NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Bold New Picks To Start the Month of April
The 2011 NFL Draft is less than a month away! NFL teams are gearing up for what is to be the most unpredictable and exciting draft to date. This mock provides an in depth and unique approach to what is going on inside team war rooms. Some picks are obvious, but others will surprise in my first of many NFL 2011 Mock Drafts.
Thank you for reading, and please enjoy!
1. Carolina Panthers
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Cam Newton, Quarterback, Auburn
"To thwart irrelevancy, Carolina shifts their image and drafts the precarious, but determined high profile quarterback from Auburn, Cam Newton."
The Panthers need to make a splash. They had Jake Delhomme and they have Jimmy Clausen, who is Blaine Gabbert, but with a loser attitude. The Panthers are in fear of becoming the Buffalo Bills in terms of 15 years of irrelevant football. Newton is a high risk/high reward type of player, and while he may never realize his full potential, he won’t be the next Jamarcus Russell, either.
With a new coach comes a new program and new quarterback, and this is no exception. In a draft filled with obvious defensive talent, QB is the right choice for the franchise, as they can find linemen, wide receivers and defensive backs later in this draft and still have productivity.
Newton wins the job and starts from day one. Carolina has their ups and downs, but ultimately, this project will be a success, and the Panthers will have found their face of the franchise after a rebuilding season.
2. Denver Broncos
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Marcell Dareus, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
"Denver beefs up with the talented defensive tackle from Alabama, Marcell Dareus."
Probably the second or third safest player in the draft (Patrick Peterson/Von Miller), Dareus will be the centerpiece in a rebuilding Bronco defense. This pick could easily be Da’Quan Bowers or Patrick Peterson, but Bowers’ knee injury will scare him out of the top 10, and with the Champ re-signing, CB can wait until later in the draft or even next year.
John Fox has come to town, and he likes dominant linemen (i.e. Julius Peppers). Dareus can be the focal point of that defense, will push the pocket and greatly improve their terrible pass defense by providing a strong inside rush.
Dareus will not be the next Ndamukong Suh, but he is similar to Gerald McCoy in build and will mirror his production on the field.
3. Buffalo Bills
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Von Miller, Outside Linebacker, Texas A&M
"Miller brings a little luck to the hopeless Bills."
The Bills need defensive help or a QB. Gabbert is hardly the answer to the Bills' desperate and ardent prayers and honestly will not be much better than Fitzpatrick, causing the Bills go for the fiery and consistent defensive playmaker in Von Miller. Miller and Merriman will form a lethal OLB combination for years to come, improving Buffalo’s abysmal run defensive to such an extent that it may finally seem that luck is now on their side…but then again, it is Buffalo.
Von Miller has a chance to become the next DeMarcus Ware or Clay Matthews in pass rush and run support production. He is astonishingly athletic, classy and intelligent. His name may be tied to the CBA law suit, but that will not matter come draft day, as the Bills select the most prolific linebacker of the past few years.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals
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Blaine Gabbert, Quarterback, Missouri
"Bengals fold and draft a quarterback after a circus offseason with contemptuous, but once great, Carson Palmer."
The Bengals cannot afford to hold their cards and let Palmer retire. Palmer’s play has been steadily declining in any case, so Gabbert becomes the safe, intelligent play (and it’s about time for Cincinnati).
Assuming Palmer is traded, or retires or refuses to play (all of which are likely), the Bengals will be without a legitimate quarterback. With the uncertainty of the CBA, they cannot afford to hope for free agency and will take the “safe” pick at four, allowing them to build around the productive rookie and hope for the recent first round quarterback success that has struck the league that last three years.
Gabbert may not be worth the hype that surrounds him, but he will at least be decent, which is enough to warrant this pick.
5. Arizona Cardinals
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Patrick Peterson, Defensive Back, LSU
"Peterson combines with Rodgers-Cromartie to create one of the ultimate CB tandems in the league."
Yes, Peterson falls off the board. Miller is gone and Fairley is falling down draft boards, so Arizona completes their defensive backfield by adding the most talented player in the draft. With Von Miller and the top two quarterbacks out of the picture, the Cardinals go for the next best available player in Patrick Peterson.
CB is not necessarily their greatest need, but there is no value at QB or DE/OLB unless they feel that untested Quinn or Bowers can transition to a different position right away, which I doubt.
Arizona may consider trading down to a mid round pick and take Aldon Smith if there is interest.
6. Cleveland Browns
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Robert Quinn, Defensive End, UNC
"The Mighty Quinn comes to Cleveland to solidify a weak defensive line."
Cleveland needs pass rush help and are moving to the 4-3. Defensive end is a greater need than offensive talent this high, so Quinn is the pick. He will play the 4-3 end, his natural position, and we can finally end the questions about his play in space.
Quinn will provide an athletic juice to a wimpy defensive line. This team was 1-2 plays away from being .500 last year, and their ineffectiveness at rushing the passer may be the largest reason for their failure.
A.J. Green is obviously a huge possibility and may likely be the pick, but I doubt Holmgren will want to take a receiver this high and will find talent later in the draft.
7. San Fransisco 49ers
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A.J. Green, Wide Receiver, Georgia
"Alex Smith’s confidence is returned after coupled with the most talented offensive playmaker in the draft."
Gabbert, Peterson and Newton are off the board.
The 49ers are going to be stuck with Alex Smith for at least one more season, and Harbaugh seems like a smart individual, and what better way to redeem Smith’s career than to surround him with talent?
Vernon Davis, Frank Gore, A.J. Green and Michael Crabtree. I mean, throw me a helmet, and I can make this team eclipse their win total of last year.
I doubt this team will take place in the Ryan Mallet experience, and without good quarterback play, they do not stand a chance.
Nick Fairley is a possibility, but with his character concerns and pudgy frame, Green is the higher value.
8. Tennessee Titans
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Nick Fairley, Defensive Tackle, Auburn
"Fairley’s slide ends in Nashville."
Yes, he is a carbon copy of Albert Haynesworth, but until Haynesworth was traded to Washington, he was really good.
Tennessee needs defensive line help, and Fairley will bolster that line with at least six years of solid play, a little bit of boom or bust, but with more boom than bust.
The quarterbacks are gone, and Locker is not worth the top 10 selection. The Titans have been missing Haynesworth since he was traded away, regardless of what happened to him in Washington, and now they fill his void with the promising rookie.
9. Dallas Cowboys
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Tyron Smith, Offensive Tackle, USC
"Athletic tackle heads to Big D to keep Romo’s collarbone intact."
Dallas needs offensive line help. Smith is good value at nine and will bolster the tackle position for years to come. This pick could also be Prince Amukamara or J.J. Watt, but as said earlier, this draft is stacked with defensive talent and Dallas can find help later.
Tyron Smith may only be capable at playing RT, but Dallas needs tackle help on both ends, so this pick makes sense and is worthy of the ninth selection.
10. Washington Redskins
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Julio Jones, Wide Receiver, Alabama
"Speedy wide out becomes the next victim in Washington."
Washington is a mess, but Jones is rising up draft boards after a superstar combine and will help Washington’s lack of offense.
Whether it is Donovan McNabb or Sexy Rexy, Julio Jones will provide an instant upgrade in the passing game with a chance of, dare I say it, of being a rookie of the year contender.
Also look for the ‘Skins to consider Watt, Cameron Jordan and even Mark Ingram.
11. Houston Texans
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Prince Amukamara, Defensive Back, Nebraska
"The Fresh Prince looks to impact the worst secondary in the league."
Houston lands the second best corner in the draft and finally will be able to at least thwart even premier offense production by landing Prince Amukamara.
If Mario Williams checks out as a capable 3-4 OLB, then J.J. Watt or Cameron Jordan is the pick, but my guess is that Wade Phillips will deem Super Mario as his 3-4 five technique, and that will leave a need at a pass rushing linebacker. There is no value at linebacker this high, so Houston takes the capable corner, a starter from day one.
12. Minnesota Vikings
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Cameron Jordan, Defensive End, California
"The good son comes in to satisfy a pash rushing void left by Ray Edwards and lower the average age of the oldest defensive line in the league."
The Vikings are willing to bet their future in a prospect after his productive father, and luckily for them, he provides both good value and satisfies a pass rushing need to solidify their aging defensive line.
Jordan has been steadily rising since the Senior Bowl. Brian Robison is not the answer to DE, and Everson Griffen is untested and recently in trouble. This is a Vikings team that was unable to rush the passer last year after an almost superhuman 2009 in sack totals.
Jordan helps rekindle their pass rushing ranks.
13. Detroit Lions
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Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End, Clemson
"Bowers finally comes off the board to help the upstart Lions become relevant again."
Bowers falls all the way to 13 because of his knee injury and the fact that he only had one productive season at Clemson. He still may be a top 10 selection, but I think that teams will fear away from his bust potential.
Detroit is in a position at 13 to perhaps take the steal of the draft and fill an immediate need at DE and complete their destructive D-line.
An offensive tackle is certainly a possibility, but Smith is gone, and Costanzo is not worthy of a selection this high, so Bowers comes off the board. Detroit waits to take its tackle until the next round, Derek Sherrod, perhaps.
14. St. Louis Rams
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Cory Liuget, Defensive Tackle, Illinois
"Liuget brought in to help Rams sack West."
With Julio Jones off the board, St. Louis picks their next most pressing need in defensive tackle by drafting the Illinois star Cory Liuget. Liuget has been rising up draft boards and is the perfect fit in St. Louis’ deficient front four.
Leonard Hankerson, Jonathan Baldwin or Torrey Smith will be available with the Rams next selection and will provide a much needed offensive threat for Sam Bradford.
The pieces are finally coming together for the re-building Rams. They selected Sam Bradford last year wisely, but there were still arguments for Ndamukong Suh. This year, they fill that void with a solid playmaker in Liuget.
15. Miami Dolphins
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Jake Locker, Quarterback, Washington
"Locker heads to south beach as the Dolphins look to hand their future to the promising, but risky rookie after numerous failures at quarterback."
Chad Henne is not the answer. Daunte Culpepper failed miserably. Chad Pennington is not capable of staying healthy. Tyler Thigpen is nothing more than a fill in. See where I’m going? The point is that the Dolphins have not had a successful quarterback since Dan Marino. They have some flashes of capable quarterback play, but no consistency.
Jeff Ireland likes to make splashes and take the big name, big attitude players. This pick could easily be Mark Ingram, but without the franchise QB, the dolphins will continue to be mediocre.
Locker is a household name with a lot to offer. If he had come out last season, he would have gone in the top 5. After a below average senior season, Locker finds his status uncertain of even being selected in the first round. Locker did not lose any skills this year, he was always inaccurate and unable to move in the pocket, but he had on field success, which trumps any other deficiency.
Locker can still flat out play and has all the intangibles that you want in a franchise quarterback. He will need to sit and learn the system and be coached up, but my guess is that come week 10-12 he gets his chance and plays well enough to earn the starting gig for some time.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
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J.J. Watt, Defensive End, Wisconsin
"Watt lasts to 16 as the Jags attempt to create a dual threat at defensive end after many wasted high round draft picks."
Luckily, Watt can back up the hype and will start from day one.
Jacksonville tried Derek Harvey and Quentin Groves, both of whom where highly touted in college and destined for pro success, and both of whom failed to stay on the field and Harvey is longer with the team.
Aaron Kampman went down with his second knee injury last year and even though he had much success in the past, he needs help across from him to provide an effective pass rush. Austen Lane showed flashes but is not capable of starting just yet.
Watt is a high character, high motor mauler. He was extremely productive in Madison and will translate that success into 10+/year sack total. He may not have the athleticism of Robert Quinn or Da’Quan Bowers, but he has the strength, production, and work ethic to make up for his lacking physical attributes and carry the defensive load in Jacksonville.
17. New England Patriots
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Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama
"After the Dolphins pass on Ingram, New England snaps him up with their first of many top draft picks."
New England has BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead, but neither of whom are complete running backs. Green-Ellis is capable in short yardage situations, and Woodhead excels as a third down scatback/slot receiver.
Even though the Patriots' record increased after the Randy Moss trade, that trade hurt their ability to stretch the field and in turn, bottled up the defense and hurt their lackluster running and short passing game.
Selecting Ingram will allow the Patriots to keep teams honest. Ingram will force teams to keep eight in the box and allow Brandon Tate and likely another high draft pick this year to get open deep for Tom Brady to exploit.
Good value for the Pats, who must remember to thank Miami and their quarterback woes.
18. San Diego Chargers
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Aldon Smith, Outside Linebacker, Missouri
"Bolts get pass rush charge from Missouri star Aldon Smith."
San Diego is an enigma. They have the top offense and defense but an average, non playoff season in a weak division. Aldon Smith fills the position that Larry English was supposed to fill two years ago.
The Chargers need to find another pass rushing specialist after trading Shawn Merriman and Shaun Phillips’s growing age. Smith’s skill set will translate well into the 3-4 scheme, and he will contribute early in the season and become a full time starter by the end of the year.
This pick could also be Muhammad Wilkerson or one of the top offensive tackles, but Smith provides the most value at this selection.
19. New York Giants
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Mike Pouncey, Offensive Guard, Florida
"The brother of Maurkice falls to the Giants., who desperately need to redefine their offensive line."
The Giants are going to take an offensive lineman. It will either be Mike Pouncey, one of the premier tackles, or even Danny Watkins. Pouncey suits their line better than any other prospect, interior lineman is of greater immediate need and Pouncey can start from day one.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Jimmy Smith, Defensive Back, Colorado
"Character concerns don’t bother Bucs as gifted CB fills rising need."
Aquib Talib may be on his way out, and Ronde Barber is turning 60 next month, so the talented, but arrogant CB lands with the wild pack of Buccaneers.
The Bucs seem to take low character players and turn them into superstars. Like Mike Williams and Legarrette Blount last year, Smith will come in and exceed expectations.
This pick could also be Adrian Clayborn or Ryan Kerrigan, but Smith has a higher rating on Tampa’s draft board and gets the nod.
21. Kansas City Chiefs
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Akeem Ayers, Outside Linebacker, UCLA
"Productive college star matches with Tamba Hali to create dual pass rush threat."
Even though my Grandma could have run a faster 40 time at the combine, tape doesn’t lie, and Ayers provides a pass rushing need to the surprising Chiefs.
The Chiefs need to generate pass rush. Their run and pass defense are decent, but they lack at getting to the opposing quarterback. Ayers may be the most natural 3-4 OLB in this year’s draft, and even though he timed poorly, he is still worthy of a first round selection and will play immediately after an offseason to learn under Vrabel and Hali.
Also look for Kansas City to select a big tackle. Gabe Carimi could be someone to watch out for on draft day, as the Chiefs need work at RT.
22. Indianapolis Colts
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Anthony Castonzo, Offensive Tackle, Boston College
"Big tackle brought in to keep Manning upright."
Indy desperately needs offensive line help to protect their franchise in Peyton Manning. Costanzo is a safe and reliable pick and will contribute from day one.
Everyone knows that Indy will take an offensive tackle. It will either be Carimi or Costanzo, and either way, the Colts will have a solid player at the tackle position. I like Costanzo more in a Colts uniform.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
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Gabe Carimi, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin
"Carimi drafted for protection as Vick and the Eagles look to soar."
Andy Reid may have a heart attack if he watches Mike Vick scramble anymore next season. Carimi is a solid and productive talent from Wisconsin and will keep both Vick and Reid with us a little longer.
One pick after Anthony Costanzo, big Gabe Carimi is taken to bolster a weak offensive line. The Eagles need help at CB and OT, but Jimmy Smith flew off the board three picks ago, so Carimi gets the nod and will be a 10-year starter right off the bat.
With Kolb leaving in free agency eventually, this pick is even more valuable, because there will be no one left to back up the risk taking Vick.
24. New Orleans Saints
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Muhammad Wilkerson, Defensive Tackle, Temple
"Small school prospect lands in New Orleans to shore up defensive front."
Wilkerson has been flying up draft boards but keeps his value at 24 to New Orleans. The Saints need help at their 5 technique. Wilkerson is athletic, strong and capable of anchoring New Orleans' defensive front.
Everyone saw the Saints get embarrassed by Seattle this past January, and while it is mainly due to the age of their safeties, the Saints could not put any pressure on Hasselbeck or stop Marshawn Lynch in “beast mode”. Wilkerson both fills a need and is the best player available.
25. Seattle Seahawks
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Ryan Mallett, Quarterback, Arkansas
"Seattle takes a chance on talented, but denigrating quarterback."
If anyone can turn this sour puss into a winner, it is Pete Carroll. Mallet sits for a year and becomes the quarterback of the future for confusing Seahawks.
Also look for DT Phil Taylor from Baylor or S Rahim Moore from UCLA, but Mallet is too interesting to pass on with Hasselbeck’s inevitable retirement and Charlie Whitehurst’s lack of ability.
26. Baltimore Ravens
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Stefen Wisniewski, Center, Penn St.
"Baltimore reaches for need at center."
Jimmy Smith is off the board, and while the Ravens could take a WR here, they need to ensure that their offensive line will remain intact to protect their investments in Flacco and Rice.
Center is the most pressing need, and this Penn State star is the best in the draft. Baltimore reaches slightly, but with a top corner out of the picture, I see the Ravens waiting on CB and WR until the next few rounds.
27. Atlanta Falcons
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Ryan Kerrigan, Defensive End, Purdue
"Swift pass rusher highlighted as Falcons wait on receiver talent."
Again, Hankerson or Torrey Smith could be the pick, but both are undeserving of a first round grade. Kerrigan comes and plays from day one and eventually will be the successor to the great John Abraham.
28. New England Patriots
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Danny Watkins, Offensive Guard, Baylor
"Watkins, the second of two first round Patriot picks, drafted to strengthen a crumbling offensive line."
The mature, versatile OT/OG from Baylor lands to New England, who will be hit in the next few years on their offensive line.
Yes, Heyward or Clayborn could be the pick, but I’d be willing to bet that Belichick will value offensive lineman over a risky pick for a position switch to a 5 technique.
29. Chicago Bears
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Phil Taylor, Defensive Tackle, Baylor
"Phil Taylor brought in to surmount the failures of Tommie Harris."
Tommie Harris never panned out, but Phil Taylor will. He is a monster tackle from Baylor and will fill a need at good value at the end of the first round.
Chicago could easily take Nate Solder, Derek Sherrod or Rahim Moore, but they ultimately decide that completing their defensive line is of higher value at 29.
30. New York Jets
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Justin Houston, Outside Linebacker, Georgia
"Houston heads to New York as Jets look to make another deep playoff run."
Is he a 4-3 end or a 3-4 OLB? Only time will tell, but luckily for the Jets, if this project doesn’t work at linebacker, he has the frame to bulk up and satisfy their 3-4 end need this year or the next.
Houston is an athletic freak, and while the Jets have had their issues with combine warriors(‘ahem Vernon Gholston), Houston has a different kind of build and is capable of playing one of two positions successfully instead of being too light for end and too confused by 3-4 OLB schemes.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers
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Cameron Heyward, Defensive End, Ohio St.
"Iron Head Jr. comes off the board to complete D-Line cycle."
In my opinion, Ziggy Hood is capable of being the starter. He has shown growing pains but is capable enough of filling Smith’s shoes. However, after Hood, the Steelers are noticeably thin on the defensive front and will take Heyward to solidify that position.
This pick could also be Brandon Harris, Aaron Williams or even Derek Sherrod, but none of those players are worth a first round pick, and Pittsburgh will find offensive line and defensive back help later in this draft.
32. Green Bay Packers
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Nate Solder, Offensive Tackle, Colorado
"Boulder star drafted to stifle Rodgers’ concussions and succeed Pro Bowl LT, Chad Clifton."
The little old tackle that everyone forgot about caps the end of round one. Solder will play LT and Bulaga will stay at RT and create two reliable bookends for a dangerous Packer team for years to come.
As a Packer fan, I would love to see them trade up to take Mike Pouncey or a top pass rusher, but with no CBA, trades are hard to predict.
Also look for the Packers to take Brandon Harris, Adrian Clayborn or even Brooks Reed at the end of round one.
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