2011 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting All 32 First Round Picks
The 2011 NFL draft is officially closing in.
The combine has come and gone, and now pro days and private workouts are all that stand between us and Roger Goodell opening the draft on April 28.
Debates continue to rage in regards to who goes where, and there is still no consensus No. 1 prospect.
A heavy need for quarterbacks looms over a number of teams selecting in the top 10, but defensive playmakers seem to be the ones looking to spoil the party for the signal callers.
Things will continue to change as we get closer to the draft, but here is a complete look at the first round as I see it now.
1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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The No. 1 overall pick is a heavy burden to carry, but I believe Newton will be able to handle it.
He is not my top prospect (LSU’s Patrick Peterson is), but when a franchise is starting over, it is usually accompanied with a new quarterback.
It remains to be seen if Blaine Gabbert can make a run at the No. 1 pick (he’ll throw at his pro day on the 17th of March), but I think Newton is still ahead of him, even if Gabbert is the safer pick.
The Panthers can easily go in another direction with so much defensive talent available on the board, but eight of the last 10 drafts saw a quarterback go No. 1, and I do not think that trend is changing.
2. Denver Broncos: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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The Broncos need to get better on the defensive line, and this is the perfect draft for it.
Denver has not used a first round pick on a defensive end since 1997 (two players were moved to linebacker), and John Fox’s new 4-3 needs a playmaker up front.
Bowers is the best available pass rusher, still has a lot of good football in front of him and fits perfectly into the Broncos’ plans.
They could make a move for Nick Fairley, Marcell Dareus or Patrick Peterson here, but the new scheme and fit with Bowers is too good to ignore.
3. Buffalo Bills: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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The Buffalo Bills had the worst rush defense in the league last season, and despite their need for a quarterback (Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the long-term answer), I do not expect them to go after Blaine Gabbert if Newton really is gone.
Dareus is a tremendously gifted athlete for his size, can make an impact in both the run and the pass game and still has the chance to get a lot better.
An impact defensive prospect cannot be overlooked for a front seven that was miserable a season ago.There is too much talent at the top of the first round to pass on all of these guys.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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The Bengals have a lot to figure out before the 2011 season starts, and they could be sporting an entirely new offense if things completely fall apart.
Carson Palmer is threatening to retire, and the Cincy organization is not going to be bullied by a guy who has not been the same since his knee injury—someone has to blink and it won’t be the Bengals.
Blaine Gabbert has mixed reviews right now, but many consider him the safest of the four quarterbacks.
I’m certainly not enamored with the kid (I do not find him special), but that is not to say he won’t be a solid starter in the league.
It may not be what the Bengals organization wants, but they cannot possibly start the season with Jordan Palmer (whom I really like, but mostly because he’s got a great arm) or Dan LeFevour.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
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There is no denying that the Cardinals will be eyeing a quarterback this offseason, but in this scenario, they miss out on the two biggest names, and I am not sure I can justify Jake Locker or Ryan Mallett going in the top five (although I am very, very high on Locker, as you will see soon enough).
Also, adding a rookie to a team with two second-year quarterbacks just seems foolish to me—I think a veteran in free agency should do the trick.
The Cardinals have not had it easy since Kurt Warner retired and their best defensive players left in free agency a few years back—now is a good time to get a solid, yet safe, top five pick.
Miller is a terror off the edge, has the ability to become a fantastic overall linebacker in the 3-4 front and can instantly make a difference on a defense that lacks playmakers.
6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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Best available player scenario here for the Browns. They have a lot of options available at No. 6 here (including my No. 1 prospect Patrick Peterson), but a lot of people are just as high on A.J. Green from Georgia.
His workout numbers were not eye-popping, but Green is at his best when on the field.
Young Colt McCoy seems to be their franchise quarterback (I like it) and adding a weapon like Green for him to grow with is a really difficult opportunity to pass up.
The Browns will almost certainly get better with whomever they take at No. 6, and Green would be a huge boost for them.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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Well, I have talked about him enough, and now it is finally time for him to come off the board.
Peterson is simply the best football player in this draft.
He is most promising cornerback since Charles Woodson, in my eyes, and has the potential to do incredible things in the NFL with his combination of size, speed and athleticism.
The 49ers have a big need for a playmaking cornerback and will be ecstatic if Peterson falls to them at this spot.
Their need for a quarterback (although they may decide to try Alex Smith once more) can wait for a later round or possibly free agency.
8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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The Titans luck out here, with one of the draft's top talents sliding down the board to them.
They could obviously look to figure out their quarterback situation at this position, but this scenario does not give them much of an option.
Instead Fairley, the nation's most disruptive player, will be a great replacement for what they lost in Albert Haynesworth a few seasons ago.
Fairley can change the momentum of a game in a single play, plays with a nasty streak that defines old school football and has considerable upside as well.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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Prince Amukamara is a top 10 talent who answered any questions about his deep speed with a solid showing in Indianapolis.
The Cowboys could stand to get better at almost every position in the secondary, and Amukamara has the potential to develop into a shutdown corner.
He has a ton of experience, plays with a veteran savvy and simply looks the part of an NFL corner.
Dallas could go a lot of ways here, but Prince provides them with the most value at a position of need.
10. Washington Redskins: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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I just cannot let Jake Locker go.
He has tremendous talent and upside, is in a draft where as many as 11 teams could be looking for a starting quarterback and really is the same kid people were in love with last year.
Accuracy is obviously a big concern, but Locker has everything else you cannot teach and is a driven kid who wants to win.
The Redskins need a starting quarterback, and with the two big names off the board, I think the athletic talents and upside of Locker will be hard for Coach Shanahan to pass on.
11. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, UNC
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Robert Quinn did not put up the elite physical numbers some were expecting at the combine, but he still looked very good.
He has not played football in a year, but his tape speaks for itself, his coaches vouch for him and he has as much upside as anyone in the draft.
Houston had the worst pass defense in football last season, but part of the problem was upfront with their pass rush.
New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips will shift them into a 3-4, and Quinn will be a heck of a weapon off the edge opposite Mario Williams.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Cam Jordan, DE, California
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There is a growing belief in me that the Vikings will ultimately go with a quarterback in this spot, even if they have to reach for Ryan Mallett, because they simply cannot start the season with Joe Webb.
If Locker is available here, I could see that scenario as well, but I am going to wait just a bit longer until I make the move—there is also the chance the Vikes find a starter in the second round anyway.
Cam Jordan is one of the best players in this draft, can play multiple positions on the defensive front and his size and athleticism will be a nice compliment to Jared Allen up front.
Minnesota could go a lot of ways here, including offensive line, and are one of the wild card picks in the top 15 until we find out what they think about these quarterbacks.
13. Detroit Lions: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
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The Lions would have loved a shot at Prince Amukamara here, but unfortunately, that does not pan out in this scenario.
Adding a cornerback presence is a huge need for this team, and I have no problem with them adding a Brandon Harris from Miami at this spot.
For now though, they are the first team to go after an offensive tackle, and Tyron Smith has as much upside as any prospect in the draft.
The Lions have gotten by with decent play at their tackle spots, but Smith could develop into a franchise left tackle to play the blindside for years to come.
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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Just when I thought the Rams were going to get bumped out of the running for a wide receiver, they catch a nice break.
Locker's selection at No. 10 frees up Julio Jones to be gift-wrapped on a platter for the most wide receiver-needy team in the draft.
The physical specimen known as Julio is a tremendous athlete that continues to get better on the football field every year.
This selection should take the Rams all of five seconds to complete.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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The widely mocked concept of the Dolphins nabbing Ingram has not changed in my mind.
He is, far and away, the best running back in this class, is the only prospect worthy of a first round pick, despite my belief that you can find a running back anywhere (it's true, look it up) and fills a position of need immediately for Miami.
This is a perfect fit, but Ingram would excel anywhere he goes in the NFL (he's that good).
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
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Ryan Kerrigan showed better-than-expected athletic ability in Indianapolis and solidified himself as a top 20 pick to me.
He is relentless in pursuit, plays with an extremely high motor and never stops working.
The Jaguars could use a boost at the defensive end position, and despite being a bit undersized, Kerrigan knows how to make the most of his abilities.
His blue collar attitude should fit in nicely with the hard-nosed Jacksonville defense.
17. New England Patriots (via Oakland): J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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The Patriots acquired this pick in exchange for Richard Seymour, and now they will likely have to find his replacement with it.
J.J. Watt burst onto the scene this year with great athleticism for his size, plays with a non-stop motor and is a very productive kid.
His abilities on the defensive front should fit nicely for what the Patriots like to do, and he is very much a top 20 pick in my mind.
This is the first of New England's three picks in the top 33, so there is no telling what they will do.
18. San Diego Chargers: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
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Raw, athletic pass rush ability—that is what you see and what you get from Aldon Smith.
He is a bit of a finesse player to me but is still developing overall and could be a weapon in the San Diego defense.
They have missed the presence of a rusher off the edge since Shawne Merriman disappeared, and Smith's upside is difficult to pass up.
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
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Polished Boston College offensive lineman—where else should he go?
The Giants had to mix and match too many parts last season on the offensive line, and it hurt them.
Anthony Castonzo is the safest of the available tackles in my opinion and can play a number of positions for the G-Men.
He has great size, good athleticism and should be able to contribute immediately.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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Adrian Clayborn was a top 10 pick before the season started, and despite a mediocre senior season, I cannot see him falling too far down the board.
He has good versatility in any defensive front, plays with tenacity and does a good job in both phases of the game.
The Bucs need another pass rusher in their front seven, and while Clayborn might not be a flashy sack artist, he will make the whole unit better.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia
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Justin Houston was a terror off the edge in the SEC this season and still has a tremendous amount of upside.
The Georgia Bulldog was learning how to play standing up a bit this season, and he will have to do more of that in the Chiefs' defense.
At the very least, especially early on, he can be used as a successful situational pass rusher until he figures it out completely—he has the potential to rack up a lot of sacks.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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Carimi is a big, productive and experienced offensive lineman who happens to come from the Big Ten.
The Colts are noted for snatching up players from the conference, and Carimi is a solid fit for what they need offensively.
He may not be a franchise left tackle, but he can play any number of positions and actually surprised me with his athleticism at the combine.
The Colts want to keep Peyton Manning upright for as long as possible; Carimi helps that.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
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Normally, I would say the Eagles like to build through the trenches, especially early in the draft, but there is a bigger need at cornerback that I do not think can be ignored too long.
Jimmy Smith has as many off-the-field concerns as he does on-field ability, but the Eagles are the type of organization that may take a shot on him.
He's huge for a cornerback prospect, has a great combination of size and speed and would be an immediate upgrade opposite Asante Samuel.
Rumor has it that there are teams that have crossed him off the draft board.
24. New Orleans Saints: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
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Akeem Ayers was higher in my book until a sub-par showing at the combine, but he plays much faster than he was timed and does almost everything well.
The UCLA Bruin is big, can rush the passer, can drop in coverage and can make plays in space.
New Orleans has been looking for a playmaking linebacker for some time now, and this a great value here for them.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
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More of a player/slot pick than a team/player pick, but I have a hard time seeing Ryan Mallett fall out of the first round (there are simply too many teams that need a quarterback).
The Seahawks happen to be one of those teams and may be able to bring back Matt Hasselbeck and let Mallett learn underneath him until he is ready to take over.
He has an incredible arm and can make some amazing throws but is limited athletically, and his pocket presence is a concern.
Even so, he is the No. 4 quarterback in this draft, and I do think he belongs in the first round at some point, even if a team trades back into the first round to get him.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
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The Ravens need themselves another weapon opposite Anquan Boldin if they want to give Joe Flacco the best opportunity to succeed next season.
I am not super high on Torrey Smith (I like Leonard Hankerson more), but he can stretch the field vertically, even if the other parts of his game are ordinary.
Baltimore can use his speed to their advantage and let Boldin do his thing underneath and over the middle.
This is one of the best drafting organizations there is, and there is no doubt they'll make a smart choice on day one.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
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I really, really like Brandon Harris and think the Falcons get great value for him here at this pick.
The Hurricane looked very fluid at the combine, is a willing and instinctive player and has the coverage savvy and speed to make plays and blanket receivers.
The Falcons were good last year (not great) and could still use a playmaker or two on the defensive side of the ball.
Harris is a guy that could eventually be a shutdown corner but can contribute immediately as well.
28. New England Patriots: Mike Pouncey, OG/C, Florida
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Big-time value pick for the New England Patriots here.
They will have some tinkering to do on the offensive line in the coming years, and Pouncey gives them a player they can hold onto for the better part of the decade (assuming they pay him, of course).
He can play anywhere on the interior line, is an instinctive player with direct NFL bloodlines and seems very safe.
Again, this is the Patriots, though, and there is no telling how they will use the three draft picks they have.
29. Chicago Bears: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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The Bears need themselves some offensive line help, and even if you consider their improved play later in the year, let's remember how bad they really were in the beginning.
Nate Solder is an athletically gifted prospect that could turn into a franchise left tackle if coached correctly.
He could be long gone by this pick but is a tremendous value at the bottom of the first round for the Bears here.
30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
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The Jets would like to get their hands on an edge rusher here, but the value is just not there.
Phil Taylor is the best nose tackle is this draft and has the potential to be selected higher with a few teams possibly looking into a big prospect like himself.
For New York, he is instant insurance for Kris Jenkins, who has ended his season early in each of the last two years.
Taylor does a nice job of clogging running lanes and giving his teammates time to make plays.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
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Versatile and athletic, Aaron Williams has the ability to be an instant contributor anywhere he goes, and the Steelers are at the top of the list.
The Longhorn corner can play on the outside or possibly move to safety, is a tremendous special teams player and fills a position of need for the Steelers.
The threat of Ike Taylor leaving in free agency to an already average-to-below-average unit has to be scary, and Williams can help fix that problem.
32. Green Bay Packers: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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The Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers do not have a ton of holes to fill and could certainly do a number of things from the last spot in the first round.
Addressing their future on the offensive line certainly seems like a good idea, though, and Sherrod gives them an insurance policy for almost any position on the line.
He does everything well, nothing great, but very much looks the part and is the last of the offensive linemen to carry a first round grade.
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