2011 NFL Mock Draft: Which Superstar Cornerback Will Come off the Board First?
The 2011 NFL Draft is the only thing football fans can look forward to over the next few months.
As endless amounts of footage of Roger Goodell walking out of buildings looking angry fill our T.V. screens, at least we know the draft is going to happen. In fact, that's the only guarantee in the league right now.
While it's useless to discuss the status of Carson Palmer, Vince Young and Kevin Kobb until a new CBA is agreed upon...mock drafts are still relevant.
As we look at the NFL Combine in the rear-view mirror there have been some necessary adjustments to make. As pro day's wind down, potential draft picks have done all they can do before draft day.
Let's take a look at the latest and greatest mock draft.
1. Carolina Panthers- Blaine Gabbert QB
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It's the safe thing to do.
A lot of people think the Panthers may take Cam Newton in this spot, but it's Gabbert that is more polished, disciplined and mentally ready for the NFL.
His Combine performance didn't hurt his stock at all and he is a successful pro day from wrapping up a great three months before next months draft.
New coach Ron Rivera has no alliance to last year's second round pick Jimmy Claussen. Assuming he watched tape of the 2010 season, he has got to be thinking about drafting a new QB.
With a likely decrease in rookie salary, drafting a QB with the first pick is not going to be as expensive as past years.
The Panthers need a fresh start and Gabbert can be the guy to help Panther fans forget about how they ended up with the No. 1 pick.
2. Denver Broncos- Nick Fairley DL
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Fairley didn't have the greatest Combine but his combination of size, speed, athleticism and mean streak equal a can't miss defensive tackle.
The Broncos have absolutely no depth on their D-Line and would be crazy to not draft one in this spot.
John Elway and John Fox were keen observers at Auburn's pro day and you better believe the rookie duo want to hit on their first draft pick together.
The likelihood of Fairley being a bust is small and when you have the No. 2 pick, you want to make sure you're getting a guy that will contribute right away.
Fairley will be a factor right away.
3. Buffalo Bills- Patrick Peterson CB
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He has second-to-none cover skills and is a terrific tackler in the running game. He also has the ability to be a game-breaking punt returner with his great hands and instincts.
At 219 pounds, Peterson ran a impressive 4.32 at the Combine. He is incredibly fast, versatile, and could potentially lead the NFL in INTs within the next three seasons.
You can't pass on someone like that.
CB may not be the biggest need for the Bills, but the value of Peterson is much to high to pass on.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: Marcell Dareus DT
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Outside of Carlos Dunlap, the Bengals had no pass rush in 2010. Having to defend for 6-8 seconds while the QB had all day to throw wore out the talented Bengals secondary. This was the main reason a stout 2009 defense crashed down to Earth in 2010.
Dareus, who weighed in at 6-3, 319 pounds at the Combine, had a faster 10-yard split in the 40 than 291-pound Nick Fairley. He can start right away and has been battled tested in the SEC.
He is able to get a great push on the O-Line with his explosive strength and terrific agility. The Bengals and Dareus are a match.
5. Arizona Cardinals- Von Miller LB/DE
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The Cardinals need a QB but don't want to go through the bumps and bruises that is a QBs rookie season. Look for them to try their luck with a guy like Kevin Kobb or Donovan McNabb.
Miller is a versatile stud that can help at both linebacker and on the defensive line. He has the speed and desire to be one of the top sack leaders in the NFL for years to come.
With the departure of Joey Porter the Cardinals have a hole to fill at linebacker. Miller would be a perfect fit.
6. Cleveland Browns- A.J. Green WR
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Name a fast guy on the Browns not named Josh Cribbs.
Having trouble?
The Browns have to give QB Colt McCoy some weapons and drafting Green would certainly do that.
Green is far and away the best WR prospect in the draft and would be a terrific addition. Green is a incredible athlete that posses the size, speed, and hands to be a Sunday stud.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Cam Newton QB
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The 49ers would much rather have Gabbert but he is off the board. Newton is a risky pick that could either set back the franchise for years or set them up for a successful next decade.
Newton is a terrific leader with outstanding intangibles that could rally the uninspired 9ers.
Newton will sell tickets for the franchise and infuse new life into his teammates.
He had a poor Combine, but a terrific pro day so let the two cancel each other out. Newton is the clear No. 2 QB in this draft and the 49ers MUST select a QB.
We all know what happens when you depend on Alex Smith...
8. Tennessee Titans- Da'Quan Bowers DE
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Questions surrounding his knee have dropped his stock just a bit, but Bowers has the potential to be a terrific natural pass rusher.
The 6'4", 275-pound, athletic end had 24 tackles for loss and 15 sacks this year as he fits the mold of Dwight Freeney.
The Titans have a long storied history of possessing top flight talent on the D-Line and Bowers would be the next guy in line.
9. Dallas Cowboys- Prince Amukamara CB
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Jerry Jones told the media that the cornerback position wasn't a issue for his team. He is playing games with the media as the Cowboys have to draft a CB.
Terrence Newman had a tough season and is due to make $8M next season. he may be a goner as soon as a new CBA is reaached. Michael Jenkins was...well...he was pretty awful.
The former Nebraska corner would provide some instant credibility to a big position of need for Dallas.
Mel Kiper considers Amukamara to be a future Pro Bowler at CB.
10. Washington Redskins- Julio Jones WR
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The 'Skins haven't had a outstanding WR since...well it's been awhile. Jones is a physical freak that can handle the physicality of the NFL with ease.
He turned in a 4.39 40 at the Combine while weighing in at 220 pounds. Jones has dealt with numerous injuries in his college career, but has also proved to his critics that he can play through the pain.
With huge hands and explosive speed, Jones should be a star for years to come.
11. Houston Texans- Robert Quinn DE
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Quinn was on his way to being a top five pick before the NCAA laid the hammer down on his 2010 campaign with a season long suspension.
Now the freshest player in the draft, Quinn is a perfect fit on a team that MUST draft a player on the defensive side of the ball.
With the transition to new defensive coordinators Wade Phillips' 3-4, Houston will need a big nose tackle to line-up between Mario Williams and Antonio Smith.
12. Minnesota Vikings- J.J Watt DE
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This pick is about taking the most talented player on the board.
Do the Vikings want to draft a QB?
Possibly, but with Gabbert and Newton off the board...drafting Ryan Mallett or Jake Locker at No. 12 would be too big of a stretch.
13. Detriot Lions- Tyron Smith OT
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The most important part of the Lions 2011 season is keeping QB Matthew Stafford healthy. The O-Line needs an upgrade and Smith is the best prospect in the draft at this position.
He recently added some strength to his frame and is going to produce right away for a team that is a just a few players away from being a very dangerous team to play in 2011.
14. St. Louis Rams- Camron Jordan DE
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A disruptive force against both the run and the pass, he has elite pass-rushing skills and instincts with superb athletic ability.
He had a great past month as well. Jordan ran a 4.71 40 after weighing in at 287 pounds at the recent NFL Combine.
He is an experience college player that has the wit and intelligence to be a outstanding addition to a defense that sure could use him.
15. Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram RB
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This may be the biggest lock of the entire first round.
The Dolphins will likely lose both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown in the backfield. Couple that with the major offensive issues of the 'Fins and Miami will most certainly draft on the offensive side of the ball in round one.
Ingram is a Heisman winner that has a rare blend of power, speed and vision. He is going to be a perennial 1000 yard back that has the body to carry the ball 20-25 times a game.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars- Ryan Kerrigan DE
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Kerrigan was a three-year starter at Purdue that was extremely consistent.
He has raw strength that will translate well in the NFL and he displayed that in full force at the NFL Comine.
The Jags need somebody that can get to the QB as they had a mere three sacks in their final five games.
Aaron Kampman will be retuning from a second ACL tear in two years and Jeremy Mincey is still a question mark.
Jacksonville really needs a guy like Kerrigan at defensive end.
17. New England Patriots- Corey Liuget DT
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He has shot up the draft boards after a impressive Combine.
Liuget is big and bulky, yet has very quick feet for a guy that large. He has an uncanny ability of always knowing where the ball is.
How would a D-Line with Liuget and Vince Wilfork in the middle look?
Hope the Pats have enough food for both of them.
18. San Diego Chargers- Cameron Heyward DE
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The Chargers are going to need some help on the D-Line as Jacques Cesaire is set to become a free agent.
Heyward still has a lot of work to do. He has to prove to scouts that his elbow injury is a non-factor at the March 30th Ohio St. pro day.
If he passes this test...look for him to be selected in the top 20.
19. New York Giants- Anthony Castonzo OL
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He's excels at staying in front of pass rushers and does a great job of shifting his feet.
Castonzo has been starting on the Boston College offensive line since his freshman season and the experience factor is huge for a team that needs an OT to play right away.
Castonzo and Tom Coughlin are a match because of their Boston College ties.
Castonzo also had a great Combine as he was a stand-out in drills, showing superior technique.
20. Tampa Bay Bucs- Justin Houston- DE
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Scouts from around the league had to adjust their thoughts on Houston after he weighed in at the combine at a beefed-up 270 pounds on a 6-foot-3 frame.
He has the ability to be a solid pas rusher while also being able to hold his own if dropped into coverage.
The Bucs snagged DE Gerald McCoy in the top 10 last season and can solidify the D-Line for the foreseeable future in drafting Houston.
21. Kansas City Chiefs- Akeen Ayers OLB
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Ayers stock dropped a bit after producing less than stellar workouts two weeks ago.
But don't sleep on the guys athleticism. He was a electric talent in college and a few poor showings at the Combine doesn't erase a terrific college career.
The Chiefs are in dire need of need a linebacker and could use the maturity and leadership of Ayers right away.
22. Indianapolis Colts- Nate Solder OL
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Gotta keep the franchise QB protected...and the Colts OL showed chinks in it's armor in 2010. Left tackle Charlie Johnson will be a free agent and the Colts are likely to let him walk.
Solder is one, if not the top consensus left tackle available. His work since the college season as been a big boost as well.
Solder had a great Senior Bowl and Combine performance as scouts compare him to the great Tony Boselli. If Solder dropps to 22, the Colts will be getting a great value and need pick.
23. Philadelphia Eagles- Gabe Carimi OL
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He has dominated against other highly regarded prospects and has proven to be an outstanding run blocker.
He is the anchor of an offensive line that allowed 12 sacks in 12 games and was the 12th-best rushing attack in college football.
That's a lot of 12s.
The Eagles need help on the O-Line and Carimi is the next best available at the position.
24. New Orleans Saints- Adrian Clayborn DE
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The Saints don't have a ton of holes to fill and they can afford to take a risk on a guy like Clayborn. He is a top 10 talent that has been hampered by character issues and inconsistent play. His mediocre Combine didn't change those suspicions.
His size and speed will entice the Saints to make the boom or bust pick.
25. Seattle Seahawks- Jake Locker QB
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The big question is how patient are the Seahawks?
Can they draft a QB in Round 1 and allow him to learn the game under the tutelage of Matt Hasselbeck?
Or do they want to bring in a veteran like Carson Palmer that may have three seasons left in him?
Drafting the hometown kid and giving him a year to learn is the best option for Seattle. Locker has plenty of upside and his transition to starter would be a lot smoother if he sat out his first year.
Locker has all the physical tools to be a elite QB in the NFL...it's just a matter of improving his decision making skills.
26. Baltimore Ravens- Jimmy Smith CB
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The Ravens have been hampered by injuries in the secondary over the last year and drafting some depth would be a good idea.
A speedster with shut-down ability, he has great ball awareness and the size to play right out of the gate.
27. Atlanta Falcons- Muhammad Wilkerson DT
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Wilkerson has been wowing scouts in the drat process as he has climbed into the first round.
He's a excellent penetrator for a tackle and is a freak physically. Kiper thinks he is a surefire top 10 pick if he had decided to stay in school for another season.
The Falcons don't have a glaring need and can go with a previously unknown player that has tremendous upside.
28. New England Patriots- Mike Pouncey OL
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How many players are boosted by their older brother?
After the outstanding rookie season of his older borther with the Steelers...we can expect more of the same with Mike. Pouncey can play in a variety of positions along the offensive line. He is 6’4” and 310 pounds, muscular and athletic.
The Pats can't pass up on a sure thing this deep in the draft
29. Chicago Bears- Danny Watkins OL
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The Bears have to go O-Line in the first round and will take whomever is on the top of their board when it's their turn.
Watkins provides terrific work ethic with the abilty to play multile positions on the line.
He may not big the best player avaliable, but the Bears need to draft on need for their first round pick.
30. New York Jets- Rahim Moore S
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The Jets could use some depth in their secondary and landing the best safety in the draft would be a great pick.
Moore has the explosive speed to blitz the QB in the Rex Ryan led defense. He should be a turnover machine that can help one of the best defenses get even better.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers- Stephen Paea- DT
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The biggest story of the Combine may have been the incredible achievement of Paea. He set the all-time record in the bench press showing off his super human strength.
Paea won the 2010 Morris Award for the top defensive lineman in the Pac-10 after winning the award in '09 as well. He recorded 45 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss and six sacks in only his fifth season as a football player.
He has a great work ethic and will only get better as he learns the intricacies of the game. Going to a team like the Steelers would be very beneficial for Paea.
32. Green Bay Packers- Aldon Smith OLB
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The speedy 6'5", 260-pound Smith has great size and a huge wingspan. For his two-year career at Mizzou, Smith collected 112 tackles, including 29 for loss, and 17 sacks.
His numbers are excellent, but the redshirt sophomore is still very inexperienced.
Two years of college, and now he is expected to produce in the NFL right away?
Good thing the Super Bowl Champs can afford to be patient.
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