effect on this Draft, as well as private workouts, but players are running out of opportunities to make an impression on their future employers.
Here is a look at how the first round plays out in my mind right now.
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1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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Cam Newton continues his domination of any and all opponents and is now the No. 1 overall pick in this latest mock draft.
The Heisman Trophy and National Championship winning quarterback has plenty of question marks surrounding his future in the NFL, but he has some positive history on his side too; eight of the last ten No. 1 overall picks were quarterbacks.
Newton's athleticism, upside and ability to win football games will overshadow any lingering doubts about his potential to succeed in a pro-style system.
The Panthers have a lot of needs and just added Jimmy Clausen in the second round last year, but with a new coaching staff in place, the first order of business is usually putting a new quarterback in place.
Carolina will certainly look at players like Da'Quan Bowers, Patrick Peterson and Nick Fairley for the top pick, but quarterback history wins out.
2. Denver Broncos: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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This selection has been made easier as of late.
With a switch to a 4-3 defense, a new defensive-minded coach and a defensive line that needs upgrades at almost every position, we can expect to see the Broncos take one of the extremely talented defensive linemen in this Draft.
Patrick Peterson is certainly still in the mix, but the re-signing of Champ Bailey makes it more important for Denver to address their awful defensive front.
The Broncos have not used a first round pick on a true defensive lineman in over a decade, and Bowers was the nation's leader in sacks this season as a junior.
He's 6'4", 280-pounds, and uses a good mix of size, speed, strength and athleticism to make life miserable for quarterbacks.
3. Buffalo Bills: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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The Bills were the toughest decision in the top three because there is still so much talent on the draft board.
Marcell Dareus looked fantastic at the combine, and his unique blend of size, athleticism and agility make him a tough prospect to pass up.
Buffalo can certainly do with Patrick Peterson because he brings so much to the field, Nick Fairley was the most disruptive player in the country and the Bills still need a franchise quarterback, but stopping the run has to be a priority this offseason.
If Newton is still on the board I have a hard time believing they would pass on him here, and Blaine Gabbert could certainly drive himself up the board after his Pro Day workout.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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The Bengals have a lot to figure out this offseason with their offense, and if Carson Palmer really does decide to retire (Mike Brown will not let him out), then Gabbert becomes a real possibility here.
A.J. Green did not dominate or even impress at the Combine the way some would have liked, but as good as Julio Jones looked, it is still not enough to overtake the Georgia Bulldog.
Green is a dynamic playmaker on the football field, has the ability to get open, go up for the football and will certainly be an upgrade on the outside for the Bengals.
They could also entertain the possibility of two fantastic talents such as Nick Fairley and Patrick Peterson, but an offensive force such as Green will be hard to pass up.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
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The Cardinals desperately need a quarterback, but another youngster (which would give them two second year players and a rookie) would be an absolute nightmare. Their best bet is find a QB in free agency.
Von Miller is a highly touted defensive end/outside linebacker who has been called "the best pure pass rusher in the country" by more than a few people.
He will have to shift to a full time linebacker position due to his size (6'2 1/2", 245-pounds), but he has shown the versatility and athleticism to fully excel, and the Cardinals 3-4 will suit him well.
Miller can cover and could be used as a pass rushing force off the edge for a team that desperately needs one.
6. Cleveland Browns: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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The Browns are actually fortunate to be sitting in the No. 6 spot this Draft, as there is a lot of talent still on the board.
Cleveland has some pressing needs, but are actually starting to get it right and now have the luxury of taking the best available player on the board in this scenario.
There is a good chance it may be Nick Fairley, but after Patrick Peterson's 4.34 40 at 219 pounds and his fantastic ball skills, he will be hard to pass at this spot.
Peterson has the potential to shift to safety now or later on in his career, but his abilities, alongside last year's first round pick, Joe Haden, make the Browns a much better defensive team right away.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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The 49ers are trying to send their organization in the right direction, and new coach Jim Harbaugh is a good start.
Despite what they say, they still need a starting quarterback and there is no certainty that'll find what they seek in the free agent market.
Gabbert has plenty of question marks, and we still need to see him throw, but there are plenty who are really high on him and he does have the potential to be a franchise quarterback.
I do not find him special, but that does not mean he cannot effectively take a team that has a lot talent and be the quarterback for them.
The 49ers can take a lot of other talent here, including Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara, but quarterbacks typically find a way to be overdrafted.
8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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The Auburn defensive tackle was the most disruptive player in the country, has No. 1 overall potential, but also has the character concerns to knock him down the board a bit.
He put up a solid performance at the combine and showcased the dominant athleticism that made him so disruptive during the 2010 season.
Tennessee needs to figure out their quarterback situation, but unless they fall in love with Jake Locker or Ryan Mallett, or happen to get a crack at Blaine Gabbert, they can still get one of the best players in the draft with Fairley.
He can replace the production and talent of the once-dominant Albert Haynesworth, and his nasty mentality on the field fits the Titans' demeanor.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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The Nebraska cornerback answered any questions about his speed by running a 4.43 in Indianapolis, and I have a hard time believing he will escape the top 10.
Dallas has a few needs across the secondary, especially at safety, but nobody grades out high enough at No 9 overall.
Amukamara is an experienced cornerback with a ton of talent and the potential to be a shutdown corner in the NFL.
He can be physical on the line, has the speed to turn and run, has good ball skills and tackling ability.
If Dallas stays put at No. 9, he could be a steal for them.
10. Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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The Redskins need to figure out their quarterback situation at some point, but no other quarterback grades out in the first round.
Julio Jones used the combine to close the gap between himself and A.J. Green, showcasing speed that we did not know he possessed.
The Crimson Tide receiver is a physical freak with the strength and speed to dominate any who line up in front of him.
Washington has missed on too many receivers in recent years, and Julio is not as safe as A.J. in my eyes, but his big play ability from anywhere on the field make him very difficult to pass on.
Whoever will be under center for the Redskins in 2011 will be happy to have Jones on the outside.
11. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, UNC
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Houston is switching over to a 3-4 defense this season and they need another playmaker opposite Mario Williams if they want to make it work.
Robert Quinn put up a solid all around workout in Indianapolis, but did not meet the lofty expectations many had set for him.
Even so, he is a great athlete for the position, gets off the football incredibly fast, and still has a ton of unfilled potential as a young prospect.
The Texans secondary could use some help, but a better pass rush will go a long way into helping them improve this season.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
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The junior USC Trojan has the most upside of any tackle in the 2011 class.
He dispelled any notion of being to light by coming into the combine at 307 pounds while retaining the athleticism that make him so special.
The Vikings are in need of a quarterback, but I am still unsure of their thoughts on Jake Locker and they may opt to find their new signal caller in a later round.
Smith played right tackle at USC, but projects as a blindside blocker in the NFL.
The Vikings, if they feel safer letting him get accustomed to the game, can play him on the right and eventually switch him with an aging Bryant McKinnie on the left.
Smith has a ton of upside and could be the best tackle in the draft, but he may need some time.
13. Detroit Lions: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
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This may be a reach to some eyes, but after his Combine performance, I feel Brandon Harris has done enough to solidify himself as the third cornerback on my board.
He's a bit smaller than I anticipated (5'9 1/2"), but ran well and looked especially fluid in his positional workouts.
He is an instinctive player and a willing tackler who can still get better.
With no certainty of free agency, teams will have to address needs more abruptly than in recent years, and Detroit's biggest need to me is at the corner position.
14. St. Louis Rams: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
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The big defensive prospect showed great athleticism in his workouts at the scouting combine and gave teams even more to rave about since his Senior Bowl.
Jordan has a ton of versatility, can play inside or outside, and is one of the top 15 prospects in the class.
The Rams were desperate to get a wide receiver like Julio Jones here, but unfortunately that did not work out and it is too early to reach for another weapon on the outside.
The defensive end also fills a potential need opposite Chris Long, as Jordan would be James Hall's successor and could start as a situational rusher inside and outside.
Coach Spagnuolo has experience with players like Jordan, finding ways to get Mathias Kiwanuka on the field when the Giants had three other good defensive ends.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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There is no running back prospect close to Mark Ingram in this draft class, and the Dolphins are the one team that will be looking for an immediate starter.
The former Heisman Trophy winner can do everything needed of a starting running back and is ready to step in from day one and carry the rock for Miami.
They seem determined to stick with Chad Henne for the time being, but the Dolphins could always change their mind and go for a quarterback on draft day.
Unless someone sneaks ahead, the Dolphins should be in the clear for a shot at Ingram.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
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Jacksonville could certainly surprise us and make a move for a quarterback or another player that we do not see coming (Tyson Alualu), but we do know they could use some help getting after the quarterback this season.
Kerrigan tested much better than I expected in Indianapolis and seems to be a better athlete than he was initially given credit for.
He is a bit undersized, but plays with good leverage and is relentless in pursuit.
He's a top 20 talent with a top 10 work ethic.
17. New England Patriots (via Oakland): J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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The big defensive end prospect has a relentless motor, top-notch athleticism and seems to be an ideal fit in this spot.
New England acquired this pick for Richard Seymour and now they will be using it to fill his void with a new, young five technique end.
Watt and the Patriots will fit well together, as the Wisconsin junior can play inside or outside and does a great job of making life miserable for opposing teams.
This is the first of New England's two picks in this round, and Watt is a great first pick.
18. San Diego Chargers: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
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The Chargers made a nice free agent splash by signing Bob Sanders, but now it will be important to see if he can stay healthy.
One way to maximize his abilities will be to add a pass rusher that will force teams into making rushed throws, and Smith can do just that.
The very athletic, but very raw, defensive end will fit nicely as a 3-4 rusher in the San Diego system, and he still has some of his best football ahead of him.
San Diego could use him early as a situational rusher as he learns the NFL game and still find ways to make him effective.
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
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This seems too much like a match at this point to happen and Castonzo could rise higher in the coming weeks.
As of now though, the Giants desperately need an effective young tackle to groom for the future and to have for emergency.
Castonzo has great size and athleticism, is extremely polished for a young prospect and hails from a notoriously good linemen school.
The BC-NYG connection is undeniable, and Castonzo is the safest of the tackles available in the first round in my mind.
The one other intriguing possibility is the falling Akeem Ayers of UCLA. New York needs some new linebackers and Ayers can do a lot of things well.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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The beginning of the season would have had Clayborn in the top 10, and while his 2010 campaign did not help him much, his abilities are enough to keep him in the top 25.
He is relentless in pursuit, can play inside and outside and plays with a serious nasty streak.
Tampa Bay continues to get better each year, but need a pass rushing threat to get after the quarterbacks in their division.
Clayborn's versatility and tenacity will not keep him on the board long, and the Bucs will be lucky to have him.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia
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The Chiefs have a long way to go if they want to stay at the top of the AFC West division, and getting a pass rushing threat opposite Tamba Hali is at the top of the list.
Justin Houston spent a lot of time with his hand in the dirt, but also got some experience standing up this season as well.
He will have a definite learning curve, but could be used successfully as a situational pass rusher early until he picks up the system.
The Chiefs have a few other needs they could fill here, but Houston is a quality addition for the future.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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The Wisconsin offensive tackle showed me better than expected athleticism in Indianapolis, and is one of three first round offensive linemen I feel are safe picks.
Carimi's versatility and experience in the Big 10 (huge Colts bonus point) are enough to elevate him into the top 25, even if he is not a elite left tackle prospect.
He can play virtually any position on the line, can play right away and fills the need for blockers in front of Peyton Manning.
The Colts could go in a few directions here, but this pick provides the most value.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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Nate Solder possess elite athleticism and an incredible frame as an offensive tackle.
He is still progressing as a prospect and has a ton of learning to do, but has as much, if not more, upside as any tackle in the Draft class.
Philadelphia likes to build through the trenches early in the draft, and the potential for an elite left tackle at No. 23 will be too much for them to pass on in my opinion.
I would also expect them to take a long, hard look at Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith.
24. New Orleans Saints: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
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The scouting combine was not kind to every first round player, and Akeem Ayers is the one player I think got hurt a bit by his showing.
He has good size and displays good overall athleticism on tape, but he put up a less than stellar 4.8 40-yard dash and was not as good looking as I had hoped.
Ayers plays much faster on tape though, can rush the passer, play in coverage and tackle well, and should not slip too far down the board.
New Orleans has been looking for playmaking linebacker skills for quite some time, and Ayers gives them just that.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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A match made in heaven to some degree.
Seattle needs a quarterback for the future (lets be honest, Charlie Whitehurst?), and Jake Locker IS a first round quarterback talent that could very easily be gone before this pick.
His accuracy issues are a cause for concern for many, but his talent and athleticism are undeniable.
If Seattle got a shot at Locker and passed I would be utterly shocked.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami
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The Ravens are one of the best drafting organizations in the league and this year they need to get their hands on another weapon for Joe Flacco.
Leonard Hankerson may not be a first round pick in a lot of people's minds, but his rise up draft boards since the season ended is undeniable and it only takes one team to get hot on him.
There are a few other receivers that could attract some attention here, but Hankerson's speed, playmaking ability and massive hands make him hard to pass up.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
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A 6'2", 211-pound cornerback with sub 4-5 speed and character concerns can only fall so far.
The Atlanta Falcons may not the be the organization you expect to take a shot on troubled player, but the talent level of Jimmy Smith is incredible.
His hips bother some people and he certainly has to keep his head on straight, but the payoff on a kid with talent of his level could really make a difference.
The Falcons could stand for an upgrade in the secondary, and Smith has the potential to develop into a great cornerback in the NFL with rare measurables.
28. New England Patriots: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
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The speedy Maryland wide receiver could be the missing link to the Patriots offense.
Since the departure of Randy Moss, the Patriots have not had a vertical threat in their offense and it cost them the game against the Jets.
Torrey Smith does not blow me away with anything, but he can certainly get deep.
He posted a 4.43 40 in Indianapolis and can learn the NFL game while still being used a deep threat immediately in the Patriot offense.
29. Chicago Bears: Mike Pouncey, OG/C, Florida
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Its no secret the Chicago Bears need offensive line help, and they should find a suitable prospect in the latter portion of the first round.
Mike Pouncey, brother of All-Pro Pittsburgh center Maurkice Pouncey, is an extremely talented, versatile offensive lineman with a ton of experience.
He's got great instincts for the position, can play anywhere on the interior line and will be a huge help for the Chicago Bears.
30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
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The Jets would have loved the opportunity to get after a pass rush threat off the edge, but the draft board has not been kind to them.
Baylor's Phil Taylor is the best nose tackle prospect in the draft and could serve as the potential replacement for Kris Jenkins.
He's an agile big man for his size, does a good job of clogging holes for his teammates and moves well inside.
New York can go a lot of different ways here and have a lot of tough decisions to make in free agency as well.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Williams, CB/S, Texas
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Pittsburgh needs some offensive line help and could go after that position here, but they also might lose their top corner in free agency and that is trouble.
Aaron Williams is a bit of tweener who could play safety or corner, but may be exactly what the Steelers are looking for.
He's a dynamic special teamer and can contribute at more than one position immediately.
The cornerback rankings get very muddled after Williams and he may be the only one worth grabbing before the value disappears.
32. Green Bay Packers: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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The Green Bay Packers can do a ton of things at this spot, including trading out, and do not have a ton needs to fill.
Derek Sherrod is the type of prospect that does everything well, but nothing really great.
He's got good size, good overall athleticism and has a ton of experience against top competition.
The Packers can use him at multiple positions until they figure out their long term situation at tackle.
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