2011 NFL Mock Draft: Pick-by-Pick 1st Round Predictions
The 2011 NFL Draft is just over a month away, and absolutely nothing is settled.
Between private workouts, pro-days and scouting combines, teams can find out as much as possible about a player before deciding whether or not to draft them.
Of course, that far from guarantees a successful draft pick.
While teams may still be conducting many more interviews and workouts, they know that the only way to improve their teams this season may come through the draft. That is because there will be no free agency until a new CBA is reached.
Here is a look at the latest mock draft, following everything that took place during the scouting combine a couple of weeks ago.
No. 1 Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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Newton has been on and off the mark on the field, but he has never been off the radar of the Panthers with the No. 1 overall pick.
Why He Fits: Newton has the tools to become a franchise quarterback. If you have the opportunity to build your team around one of them, can you really pass on drafting him? The team does not see Jimmy Claussen in that role.
Why He Doesn't: Many have questioned his maturity, and if it does not improve, he will be a bust. He will also have to learn what it is like to take a snap directly under center.
No. 2 Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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Dareus is skyrocketing up draft boards across the league, and he has now put himself in a position to be a top two or three pick. That is partly because of his versatility.
Why He Fits: With John Fox coming in to take over, the team will most likely switch to a 4-3 defense, meaning a player like Dareus could have an instant impact.
Why He Doesn't: Denver could be tempted to go another direction, including Nick Fairley, if they feel he is a better pick. Either way, Dareus will find a home quickly.
No. 3 Buffalo Bills: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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Bowers was thought to be the top pick for the longest time. It is not that he is sliding, but rather others are moving up that has dropped him down slightly. It is no way an indication of his talent at the next level.
Why He Fits: The Bills need someone to rush the passer and put some pressure on the opposing offense. Bowers is just the man for the job.
Why He Doesn't: The Bills could hope that Dareus falls, just because he may be better in the 3-4.. The team is also considering a quarterback, and if Cam Newton falls or Blaine Gabbert proves enough, Buffalo could groom a successor to Ryan Fitzpatrick.
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No. 4 Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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Green is the perfect fit for this team. He may be their only wide receiver next season, as Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco are expected to join new teams. Granted, Carson Palmer is threatening to retire if he is not traded, so Green may have to throw to himself.
Why He Fits: He is the best player available at a position the Bengals need to fill.
Why He Doesn't: The team decides to draft a quarterback to Palmer.
No. 5 Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
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With Karlos Dansby having left for the Miami Dolphins after the previous season, and Joey Porter most likely not coming back after last year, the Cardinals need help at the linebacker position. Miller is a great fit for this defense. Miller is the superior pass rusher in this class.
Why He Fits: His pass-rush skills make him a great fit in the team's scheme. He can also drop back into coverage.
Why He Doesn't: If the Cardinals feel that they may be unable to acquire a quarterback to keep Larry Fitzgerald happy enough to remain in Arizona, they may opt to draft Blaine Gabbert if they do not have the chance to select Cam Newton.
No. 6 Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
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Having to sit out the entire season for the Tar Heels did not affect Quinn's status that much. Quinn is a more explosive pass rusher than the nation's sack leader Da'Quan Bowers, and is a great fit for the new regime in Cleveland.
Why He Fits: He is exactly the type of athletic player new defensive coordinator Dick Jauron is looking to build around.
Why He Doesn't: His character concerns could scare off some of the teams who pick in the top 10, but the talent is still without question worth the risk.
No. 7 San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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The future of Nate Clements is unclear, so the team may need to replace him in the secondary and on kick returns. What better way to accomplish both of those needs than by drafting Peterson? Peterson has size, speed, range, and can return kicks as well as make quarterbacks throw in another direction.
Why He Fits: He is just too special of a player to last past this point, if he falls this far. Expect other teams to contact the 49ers about moving up if he is still on the board.
Why He Doesn't: He might simply not still be around. If he is gone, or if the team trades down, expect them to focus on defensive line.
No. 8 Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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Fairley is an absolute beast on defense. He has the skills to be an immediate impact player on any defensive line But his lack of maturity and decision-making continues to haunt him.
Why He Fits: He is perhaps the most talented player in the draft. The Titans could use help up front, and Fairley is strong and very active.
Why He Doesn't: He is cheap. By that, I mean dirty. He takes some plays off, and teams wonder what his work ethic will be like once he gets that paycheck.
No. 9 Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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The Cowboys have two decent cornerbacks, yet still struggled to slow down opposing offenses. Amukamara could change that immediately.
Why He Fits: He was a top-rated senior prospect in the country and did little to change that status with an All-American season. Jerry Jones would like to add a mature leader to this team
Why He Doesn't: The team may be more desperate to add an offensive lineman, but it would be a reach at No. 9, considering the talent available.
No. 10 Washington Redskins: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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Gabbert is a solid choice both on and off the field. Even Mike and Kyle Shanahan may be able to get along with him.
Why He Fits: Gabbert has interviewed well, but it is his play on the field that is still the most impressive. The Redskins will rid themselves of Donovan McNabb one way or another, so a quarterback makes sense with this pick.
Why He Doesn't: This is Daniel Snyder's team. Do you really need more of an explanation?
No. 11. Houston Texans: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
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Jordan starred as a five-technique end at Cal and was as impressive as any prospect throughout the week of practice at the Senior Bowl. His size, strength and quickness will be tough to pass by.
Why He Fits: He will be the ideal 3-4 end for this team for years to come.
Why He Doesn't: He may need to add a little size to play at this level, but will his body cooperate?
No. 12 Minnesota Vikings: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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The Vikings need a lot of help, but they may have to replace Sidney Rice at wide receiver. While Jones may lack the size that Rice possesses, he is still going to be a very good receiver in the league.
Why He Fits: He has speed that will cause mismatches for almost every opposing defense. Putting him on the same line with Percy Harvin would be a nightmare for secondaries.
Why He Doesn't: The team still needs to decide what they are doing at quarterback. They may favor drafting a new signal caller, or improving the offensive line.
No. 13 Detroit Lions: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
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I suppose they could draft another wide receiver, but it is not a top 10 pick and Matt Millen is thankfully gone. That leaves offensive line so that Matthew Stafford can stop taking a beating.
Why He Fits: Bryant McKinnie has been eating himself out of the starting lineup for a couple of seasons now. Smith would be a good replacement eventually.
Why He Doesn't: The Lions could opt for the other side and go with Anthony Castonzo.
No. 14 St. Louis Rams: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
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The Rams will do everything possible to draft Julio Jones, but if they cannot move up, or if Jones does not slip down to them, they will take a long look at improving their protection for Sam Bradford.
Why He Fits: He is very versatile and could play a couple of different spots on the offensive line.
Why He Doesn't: The team needs a receiver, and seems poised to do anything possible to make that happen in Round 1.
No. 15 Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Miami Dolphins
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I have yet to hear from one so-called expert who has the Dolphins going in any other direction. So much is fact that if Ingram is not on the board, Miami may just wait until the second round to make a pick. I kid, of course.
Why He Fits: Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are likely to depart, and Ingram is a workhorse on a team who relies on the ground game more than any other team.
Why He Doesn't: I'm sorry. I've got nothing. This pick works.
No. 16 Jacksonville Jaguars: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
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The Jags need to win and win now, and Smith could certainly make an immediate impact. They're surprised by what people said was a reach of Tyson Alualu last season, and he worked out fairly well. Smith could do the same this season.
Why He Fits: He is versatile, can rush the passer and switch to linebacker coverage in different formats.
Why He Doesn't: If the team feels that Aaron Kampman will return from injury, they may go a different direction.
No. 17 New England Patriots (From Oakland): J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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Watt's size and strength make him a perfect fit as a 3-4 defensive end. He also plays with great speed and the physicality Bill Belichick is looking for in his front line.
Why He Fits: This kid just seems to get better with each game. Just think what he could do in a Bill Belichik led defense.
Why He Doesn't: He has gotten so much better, he may not still be on the draft board.
No. 18 San Diego Chargers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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The knock on Clayborn last season were his lack of numbers in key defensive categories. But the truth is Iowa needed him in other situations, thus limiting his numbers, but not his overall production.
Why He Fits: Clayborn's unselfish play translates well to the Chargers' scheme.
Why He Doesn't: The Chargers could go for a speedy linebacker instead, such as Akeem Ayers.
No. 19 New York Giants: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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Carimi would make a nice addition to the G-men's offensive line. He could play left tackle or guard, making him a solid pick at this spot.
Why He Fits: The Giants need more protection for Eli Manning, and need to have someone open holes for the backfield. Carimi can do both.
Why He Doesn't: New York could decide to go with an impact playmaker at linebacker.
No. 20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
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Kerrigan is extremely athletic, and would be an immediate upgrade for the Bucs' pass rushing game. The Bucs could fall in love with Kerrigan's high motor and production.
Why He Fits: The Bucs almost made the playoffs and had very few sacks. Kerrigan would become a fan favorite immediately after recording his first NFL sack.
Why He Doesn't: Tampa Bay could use this pick to select Ronde Barber's eventual replacement.
No. 21 Kansas City Chiefs: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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The Chiefs are not in dire need of an offensive line upgrade, which works well with this pick. Solder is not necessarily a project, but he could learn the position at the next level before starting.
Why He Fits: The team does not have another glaring need that can be filled at this spot. Solder, a former tight end still growing into his body, is raw, but has a lot of upside
Why He Doesn't: If they feel he is too much of a project, they could play it safer with another offensive tackle.
No. 22 Indianapolis Colts: Mike Pouncey, C, Florida
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If the Colts got even half the player that his older brother, Maurkice, has already become, they will have hit a home run. The 'younger' twin stayed at Florida one more season to play center. He is now just that much more versatile.
Why He Fits: Pouncey could play guard for a year until Jeff Saturday retires, and then move over to center. Either way, he will be a great addition. Pouncey's ability to play any of the three interior positions would give the Colts some flexibility and much-needed physicality up front.
Why He Doesn't: He may not be around, especially if a team trades up to grab him ahead of Indy right before.
No. 23 Philadelphia Eagles: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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He could be a bit of a reach at this point, but the Eagles need to upgrade their offensive line. Especially if they do not re-sign Max Jean-Gilles and Winston Justice is not healthy.
Why He Fits: He is the best offensive lineman available.
Why He Doesn't: The team trades out of this spot realizing they can gain picks and perhaps not miss out on a similar level of talent.
No. 24 New Orleans Saints: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
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The Saints forgot that they still had to play defense in defense of the Super Bowl. It did not work out well for them, and even the Seattle Seahawks lit them up in the playoffs. Williams is an impact corner.
Why He Fits: He will fit well in Gregg Williams' scheme.
Why He Doesn't: The Saints could still opt to go for a defensive tackle if they feel they can grab another corner in Round 2 or 3.
No. 25 Seattle Seahawks: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
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Seattle could use another player on the front line to actually make a few tackles. This defense really missed Red Bryant when he was injured.
Why He Fits: His presence will help others rush the passer, therefore improving the overall defense.
Why He Doesn't: Defensive tackle is not the most glaring need for this team. But can you see them taking Jake Locker just to keep him in the same state? It would have been like the Jaguars drafting Tim Tebow last season.
No. 26 Baltimore Ravens: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
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Anquan Boldin is still a great wide receiver, but was held to just one catch in the Ravens' loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs. Derrick Mason is getting up there, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh is not the answer. Smith could be the number two or three receiver immediately.
Why He Fits: Smith could be the speedy deep threat QB Joe Flacco needs to stretch defenses. That would help out Boldin and Mason.
Why He Doesn't: They love defense.
No. 27 Atlanta Falcons: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
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A couple of off-field issues forced Smith to slip to this point, but he would be too valuable for Atlanta to let him slide any further. The team could not stop any opposing passing game, highlighted by what the Green Bay Packers did to them at home in the playoffs.
Why He Fits: The Falcons' secondary wasn't as bad in 2010 as they appeared in their home playoff loss. Smith would be an instant upgrade.
Why He Doesn't: This team—more than most—may want to stay as far away from character issues as possible.
No. 28 New England Patriots: Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
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Houston is just the type of player the Patriots need to improve their defense. He has good strength on the edge and is an explosive pass rusher to further improve the Pats' front seven.
Why He Fits: He is just that explosive.
Why He Doesn't: It all depends on what the team does with their other first- round draft pick.
No. 29 Chicago Bears: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
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Harris is not the prototypical Hurricane defensive back. He actually has a great attitude and work ethic entering the league. That makes him worth the pick, although he struggled against bigger receivers, which they will all be at the next level.
Why He Fits: Harris could step right in and help this secondary against teams such as the Green Bay Packers.
Why He Doesn't: Chicago could go for a defensive tackle.
No. 30 New York Jets: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
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The Jets just cannot rely on Kris Jenkins any more, between age and health. They will need to replace him, and Taylor certainly has the physical presence to take over immediately.
Why He Fits: Taylor has the bulk, strength, and makes the flashy plays to catch Rex Ryan's attention.
Why He Doesn't: He is a bit of a character risk, and his transfer from Penn State was never really explained.
No. 31 Pittsburgh Steelers: Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami
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Hankerson has improved his draft status since the final month of the regular season, and it continues to rise leading up to the draft. Hankerson has the length and speed to contribute immediately on the outside opposite of Mike Wallace.
Why He Fits: Hines Ward is getting up there, and Antwaan Randle El does not have the same speed he had during his first stint with the Steelers. Hankerson would be a great target for Ben Roethlisberger.
Why He Doesn't: The Steelers may instead elect to take an offensive lineman, considering Flozell Adams is no spring chicken.
No. 32 Green Bay Packers: Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois
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Yes, the Packers got some great carries from James Starks in the playoffs. But they don't know if they can count on him, and they don't know how Ryan Grant will bounce back. LeShoure gives them a great addition to an already explosive offense.
Why He Fits: Aaron Rodgers is already an elite quarterback, and that is relatively no ground game. Need I say more?
Why He Doesn't: The Pack could look to improve upon their defensive end play, especially if Cullen Jenkins changes uniforms.
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