2011 NFL Mock Draft: Pick-by-Pick Analysis of the Top 10
The 2011 NFL Draft is just under a week away NFL fans! and while teams are finalizing their plans for the big event it seems as if football fans all over are making last minute updates to their mock drafts.
With that said, I've got my thoughts and predictions on who will be drafted where.
As most are aware, the NFL Draft is an opportunity for teams all around the league to improve their rosters in order to give them the best possible opportunity for the upcoming season.
In fact, the event is so monumental that scouting squads dedicate the entire year to researching players, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and determining whether or not they'd be a good fit for their team.
At the same time, draft experts and fans all around the league analyze the draft pool and plot various scenarios as to where certain players will be selected, thus forming a mock draft.
And while teams are finalizing their plans for the big event, everyone is making last minute updates to their mock drafts.
I've jumped into the fun, and decided to give a crack at it as well.
Be prepared for a few surprises along with some bold moves. We could be in for a really intense NFL Draft come Thursday..
So here it is; my updated 2011 NFL Mock Draft with an in-depth analysis of the Top 10 first round selections.
1. Carolina Panthers: Auburn QB Cameron Newton
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Unlike previous years, this draft class doesn't possess a player that's clear cut worthy of the top selection. If there's ever any, I guess you could say this is the worst time to have the No. 1 overall pick.
Regardless, the Carolina Panthers will have to do with what they have.
Coming off a pathetic 2-14 campaign, the Panthers have a wide array of needs ranging from defensive tackle to wide receiver.
While they could certainly address either, I believe they go and pick up their potential franchise quarterback. As we've come to learn, in a league that's rapidly becoming more pass-heavy, it's tough to win if you don't have stability at that position.
To say the least, the Panthers haven't had anything in a while. Last year, they experimented with Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen but neither showed any true promise that they can take command of the reigns moving forward.
So despite taking Clausen in the 2nd round last year, the Panthers will most likely try their luck again with this selection.
That is why I have them taking Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton.
Even though I don't think he's amongst the Top 5 players in the class, let alone the best, it all comes back to positional value.
So, sure, it may not be the wisest choice and I certainly wouldn't do it. But I think its inevitable at this point.
Just don't be surprised if he doesn't meet the incredibly high expectations that accompany this pick.
Auburn QB Cameron Newton (Sr.) 2010 Stats: 2,854 Yards Passing, 30 Touchdowns, 7 Interceptions, 1,409 Rushing Yards, 20 Rushing Touchdowns
Other Possibilities: Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert, LSU CB Patrick Peterson, Georgia WR A.J. Green
2. Denver Broncos: Alabama DT Marcell Dareus
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With a new regime installed in the Denver Broncos organization, virtually anything could happen with this selection.
If I were in charge, though, my focus would be defense, defense and more defense. Allowing 28.9 points (NFL-worst) and 377.2 yards per game is simply unacceptable.
The Broncos switched to a 4-3 defensive scheme so now they'll need the personnel to match it. They could use help all along the front seven and it makes sense to take the best player available.
That is why I have them taking defensive tackle Marcell Dareus who will be the force to reckon with along the interior of their front that they've lacked for so long.
He's a perfect fit for the Broncos and he'll be able to provide major assistance both stuffing the run and rushing the passer.
Frankly, this is a no brainer and I don't see him falling past this point.
Alabama DT Marcell Dareus (Sr.) 2010 Stats: 33 Tackles, 5 Sacks
Other Possibilities: LSU CB Patrick Peterson, Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert
3. Buffalo Bills: Texas A&M OLB Von Miller
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Generating an effective pass rush has proven to be an integral key to success, and the Bills ranked 27th in the NFL with only 27 sacks this season.
That is why I have them taking Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller.
Miller has probably been the highest rising prospect through this entire draft process, but its all for a valid reason.
Some may be wary because his measurable compare to Vernon Gholston (No. 6 overall in '08) and because the Bills have been hindered by the incompetent Aaron Maybin (No. 11 overall in '09). However, there's nothing to worry about here with Miller.
Sure, he may be a bit undersized at only 6'3 237 lbs. but I've watched enough game film on him to confidently say that he should make a very fluid transition to the NFL. In fact, many consider him the best prepared pro prospect which is great news for a team desperate to have somebody provide an immediate impact.
Texas A&M OLB Von Miller (Sr.) 2010 Stats: 68 Tackles, 11 Sacks, 1 Interception
Other Possibilities: Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert, UNC OLB Robert Quinn
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: Georgia WR A.J. Green
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The Cincinnati Bengals stand at an interesting position here at No. 4 in the Draft.
With Carson Palmer sticking to his guns as he demands to be either traded or released by the team, I believe that quarterback is this team's biggest need.
However, it seems as if management is simply unwilling to admit defeat with their former No. 1 overall pick.
Instead, they feel that adding a playmaker for their non-existent quarterback is the way to go. While I disagree, it seems as if they've got their mind set.
That is why I have them taking Georgia WR A.J. Green.
Now don't get me wrong, Green is a spectacular receiver and should be a Pro Bowl caliber player for years to come. His rare combination of size, speed, and skill is tough to come by. It's just that I feel the Bengals are better off either trading out or beginning their offensive makeover with a new signal caller.
Georgia WR A.J. Green (Jr.) 2010 Stats: 57 Receptions, 848 Yards, 9 Touchdowns
Other Possibilities: Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert, LSU CB Patrick Peterson
5. Arizona Cardinals: UNC DE/OLB Robert Quinn
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This is probably one of the hardest positions to mock early on because other than quarterback its hard to identify this team's biggest needs.
Remember, following their magical Super Bowl run, last year's 5-11 debacle was primarily a result of losing future Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner to retirement along with Anquan Boldin, Karlos Dansby, and Antrel Rolle via trade or free agency.
A gaping void at quarterback still remains but both All Pro wideout Larry Fitzgerald and head coach Ken Wisenhunt are firm believers that this class doesn't contain franchise quarterbacks. Instead, they think they'd be better off acquiring a veteran like Kevin Kolb or Donovan McNabb through other means.
With that being so, I'd say its best for them to address the defense.
The Cardinals have a modest pass rush that recorded 33 sacks (T-18th) and no player on their roster had more than a measley six sacks. As I referenced to earlier, getting after the quarterback can do wonders for a defense and its important to have that feared threat off the edge.
That is why I have them taking UNC outside linebacker Robert Quinn.
Quinn has the talent worthy of this pick and if it wasn't for minor off the field issues, he probably would've been taken even higher. Guess that's what happens when many are comparing you to DeMarcus Ware.
Moreover, due to his unique physical skills, he can fit any system which is great for their hybrid defense.
UNC Robert Quinn (Jr.) 2009 Stats: 52 Tackles, 11 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles
6. Cleveland Browns: Alabama WR Julio Jones
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With how I have the draft shaping up so far, the Cleveland Browns will have a relatively simple choice to make.
Patrick Peterson or Julio Jones?
They could use help at both positions, but they just took CB Joe Haden with the seventh overall pick in last year's draft and even though there's still a bit of a need I don't see that happening.
That is why I have them taking Alabama WR Julio Jones.
The Browns have found some solid pieces to build around on offense in quarterback Colt McCoy and running back Peyton Hillis. Now its time to make a trio by adding a dynamic playmaker for McCoy to throw to.
Ever since they traded away Braylon Edwards back in 2009, they've lacked that home-run threat on the perimeter. By bring in Jones, who's been rising up draft boards as of late, they'd finally fill a pressing need and take the next step forward in their rebuilding process.
By the way, still need some validation as to why they should take Jones? Against Peterson and the Tigers, Jones hauled in 10 receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown. Not bad against the Bronko Nagurski Award recipient.
Alabama WR Julio Jones (Jr.) 2010 Stats: 78 Receptions, 1,133 Yards, 7 Touchdowns, 2 Rushing Touchdowns
Other Possibility: LSU CB Patrick Peterson
7. San Francisco 49ers: LSU CB Patrick Peterson
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Patrick Peterson is arguably the most gifted player in the draft. Not only is he a shutdown corner which is quickly becoming one of the more coveted skills in the league, but he also brings tremendous ability in the return game.
As I said, he was named the 'most outstanding defender in the nation' last year and rightfully so.
Fortunately for the San Francisco 49ers, they sit here jumping up and down and all we can hope is that they take a break from celebrating enough to hand in the card.
After allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 65.1% of their passes against their porous secondary, its time for a major upgrade.
That is why I have them taking LSU CB Patrick Peterson.
He could be their No. 1 corner from day one and would also allow them the flexibility to let Nate Clements go which would relieve them of a ridiculous amount of cap space.
That said, there's absolutely no way the 49ers pass on this golden opportunity.
LSU CB Patrick Peterson (Jr.) 2010 Stats: 42 Tackles, 4 Interceptions
Other Possibility: Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert
8. Tennessee Titans: Auburn DT Nick Fairley
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Nick Fairley was once widely considered the top prospect in this year's draft class, however, questions and skeptcism arose regarding his character, work ethic, and whether or not he was a one year wonder which sent his stock plummeting.
Nevertheless, I'm sure that intelligent organizations such as the Tennessee Titans will demonstrate why they always strike gold in the draft by dissecting which are genuine issues and which will be a non-factor.
When you put on the tape, it's obvious that Fairley has the potential to be a dominant force in the pros.
That is why I have the Tennessee Titans drafting Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley.
He will create a formidable tandem alongside Jason Jones up the middle of their defensive line and should generate interior pass rush from the position which should help improve their 29th ranked pass defense.
Not to mention, he's effective against the running game as well. Just ask Mark Ingram who was limited to merely 36 yards when his Crimson Tide met Fairley's Tigers during the regular season.
At times Fairley is simply unblockable and he should be able to anchor the Titans defensive front much like Albert Haynesworth did during his time there.
Auburn DT Nick Fairley (Jr.) 2010 Stats: 56 Tackles, 12 Sacks, 1 Interception
Other Possibility: Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert
9. Dallas Cowboys: USC OT Tyron Smith
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In a class that's not as strong at offensive line and certainly doesn't compare to last year's incredible depth, USC OT Tyron Smith has emerged as the best out of the group.
At 6'5" 310 lbs. he's extremely athletic and he impressed all 32 teams with his unbelievable workouts.
The Dallas Cowboys don't just have a star on their helmet, but their roster is full of them. Tony Romo leads an offense full of explosive playmakers and on the flip side, their defense boasts one of the best front sevens in football.
Despite their misleading record, their only true needs lie along the offensive line and in the secondary. Of course, to be fair, they're absolutely horrendous in both of these areas.
Their pass defense is 7th worst in the league and even though they only allowed 31 sacks, they don't have stability at the unit and could definitely use an upgrade.
That is why I have them taking USC OT Tyron Smith
He's an excellent pass blocker and he should be able to shed off the NFC East's top-notch pass rushers such as Eagles Trent Cole, Redskins Brian Orakpo, and well pretty much whomever the Giants throw at them with their creative blitz packages.
I expect him to be their cornerstone at right (or possibly left) tackle for the next decade, if not longer.
Other Possibility: Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara
10. Washington Redskins: Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert
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Finally, Blaine Gabbert gets drafted. You may have thought that he could slip down like Aaron Rodgers did in 2005. And even though I could realistically see it happening, I think this is an appropriate allotment for him.
The Washington Redskins tried to fit Donovan McNabb in their system but it didn't work out and he will most likely be traded. I would find it pretty hard to believe he'll be wearing a Redskins uniform next season.
That is why I have them taking Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert.
He's a solid quarterback, is a great leader, but based on what I've seen I believe he'll need a strong supporting cast in order to succeed at the next level. He reminds me a lot of Eli Manning in the sense that he won't put up gaudy numbers but could be sufficient for a lot of teams.
Moreover, he's a good fit for the West Coast offense which head coach Mike Shannahan has installed.
The Redskins haven't had a good signal caller in a while and it'll be interesting to see if Gabbert can finally be the guy in Washington.
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