Complete Two-Round NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Newton, Fairley Lead Big Shakeup
With the 2011 NFL Draft is less than two months away, prospect stocks are up and down and the combine is over with and we have moved on to the Pro Days.
The Carolina Panthers were almost sure of taking quarterback Andrew Luck, until he decided to stay in college another year. However, even though they lost out on Luck, new head coach Ron Rivera hasn't shed away from talking about how badly this team needs a franchise quarterback.
The 2011 Draft class has incredible players and depth, especially at defensive line. There is a lot of questions surrounding who will be the top pick, as it is being decided between about eight players as of right now.
As we head into each player's Pro Days, I unleash my 2011 NFL Mock Draft 3.0.
1(1). Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB Auburn
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The variety of directions Carolina can go with this pick are endless, but the Panthers cannot miss out on the opportunity fate has given them.
The last time we saw a quarterback like Newton, was when Atlanta chose Michael Vick with the first overall pick, though he has had a rocky career, he still ended as one of the top quarterbacks in the league last season.
You can throw out all the arguments you want—he only had one year as a starter in college, he can't make all the throws you have to in the NFL, etc. If a guy can only play one season in college and put together the kind of year he had that ended with a National Championship, get this guy on my team right now.
Previous Pick: Da'Quan Bowers, DE Clemson
2(2). Denver Broncos: Da'Quan Bowers, DE Clemson
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John Fox is in the same position he was in 2002, and it looks like he will take the same route in did in Carolina.
The Panthers had the second overall pick in 2002, and took defensive end Julius Peppers, who has been a top defensive end for years. Bowers will bring a great pass rush to a team that was one of the worst in the league last season.
Previous Pick: Patrick Peterson, CB LSU
3(3). Buffalo Bills: Nick Fairley, DL Auburn
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Buffalo released defensive end Marcus Stroud after a disappointing season, as age finally caught up with him. Fairley is the perfect pick for a team that is need of a dominant guy up front—something that haven't had in a while.
Previous Pick: Nick Fairley, DT Auburn
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4(4). Cincinnati Bengals: Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri
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Carson Palmer is done in Cincinnati whether the Bengals organization likes it or not. He has said multiple times he will retire if he isn't traded.
With all the distractions, along with a 4-12 season in 2010, this is terrible timing for Cincinnati.
The good news is, their is another franchise quarterback named Blaine Gabbert who is perfect for this team, as he will bring in a fresh start and spark this offense.
Previous Pick: Cam Newton, QB Auburn
5(5). Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, OLB Texas A&M
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Arizona will have to wait in the draft to select a franchise quarterback, but Miller is no compensation pick.
Miller is arguably the top prospect in the draft after wowing many scouts at the combine, and is a perfect fit for the Cards defense.
Linebacker Joey Porter will help develop Miller, and we could see one of the top linebackers in the game emerging sooner rather than later.
Previous Pick: Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri
6(6). Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR Georgia
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The Cleveland Browns get the perfect player for this offense, selecting receiver A.J. Green. With Colt McCoy taking over as franchise quarterback, he needs a go-to-guy that Cleveland currently does not have.
Green is the best receiver coming out of college since Calvin Johnson.
Previous Pick: A.J. Green, WR Georgia
7(7). San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB LSU
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There is no doubt Peterson could go first overall; he is arguably the best player in the draft.
However, teams pick need over skill many times, and I believe that will happen this year as well. New head coach John Harbaugh would waste no time grabbing Peterson if he fell this far, as this is easily the biggest steal of the draft.
Previous Pick: Von Miller, LB Texas A&M
8(8). Tennessee Titans: Marcell Dareus, DL Alabama
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Like Peterson, defensive linemen Marcell Dareus could easily be selected with the top overall selection.
However, teams will choose need over skill, and with the depth at the defensive line position in this years draft, Dareus falls to Tennessee, who finally find their replacement for Albert Haynesworth.
Previous Pick: Marcell Dareus, DL Alabama
9(9). Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska
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Dallas' secondary was terrible last season, and they gladly select Amukamara here, who is another big steal here.
With the combination of Terrence Newman, Mike Jenkins and Prince Amukamara, this secondary unit could be one of the best in the league.
Previous Pick: Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska
10(10). Washington Redskins: Robert Quinn, DE UNC
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The only reason Quinn fell this far was because of his suspension that led him to miss the whole 2010 season, but it would be a huge steal for Washington if they land him. If Quinn hadn't been suspended, he could easily have been the top selection in this draft.
Quinn will line up as a 3-4 linebacker, giving this team the pass-rush specialist they need.
Previous Pick: Robert Quinn, DE, UNC
11(11). Houston Texans: Jimmy Smith, CB Colorado
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A bit of a reach here, but the Texans are very desperate for a cornerback. Smith has a lot of potential, so this may not seem like a reach for long.
For his size (6'2", 205lbs), it is crazy for him to post a 4.46 40-time. Smith is a hard-hitter and is rising up draft boards.
Previous Pick: Jimmy Smith, CB Colorado
12(12). Minnesota Vikings: Cameron Jordan, DE California
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Although the Vikings are a team with a lot of big names, they struggled last season with Brett Favre at quarterback.
With the top quarterbacks off the board, they could go a number of ways here. Defensive end Ray Edwards isn't expected to return, and they will need a replacement for him.
Previous Pick: Cameron Jordan, DE, California.
13(13). Detroit Lions: Tryon Smith, OT USC
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The Lions are another team very close to making the playoffs. With a solid offensive line to protect injury-prone Matt Stafford, this could be the final piece to their puzzle.
Previous Pick: Nate Solder, OT Colorado
14(14). St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR Alabama
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The rebuilding Rams got their franchise quarterback last year, and can now land a star receiver to complete the offense.
With star running back Steven Jackson, rising star Sam Bradford and Julio Jones, this team could easily bring the NFC West title home.
Previous Pick: Julio Jones, WR Alabama
15(15). Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB Alabama
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With the team unsure if they will re-sign running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, Ingram would instantly upgrade this offense. Brown can't seem to stay healthy or consistent, and Williams isn't getting any younger.
Previous Pick: Mark Ingram, RB Alabama
16(16). Jacksonville Jaguars: Aldon Smith, DE Missouri
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Jacksonville has been looking for a premier pass-rusher for quite some time. They signed Aaron Kampman from Green Bay, but he has failed to make a significant impact, as he has been dealing with injuries as well.
Smith is one of the best pass-rushers in the draft and will hopefully upgrade average-at-best Jaguars defensive line.
Previous Pick: Aldon Smith, DE Missouri
17(17). New England Patriots: J.J. Watt, DE Wisconsin
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The Patriots, as always, own many early picks. They have a few holes they could fill, including defensive end, running back, receiver and the offensive/defensive line.
Here, I think defensive end J.J. Watt could be the best option, as he would add depth to this defensive line that can't seem to stay healthy and isn't getting any younger.
Previous Pick: J.J. Watt, DE Wisconsin
18(18). San Diego Chargers: Martez Wilson, ILB Illinois
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Wilson helped his draft stock a lot after a great combine performance and fits perfectly with a San Diego team that needs help everywhere.
Previous Pick: Martez Wilson, ILB Illinois
19(19). New York Giants: Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin
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The Giants are one of the more inconsistent teams in the NFL. If they could keep all of their players healthy, this team could easily be one of the better squads in the league and a perennial playoff contender.
With the players on their offensive line starting to crack the downside of their careers, adding a younger player to this line would improve it a lot.
Previous Pick: Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin
20(20). Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa
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Tampa Bay hasn't had a dominant defensive line since the days of Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice. Clayborn was once talked about being the first overall pick, and could make a big impact on this up-and-coming team.
Previous Pick: Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa
21(21). Kansas City Chiefs: Phil Taylor, DT Baylor
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Taylor is an interesting prospect; while some believe he could be chosen higher, others believe he will go lower. He fits in perfectly with the Chiefs defense, and will bring his strength to another up-and-coming team.
Previous Pick: Phil Taylor, DT Baylor
22(22). Indianapolis Colts: Mike Pouncey, OL Florida
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It's time for the Indianapolis Colts to start thinking about the future.
Peyton Manning and the rest of the Colts' team are starting to get older, and they haven't changed much in recent years. Selecting Pouncey makes sense here, since he not only brings youth to this offensive line, but he also protects the aging Manning and his soon-to-be large contract.
Previous Pick: Anthony Castanzo, OT Boston College
23(23). Philadelphia Eagles: Akeem Ayers, LB UCLA
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Ayers' draft stock dipped a little bit after struggling at the combine, and he could find himself out of the first round.
But Philadelphia finds themselves in a tough situation, with not having their top needs on the board, so I think Ayers is the best player available to fit their needs.
Previous Pick: Akeem Ayers, LB UCLA
24(24). New Orleans Saints: Ryan Kerrigan, DE Purdue
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The Saints recently signed defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, so adding a player like Kerrigan and combining the two will greatly improve this defensive line.
Previous Pick: Ryan Kerrigan, DE Purdue
25(25). Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB Washington
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Locker surprisingly looked good at the combine, and I think he deserves to be a first round pick.
If he hadn't stayed in college this season, he would have been a top-three pick last spring. In my opinion, if a player were at that level just one year ago, with the right coaching staff and weapons surrounding him, he can return to that elite status again.
Previous Pick: Jake Locker, QB Washington
26(26). Baltimore Ravens: Torrey Smith, WR Maryland
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Some people are calling him the next Darrius Heyward-Bey; I'm not buying it. Smith has blazing speed and will make a great combination with Anquan Boldin lined up on the other side.
Previous Pick: Torrey Smith, WR Maryland
27(27). Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph, TE Notre Dame
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Future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez is contemplating retirement, and with the kind of improvement we saw in quarterback Matt Ryan when they added him, they can't afford to lose an elite tight end.
Previous Pick: Kyle Rudolph, TE Notre Dame
28(28). New England Patriots: Anthony Castanzo, OT Boston College
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New England has a need at running back and could take running back Mikel LeShoure here, but they can't pass up on potentially the best offensive tackle in the draft.
After the retirement of Matt Light, and Nick Kaczur refusing to take a pay-cut, this team is looking to upgrade at offensive line.
Previous Pick: Mikel LeShoure, RB Illinois
29(29). Chicago Bears: Nate Solder, OT Colorado
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Chicago got a taste of how important an offensive line is when quarterback Jay Cutler went down with a game-ending injury in the NFC Championship game, which led to their third-string quarterback playing the rest of the game (although, he played surprisingly well).
Solder is a good pick this late into the first round, and will give Chicago an offensive linemen to build around that they have been looking for for years.
Previous Pick: Derrick Sherrod, OT Mississippi State
30(30). New York Jets: Justin Houston, OLB Georgia
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It had only been a little more than a week after the Packers won the Super Bowl, and head coach Rex Ryan was already picking the Jets to win the Super Bowl next season.
I admit, this team is close, but they still have some things missing—that's a whole other issue though.
Bringing in an outside linebacker like Houston gives them a good pass rusher on the outside, something they need an upgrade at.
Calvin Pace has shown potential, but is still a bust since being a first round pick by Arizona. Bryan Thomas is only mediocre, and Jason Taylor was recently released.
Previous Pick: Justin Houston, OLB Georgia
31(31). Pittsburgh Steelers: Brandon Harris, CB Miami
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Ike Taylor played well last season, but aside that, Pittsburgh's cornerbacks got picked apart. Harris is great in coverage, and will improve their secondary instantly.
Previous Pick: Mike Pouncey, OL Florida
32(32). Green Bay: Cameron Heyward, DE Ohio State
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This only boosts an already great defense by giving them an even better pass rush.
Cameron Heyward is the most inconsistent player in this draft, but when he is at his best, he is the top 3-4 defensive end in the class. His size (6'6", 288 lbs) is hard to not find attractive, and he will perform well at the next level.
Previous Pick: Cameron Heyward, DE Ohio State
1(33). New England Patriots: Mikel LeShoure, RB, Illinois
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New England has struggled to have a top back for years now, so grabbing LeShoure is a steal here in the second round. He may not be a star, but he does enough to be a big contributer to this offense.
2(34). Buffalo Bills: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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One of the biggest struggled Buffalo has had for years now is the offensive line, and they have built through the draft to improve it---and will continue doing the same in 2011.
Sherrod dropped from the first round, but is a steal here in the second round.
3(35). Cincinatti Bengals: Jon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
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Longtime Bengals' quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receiver Chad Johnson looked to be done in Cincinatti, so they spend their first two picks finding their replacements.
Jon Baldwin is being compared to former USC and Carolina Panthers receiver Dwayne Jarrett, but I believe he will be much better than the dissapointing receiver who is out of the NFL after three seasons.
4.(36). Denver Broncos: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
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New head coach John Fox builds his team through the defensive line, and thats exactly what he is doing here.
He selected defensive end Da'Quan Bowers with the second overall pick, now add his compliment in Liuget.
5(37). Cleveland Browns: Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
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Austin could have been a top-five pick hadn't ge been suspended all of 2010.
At the combine, he looked like he kept himself in shape and didn't lose a step in his game, and if this is true, this is a huge steal for Cleveland in the second round. Austin will be a huge star for Cleveland, giving them an elite defensive linemen they haven't had in a while.
6(38). Arizona Cardinals: Rodney Hudson, OG, Florida State
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Yes, Arizona badly needs a quarterback, however, I believe they will adress that need via free agency or trading for a veteran.
If they do acquire one that way, they need a better offensive line to do so---Hudson does just that.
7(39). Tennessee Titans: Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas
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Am I the only one who finds this guy really impressive?
So what if he struggled in his last college football game of his career---say hello to the new face of the Titans franchise.
8(40). Dallas Cowboys: Ben Ijalana, OL, Villanova
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Age is catching up to the Dallas' offensive line, and it's about time they build through the draft at that position.
Ben Ijalana has the versitailty to play tackle or guard along the line.
9(41). Washington Redskins: Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky
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Santana Moss is Washington's only true-receiver, and his contract is out and may not return.
Regardless, the Redskins struggled in the passing game last season, and need to add a spark. Cobb's speed will do just that.
10(42). Houston Texans: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
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Houston was the easiest team to pass against last season; they're changing that this year with the selection of cornerback Jimmy Smith in the first, and now safety Rahim Moore in the second.
11(43). Minnesota Vikings: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
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Let's take a look at the Vikings defensive line: Pat Williams is 39 years old, Kevin Williams is steal dealing with his legal issues, and defensive end Ray Edwards is a free agent not expecting to return.
Yeah, taking a defensive linemen with their first two picks may not be a bad idea.
12(44). Detroit Lions: Bruce Carter, OLB, UNC
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Detroit is letting starting otuside linebacker Julian Peterson walk this offseason, leaving them with merely nothing at that position.
Carter has huge upside, and is an athletic freak, and will be a huge cotnributer from day one.
13(45). San Francisco: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
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John Harbaugh may not have Andrew Luck as his quarterback, but Ponder isn't any compensation. He is very underrated and is one of the most NFL-ready in the class.
14(46): Denver Broncos: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
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Denver is buliding this draft, their team and their future through the defense, and they don't stop here, selecting the future replacement for cornerback Champ Bailey.
Good steal here.
15(47). St. Louis Rams: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
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Although quarterback Sam Bradford was the better pick, that doesn't miss they don't wish they had defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who Detroit selected after the Rams in 2010.
Paea is a huge steal here, as his athletism and strength (holds the record for most reps at the NFL Combine) will bring a lot to this defense that needs some help.
16(48). Oakland Raiders: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
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Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha isn't coming back to Oakland, so they will need to put pieces together to replace him.
17(49). Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Carter, S, Oklahoma
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Jacksonville's secondary was horrible last season, as quarterbacks put on a show against them. Carter will help in many ways to improve this secondary.
18(50). San Diego Chargers: Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
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This could be the biggest steal of the second round, as williams reminds me a bit of DeAngelo Williams and former Charger Michael Turner.
2010 first round pick Ryan Matthews showed potential, but this teams needs a two-back punch to get the job done. Ryan Williams and Ryan Matthews will make a perfect two-back punch, and will opposing defenses even more of a headache.
19(51). Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor
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Watkins is raw, but has a lot of talent, and would be a nice addition to this offensive line regardless of if Davin Joseph decides to leave via free agency or not.
20(52): New York Giants: DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
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New York will most likely have to choose between which back they want to keep--Brandon Jacobs or Ahmad Bradhsaw--and at this point, you have to choose Bradshaw.
With that, the team cannot afford to lose their two-back system, so drafting a running back here is the best pick.
With no linebackers worth this spot, Murray is the pick.
21(53): Indianapolis Colts: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
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Indianapolis has great defensive ends with Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney, but when it comes to defensive tackles, they have always lacked depth at that position.
Nevis is a questionable pick here, but I think the Colts should pull the trigger, as they are in need of a strong, nasty defensive tackle.
22(54): Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
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Philadelphia's secondary struggled a bit last season and need to get back on track, as this has always been a huge strength to this team.
Burton can come in right away and be the teams nickleback.
23(55): Kansas City Chiefs: Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami
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A steal here, Hankerson is a underrated prospect who fits perfectly with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Matt Cassell and the Chiefs enjoyed a breakout season in 2010, but they still need a few more pieces to be real contenders. Wide Receiver Dwayne Bowe had a great season, but this offense still needs more weapons for Cassell.
Hankerson does just that.
24(56): New Orleans Saints: DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson
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It's unlikely Darren Sharper will return, and safety Roman Harper is a free agent.
Drafting McDaniel is a good option here, and can start right away.
25(57): Seattle Seahawks: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
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Matt Hasselback is getting old, and quarterback Charlie Whitehurst is not the future of this franchise.
Christain Ponder is one of the most NFL-ready quarterbacks in the draft, and I believe is very underrated. He won't be asked to play his rookie season (whenever that will be), but will be developed by Hasselback, and put in as the starter when ready.
26(58): Baltimore Ravens: Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
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Baltimore finally found a duo of cornerbacks, but both have expiring contracts. If they have to choose between Josh Wilson and Chris Carr, Dowling will make it a lot easier to replace.
27(59): Atlanta Falcons: Christian Ballard, DE, Iowa
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Jamaal Anderson has been a bust, Kroy Biermann didn't play as well as expected and Lawrence Sidbury has struggled to get on the field.
They have swung and miss on defensive ends in the draft so far, and hope not to repeat with Ballard.
28(60): New England Patriots: Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona
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New England needs a fierce pass rusher coming off the edge, and this Clay Matthews look alike can do just that.
29(61). San Diego Chargers: Jabaal Sheard, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh
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San Diego needs help at linebacker and defensive end---Sheard can do both.
Former first-round pick Larry English hasn't lived up to expectations, so Sheard can come in and bring pass-rush on the other side of Shaun Phillips.
30(62): Chicago Bears: Titus Young, WR, Boise State
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Young is exactly the type of receiver Chicago loves to have; short, quick, speedy and good hands.
He will fit in perfectly with their offense, giving quarterback Jay Cutler yet another option.
31(63). Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcus Cannon, OT, TCU
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Pittsburgh's offensive line is depleted, and in need of a spark.
Cannon is a steal this late into the second round, and will be able to start from day one.
32(64): Green Bay Packers: Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut
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Another big steal here this late in the second round, Todman is exactly what Green Bay came into the draft wanting.
He's a little guy (5'9", 195 pounds), but has good speed and agility to compliment starter Ryan Grant. He's also a good receiver, and will give Aaron Rodgers a guy to swing it out to if his receivers are covered.
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