NFL Mock Draft 2011: Projecting the 2nd and 3rd Rounds

Back on March 8th, I came up with my first mock draft of the year. Building off of that mock, I will now add both rounds of Day Two of the NFL Draft.

After the picks are unveiled, we will provide a division page overview of team picks for the first three rounds. This mock will take in to account the principles of drafting the best athlete available while keeping one eye on what the glaring needs are of each team.

With only three weeks left until the start of the draft, players still have a chance to move up and down the big board based on private workouts with the NFL teams, and the medical results of players that are trying to recover from various surgeries.

As you go through each slide you might have the feeling that there is a reach here or there. In those situations, you would be right, but due to the current state of affairs in the NFL without any guarantee of when free agency will happen, this is the last time on record that NFL teams can draft a player at a specific position of need. If you have limited number of draft picks, all the more reason to be mindful of your biggest needs.

On to the mock.

Selections 33 to 37

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 13: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes chases after quarterback Matt McGloin #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

33 - New England Patriots - Akeem Ayers UCLA LB

34 - Buffalo Bills - Christian Ponder, Florida State QB

35 - Cincinnati Bengals - Cameron Heyward - Ohio State DE

36 - Denver Broncos - Brooks Reed - Arizona DE/OLB

37 - Cleveland Browns - Ben Ijalana - Villanova Tackle

All of these five picks have the potential to slip in to the late first round. It might happen if some teams know that the only way they can get their man is to trade for them late in the first round. Of course, we are confident that the Patriots are more willing to trade down that the Bills are.

Selections 38 to 42

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 09: Colin Kaepernick #10 of the Nevada Wolf Pack throws the ball against Boston College during the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl at AT&T Park on January 9, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

38 - Arizona Cardinals - Andy Dalton - TCU QB

39 - Tennessee Titans - Colin Kaepernick - Nevada QB

40 - Dallas Cowboys - Allen Bailey - Miami DE

41 - Washington Redskins - Leonard Hankerson - Miami Fla WR

42 - Houston Texans - Rahim Moore - UCLA Safety

The top tier of quarterbacks has now been depleted with the selection of Kaepernick by the Titans at 39. That means seven quarterbacks have been drafted before we hit pick 40. For the teams that weren't able to address their QB needs, there is still Ricky Stanzi and free agency, whenever that kicks in.

Selections 43 to 47

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 09: Defensive tackle Stephen Paea #54 of the Oregon State Beavers during the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Beavers defeated the Wildcats 29-27. (Pho

43 - Minnesota Vikings - Stephen Paea - Oregon State Defensive Tackle

44 - Detroit Lions - Aaron Williams - Texas Corner

45 - San Francisco 49'ers - Phil Taylor - Baylor Defensive Tackle

46 - Denver Broncos - Kyle Randolph - Notre Dame Tight End

47 - St. Louis Rams - Marvin Austin - North Carolina Defensive Tackle

Now that the quarterback run has ended, teams will start focusing on their other needs. In this group, I see a slight run on defensive tackles, and the best tight end in the draft is now off the board.

Selections 48 to 52

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 26: Rex Burkhead #22 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers slips past Jimmy Smith #3 of the Colorado Buffaloes during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Colorado 45-17 (Photo by Eric Fr

48) Oakland Raiders - Jimmy Smith - Colorado Corner

49) Jacksonville Jaguars - Christian Ballard - Iowa DE

50) San Diego Chargers - Randall Cobb - Kentucky WR

51) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Ras-I Dowling - Virginia Corner

52) New York Giants - Danny Watkins - Baylor Guard

Due to character concerns and off-the-field issues, Jimmy Smith drops out of the first round, and the Raiders are there to pounce on him. The Raiders were the only team without a first round draft pick, but they will feel like they got a first round talent with the selection of Smith.

Selections 53 to 57

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: Ryan Williams #34 of the Virginia Tech Hokies against the Florida State Seminoles during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

53) Indianapolis Colts - Stefen Wisniewski - Penn State Guard

54) Philadelphia Eagles - Drake Nevis - LSU Defensive Tackle

55) Kansas City Chiefs - Rodney Hudson - Florida State Guard/Center

56) New Orleans Saints - Ryan Williams Virginia Tech RB

57) Seattle Seahawks - Orlando Franklin - Miami Fla. Guard/Tackle

The Saints find a talented running back in Ryan Williams to add to their backfield mix. Three offensive linemen in this group, as teams look to address their depth along the offensive line.

Selections 58 to 62

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 02: Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is brought down by Martez Wilson #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State defeated Illinois 24-13. (Photo by Jonat

58) Baltimore Ravens - Martez Wilson - Illinois LB

59) Atlanta Falcons - Titus Young - Boise State WR

60) New England Patriots - Brandon Burton - Utah Corner

61) San Diego Chargers - Bruce Carter - North Carolina LB

62) Chicago Bears - Jurrell Casey - USC Defensive Tackle

Couple solid linebackers are picked up in Wilson and Carter. The Patriots continue to spread their talent across the board. Another weapon for Matt Ryan to throw to as well.

Selections 63 to 67

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: DeMarco Murray #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs the ball as he is hit bu Lawrence Wilson #8 of the Connecticut Huskies in the second quarter during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 201

63) Pittsburgh Steelers - Jarvis Jenkins - Clemson Def Lineman

64) Green Bay Packers - DeMarco Murray - Oklahoma RB  (end of round two)

65) Carolina Panthers - Jabaal Sheard - Pittsburgh DE/OLB

66) Cincinnati Bengals - Vincent Brown - San Diego State WR

67) Denver Broncos - Curtis Brown -  Texas Corner

The second round ends with the Packers adding a solid running back to add to their mix. There is still talent there to be drafted at the start of round three.

Selections 68 to 72

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 04: Kelvin Sheppard #11 of the LSU Tigers against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Georgia Dome on September 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

68) Buffalo Bills - Kelvin Sheppard - LSU LB

69) Arizona Cardinals - Austin Pettis - Boise State WR

70) Cleveland Browns - Sam Acho - Texas DE/OLB

71) Dallas Cowboys - Deandre McDaniel - Clemson Safety

72)  New Orleans Saints - Will Rackley - Lehigh Tackle

The Bills find their "bigger" inside linebacker in Sheppard. Talented defenders in Acho and McDaniel find a new home. Lehigh tackle Rackley gives some more protection to Drew Brees.

Selections 73 to 77

Sean Gardner/Getty Images

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 29: Quarterback Ricky Stanzi #12 of the North Team passes over South Team defenders during second quarter of the Under Armour Senior Bowl on January 29, 2011 at Ladd Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Im

73) Houston Texas - Dontay Moch - Nevada DE/OLB

74) New England Patriots - Clint Boling - Georgia Guard

75) Detroit Lions - Mason Foster - Washington LB

76) San Francisco 49'ers - Ricky Stanzi - Iowa QB

77) Tennessee Titans - Jake Kirkpatrick - TCU Center

The 49'ers take the last highest ranked QB left on the board in Stanzi.  Couple more offensive linemen are selected and the athletic Moch finds a home in Houston.

Selections 78 to 82

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 18: Jerrel Jernigan #3 of the Troy University Trojans scores a touchdown over Donovan Fletcher #29 of the Ohio University Bobcats during the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on December 18, 2010 in New O

78) St. Louis Rams - Jason Pinkston - Pittsburgh Guard

79) Miami Dolphins - Deunta Williams - North Carolina Safety

80) Jacksonville Jaguars - Jerrel Jernigan - Troy WR

81) Oakland Raiders - Marcus Cannon - TCU Guard

82) San Diego Chargers - Mark Herzlich - Boston College LB

Each group of five selections sees more offensive linemen coming off the big board. The crop of players from North Carolina continue to find a home. The third round sees players coming out of the small schools like Troy, Lehigh, and Slippery Rock.

Selections 83 to 87

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 10: Offensive lineman John Moffitt #74 of the Wisconsin Badgers blocks against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 10, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

83) New York Giants - K.J. Wright - Mississippi State LB

84) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Daniel Thomas - Kansas State RB

85) Philadelphia Eagles - John Moffitt - Wisconsin Guard

86) Kansas City Chiefs - Greg Little - North Carolina WR

87) Indianapolis Colts - Jerrell Powe - Mississippi Def Tackle

Another group of five, another lineman, another North Carolina player. Notice the theme running?

Selections 88 to 92

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 16: Marcell Dareus #57 and James Carpenter #77 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Ole Miss Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

88) New Orleans Saints - Chris Carter - Fresno State LB

89) San Diego Chargers - James Carpenter  - Alabama Tackle

90) Baltimore Ravens - Johnny Patrick - Louisville Corner

91) Atlanta Falcons - Lance Kendricks - Wisconsin Tight End

92) New England Patriots - Greg Romeus - Pittsburgh DE

Second tight end of the draft comes off the board. Another offensive lineman, and three defenders. Only five picks left in the third round.

Selections 93 to 97

93) Chicago Bears - Brandon Fusco - Slippery Rock Center

94) New York Jets - Tandon Doss - Indiana WR

95) Pittsburgh Steelers - Davon House - New Mexico State Corner

96) Green Bay Packers - DeMarcus Love - Arkansas Tackle

97) Carolina Panthers - D.J. Williams - Arkansas TE

The Panthers close out day three with the selection of D.J. Williams, the third tight end off of the board. Slippery Rock alumni are amazed to see a player coming out of the school drafted as high as the third round, but Fusco, the Division II linemen of the year winner, is worthy of the pick.

AFC East Overview

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 07: Lineman Marcell Dareus #57 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball after an interception against the Texas Longhorns during the second quarter of the Citi BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl on January 7, 201

Buffalo Bills - Marcell Dareus (3), Christian Ponder (34) and Kelvin Sheppard (68).

Miami Dolphins - Mark Ingram (15) and Deunta Williams (79)

New England Patriots - Anthony Castonzo (17), Mikel Leshoure (28), Akeem Ayers (33), Brandon Burton (60), Clint Boling (74) and Greg Romeus (92).

New York Jets - Muhammad Wilkerson (30) and Tandon Doss (94)

The Dolphins and the Jets are limited in what they can do as each team only has two picks in the first three rounds, The Patriots load up as they address a number of positions with quality athletes. The Bills try to upgrade their run defense and hope that Ponder is the QB answer of the future.

AFC North Overview

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers looks on against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/G

Baltimore Ravens - Torrey Smith (26), Martez Wilson (58) and Johnny Patrick (90)

Cincinnati Bengals - Cam Newton (4), Cameron Heyward (35) and Vincent Brown (66)

Cleveland Browns - A.J. Green (6), Ben Ijalana (37) and Sam Acho (70)

Pittsburgh Steelers - Mike Pouncey (31), Jarvis Jenkins (63) and Davon House (95)

Pretty straightforward division. All teams have three picks for the first two days. One interesting highlight will be to fast forward to five years down the road to see which Cam is the better player in Cincinnati.

AFC South Overview

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Defensive lineman J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes the TCU Horned Frogs in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Houston Texans - J.J. Watt (11), Rahim Moore (42) and Dontay Moch (73).

Indianapolis Colts - Derek Sherrod (22), Stefen Wisniewski (53) and Jerrell Powe (87).

Jacksonville Jaguars - Cameron Jordan (16), Christian Ballard (49) and Jerrell Jernigan (80)

Tennessee Titans - Da'Quan Bowers (8), Colin Kaepernick (39) and Jake Kirkpatrick (77).

The Texans look to give their defense a major boost through the first three picks. The Colts upgrade their offensive line, while the Jaguars come up with a better defensive line. The Titans hope they struck gold in Colin Kaepernick.

AFC West Overview

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 05: Defensive ends Brooks Reed #42 and Ricky Elmore #44 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrate after stopping the USC Trojans on the final play on December 5, 2009 at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. Arizona won

Denver Broncos - Nick Fairley (2), Brooks Reed (36), Kyle Rudolph (46) and Curtis Brown (67).

Kansas City Chiefs - Justin Houston (21), Rodney Hudson (55) and Greg Little (86).

Oakland Raiders - Jimmy Smith (48) and Marcus Cannon (81).

San Diego Chargers - Aldon Smith (18), Randall Cobb (50), Bruce Carter (61), Mark Herzlich (82) and James Carpenter (89).

Next to the New England Patriots, the Chargers have the most draft picks over the first three rounds with five selections and they come up with a very nice haul. The Raiders have their hands tied with only two picks. The Broncos upgrade their pass rush and get a great tight end sitting there at 46. The Chiefs add some more talent to their young team.

NFC East Overview

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 05: Joe McKnight #4 of the USC Trojans celebrates his touchdown with Tyron Smith #70 and David Ausberry #9 during the second quarter against the San Jose State Spartans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 5, 2009 in

Dallas Cowboys - Prince Amukamara (9), Allen Bailey (40) and Deandre McDaniel (71).

New York Giants - Tyron Smith (19), Danny Watkins (52) and K.J. Wright (83).

Philadelphia Eagles -Brandon Harris (23), Drake Nevis (54) and John Moffitt (85)

Washington Redskins - Robert Quinn (10) and Leonard Hankerson (41).

With only two draft picks over the first three rounds, there is only so much the Redskins can do at the draft. The Cowboys upgrade their secondary, while the Giants and Eagles add some talent and depth to their offensive lines.

NFC North Overview

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew

Chicago Bears - Gabe Carimi (29), Jurrell Casey (62) and Brandon Fusco (93).

Detroit Lions - Nate Solder (13), Aaron Williams (44) and Mason Foster (75).

Green Bay Packers -Jonathan Baldwin (32), DeMarco Murray (64) and DeMarcus Love (96).

Minnesota Vikings -Ryan Mallett (12) and Stephen Paea (43).

The Bears upgrade their offensive line, as do the Lions and Packers. Packers also get some more weapons on offense for Aaron Rogers. With only two picks, the Vikings hope that Ryan Mallett is a future QB that they can groom in to becoming a star quarterback.

NFC South Overview

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers flips the ball during the Insight Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Sun Devil Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons - Corey Liuget (27), Titus Young (59) and Lance Kendricks (91)

Carolina Panthers- Blaine Gabbert (1), Jabaal Sheard (65) and D.J. Williams (97)

New Orleans Saints - Adrian Clayborn (24), Ryan Williams (56), William Rackley (72) and Chris Carter (88).

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Ryan Kerrigan (20), Ras-I Dowling (51) and Daniel Thomas (84).

The Panthers decided to ultimately rest their future on Blaine Gabbert, and not on Cam Newton. The Saints use their four picks to strengthen both sides of the ball at the line of scrimmage. This group sees a rare combination of tight ends and running backs being drafted in the first two days.

NFC West Overview

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

BATON ROUGE, LA - SEPTEMBER 25: Patrick Peterson #7 of the Louisiana State Univeristy Tigers celebrates after scoring a touchdown by posing as the Heisman Trophy against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Tiger Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Baton Rouge

Arizona Cardinals -Von Miller (5), Andy Dalton (38) and Austin Pettis (69).

San Francisco 49'ers -Patrick Peterson (7), Phil Taylor (45) and Ricky Stanzi (76).

Seattle Seahawks - Jake Locker (25) and Orlando Franklin (57).

St. Louis Rams - Julio Jones (14), Marvin Austin (47) and Jason Pinkston (78).

The Rams are delighted to find Julio Jones there with the 14th pick, while the Seahawks take the local kid by selecting Jake Locker and hope that he can reward their faith down the road. Meanwhile, the Cardinals and the 49'ers add some serious talent on the defensive side of the ball, making it a more athletic division,