NFL Mock Draft 2011: How Many Quarterbacks Will Go in Rounds 1 and 2?
Blaine Gabbert Goes No. 1 Overall, Six Other Quarterbacks Go in the First Two Rounds of the 2011 NFL Mock Draft
In the NFL, and possibly all sports, the quarterback is king. No other single position is as important or vital to a team's success than their signal-caller.
With that in mind, quarterbacks become hot commodities when the draft rolls around every April. And typically, the teams that are picking in the top half of the draft don't have a franchise quarterback.
Without that franchise quarterback, you simply don't win in the NFL. Take a look at the 12 playoff teams and their quarterbacks last season: Packers (Aaron Rodgers), Steelers (Ben Roethlisberger), Bears (Jay Cutler), Jets (Mark Sanchez), Patriots (Tom Brady), Colts (Peyton Manning), Eagles (Michael Vick), Ravens (Joe Flacco), Saints (Drew Brees), Falcons (Matt Ryan), Chiefs (Matt Cassel) and Seahawks (Matt Hasselbeck).
You could make the case that only the Seahawks had an inferior player at that position, and even they were the first team to make the playoffs with a record below .500. All the other teams have an established starter at the quarterback position who they've either drafted (seven teams), signed for big money (two) or traded for (three).
It's an inexact science, but drafting a quarterback looks like the way to go. With the NFL draft less than a month away, the next crop of young quarterbacks will be coming into the league.
How many teams find their next playoff quarterback? Which college quarterbacks go where? In my second mock draft, we'll address those questions. You can read my first mock here.
The Carolina Panthers are on the clock.
1. Carolina Panthers: QB Blaine Gabbert
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Previous pick: QB Cameron Newton
To be honest, Newton has done nothing to be taken out of the top spot. He's still the best athlete in this draft, and his ceiling is considerably higher than Blaine Gabbert's.
However, I can't see Panthers owner Jerry Richardson pulling the trigger on the Newton—the draft's biggest lightning rod for controversy.
Carolina than needs to make a choice. Do they give Jimmy Clausen one more season to figure things out? In the end, the Panthers can't take the risk of finishing another season with two wins. Gabbert is the highest-rated quarterback not named Newton and can play right away next season for Carolina.
2. Denver Broncos: DT Marcell Dareus
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Previous pick: CB Patrick Peterson
I still think Peterson is a fine pick at No. 2, but it seems at this point that Marcell Dareus is leading the way to be the Broncos' selection.
Denver probably can't go wrong with either player. Peterson potentially gives the Broncos another shutdown corner and explosive return man, but Dareus would solidify a defensive line that is switching back to the 4-3 from a 3-4.
As long as Denver avoids a quarterback with this pick, the Broncos are going to grade out high with either Dareus or Peterson.
3. Buffalo Bills: QB Cameron Newton
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Previous pick: QB Blaine Gabbert
While Jerry Richardson and the Panthers may have reservations about taking Newton, Chan Gailey and the Bills should have none.
And overall, this might be the best place for Newton to land. Ryan Fitzpatrick would give Newton time on the bench to learn the game, and playing in Buffalo could help dampen his need to be an "entertainer and icon."
The Bills get the potential franchise quarterback they've needed for over 15 years, and Newton lands in one of the better situations for him to succeed. Let's hope this happens for both sides involved.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: WR A.J. Green
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Previous pick: WR A.J. Green
With the top two quarterbacks off the board, the Bengals are forced to look to other positions at No. 4 overall.
However, that might not be such a bad thing for Cincinnati. While Carson Palmer's future is in limbo, the Bengals can grab one of the highest-rated college receivers since Calvin Johnson in Green.
Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens are likely on the way out, and Green could team with incumbents Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham to give the Bengals a younger and potentially more dangerous receiving crew.
The quarterback position is still an issue, but there's no way Cincinnati can let Green slip past the fourth pick.
5. Arizona Cardinals: LB Von Miller
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Previous pick: LB Von Miller
The Cardinals have quarterback issues of their own, but Miller would be a fine consolation prize at another position of need.
Outside linebacker has been a need ever since Joey Porter failed at providing any pass rush for Arizona.
With the explosive Miller coming off the edge, however, the Cardinals should be better at bringing down the quarterback next season.
Getting a quarterback would be the best-case scenario, but fixing the pass rush is a fine starting point for the Cardinals.
6. Cleveland Browns: DE Robert Quinn
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Previous pick: DE Da'Quan Bowers
One of the biggest mistakes I made in my first mock was having Robert Quinn fall so far. He doesn't get past pick six in this one.
The Browns are in need of a pass rushing defensive end and Quinn figures to be one of the best there is in this draft.
Bowers' knee issues are worrisome enough to have him fall out of this spot.
7. San Fransisco 49ers: CB Patrick Peterson
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Previous pick: CB Prince Amukamara
To the 49ers' delight, the draft's best player falls to them at No. 7 in cornerback Patrick Peterson.
He could still be on the top picks, but it's understandable to peg Peterson as a player who could potentially fall out of the top five.
Cornerbacks are becoming more and more important in the NFL, but the fact is you can eliminate a cornerback. Just simply throw away from that player.
Regardless of that, the 49ers will have no problems taking Peterson to shut down half the field and give them an explosive player in the return game.
8. Tennessee Titans: CB Prince Amukamara
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Previous pick: DT Marcell Dareus
With both Bowers and Nick Fairley still available, this pick might be surprising. The Titans don't have an immediate need at cornerback, and history says they don't have a problem drafting risky players in the first round.
However, that history is exactly the reason they take Prince Amukamara.
Recent first-rounders Vince Young and Adam "Pacman" Jones scare the Titans off from taking any risks, and their dealings with Albert Haynesworth take Fairley out of consideration.
Amukamara is a safe pick and gives the Titans more ammunition in their secondary to combat quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub in their division.
9. Dallas Cowboys: OT Tyron Smith
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Previous pick: OT Tyron Smith
The Cowboys would have loved for either Amukamara or Peterson to fall to No. 9, but their secondary gets no reprieve with the top two coverage prospects already off the board.
However, Dallas gets an opportunity to find their left tackle of the future.
Smith has risen to the top of the tackle class, and while he may not be the best initial player at that position, no player possesses the ceiling that Smith has.
With this selection, Doug Free can remain at left tackle until Smith is ready to take over the spot for the long run.
10. Washington Redskins: WR Julio Jones
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Previous pick: WR Julio Jones
The Redskins are another team with a need at quarterback, but they are considerably weaker at receiver.
Anthony Armstrong is a good deep threat, but Santana Moss is likely gone and the Redskins have no depth behind him.
At No. 10, Jones combines need with considerable talent—skills that some say might vault him over A.J. Green.
Regardless of that debate, he'll provide Washington with a physical receiver for whoever is playing quarterback next season.
11. Houston Texans: DE Cameron Jordan
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Previous pick: DE Cameron Jordan
Like Dallas, Houston would love if Amukamara or Peterson fell to them at No. 11.
They need serious help in their secondary, but it's hard to endorse reaching for a cornerback if both top prospects are off the board already.
Instead, the Texans do the next best thing by improving their defensive front with the selection of Jordan.
With a pass-rushing duo of Jordan and Mario Williams, Houston can improve their pass defense the old-fashioned way.
12. Minnesota Vikings: DE Da'Quan Bowers
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Previous pick: OT Nate Solder
Like so many teams in the top half of the first round, the Vikings also have a serious need for a quarterback.
However, taking the inconsistent and inaccurate Jake Locker or the big-armed but troubled Ryan Mallett at No. 12 is still too much of a reach.
Minnesota instead ignores the worries about Bowers' knee and selects a potential premier pass rusher to play opposite Jared Allen.
The Vikings will need pressure to contain quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Jay Cutler within the division, and Bowers will step right in after the probable departure of Ray Edwards.
13. Detroit Lions: OT Anthony Castonzo
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Previous pick: OT Anthony Castonzo
The Lions need cornerback and linebacker help considerably more, but no prospect fits the mold at No. 13.
Instead of reaching for a player, the Lions take another building block in Castonzo.
Incumbent starter Jeff Backus played well for Detroit last season, but Castonzo has the ability to be their left tackle of the future.
He'd also be a solid backup for either Backus or Godser Cherilus should they get injured or lose effectiveness.
14. St. Louis Rams: DT Nick Fairley
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Previous pick: DT Nick Fairley
The Rams will be disappointed to miss out on Julio Jones and A.J. Green, but once again the free-fall of Fairley helps ease those pains.
While he could be a top-five pick or potentially the No. 1 overall selection, Fairley has plenty of red flags that could turn him off to teams.
At No. 15, however, the Rams are getting great value even with the risk.
Sam Bradford and new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels might not like it, but St. Louis gets a bigger boost by picking Fairley.
15. Miami Dolphins: RB Mark Ingram
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Previous pick: RB Mark Ingram
Pick No. 15 might be the consensus selection of the 2011 NFL draft.
The Dolphins are possibly losing both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, and Ingram, who's still available, is the draft's No. 1 running back.
With Ingram on the roster, the Dolphins can continue their run-heavy approach on offense while they fix their quarterback struggles.
Could this pick potentially make too much sense, however?
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: QB Christian Ponder
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Previous pick: QB Christian Ponder
Ponder to the Jaguars at No. 16? Are you crazy?
Maybe, but there are plenty of reasons why this makes sense.
Current starting quarterback David Garrard is nothing more than a stop-gap, and Ponder's stock is starting to catch fire.
If he's over his arm injury that plagued his senior season, Ponder could be the best quarterback in this class—which would help revive the franchise in Jacksonville.
17. New England Patriots: DE/OLB Ryan Kerrigan
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Previous pick: DE/OLB Robert Quinn
While the Patriots would have loved for Quinn to fall, that's not going to happen.
Instead, New England fills their rush linebacker need with Ryan Kerrigan. He's shooting up draft boards, and the versatile Kerrigan should be able to play right away in the Patriots defense.
With picks 28, 33 and 60 left in their two-round queue, New England can wait to find a defensive end and offensive tackle later in the draft.
18. San Diego Chargers: DE J.J. Watt
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Previous pick: DE J.J. Watt
At No. 18, the Chargers' solid defense gets another impact performer in Watt.
As the draft's premier 5-technique, Watt gives San Diego help along a defensive line that has struggled in recent years.
Many blame the decline of Jamal Williams on the nose, but their defensive ends haven't played well either.
Watt also gives the team another defensive leader and a positive influence in the locker room.
19. New York Giants: G/C Mike Pouncey
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Previous pick: G/C Mike Pouncey
New York could potentially take a linebacker here, but they instead help out what's been their bread and butter—the offensive line.
With a need in the interior of that line, the Giants snag the twin brother of Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey.
Mike could push Shaun O'Hara or Rich Seubert for playing time, and he'd also give the Giants a backup plan if any of the starting interior linemen get injured.
Either way, Pouncey would become the future of the Giants' interior line.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DE Aldon Smith
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Previous pick: DE Aldon Smith
Tampa Bay's top need is defensive end, and they'll be ecstatic that one of the top prospects at that position falls to them at 20.
Some have Smith going higher than this, but the raw pass-rusher is a good fit for the young Bucs.
He's an explosive athlete, and matching him with 2010 first-rounder Gerald McCoy will improve Tampa Bay's ability to get to opposing quarterbacks.
With the Bucs trying to claw their way past Drew Brees and Matt Ryan in the NFC South, that's an important quality for a defense.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Derek Sherrod
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Previous pick: OT Derek Sherrod
The Chiefs need a nose tackle for their 3-4, but reaching for Phil Taylor—the best at that position in the draft—doesn't make sense here.
Kansas City instead addresses their other weakness and selects Sherrod to play right tackle.
Paired with left tackle Branden Albert, the Chiefs would have bookend tackles to protect Matt Cassel and help improve their lacking passing offense.
22. Indianapolis Colts: OT Gabe Carimi
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Previous pick: OT Gabe Carimi
The Colts wouldn't go wrong with picking a tackle or a guard, but offensive line is definitely their top need.
And as quarterback Peyton Manning ages, improving his protection only becomes more and more important.
With the 22nd pick, Indianapolis grabs possibly the most NFL-ready tackle in the draft in Carimi.
The Colts could immediately plug Carimi in at right tackle and improve both their pass protection and run blocking.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Jimmy Smith
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Previous pick: CB Jimmy Smith
While the Eagles feature one of the NFL's most dynamic offenses, the other side of the ball has been a recent problem.
After bringing in Juan Castillo to run their defense, the Eagles take Smith, the talented but troubled cornerback.
Smith has the potential to be nearly as good as the top two corners in the draft, but he needs to keep his head on straight.
If the Eagles can do that, than they've got themselves a starting corner for the foreseeable future.
24. New Orleans Saints: LB Martez Wilson
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Previous pick: LB Martez Wilson
The last image we had of the 2010 Saints was Marshawn Lynch going beast mode on their defense in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
Needless to say, New Orleans could use some help on defense—starting at outside linebacker.
Primarily an inside linebacker at Illinois, Wilson projects to be an outside linebacker in either a 4-3 or 3-4 in the NFL.
The Saints employ a 4-3 attacking defense, and Wilson would be perfect for blitz-heavy defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.
25. Seattle Seahawks: OT Nate Solder
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Previous pick: QB Jake Locker
While Jake Locker to the Seahawks seems to make sense, more and more analysts are coming out against that happening.
It's easy to see why. Washington coach Steve Sarkisian wasn't able to get the most out of Locker, and you'd think he'd pass on those worries to Pete Carroll.
The Seahawks need a quarterback eventually down the road, but maybe this isn't the year. Seattle takes Nate Solder to team with Russell Okung and give the Seahawks two good tackles to protect whoever their next quarterback might be.
26. Baltimore Ravens: DE Muhammad Wilkerson
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Previous pick: CB Brandon Harris
Defensive end isn't a pressing need for the Ravens, but Muhammad Wilkerson is a player that could immediately play for Baltimore.
Harris, the previous pick for the Ravens, is still a bit of reach in the first round.
Wilkerson, on the other hand, is not.
He's athletic for his size, and Wilkerson would be able to provide pass rush for the Ravens out of the five-technique.
27. Atlanta Falcons: DE Justin Houston
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Previous pick: DE Ryan Kerrigan
The Falcons are in need of a defensive end, and this pick could very well be Cameron Heyward or Adrian Clayborn.
However, Houston is the pick for Atlanta because he is the more explosive defensive end prospect.
Paired with John Abraham, Houston will give the Falcons a much-improved pass rush.
28. New England Patriots: DT/DE Corey Liuget
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Previous pick: DE Muhammed Wilkerson
The Patriots strike out on an offensive tackle at pick 28, but Liuget is the best player available and fills a different need at defensive end.
Liuget has steadily moved up draft boards, and his athleticism for a big man makes him an ideal end for the 3-4.
The Patriots will look for a tackle and running back later in the draft, but Liuget is too good to pass up at 28.
29. Chicago Bears: DT Stephen Paea
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Previous pick: DT Corey Liuget
Jay Cutler would love for the Bears to get some offensive line help, but all the top-tier offensive tackles are off the board at No. 29.
While Chicago could also go with an interior lineman, Paea is a solid find to replace defensive tackle Tommie Harris.
Often forgotten in this deep class of defensive linemen, Paea is both strong in the weight room and the football field.
Cutler and the offense could certainly benefit from some beef up front, but adding to the already scary Chicago defense won't hurt either.
30. New York Jets: NT Phil Taylor
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Previous pick: NT Phil Taylor
With Akeem Ayers still on the board, the Jets might want to pick a rush linebacker for their 3-4 defense.
However, New York needs to find a replacement for Kris Jenkins, and Taylor fits that mold perfectly.
Very few 330-pound human beings move as well as Taylor does, and his big frame could help anchor a solid Jets defense.
Besides, pass-rushing linebackers are much easier to find than nose tackles as solid as Taylor.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: G Rodney Hudson
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Previous pick: G Danny Watkins
With the top three cornerbacks off the board, the Steelers decide to address their offensive line.
Instead of 26-year-old rookie Danny Watkins, Pittsburgh calls on Rodney Hudson to immediately solve one position on their line.
Even though he played at a lighter weight last season than typical NFL guards, Hudson was one of the more dominant interior blockers last season,
Despite any potential weight concern, Hudson can come in and help a team that was just a few pieces away from winning another Super Bowl last season.
32. Green Bay Packers: DE Cameron Heyward
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Previous pick: DE Cameron Heyward
The Super Bowl champion Packers have very little holes on their roster and can afford to take the best player available.
You could make an argument that Akeem Ayers is that guy, but Heyward has the chance to be a very good defensive end in the Packers' 3-4 defense.
Plus, with the news that Johnny Jolly was once again arrested for codeine possession, Green Bay could identify that position as one that needs more depth.
The Packers take Heyward, who could team with Mike Neal to anchor the two defensive end spots for next 5-10 years.
33. New England Patriots: OT/OG Benjamin Ijalana
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Previous pick: RB Mikel Leshoure
Either Leshoure or Benjamin Ijalana are great picks at 33, but chances are the Patriots trade out of this pick.
If they had to choose, however, New England takes Ijalana based on the fact that starting tackles are harder to find in the draft than starting running backs.
34. Buffalo Bills: LB Brooks Reed
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Previous pick: OLB Justin Houston
The Bills need a tackle in the worst way, but there isn't one remaining that makes sense at pick 34.
Buffalo instead takes Brooks Reed to help their pass rush and hopefully erase the memory of Aaron Maybin.
35. Cincinnati Bengals: QB Ryan Mallett
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Previous pick: QB Ryan Mallett
If Carson Palmer is serious about retirement—and it sounds like he is—the Bengals have to address the quarterback position sometime in this draft.
By taking Mallett, Cincinnati will cover their bases and add a talented thrower of the football at a good value.
36. Denver Broncos: LB Akeem Ayers
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Previous pick: TE Kyle Rudolph
While Ayers is a first-round talent, concerns about his 40 time have him dropping in most mocks.
The Broncos, who need help at linebacker, take the versatile Ayers (his brother, Robert, also plays in Denver) to help a defense that was terrible last season.
37. Cleveland Browns: WR Jonathan Baldwin
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Previous pick: WR Jonathan Baldwin
The Browns need a receiver for their young-but-improving offense, and Baldwin could be one of the draft's steals if he has his head on right.
He's received the diva label from several draft people, but Cleveland can handle that if he helps improve an ailing passing offense.
38. Arizona Cardinals: QB Andy Dalton
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Previous pick: OT Benjamin Ijalana
Some may question Dalton being this high, but the fact is he may even go higher than pick 38.
The Cardinals need a quarterback as much as anyone in this draft, and Dalton has the experience and mental capacity to be the immediate starter in Arizona.
39. Tennessee Titans: QB Colin Kaepernick
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Previous pick: G Rodney Hudson
With the quarterback pool starting to run dry, the Titans decide to take a dip with Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
He has tremendous upside, and Tennessee can't afford to not have a potential franchise quarterback on the roster. The Vince Young experiment ends for the Titans.
40. Dallas Cowboys: DE Adrian Clayborn
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Previous pick: DE Adrian Clayborn
The Cowboys once again struggle to find secondary help, but Clayborn is too talented to pass up at No. 40 overall.
And while the secondary is the biggest concern, Dallas could use help at defensive end as well.
41. Washington Redskins: QB Jake Locker
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Previous pick: OLB Akeem Ayers
How does Jake Locker fall all the way to pick 41? It's pretty simple.
His accuracy ranks the near the bottom of the entire quarterback class, and that's one of the most important qualities to have in a thrower.
Forget his upside as an athlete, if you can't complete passing in the NFL on a consistent basis, you can't be a successful quarterback.
At pick 41, and lacking any kind of plan at quarterback long-term, the Redskins can afford to take the risk on Locker.
42. Houston Texans: CB/S Aaron Williams
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Previous pick: CB/S Aaron Williams
It's really no secret that the Texans need help in their secondary, and they address it in the second round.
Williams might not have a set position right now, but he gives Houston a versatile athlete to add to the mix.
43. Minnesota Vikings: S Rahim Moore
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Previous pick: DT Marvin Austin
Austin would still be a tremendous pick here, even with the selection of Da'Quan Bowers in the first round.
Instead of taking another defensive lineman, however, the Vikings take the draft's best safety to help shore up a leaking secondary.
(The Vikings will find a veteran to play quarterback, either through free agent or a trade. They already have a developmental player on their roster, Joe Webb. No need to take another.)
44. Detroit Lions: CB Brandon Harris
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Previous pick: CB Curtis Brown
Brown could still be in play for the Lions at pick 44, but Brandon Harris is the more complete prospect.
In Detroit's secondary, he'd have an excellent chance at starting right away.
45. San Francisco 49ers: DE Christian Ballard
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Previous pick: DE Christian Ballard
The 49ers should be among the most active teams looking to get a quarterback through a trade (think Kevin Kolb), and they avoid that position in the second round.
To continue to build on their stout defense, San Francisco gets Ballard to anchor one side of their defensive line.
46. Denver Broncos: TE Kyle Rudolph
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Previous pick: DT Stephen Paea
The Broncos get great value at the top of the second round by taking Rudolph.
A talented pass-catcher, Rudolph gives Denver another offensive weapon and will be an impact rookie if he stays healthy.
47. St. Louis Rams: WR Titus Young
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Previous pick: WR Titus Young
There were whispers that Young could sneak into the first round, but his poor showing at the combine put a damper on his rise.
However, the Rams jump all over Young and his playmaking abilities after missing out on a receiver in the first round.
48. Oakland Raiders: G/C Stefen Wisniewski
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Previous pick: Stefen Wisniewski
Without a first-round pick, the Raiders need to make their second-rounder a smart pick.
Oakland could go cornerback or even quarterback, but Wisniewski is a safe pick and could be a potential 10-year starter.
49. Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Leonard Hankerson
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Previous pick: S Rahim Moore
Strictly by coincidence, the Jags once again stay within the state of Florida (FSU quarterback Christian Ponder in the first) to find another offensive playmaker.
Ponder-to-Hankerson could be the sunshine combo for Jacksonville moving forward.
50. San Diego Chargers: WR Torrey Smith
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Previous pick: WR Torrey Smith
Smith might be a first-round talent, but the Chargers won't mind if he falls all the way to pick 50.
The speedy receiver gives Philip Rivers and the San Diego offense a vertical threat to help ease the potential loss of Vincent Jackson.
51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OLB Bruce Carter
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Previous pick: OLB Mason Foster
Before the 2010 season, Carter was pegged to be a top-20 pick in this draft.
He got caught up in North Carolina's vacuum of suspensions, however, and his stock plummeted. The Bucs are more than happy to stop his fall.
52. New York Giants: RB Mikel Leshoure
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Previous pick: TE D.J. Williams
With their running back situation undecided, the Giants will be happy to see Mikel Leshoure fall to them in the second round.
He's a first-round talent, and a playmaker that New York simply can't pass up.
53. Indianapolis Colts: G Danny Watkins
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Previous pick: G Marcus Cannon
Danny Watkins is one of the draft's best interior lineman, but his age (26 years old next season) will cause him to drop.
The Colts won't mind, as they need to continue to upgrade their offensive line and protect Peyton Manning.
54. Philadelphia Eagles: DT Marvin Austin
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Previous pick: OT Orlando Franklin
The Eagles would love an offensive tackle, but they don't have to reach for one in this scenario.
Instead of taking a third- or fourth-round talent in Franklin, the Eagles get first-round talent in Marvin Austin on the defensive line.
55. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Greg Little
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Previous pick: WR Leonard Hankerson
The Chiefs' lack of a passing game was the leading cause of their playoff nightmare last season.
If Kansas City wants to build on that success, and ensure they stay ahead of the always-talented Chargers, the Chiefs need to take a receiver—and Greg Little could be a big-play guy.
56. New Orleans Saints: RB Ryan Williams
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Previous pick: DT Drake Nevis
Injuries ravaged the Saints backfield in 2010, and that was one of the causes of their somewhat disappointing season.
By taking Ryan Williams, New Orleans finds a potential lead back for a still-dangerous offense.
57. Seattle Seahawks: G Clint Boling
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Previous pick: OG William Rackley
By all accounts, taking the raw guard prospect William Rackley in Round 2 was a reach.
The Seahawks still need a quarterback (and could trade up to get one), but Clint Boling is much better find for Seattle at pick 57.
58. Baltimore Ravens: WR Randall Cobb
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Previous pick: WR Randall Cobb
The Ravens couldn't get their hands on one of the top receivers, but Cobb is a fine choice in the second round.
He will add a touch of versatility to Baltimore's offense, and he can return kicks and punts as well.
59. Atlanta Falcons: TE Jordan Cameron
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Previous pick: TE Jordan Cameron
The NFL is a copycat league, and the Falcons take a player that could resemble one who's already on their roster.
A former basketball player, Cameron can learn from Tony Gonzalez then eventually replace him at tight end.
60. New England Patriots: OT/OG Marcus Cannon
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Previous pick: OT James Carpenter
You'd have to expect the Patriots to do some flip-flopping of picks in this draft, but tackle is a position they need to address with at least one selection.
If they stay put here, Marcus Cannon provides both versatility and a huge frame for New England on the offensive line.
61. San Diego Chargers: OLB Mason Foster
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Previous pick: LB Brooks Reed
Having Reed fall all the way to the Chargers at 61 could still be in play, but I don't see how so many teams in need of a pass rusher pass on him.
The Chargers instead take Mason Foster, a versatile linebacker who was a tackling machine in college.
62. Chicago Bears: C Jake Kirkpatrick
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Previous pick: C Jake Kirkpatrick
The Bears probably would have liked to address the offensive line in the first round, but finding Kirkpatrick in the second round is a solid job.
With Olin Kreutz past his prime, it's possible Kirkpatrick could come right in and start for Chicago.
63. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Curtis Brown
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Previous pick: CB Rashad Carmichael
The Steelers might not wait until the second round to find a cornerback, but they'll be happy they do if Curtis Brown falls to them at pick 63.
He'd have a chance to play an important role right away for the Steelers next season.
64. Green Bay Packers: OLB Sam Acho
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Previous pick: OLB Sam Acho
The Packers defense continues to add playmakers by getting a pass-rushing linebacker at the end of the second round.
Acho might not be the flashy sack-master that Clay Matthews is, but he'll give Green Bay a steady player to fill the other outside linebacker spot.
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