2011 NFL Mock Draft: Defense Dominates, but Da'Quan Bowers Free-Falls
With the 2011 NFL Draft closing in, this will be my last mock draft.
This year's first round looks to be dominated by defensive players, but A.J. Green, Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert all look like they could be superstars in this league; let's hope all the prospects can get on the field next year and show us what they've got.
This mock draft consists of each first round pick, team needs, a brief analysis of the pick and other possible picks at the position. Also, the prospects will have their overall rank shown.
Continue reading to see for yourself!
Round 1, Pick 1: Carolina Panthers Take Cam Newton (QB, Auburn).
1 of 32
Team Needs: QB, WR, DL, DB
Why Cam Newton?: The Carolina Panthers have no shortage of talented players on their roster; from Steve Smith, who still has one of the best sets of hands in the league, to Jon Beason, who over the last couple years has established himself as one of the best linebackers in the NFL.
What Carolina lacks most is a signal-caller who can use his skills on the field, along with his leadership, to pull the squad together.
Some worry Cam Newton could be the next JaMarcus Russell, but Russell was never even close to Newton's athleticism, and Newton has far better accuracy and leadership skills than Russell does.
Cam Newton's Rank: Second Quarterback, Eighth Overall
Other Possible Picks: Patrick Peterson
Round 1, Pick 2: Denver Broncos Take Marcell Dareus (DT, Alabama).
2 of 32
Team Needs: TE, DL, LB, DB
Why Marcell Dareus?: The Denver Broncos had horrible play from their defensive line last season, rarely ever getting to the quarterback. This affected their defense as a whole in a big way.
Marcell Dareus is a quick, run-stuffing defensive tackle, who is a good three-technique guy. Line him up at any position along the line, and you will still see consistent disruption.
Dareus' Rank: First defensive tackle, fourth overall
Other Possible Picks: Von Miller
Round 1, Pick 3: Buffalo Bills Take Von Miller (OLB, Texas A&M).
3 of 32
Team Needs: QB, WR, TE, OL, DL, LB, CB
Why Von Miller?: The Bills run a 3-4 defense and have only one solid linebacker out of the four that they line up (Paul Posluszny). Aaron Maybin is looking like the biggest draft bust in Buffalo's history, and Shawne Merriman hit injured reserve shortly after being signed.
Von Miller is the highest-rated linebacker to enter the draft since A.J. Hawk (who also went in the top five). Miller will help hold down the fort in Buffalo and improve a defense that already has some young talent.
Miller's Rank: First OLB, third overall
Other Possible Picks: Blaine Gabbert, Patrick Peterson
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Round 1, Pick 4: Cincinnati Bengals Take A.J. Green (WR, Georgia).
4 of 32
Team Needs: QB, WR, DE, S
Why A.J. Green?: Chad Ochocinco isn't what he used to be—and I'm not just talking about his name.
Carson Palmer still has the ability to be a good quarterback, but he needs better play out of his receivers. A.J. Green would help drastically improve the Bengals' offense, being one of the top receiving prospects of the century.
Green's Rank: First WR, second overall
Other Possible Picks: Blaine Gabbert, Robert Quinn
Round 1, Pick 5: The Arizona Cardinals Take Blaine Gabbert (QB, Missouri).
5 of 32
Team Needs: QB, OL, DE, LB, CB
Why Blaine Gabbert?: When quarterback Kurt Warner retired, the Cardinals knew it would be a difficult task to replace him.
They had no idea they would get such awful play from his replacements though.
Arizona went from a couple games away from a Super Bowl appearance to finishing last in the NFL's worst division. They need someone to bring them back to performing at their full potential, and I believe Blaine Gabbert is that guy.
Gabbert's Rank: First QB, fifth overall
Other Possible Picks: Patrick Peterson, Robert Quinn
Round 1, Pick 6: Cleveland Browns Take Julio Jones (WR, Alabama).
6 of 32
Team Needs: WR, TE, DL, LB
Why Julio Jones?: The Browns had a very talented draft class last year, making smart picks to benefit the future of the team.
Colt McCoy still has some questions, like any sophomore quarterback will, but he looks like he could be the future of the organization. Joe Haden and T.J. Ward look to solidify the secondary for years to come.
Picking Julio Jones will further the progress of this young ball club. Jones has the height and hands to be a superstar in this league.
Jones' Rank: Second WR, ninth overall
Other Possible Picks: Nick Fairley, Robert Quinn
Round 1, Pick 7: San Francisco 49ers Take Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU).
7 of 32
Team Needs: QB, WR, DE, OLB, DB
Why Patrick Peterson?: Simply put, if someone as good as Patrick Peterson is still available at the seventh pick, you should not pass up the opportunity to select him.
The 49ers have an aging, depleted secondary that could use some young talent to try and improve it. Great expectations come with this pick since Peterson is the best player in this year's class.
Peterson's Rank: First CB, first overall
Other Possible Picks: Jake Locker, Prince Amukamara
Round 1, Pick 8: Tennessee Titans Take Nick Fairley (DT, Auburn).
8 of 32
Team Needs: QB, OL, DL, OLB, CB
Why Nick Fairley?: The Titans have an opportunity to add another top prospect to their defensive line at this slot.
We didn't get to see much out of Derrick Morgan last season, but if he and Fairley both pan out, offenses will be in big trouble when they come to play Tennessee. Fairley was slotted as the No. 1 pick earlier by some scouts, so you know he has no shortage of talent.
Fairley's Rank: Second DT, sixth overall
Other Possible Picks: Robert Quinn, Jake Locker
Round 1, Pick 9: Dallas Cowboys Take Tyron Smith (OT, USC).
9 of 32
Team Needs: RB, OL, DE, OLB, DB
Why Tyron Smith?: The Cowboys need to give Tony Romo better protection, and Tyron Smith is the best offensive lineman in the draft. Jerry Jones would love a strong, built lineman to bring back some pride in the trenches in Dallas.
Smith has risen up the draft boards faster than just about any player since the offseason started, and he finishes up at No. 9.
Smith's Rank: First OT, 11th overall
Other Possible Picks: J.J. Watt, Prince Amukamara
Round 1, Pick 10: Washington Redskins Take Cam Jordan (DE, California).
10 of 32
Team Needs: QB, WR, OL, DL, OLB
Why Cam Jordan?: This pick could be shocking, only because no one seems to consider that maybe Washington will take a defensive lineman (which, in itself, is shocking to me).
The defensive line is one of the Redskins' biggest weaknesses, and it could definitely stand for some improvement. Jordan is an agile end with a great first step. He is a lot like Trevor Pryce, being that he's big, but if Washington wanted to get some linebacker play out of him, they certainly could.
Jordan's Rank: Fourth DE, 15th overall
Other Possible Picks: Jake Locker, J.J. Watt, Robert Quinn
Round 1, Pick 11: Houston Texans Take Robert Quinn (DE/LB, UNC).
11 of 32
Team Needs: OL, DL, OLB, DB
Why Robert Quinn?: This scenario works out perfectly for the Texans.
They switch to a 3-4 defense, and they need to get a better outside linebacker—with the probability of Brian Cushing being a permanent inside linebacker in the system—and who falls to them at 11?
Robert Quinn, one of the best defensive players in this year's draft. Quinn played more of end in college, but he has the speed and awareness to be able to make a smooth transition to linebacker in the pros.
Quinn's Rank: First DE, seventh overall
Other Possible Picks: Phil Taylor, J.J. Watt, Ryan Kerrigan
Round 1, Pick 12: Minnesota Vikings Take Jake Locker (QB, Washington).
12 of 32
Team Needs: QB, OL, DE, OLB, DB
Why Jake Locker?: Brett Favre is retired for good, now (I think..), and Joe Webb isn't going to get you to the playoffs.
The Vikings are one of the most talented teams in the NFL, and if they add a dynamic quarterback like Jake Locker, they won't be far away from division contention again. Having Locker, Adrian Peterson, and Percy Harvin amongst each other on the same offense would mean a bright future for Minnesota.
Locker's Rank: Third QB, 16th overall
Other Possible Picks: Aldon Smith, Mike Pouncey, Da'Quan Bowers
Round 1, Pick 13: Detroit Lions Take Gabe Carimi (OT, Wisconsin).
13 of 32
Team Needs: OL, DE, LB, DB
Why Gabe Carimi?: The Lions have to figure out some way to keep Matthew Stafford on the field. They drafted him No. 1 overall, and they expect to have him healthy to be the club's signal-caller for many years.
Gabe Carimi is one of the most underrated prospects in this class, and it wouldn't be a surprise to me to see the Lions make a move early in the draft—like here, for example—to add more protection for Stafford.
Carimi's Rank: Third OT, 23rd overall
Other Possible Picks: Mike Pouncey, Prince Amukamara, Anthony Castonzo
Round 1, Pick 14: St. Louis Rams Take Aldon Smith (DE, Missouri).
14 of 32
Team Needs: WR, OL, DL, OLB, DB
Why Aldon Smith?: The Rams could do a lot of things with this pick.
They don't have any extremely glaring needs (except maybe safety), because they got pretty good play out of almost everyone last season.
So, I say with this pick, St. Louis improves their defensive line by adding a lengthy, athletic end to place opposite of former second overall pick Chris Long. Within a couple years, they could be one of the most dynamic duos of defensive ends in the NFL.
Smith's Rank: Second DE, 12th overall
Other Possible Picks: Corey Liuget, Ryan Kerrigan
Round 1, Pick 15: Miami Dolphins Take Prince Amukamara (CB, Nebraska).
15 of 32
Team Needs: QB, RB, OL, LB, DB
Why Prince Amukamara?: The Dolphins could use improvement all over the place, so they would be smart to pick the best player available here.
That person is shut-down cornerback Prince Amukamara.
I'm surprised he hasn't stayed in the top 10 in most mock drafts this offseason, and Miami would be lucky to add him to their roster.
Amukamara's Rank: Second CB, 10th overall
Other Possible Picks: Mark Ingram, Justin Houston, Mike Pouncey
Round 1 Pick 16: Jacksonville Jaguars Take Mike Pouncey (C, Florida).
16 of 32
Team Needs: QB, WR, OL, DE, DB
Why Mike Pouncey?: The Jaguars could stand to improve their interior offensive line, and there is no better prospect in this class to fill that void than Mike Pouncey. His twin brother Maurkice had an incredible rookie season, and it looks like things could be similar for Mike.
Don't listen to what people are saying about Mike not having as good of a playing style as his brother; Mike has the potential to be just as good, if not possibly better.
Pouncey's Rank: First C, 17th overall
Other Possible Picks: Da'Quan Bowers, Jimmy Smith
Round 1, Pick 17: New England Patriots Take Ryan Kerrigan (DE/LB, Purdue).
17 of 32
Team Needs: RB, WR, OL, DE, OLB, CB
Why Ryan Kerrigan?: The Patriots obtained this pick through the Richard Seymour trade, which in my opinion was one of the dumbest moves in Raiders' history, and they are in position to fill two different needs in the first round.
New England currently lacks an outside linebacker who can hold down the outside, and Ryan Kerrigan could be that guy for them. He has a similar skill set to the Packers' Clay Matthews, which means good news for Patriots fans if they make the call to pick Kerrigan.
The Patriots actually could've taken Clay Matthews in the 2009 NFL Draft, but they decided to trade the pick to Green Bay instead. Bummer.
Kerrigan's Rank: Sixth DE, 21st overall
Other Possible Picks: Nate Solder, Muhammad Wilkerson, Justin Houston
Round 1, Pick 18: San Diego Chargers Take J.J. Watt (DE, Wisconsin).
18 of 32
Team Needs: WR, OL, DL, LB
Why J.J. Watt?: Luis Castillo is the only glue that's left to hold the Chargers' defensive line together. Selecting J.J. Watt would give them another defensive lineman who could bring back the destructive ways of the San Diego defense we remember.
Watt could go as high as No. 9, so if he's still available here, the Chargers should make the call for him.
Watt's Rank: Fifth DE, 20th overall
Other Possible Picks: Phil Taylor, Muhammad Wilkerson, Anthony Castonzo
Round 1, Pick 19: New York Giants Take Anthony Castonzo (OT, Boston College).
19 of 32
Team Needs: RB, OL, DT, LB, DB
Why Anthony Castonzo?: David Diehl has been in a freefall lately, and his value has been diminishing quickly, along with a few other starting linemen for New York. Now is the time where they should start adding youth to the line and attempting to improve it before it gets too much worse.
Castonzo would be a great fit in the Giants' blocking scheme and would be a smart, safe pick for them here.
Castonzo's Rank: Second OT, 14th overall
Other Possible Picks: Corey Liuget, Justin Houston, Mark Ingram
Round 1, Pick 20: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Take Da'Quan Bowers (DE, Clemson).
20 of 32
Team Needs: OL, DL, OLB, DB
Why Da'Quan Bowers?: A lot of teams will try to steer clear of Bowers because of his knee injury, and his limited work at the combine will scare some teams.
However, he was earlier touted as a top-two pick, so seeing him slip out of the top 20 would be shocking to me. That's why I feel the Buccaneers will stop him from sliding any further, especially since they could use more help along the defensive line.
Bowers' Rank: Third DE, 13th overall
Other Possible Picks: Akeem Ayers, Justin Houston, Nate Solder
Round 1, Pick 21: Kansas City Chiefs Take Phil Taylor (DT, Baylor).
21 of 32
Team Needs: WR, OL, DT, OLB
Why Phil Taylor?: The Chiefs have spent a couple high picks over the past few years on their defensive line, and now they are in a good position to fill that final slot with another young, talented player in Phil Taylor. Taylor is destined to play nose tackle in the NFL, and Kansas City would be a great team for him.
Taylor's Rank: Fifth DT, 25th overall
Other Possible Picks: Derek Sherrod, Brooks Reed
Round 1, Pick 22: Indianapolis Colts Take Corey Liuget (DT, Illinois).
22 of 32
Team Needs: OT, DT, DB
Why Corey Liuget?: I believe Corey Liuget would fit better in the Colts' system than any other team's.
The ironic thing for Indianapolis is that they need improvement at defensive tackle more than just about any team in the league. The Colts have one of the best pairs of ends in the league in Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, but they could definitely stand for some improvement along the interior area of the line.
Liuget's Rank: Third DT, 19th overall
Other Possible Picks: Nate Solder, Derek Sherrod, Jimmy Smith
Round 1 Pick 23: Philadelphia Eagles Solidify Line with Nate Solder (OT, CU)
23 of 32
Team Needs: OL, DL, OLB, DB
Why Nate Solder?: The Eagles have a pretty solid offense, and their offensive line is their lone weak spot. The line can't seem to perform well in key situations (see: vs. Chicago), and overall, there isn't much talent aside from Jason Peters. Philadelphia should select Nate Solder to go across from Peters to help slow down the pass rush and help Michael Vick be more comfortable in the pocket.
Solder's Rank: 4th Offensive Tackle, 26th Overall
Other Possible Picks: Jimmy Smith, Danny Watkins
Round 1 Pick 24: New Orleans Saints Lock Down Justin Houston (OLB, Georgia)
24 of 32
Team Needs: RB, DL, OLB, CB
Why Justin Houston?: Position wise, Justin Houston is probably the most versatile in the draft. He could play any linebacker position in any scheme, and could definitely see a good number of reps at defensive end in the NFL. The Saints would probably use him mainly at outside linebacker, but they would love to have someone as durable as Houston.
Houston's Rank: 3rd Outside Linebacker, 28th Overall
Other Possible Picks: Muhammad Wilkerson, Akeem Ayers
Round 1 Pick 25: Seattle Seahawks Get Athletic Akeem Ayers (OLB, UCLA)
25 of 32
Team Needs: QB, OL, DL, OLB, CB
Why Akeem Ayers?: Seattle came first in their division, but it will probably take a lot more than a 7-9 record to do that next year. The Seahawks should start first by improving their defense, and outside linebacker is a big weakness, and it has been ever since Julian Peterson went to Detroit. Akeem Ayers would quickly be the most athletic outside linebacker in Seattle, and could do great things right away.
Ayers' Rank: 2nd Outside Linebacker, 24th Overall
Other Possible Picks: Jimmy Smith, Muhammad Wilkerson, Ryan Mallett
Round 1 Pick 26: Baltimore Ravens Grab Jimmy Smith (CB, Colorado)
26 of 32
Team Needs: WR, DE, LB, CB
Why Jimmy Smith?: The Ravens could use a hard hitting, quick cornerback like Jimmy Smith. Baltimore spent last season trying to work with what they had amongst their little known cornerbacks. If the Ravens skip out on Jimmy Smith, they will probably really regret it. He is a lot like Samari Rolle was (remember him, Ravens fans?).
Smith's Rank: 3rd Cornerback, 31st Overall
Other Possible Picks: Brooks Reed, Adrian Clayborn, Cam Heyward
Round 1 Pick 27: Atlanta Falcons Select Muhammad Wilkerson (DT, Temple)
27 of 32
Team Needs: WR, G, DL, OLB, DB
Why Muhammad Wilkerson?: While Wilkerson was attempting to make a name for the Temple football program last season, scouts noticed his play, and he shot right up draft boards. Now, with Atlanta in need of major help along the defensive line, they would be satisfied to have him fall right into their laps. He could be the stud that the Falcons had hoped Jamaal Anderson and Peria Jerry would be.
Wilkerson's Rank: 4th Defensive Tackle, 22nd Overall
Other Possible Picks: Danny Watkins, Aaron Williams, Brandon Harris
Round 1 Pick 28: The Patriots Better the Run Game with Mark Ingram (RB, Alabama)
28 of 32
Team Needs: RB, WR, OL, DE, OLB, CB
Why Mark Ingram?: Let's rephrase that question; Why not Mark Ingram? I personally think he's going to be a superstar in the pros, and that teams will over exaggerate his knee injury, being why he falls this far. The Patriots could definitely use some help in the run game, as BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead aren't made to be every-down backs.
Ingram's Rank: 1st Running Back, 18th Overall
Other Possible Picks: Derek Sherrod, Danny Watkins, Torrey Smith
Round 1 Pick 29: Chicago Bears Improve the Line with Danny Watkins (G, Baylor)
29 of 32
Team Needs: WR, OL, DL, OLB, DB
Why Danny Watkins?: The Chicago offensive line needs a lot of improvement. It's as simple as that. They need depth at every position along the line. So, they can basically start anywhere. Watkins can play basically every position along the line, but he will probably be slotted at guard in the pros. The Bears didn't get the production out of Matt Forte last season like they had hoped they would, and Danny Watkins could help get the Chicago rushing game back in tact with his tremendous strength and blocking vision.
Watkins' Rank: 1st Guard, 29th Overall
Other Possible Picks: Marvin Austin, Torrey Smith, Ben Iljana
Round 1 Pick 30: New York Jets Bolster Defensive Line with Cam Heyward (DE, OSU)
30 of 32
Team Needs: G, DL, OLB, S
Why Cam Heyward?: Shaun Ellis isn't what he once was, and Mike DeVito just doesn't cut it as a starter. The Jets need to bring in a few defensive linemen from the draft this year, and they can start by taking Cam Heyward in the number 30 slot. Heyward isn't an out-of-this-world type of athlete, but he is very consistent and constantly makes plays. Those things were rarely seen from the defensive line in New York last season.
Heyward's Rank: 8th Defensive End, 35th Overall
Other Possible Picks: Adrian Clayborn, Ben Iljana, Clint Boling
Round 1 Pick 31: Pittsburgh Steelers Are Grateful to Get Derek Sherrod (OT, MSU)
31 of 32
Team Needs: OL, DE, DB
Why Derek Sherrod?: Even with the astounding play from rookie Maurkice Pouncey last year, he is obviously only one guy, and the Steelers still need improvement along the line. Derek Sherrod's stock has stayed steady over the past few months, and if he's available at 31, I don't foresee the Pittsburgh passing him up. He could anchor the line at left tackle for a long time, and big Ben Roethlisberger would love to have someone as talented as Sherrod protecting his blind side.
Sherrod's Rank: 5th Offensive Tackle, 27th Overall
Other Possible Picks: Aaron Williams, Rahim Moore
Round 1 Pick 32: Green Bay Packers Select Adrian Clayborn (DE, Iowa)
32 of 32
Team Needs: WR, OL, DE, LB, CB
Why Adrian Clayborn?: The Packers had one of the most complete teams in the NFL last season, one of the main reasons the Lombardi Trophy returned to Green Bay. However, seeing either Cullen Jenkins or Johnny Jolly return to the Packers would be a big surprise. Ryan Pickett plays well at times, but he's not a solid every-down guy. It's too early to predict how good Mike Neal will be when at full health, so you can't automatically pencil him in as a starter either. Clayborn is a sprightly force along the defensive line that would help fill a need quickly for the Pack.
Clayborn's Rank: 7th Defensive End, 30th Overall
Other Possible Picks: Brooks Reed, Brandon Harris, Randall Cobb
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