2011 NFL Mock Draft: Complete 1st Round Mock 2.0
A lot has changed since my previous mock, which was about a month ago. Da'Quan Bowers, my previous top pick, has seen his stock drop considerably due to his nagging knee injury and average pro-day.
Unlike most years, there is no clear-cut first pick. Pretty much every single one of the top ten prospects has a shot at No. 1.
Let's take a look at what I think the first round will look like.
1) Carolina Panthers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
1 of 32
Nearly everyone has Cam Newton or a defender going number one to Carolina. Cam Newton looks like a superior talent, but I don't think the Panthers want to take a chance. Gabbert has a lower ceiling, but has a chance to become a very good quarterback. He learns fast and knows how to win.
This is by no means to say Blaine Gabbert is the best player in the draft. Far from it. He will take a year or so to develop into a successful pro quarterback, but the potential is there. He played well and won games for Missouri despite a fairly pedestrian receiving corps.
I don't think Jimmy Clausen is Carolina's quarterback of the future. He has had multiple issues getting along with veteran receiver Steve Smith, and his cockiness and immaturity make it hard for him to demand respect in the Panther's locker room.
Carolina has plenty of holes on both sides of the ball, most noticeably for a pass-rushing end to replace Julius Peppers. Robert Quinn and Da'Quan Bowers warrant a look here, but the Panthers select their future franchise quarterback here with Gabbert.
2) Danver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
2 of 32
The popular pick here is typically DT Marcell Dareus, and the Broncos do need D-line help, but I think they go with Peterson, the freakishly athletic corner/return man from LSU.
They may have just given Champ Bailey a huge contract, but Bailey will be 33 this year, and I think he's to old to be a true shutdown corner.
Peterson doesn't play the tightest coverage, but that doesn't hinder him much. His athleticism allows him to go up and make plays that other corners simply can't.
Give him the ball in the open field off an interception or on a kick return, and he is very difficult to take down. He has great speed, vision, and moves, and is always a threat to score.
Denver gets a very good defensive playmaker with this pick.
3) Buffalo Bills: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
3 of 32
As much as I like Ryan Fitzpatrick as the Bills quarterback, I think that Cam Newton is too intriguing to pass up.
He is a project who needs time to learn a pro-style offense and has a few character concerns, but has enormous potential, and with the correct coaching, can be a superstar.
Newton is an incredible talent and, despite the obvious concerns, is too good to not go in the top three.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
4) Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
4 of 32
You can't really blame Carson Palmer for wanting out of Cincinnati, can you? He has to put up with Chad Ochocinco and T.O., the two whiniest and most selfish receivers in the league.
Both were good in their prime, but now their getting older they are more of a headache than anything else for the Bengals.
One or both of them has to go if the Bengals want to start rebuilding, and A.J. Green is a great replacement option.
Green is a playmaking weapon who can do it all. He can go deep and win jump balls, he can go over the middle, and he can take a short pass the distance.
The Bengals should start looking for their quarterback of the future, but with the top two options gone it's too early to reach for someone like Jake Locker or Ryan Mallett. Green is a wise option.
5) Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
5 of 32
The 3-4 scheme that the Cardinals employ relies on having strong, athletic linebackers who can rush the quarterback, drop back in coverage, and be a factor in run support.
Their starters at OLB last year were Joey Porter and Clark Haggans, two former stars well past their prime.
Von Miller is a bit on the small side, and might have issues against some of the bigger left tackles in this league, but he plays with ferocity and intensity and should be able to start from day one.
6) Cleveland Browns: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
6 of 32
After no defensive lineman are taken in the top six, the Browns have to be licking their chops here with the choice of either Dareus, Nick Fairley, or Da'quan Bowers.
Any of the three would be viable options, but Dareus has been really seperating himself from the competition of late, especially as the top DT in the draft.
Nick Fairley's average combine and reputation for being a little dirty have dropped his stock, but Dareus is a clean player who had a good combine.
The other good thing about Dareus is that he can play virtually every position on the defensive line and can dominate wherever the Browns choose to use him.
7) San Fransisco 49ers: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
7 of 32
Robert Quinn was dominant in the 2009 college football season, but was suspended for the entire 2010 season.
However, he showed up at the combine looking fit and ready to play.
While Quinn didn't play OLB in a 3-4 scheme in college, his size and athleticism make him a good fit as linebacker in the 49er's defensive scheme.
8) Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
8 of 32
I'm not as down on Fairley as most people are. Since showing up weighing 290 pounds at the combine, he really beefed up for his pro day.
Marcell Dareus is everyone's favorite DT, and will probably get picked before Fairley, but I think that people forget just how disruptive Fairley was throughout college. I think he has a good chance of making a huge impact at the next level
The Titans have lacked a dominating defense presence since the lost of Albert Haynesworth, and while they do need a quarterback, they could use a lot of help on the defensive line as well.
9) Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith
9 of 32
It's no secret the Cowboys love this guy, and why not?
He's big, powerful, and athletic, perfect for handling speed rushers that they play against like Brian Orakpo and Trent Cole.
He can play a year at right tackle and learn the system, then fit right in the next year at left tackle.
The only problem with Smith's game is that he's not a very cerebral player, and can struggle to pick up complicated blitzes.
That's why I don't think he is the best tackle in this draft, but I would be surprised if the Cowboys didn't take him.
10) Washington Redskins: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
10 of 32
I firmly believe that Jake Locker will go to Washington. It just makes sense.
After the failed Donovan McNabb experiment, Washington needs a quarterback, and Locker seems like Shanahan's type.
If Locker had come out for the draft last year, he would have been a surefire number one pick. But an erratic senior year has caused his stock to drop.
He's not the most accurate quarterback, and he has a tendency to turn the ball over. However, I think he possesses the intangibles to be a great quarterback.
11) Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
11 of 32
If he falls this far, Amukamara to the Texans is one of the biggest no-brainers in this draft.
The Texans pass defense was horrendous last year, and there's no way they pass up on a talent like Amukamara.
I think Amukamara is a better coverage guy than Peterson as far as being able to stick with a guy, but Peterson is better overall thanks to his athleticism.
Still, Amukamara has the potential to be a shutdown corner.
12) Minnesota Vikings: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
12 of 32
J.J. Watt is one of the safer picks in this years draft.
He is big, has a high football I.Q., and plays with a non-stop motor, which typically translates into NFL success.
The guy who Watt reminds me of in the NFL is Jared Allen, who would be his teammate. Both are smart players who play relentlessly.
Watt could fit well into Minnesota's defensive scheme opposite Jared Allen.
13) Detroit Lions: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
13 of 32
I originally had Bowers going first, but a string of unfortunate circumstances has dropped his stock considerably.
First, he couldn't work out at the combine due to recent surgery on his knee. Then, on his pro day, he wasn't terribly impressive.
And recently, there have been differing opinions on the long-term durability of his surgically repaired knee, with NFL.com reporting that, according to an informed source, his knee "showed signs of potential long-term arthritis and some weakness in his surgically repaired right knee."
His agent, Joe Flanagan, denied any major problems with Bowers' knee. However, with the depth and talent available in this year's DE class, I wouldn't be surprised to see Bowers fall out of the top ten.
He seems like a good fit in Detroit, though. A healthy Bowers paired with Ndamukong Suh makes for a frightening defensive line.
14) St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
14 of 32
No brainer. Jones was a beast at the combine, running a 4.37 40 and well out-performing the other receivers.
The Rams biggest need right now is probably at wide receiver, and a big playmaker like Jones would be a huge addition to the offense.
15) Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
15 of 32
So Mark Ingram ran a slow 40. Who cares?
Emmitt Smith (you may have heard of him) ran a 4.7 at the combine and a 4.55 at his pro day, but his career is a testament to how overrated 40 times are.
Mark Ingram has great vision and initial burst to find and hit the hole, and while he might not be able to outrun the secondary, is a powerful runner capable of shedding tackles.
16) Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
16 of 32
Ryan Kerrigan is a beast of a DE with the athleticism to play linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.
He is a relentless pass rusher with the uncanny ability to force fumbles. The Jaguars have struggled to get any sort of consistent pass rush going, so Kerrigan is a go fit.
17) New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
17 of 32
Patriots fans have to be drooling over the possibilities with three picks in the top 33.
As usual, the Patriots will disappoint them all by trading down, and as usual they will find tons of impact players in the late rounds.
But just assuming they don't, I think Cameron Jordan is a good fit. He projects as a 3-4 DE without elite pass-rushing abilities, but able to take on blockers and control his point on the line.
He is unusually fast for someone his side, and would fit great alongside Vince Wilfork.
18) San Diego Chargers: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
18 of 32
Since Shawne Merriman, no one has really stepped up on the Chargers defense opposite Shawne Phillips.
There starter last year was Antwan Applewhite, who registered a rather pathetic total of three sacks.
Akeem Ayers is an extremely athletic linebacker with great ball skills. He is a very capable pass rusher and can dish out the big hit.
He fits in will with the Chargers defensive scheme.
19) New York Giants: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
19 of 32
Phil Taylor is a big, run stuffing tackle who will be a welcome addition on the Giants front seven.
20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
20 of 32
What a year it is for defensive lineman.
There is a lot of depth and talent to be found, especially among defensive ends. So far I have nine defensive lineman going in the top 20.
Aldon Smith is a tall, rangy, end who will bolster the Buccaneers pass rush.
21) Kansas City Chiefs: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
21 of 32
Corey Liuget is a fast rising prospect, and one of the most complete defensive tackles in the draft.
He is tough against the run, and has the athleticism to run down a halfback in the backfield and make a tackle for a loss. He is a dominant pass rusher and plays with a non-stop motor.
The Chiefs are desperate for someone to help against the run, and Liuget is a perfect fit for them.
22) Indianapolis Colts: Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
22 of 32
What?! The Colts take a quarterback in the first round? You better believe it.
The Colts have been quite vocal in their desire to draft and groom Peyton's replacement, and I think they are more serious about it than most people think.
They pick next at 53, and there is a chance that Ryan Mallett, Christian Ponder, and Andy Dalton are all off the board by then, leaving them with no good options. I think that Andy Dalton is a better option for the Colts than Ryan Mallett in the long run.
Andy Dalton is a solid quarterback. He isn't very flashy, but
he doesn't make any mistakes only. He is fairly accurate, and can make people miss in the pocket. Peyton and the Colts can groom him for three years or so and he will be prepared to take over when Manning retires. (*gasp*)
23) Philidelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
23 of 32
The Eagles have been struggling to find a decent corner to start opposite Asante Samuels for a while now.
With Ellis Hobbes' potential career ending injury problems and Dmitri Patterson not being able to pick up the slack, I think they have to go corner here.
Jimmy Smith may well be the third best corner in this year's draft.
He has excellent press coverage skills, but will need to be coached up on his zone coverage. He has great size for a corner and can help out a lot at run support.
24) New Orleans Saints: Muhammed Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple
24 of 32
Wilkerson is an extremely talented player from a small school who has been shooting up draft boards.
He is an athletic 3-4 defensive end who can also play tackle in the Saint's 4-3 scheme. He gives the Saints another pass-rushing defensive lineman.
25) Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
25 of 32
Matt Hasselback is nearing the end, and Charlie Whitehurst does not seem to be the quarterback of the future for Seattle.
When Hasselback retires, the Seahawks must have a quarterback groomed and ready to take over if they hope to remain competitive in the NFC West.
Mallett has good size and arm strength, but has a ways to go with his accuracy. He is still talented enough to be a starter in the NFL, and should get his chance with Seattle.
26) Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
26 of 32
The Ravens secondary fell apart last season.
Multiple cornerbacks had knee injuries, and they eventually lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs due to a few big plays through the air by Pittsburgh.
Brandon Harris has skill in man to man coverage, and can start immediately as a nickel corner for the Ravens.
He is tough and ultra competitive, and will fit well with the general attitude of the Ravens defense.
27) Atlanta Falcons: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
27 of 32
The Falcons can use some help opposite the aging John Abraham, and Adrian Clayborn projects favorably as a defensive end in the 4-3.
Clayborn can hold his own against most tackles, and uses power to get after the quarterback.
28) New England Patriots: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
28 of 32
The Patriots don't have any particular need for help at tackle, but Castonzo is too good to pass up.
He is a smart player who is passionate about football and has a high football IQ. He can also play some guard, and should get on the field for the Patriots one way or another.
29) Chicago Bears: Mike Pouncey, C/G, Florida
29 of 32
Mike Pouncey to the Bears makes perfect sense.
Olin Kreutz is an aging center who needs a suitable backup/eventual replacement, and Mike Pouncey seems to fit with the Bears. I personally think that as of right now, he makes a better guard than center, mostly due to his inconsistent snapping out of the shotgun formation.
He can start at guard in his rookie year, get coaching on his snaps, and eventually become the next center for the Bears.
30) New York Jets: Justin Houston, LB, Georgia
30 of 32
The Jets need an edge rusher, and Justin Houston, while a bit large, makes a good power rushing 3-4 outside linebacker.
He reminds me a lot of James Harrison: a big, physical linebacker who can rush the passer, play the run, and make plays in coverage.
31) Pittsburgh Steelers: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
31 of 32
With the abundance of talented defensive lineman, some good tackles will fall pretty far.
The Steelers desperately need a strong left tackle to anchor their line, and the 6'7" behemoth that is Gabe Carimi would be a great fit.
He is a tough, physical, dominant player who Ben Roethlisberger would love to have protecting his blindside.
32) Green Bay Packers: Cam Heyward, DE, Ohio State
32 of 32
The Packers may be champs, but they do have holes to fill, especially on the defensive front.
Cam Heyward makes a great defensive end who can come in and contribute right away for the Packers.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
