NFL Mock Draft 2011: Was Cam Newton's Pro Day Enough to Land Him in Top-5?
The NFL Mock Draft 2011 season is nearing a conclusion. We are a little over a month away and all that stands between players, teams and the draft is a handful of pro day workouts.
Well that—and the limitless potential of players to screw up their earning potential with some kind of boneheaded decision that lands them in a police report.
For the most part though, teams have their draft boards set. Which means mock drafts are closing in on being locked into their final versions.
Mine is no different. Well, other than the fact it is less a mock than a foretelling of the future.
No. 1. Carolina Panthers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
1 of 32
Why Carolina Needs a CB: When you have the No. 1 overall pick in the draft you do not draft for need. You draft the best available player. The most solid part of the Panthers defense may have been their secondary. Peterson has all the looks of a once-in-a-generation corner, though.
Why Peterson Makes Sense: Peterson has an elite combination of size and speed. He ran a 4.34 in the 40 at the combine and he measured 6'1" and 219 pounds.
This is near Bo Jackson, Herschel Walker levels.
He has all the tools to be a shutdown corner. He will also bring with him an electrifying return game.
No. 2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
2 of 32
Why the Broncos Need a DT: The Broncos defense was horrible in 2010. Their pass defense rated slightly above their run defense only because teams were able to run so easily and often, the passing numbers stayed down. They will look to add some help in the trenches.
Why Dareus Makes Sense: Dareus had an amazing combine. He showed the explosiveness to rush the passer as a "3" technique DT and the size to play the "0."
He played the majority of 2010 with a high ankle sprain, but he still demonstrated the ability to dominate a game. He will eat up blockers in the run game and force his way into the backfield.
No. 3. Buffalo Bills: Da'Quan Bowers, OLB/DE, Clemson
3 of 32
Why the Bills Need a OLB/DE: The Bills struggled to rush the passer in 2010. They were 28th in sacks per game. They also struggled to hold their ground on the edge against runs.
Why Bowers Makes Sense: Bowers' quickness for his size approaches freak range. He is very stout against the run and he can hold the edge. It is, however, his elite pass rushing skills that are going to catapult him to the top of the draft though.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
No. 4. Cincinnati Bengals: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
4 of 32
Why the Bengals Need a DE: The Bengals need an interior presence that will allow their edge rushers to get some heat on the QB. They finished 2010 ranked 28th in sack percentage.
It'll be an added bonus if that interior guy can rush the passer himself.
Why Fairley Makes Sense: Nick Fairley weighed in at the combine at 291 pounds, which was lighter than expected. However, he displayed his tremendous explosion, and he should be able to regularly penetrate into the opposition's backfield.
He has the look of a perfect fit for DE in a 3-4 system or a "3" technique DT. As he displayed in the BCS National Championship Game, Fairley can dictate what offenses try to do.
No. 5. Arizona Cardinals: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
5 of 32
Why The Cardinals Need A QB: The Cardinals and their fans have suffered through some of the worst quarterbacking in recent memory. Due to injuries and ineffectiveness, the position has been a revolving door.
Why Newton Makes Sense: The tools and potential are going to prove to be too much for more than five teams to pass on. Newton has freakish size, strength and speed and his passing skills seemed to get better every game.
He will bring some needed buzz to a Cardinal team that is on the verge of falling back to obscurity.
No. 6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
6 of 32
Why the Browns Need a WR: The Browns didn't have one WR in 2010 who had more than 40 catches or 500 yards. If they want Colt McCoy to develop they have to give him someone to throw to.
Why Green Makes Sense: Green has everything you look for in a WR. He has the size at 6'4" and 200 pounds, 4.4 speed and hands. He should be a No. 1 WR for years to come—his talent and upside will be too much for the Browns to pass on.
No. 7. San Francisco 49ers: Prince Amukamara, DB, Nebraska
7 of 32
Why the 49ers Need a CB: The 49ers have a solid run defense, but they were shredded by opposing WRs in 2010. They have the 30th and 31st ranked DVOA against No. 1 and 2 receivers respectively.
Why Amukamara Makes Sense: Amukamara has the size, 6'1" and 205 pounds, speed and instincts to play on day one. He has shown the ball skills and ability to change directions that could make him one of the elite corners in the NFL.
No. 8. Tennessee Titans: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
8 of 32
Why the Titans Need an OLB: It remains to be seen what defensive system the Titans will be running in 2011. No matter what system it is, they are going to need to get increased pass rushing on the QB.
Why Miller Makes Sense: Miller is the 2010 Big 12 sacks leader. He has been a consistent pass rusher his entire career. He has the size and the speed to put his hand in the dirt on passing downs and play OLB on other downs.
No. 9. Dallas Cowboys: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
9 of 32
Why the Cowboys Need a DE: The Cowboys have an aging and eroding D-line. They have not put consistent pressure on opposing QBs and they have not been able to stop the run. A fatal double whammy, they will look to rectify.
Why Jordan Makes Sense: Jordan spent his week practicing for the Senior Bowl grabbing the attention of scouts. At 6'4" and 285 pounds, he has the size and strength it will take to excel as a DE in a 3-4 NFL system.
No. 10. Washington Redskins: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
10 of 32
Why the Redskins Need a QB: It is hard to imagine a scenario where Donovan McNabb will come back to the Redskins and it seems unlikely that any franchise is going to think that Rex Grossman is their future. Hence the Redskins need for a QB.
Why Gabbert Makes Sense: Gabbert has the size and arm strength that Shanahan loves in QBs. He has good leadership skills and he has played in a system that has called for him to make quick reads.
No. 11. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, OLB, North Carolina
11 of 32
Why Houston Needs an OLB: The Texans were horrible on pass defense. A big part of the problem was a lack of pass rush. They are switching to a 3-4 defense and they need the OLBs to do it.
Why Quinn Makes Sense: Quinn is an excellent athlete. He can rush the passer and is solid against the run. At 6'5" and 265 pounds, Quinn could play with his hand in the dirt as an end on passing downs and slip to OLB on first and second downs.
No. 12. Minnesota Vikings: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
12 of 32
Why the Vikings Need a DE: The Minnesota Vikings defense fell off the map in 2010. They were an inferior product to the 2009 edition in almost every way. And that all started with the defensive line.
Combine the lack of production with the potential free agency of DE Ray Edwards and his eight sacks, you have a team that needs a defensive end.
Why Smith Makes Sense: Smith has the look and potential to be a perfect fit in a 3-4 as an end. He will instantly upgrade the Vikings' rush defense, while getting to the QB on occasion. He is explosive and stout against the run.
No. 13. Detroit Lions: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
13 of 32
Why the Lions Need an OLB: The Lions are thin at LB—especially after they cut OLB Julian Peterson. They need some athleticism and pass rushing on the edge.
Why Ayers Makes Sense: Ayers is an excellent athlete. He has displayed good, but not quite elite, pass rushing skills. He has also has a great all-around game and is solid in coverage.
No. 14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
14 of 32
Why the Rams Need a WR: The Rams lack a true No. 1 WR for their franchise QB, Sam Bradford. They need to grab a playmaker on the outside who can grow with their young QB.
Why Jones Makes Sense: At 6'4", 210 lbs, Julio Jones has the size to go over DBs. He also has the explosiveness.
Jones had what may be the most impressive combine of 2011 and he did it all with a broken foot. The guy has all of the physical tools to be a dominant WR in the NFL. There is no way he stays on the board beyond the Rams.
No. 15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
15 of 32
Why the Dolphins Need a RB: The Dolphins are built to run the football. Both of their RBs are going to be free agents and both are getting up there in years.
Why Ingram Makes Sense: Ingram has the kind of straight-ahead running style the Dolphins love. If they pick up Ingram, they will be able to lose either Williams or Brown and not miss a beat.
No. 16. Jacksonville Jaguars: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
16 of 32
Why the Jaguars Need a DE: The Jaguars struggled to put pressure on opposing QBs. They are happy with their young DTs and they will look for an end to put outside of them.
Why Watt Makes Sense: Watt is the complete package. He can rush the passer and stop the run. Watt will make the Jaguars young defense younger and instantly improve it in the process.
No. 17. New England Patriots: Ryan Kerrigan, OLB/DE, Purdue
17 of 32
Why the Patriots Need a DE: The Patriots aren't getting to the QB as often as they like. They already have a young defense but look for them to go after a pass rusher with their first pick.
They are thin and not that talented at linebacker—especially on the edge.
Why Kerrigan Makes Sense: Kerrigan was such a force at Senior Bowl practices, he earned the nickname "Superman." Kerrigan is a high-motor player with tremendous strength.
Ryan Kerrigan is just the kind of player the Patriots are looking for. He has played defensive end, but he has the skill set and size to be a pass rushing OLB in a 3-4.
No. 18. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Heyward, DE, OSU
18 of 32
Why the Chargers Need a DE: Two of the Chargers DE's contracts have expired. They are unlikely to re-sign both of them and this is a great draft for a D-lineman.
Why Heyward Makes Sense: Heyward had an outstanding Sugar Bowl after a disappointing 2010 season. He has the speed and size—now he just needs to perform at the combine.
No. 19. New York Giants: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
19 of 32
Why the Giants Need an OT: The Giants' inconsistency on offense stems from their offensive line. David Diehl is slowing down and William Beatty did not look like a starting NFL LT.
Why Solder Makes Sense: All-American Nate Solder is a pro-ready prospect. He has decent size and has room to add some bulk on his lanky frame.
Solder has excellent footwork and agility. He needs to work on his leverage, but with some good line coaching he could be an elite tackle.
No. 20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
20 of 32
Why the Bucs Need a DE: Tampa is set up the middle on their defensive front. They spent their first two picks on DT in 2010. They will look to add firepower there and take the pressure and attention away from their DTs.
Why Clayborn Makes Sense: He can rush the passer and stop the run. At 6'4" and 285 pounds, he has great size to hold the edge against the run and enough explosiveness to be a solid pass rusher.
No. 21. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
21 of 32
Why the Chiefs Need an OT: The Chiefs led the league in rushing, but their o-line struggled down the stretch—especially in pass protection.
Why Smith Makes Sense: Smith has good quickness and footwork. He did his draft status a tremendous service by showing up at the combine at 307 pounds and he has plenty of room to add bulk on his 6'5" frame.
Smith is very athletic for a tackle. He has solid footwork and decent strength. He is better in pass protection, but if he bulks up he will be an elite run blocker as well.
No. 22. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
22 of 32
Why the Colts Need an OT: The Colts need help on their defensive front, but they also could use some help at RT. Their run game struggled in 2010 and more importantly, when Peyton Manning has time, the Colts are unbeatable.
Why Castonzo Makes Sense: Castonzo is a four-year starter. He has the footwork and strength to play both the LT and RT positions. He is a solid run blocker and a capable pass blocker. He would likely be an instant upgrade.
No. 23. Philadelphia Eagles: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
23 of 32
Why the Eagles Need an OT: While the Eagles are one of the better rushing teams in the league, they are one of the worst pass blocking. Their QBs took a beating in 2010.
Why Sherrod Makes Sense: Sherrod is an excellent athlete at the LT position. He is a little light at 6'6" and 300 lbs, but he makes up for it with technique and footwork and he has plenty of room to add some beef to his frame.
No. 24. New Orleans Saints: Mikel LeShoure, RB, Illinois
24 of 32
Why the Saints Need a RB: The Saints run game suffered through injuries in 2010 and as a result it became almost non-existent.
The Saints were 28th in rushing yards and 30th in rushing attempts. They need to add someone to help take the pressure off of Drew Brees and the passing game.
Why LeShoure Makes Sense: Mikel LeShoure is just the man the Saints are looking for. He is a big body, 6’0” and 230 pounds, that can get the tough inside yards and he also has some surprising speed and elusiveness.
LeShoure’s draft stock has been on a steady incline since the start of the 2010 season. He is solid in pass protection and he is very capable catching the ball out of the backfield.
No. 25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, University of Washington
25 of 32
Why the Seahawks Need a QB: Matt Hasselbeck is very clearly nearing the end of his playing days.
While they just traded for Charlie Whitehurst, their reluctance to play him despite Matt Hasselbeck's injuries is evidence they do not feel he is their long-term answer.
Why Locker Makes Sense: They got Whitehurst under the premise he would be good for the type of QB motion offense and deep-strike offense the Seahawks wanted to utilize.
These are Locker's strengths. He has excellent mobility and terrific arm strength. His accuracy also seems to be better on the move than in the pocket.
No. 26. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
26 of 32
Why the Ravens Need a DB: The Ravens defense lacks the corners on the outside that can shut down a WR and allow the rest of the defense to get after the QB and stuff the running game.
Why Harris Makes Sense: The Ravens will be ecstatic if Harris lasts until they pick. He has all the tools to be a solid man-to-man corner in the NFL, with great ball skills and speed.
While his lack of size may hurt him against bigger players over the middle, the Ravens have Ray Lewis and company to help him with that.
No. 27. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
27 of 32
Why the Falcons Need a TE: Tony Gonzalez is old—that's why. He has mentioned during the year that this could be his final season. Even if he does come back, the Falcons can lighten his load and train his heir-apparent.
Why Rudolph Makes Sense: Rudolph is widely regarded as the best TE prospect in the draft. He is 6'6", 260 lbs and runs a 4.6 40. The guy has all the physical tools and he put them together to have a productive college career.
No. 28. New England Patriots: Jon Baldwin, WR, Pitt
28 of 32
Why the Patriots Need a WR: The Patriots offense lacks size and speed at the WR position. They have great route-running WRs and TEs with solid hands, but they lack that guy to take two players with him down the field.
Why Baldwin Makes Sense: Baldwin has struggled a bit this year, but that is easily attributable to the struggles of the QB position at Pittsburgh. Baldwin is 6'5" and has good hands. He has a less-than-blazing 4.5 40 time, but his size is enough to make him a deep threat.
No. 29. Chicago Bears: Gabe Carimi, OT/G, Wisconsin
29 of 32
Why the Bears Need an OT: It is amazing the Bears have made it to the Championship game with their putrid offensive line. They will take the best lineman on the board.
Why Carimi Makes Sense: Carimi is a big mauling tackle who may be moved to guard in the NFL. While his pass blocking technique has been questioned, he has the work ethic to improve. At 6'8" and 320 pounds, he certainly has the size.
No. 30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
30 of 32
Why the Jets Need a NT: The Jets defense has dominated the past two seasons despite only having the services of their nose tackle, Kris Jenkins, for seven games.
The Jets need that beefy anchor up the middle and it is apparent they can’t count on Jenkins.
Why Taylor Makes Sense: Phil Taylor has the size to play nose tackle in the NFL. He is 6’4” and 340 pounds. He has decent quickness and his strength and size make him an immovable object against the run.
The Jets need a bigger pass rush. Taylor will indirectly put pressure on the QB. He is not going to get the sacks himself, but he is going to occupy blockers and open up the holes for Rex Ryan’s exotic blitz packages.
No. 31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey, C/G, Florida
31 of 32
Why the Steelers Need an OL: The Steelers were last in the league in sacks allowed percentage. Even more importantly, the Steelers want to run the football and they have been unable to do so consistently due to their sub-par offensive line.
Why Pouncey Makes Sense: I think it is safe to say Mike will have good chemistry with the Steelers center. He is the twin brother of Maurkice Pouncey, the Steelers center. Mike brings similar skills and has the potential to start at guard or center.
If he is still available this is a no-brainer.
No. 32. Green Bay Packers: DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas
32 of 32
Why the Packers Need an OT: For a Super Bowl Champion, the Green Bay Packers are an amazingly young team with few players whose contracts just expired.
One area where they may be hurt by age and free agency is the offensive line. LT Chad Clifton is 34 and LG Daryn Colledge is no longer under contract.
Why Love Makes Sense: Love has a lot of starting experience at both RT and LT.
More importantly, he has the size and run blocking ability that would allow him to start at guard. This would allow him to fill the hole left by Colledge, while Clifton finishes out his career.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")