2011 NFL Mock Draft: Complete First Round with Analysis
Enjoy it while it lasts.
We are in the midst of the NFL mock draft season, and every single draft expert has been submitting their latest drafts over the past weeks.
Die-hard NFL fans have been tracking down the good ole Mel Kiper Jr. mock drafts and the Todd McShay mock drafts, but you don't have to be considered an "expert" to create a mock.
This is my second version of my mock draft, and I have added a few modifications.
Major questions will be asked in this mock draft: Whether or not Cam Newton will go number one and what team will land the "stud" wide receiver A.J. Green.
Allow me to insert my recent opinion on the 2011 NFL draft.
NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @ TonySantorsa.
1. Carolina Panthers: QB Blaine Gabbert
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This might be a shocker to some, but quarterback Blaine Gabbert the "safe" choice for the lowly Carolina Panthers.
It is obvious that the Panthers are in need of a quarterback, and the Jimmy Clausen "project" will likely be over.
The majority of mock drafts have Auburn's Cam Newton going first overall to the Panthers, but he's quite the risk, and the Panthers have no back-up plan at the quarterback position if Newton fails.
Gabbert will bring hope back to the Carolina franchise, and could be the team's franchise quarterback if developed properly.
2. Denver Broncos: CB Patrick Peterson
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Last season the Denver Bronco's secondary was just pure awful—they have to improve.
By added LSU's Patrick Peterson will give the Broncos a "table-piece" to build around for many years to come.
Denver currently has Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman slotted up to start at cornerbacks for next season, but both are aging quickly and aren't as productive as they used to be.
Peterson athleticism is almost "freakish." Weighting in at 220 lbs., it's unheard of that someone of that size can run a 4.32 forty-yard dash—Peterson did.
Peterson is just too much talent to pass up, and he's currently ranked as the top prospect in the majority of all draft prospect rankings.
3. Buffalo Bills: QB Cam Newton
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Auburn quarterback Cam Newton is definitely the "flashiest" prospect out of them all. However, along with being "flashy," Newton is a huge gamble.
Newton will have to transform his play-style to excel in the NFL. Playing at Auburn, in a spread-option offense is much different than a pro-style offense. Drafting Newton is definitely a risk.
The Buffalo Bills can afford drafting Newton because they already have a quality quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Having Fitzpatrick will allow the Bills to properly develop Newton into an NFL quarterback and will prevent stunting the quarterback's growth.
If Newton works out in the NFL, he could go down as one of the most unique players in NFL history.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: DE Da'Quan Bowers
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During last year's draft, the Bengals were able to snag a stud pass rushing defensive end in Carlos Dunlap.
Now, with both of the top quarterbacks selected, Cincinnati will be able to grab this draft class' top pass rushing linemen: Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers.
Bowers, who will line up across from Dunlap will create a lethal pass rushing combo—something that the Bengals lacked tremendously last season.
5. Arizona Cardinals: OLB Von Miller
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The Arizona Cardinals and Texas A&M's Von Miller could be the perfect fit.
Arizona is in a major need of a pass rushing outside linebacker, and Von Miller is the draft's best candidate for that role.
Miller's stock has soared ever since the NFL combine with his impressive workouts. However, Miller has been said to lack some skills to be an NFL outside linebacker.
But, that's good news for Arizona and Miller because the Cardinals run a 3-4 defense.
Playing in the 3-4 as an outside linebacker will greatly pay out in the long run for Miller, who isn't quite ready to play as a linebacker in the 4-3.
6. Cleveland Browns: WR A.J. Green
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The Cleveland Browns are in a dire need of a wide receiver and Georgia's A.J. Green fits that void.
Green, who's projected to be an elite receiver, will join a Browns' team with little-to-none passing options.
Cleveland's young quarterback Colt McCoy's development will definitely benefit from this selection, and it appears that Green is the best player available at this time for Cleveland.
7: San Francisco 49ers: DT Marcell Dareus
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Out of all of the team's in the top 10, I wouldn't be surprised if San Franscico elects to trade back a few.
Although, if the 49ers do stay, the best player available is Alabama's Marcell Dareus.
The 49ers are in need a defensive tackle, and like I previously said, Dareus happens to be the best player available and the top defensive tackle in this year's draft.
8. Tennessee Titans: DT Nick Fairley
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The Tennessee Titans' defensive line has been in shambles for the past couple of a seasons, and Auburn's defensive tackle Nick Fairley would fill some major needs.
In last year's draft, the Titans choose to select defensive end Derrick Morgan, and the Titans will likely to continue to build their defensive line by adding Fairley to the group.
Fairley is quite athletic for his size, and can get to the ball in a hurry. He will disrupt plays, and the Titans below-average defense will benefit greatly from his presence.
9. Dallas Cowboys: OT Tyron Smith
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This right here is my biggest shocker out of the top 10 draft picks: University of Southern Cal offensive tackle Tyron Smith going to the Dallas Cowboys.
With cornerback Prince Amukamara still on the board, this will definitely be a bold pick for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys.
Some might not have Smith as the top rated offensive tackle in the draft, but has gained some weight and now weighs over 300 lbs., believe it or not.
Dallas' biggest need is their offensive line and protecting quarterback Tony Romo—Smith will add some much needed support.
10. Washington Redskins: CB Prince Amukamara
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With the shocking slip of Nebraska's cornerback Prince Amukamara, the Washington Redskins will snag him right up.
Amukamara is just too much talent to pass up, and Washington needs some help in their secondary.
The Redskins will be setting themselves up for a bright future with DeAngelo Hall and Amukamara covering opposing team's receivers.
11. Houston Texans: DE Robert Quinn
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After missing the 2010 NCAA season, North Carolina's Robert Quinn's value dropped a little bit.
Quinn has fallen outside of the top 10, but not by much.
The Houston Texans sit at 11th overall, and Quinn is just too much talent to pass up on—he's top five draft pick talent.
12. Minnesota Vikings: QB Jake Locker
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Not matter how much I disagree with this selection, the Minnesota Vikings absolutely need a quarterback.
The Vikings have a fairly decent team, and underachieved tremendously last season due to the lack of production at the quarterback position.
The Vikings can't sit around waiting for a quarterback, they need to be proactive.
Washington's Jake Locker is the best quarterback available, and he does have the skill set to play at the next level.
13. Detroit Lions: DE Cameron Jordan
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Imagine how disruptive Detroit's defensive line would be with California's defensive end Cameron Jordan lining up next to reigning AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh—it has the potential to be something special.
What the Lions really need is an offensive linemen, but Jordan would fit so nicely next to Suh and this draft is deep with talent at the offensive line.
14. St. Louis Rams: WR Julio Jones
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Much like the Cleveland Browns with young quarterback Colt McCoy, the St. Louis Rams will add an offensive weapon for Sam Bradford.
Alabama's Julio Jones is the best available wide receiver at this point for the Rams, and he would pay off greatly in Bradford's development as an NFL quarterback.
15. Miami Dolphins: RB Mark Ingram
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What the Miami Dolphins really need is a quarterback, but Newton, Gabbert, and Locker are already off of the boards—so, Alabama running back Mark Ingram will do.
The Dolphins could have some holes to fill at the running back position with Ricky Williams facing retirement and Ronnie Brown likely to depart via free agency.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Aldon Smith
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Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith appears to be the ideal fit for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jaguars run a 4-3 defense, and Smith would flourish in the Jaguar's scheme. He brings explosiveness, power, and speed while rushing the quarterback.
17. New England Patriots: DE J.J. Watt
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Over the past couple of years, New England Patriots fans have been demanding a pass rusher—Wisconsin's J.J. Watt can bring that to the loyal fans of New England.
Watt is ranked as one of the top 3-4 defensive ends in this year's draft, and has the ability to be a three-down player for New England head coach Bill Belichick.
But, this the Patriots here—keep in mind that Belichick can never sit still when he picks.
18. San Diego Chargers: DT Muhammad Wilkerson
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Out of all of the later first-round prospects, Muhammad Wilkerson's stock is quickly on the rise.
Standing in at 6'4" and 315 lbs., he will be a nice upgrade for likely free agent, and declining defensive linemen Jacques Cesaire.
19. New York Giants: OT Gabe Carimi
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Much of last year's struggles for the New York Giants were due to injuries on the offensive line.
Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi will be a nice addition to one of New York's weaknesses.
Carimi has been underrated by many scouts, but his talent and ability to protect the blind-side is undeniable.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DE Ryan Kerrigan
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers desperately need another pass rusher to compliment Gerald McCoy, and Purdue's Ryan Kerrigan can do the job.
Kerrigan is extremely athletic and versatile, but suits properly in Tampa Bay's 4-3 scheme.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: OLB Akeem Ayers
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The Kansas City Chiefs had a solid defensive season in 2010, and are looking for help at the outside linebacker position.
UCLA's Akeem Ayers would be a perfect fit in Chiefs' defensive coordinator Romeo Crennell's 3-4 defense.
Ayers is a very versatile player, and can do a lot as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
22. Indianapolis Colts: OG Mike Pouncey
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The Indianapolis Colt's biggest priority is to protect quarterback Peyton Manning.
Florida's Mike Pouncey will add a nice anchor to Indy's offensive line, and can be very flexible as he can play guard and center.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: DE Adrian Clayborn
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As of right now, Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn is the best talent available.
Clayborn would join the Philadelphia Eagles as a defensive end in their 4-3 defense and will add some much needed pressure on the opposing team's quarterback.
24. New Orleans Saints: DE Cameron Heyward
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If the New Orleans Saints do select Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward, he will be lining up next to big tackles Shaun Rogers and Sedrick Ellis.
With Heyward's above-average skills to get to the quarterback, playing next to large powerful defensive tackles will be a nice change of with Heyward's explosiveness.
Drafting a well-rounded defensive end wouldn't be a bad move for the Saints.
25. Seattle Seahawks: OT Nate Solder
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One of the Seattle Seahawks' major needs is their offensive tackle position—both on the left and right side.
Colorado's Nate Solder could be brought in by Seattle to play either on the left or right side. But either way, he does bring solid pass protecting skills to the table.
26. Baltimore Ravens: CB Jimmy Smith
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No matter how much the Baltimore Ravens need a wide receiver, they will have to hold off until a later pick.
As of right now, the best available player is Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith.
Smith is rated as one of the draft's top corners, and his stock has fallen due to attitude problems—he'd fit nicely with Baltimore's "tough" defense.
27. Atlanta Falcons: OT Derek Sherrod
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Like the Ravens, the Atlanta Falcons really would like a wide receiver. However, they have other needs—one being right tackle.
Mississippi State's Derek Sherrod has the potential to be an NFL-ready tackle, and would be a safe pick for the Falcons.
28. New England Patriots: OT Anthony Castonzo
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Boston College's Anthony Castonzo would be a perfect replacement for New England's Matt Light.
With their second pick in the first-round, the Patriots will likely go and address the left-side of their offensive line.
If the Patriots do select Castonzo, that will allow them to cut ties with the aging Light.
29. Chicago Bears: WR Jonathan Baldwin
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The Chicago Bears' success lays on quarterback Jay Cutler's shoulders. So it'd be smart to give Cutler as many offensive weapons as he needs.
Cutler already has receivers Johnny Knox and Devin Hester, but neither of them are top of the league and could use some help. Pittsburgh's Jonathan Baldwin would be a nice addition to Chicago's passing game.
30. New York Jets: CB Brandon Harris
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The New York Jets will probably cut ties with cornerback Antonio Cromartie, which will put a minor hole in New York's defense.
The Jets have the league's best corner Darrelle Revis and a young and promising player in Kyle Wilson. However, Miami's Brandon Harris would add some nice depth to New York's secondary and could be a nice sub-package defender.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: DT Corey Liuget
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The Pittsburgh Steelers don't necessarily have too many holes to fill. However, the Steelers defensive line is aging, and it's aging fast.
By adding Illinois' defensive tackle Corey Liuget to the group, they add some much needed depth to their veteran front-seven.
32. Green Bay Packers: WR Torrey Smith
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The Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers don't have many gaping holes to fill as their one of the youngest team's in the NFL.
However, the wide receiver position could be considered an area of concern.
With wide receiver Donald Driver at the back-end of his career and James Jones a free agent, the Packers would be losing two of their top three wide receivers.
Drafting Maryland's Torrey Smith would add depth to the position and would be a safe selection.
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