2011 NFL Mock Draft: 1st Round Projections, Taking Trades into Account
The 2011 NFL Draft is less than a week away, and it's time for an updated mock draft and a look at the first round.
The Panthers will set the tone with the first pick, and while it's starting to become clearer who they will likely take, nothing is set in stone as of yet.
There are many questions that are still to be answered, such as, how many quarterbacks will go in the first round, and which ones will they be?
There are also a few wild-card players like Da'Quan Bowers and Phil Taylor who have potential injury concerns but big-time talent.
With those things in mind, let's take a look at who will be going in the first round of this year's draft and who might be making trades come draft night.
1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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I'm not a fan of this pick because I believe it will ultimately set the Panthers franchise back for years, but it's sounding more like Newton will be the pick here.
The Panthers have apparently decided that one season from quarterback Jimmy Clausen was enough, and not even a full season.
I'm not sure that Clausen is the answer, but this team has a lot of needs, and they would be better served to address another position this season so their signal-caller has a chance.
But it's likely they will throw Newton into the fire and after just 280 pass attempts at Auburn, I don't think he'll be ready for that.
2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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The Broncos could try to move off this pick, but I think they will ultimately stay put and take the player that some feel is the best talent in this draft, defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.
The Broncos have a lot of holes heading into this draft but they should make defense a priority early and while Dareus may not be as disruptive as Auburn's Nick Fairley, he is a very good player and a better all-around defensive tackle.
If Denver can solidify the middle of their defensive line with this pick, then their defense should be much better than they were last season when they were the second-worst unit against the run in the league.
3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
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Quarterback, specifically Blaine Gabbert could also be the pick here, but I think the Bills need to continue improving their defense, and outside linebacker Von Miller would do just that.
Buffalo tied for the third-fewest sacks in the league last season with just 27, and there is little doubt that Miller would dramatically add to that total.
Miller recorded 27.5 sacks in his final two seasons at Texas A&M, and his ability to get to the opposing quarterback is unmatched in this draft.
Miller would team nicely with Shawne Merriman to form a potential dominating outside linebacker tandem, but right now Miller looks like more of a sure thing than the six-year veteran.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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Another team with a potential need at quarterback and another team that looks in a different direction.
The Bengals go after the draft's top receiver with their first pick and select A.J. Green.
Green would allow the Bengals to move Chad Ochocinco, and he would give the team a valuable asset for the next quarterback that comes to town.
Green is a potential Pro Bowler for years to come and the Bengals can now look to the quarterback position in the second round of the draft.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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Larry Fitzgerald wants a quarterback who can get him the ball and so do Cardinals fans; luckily for Arizona they will all get what they want with this pick.
I'm not convinced that Gabbert will ever be a great quarterback, but the Cards have to take a shot here, and at the very least, the former Mizzou star should be better than what Arizona has now.
Gabbert does not have the draft's biggest arm but he has good accuracy and if he puts the ball in the area of No. 11, chances are he will come down with it.
6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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I could see the Browns going with UNC defensive end Robert Quinn here because the team needs a disruptive player in their 4-3 defense, but they also need a difference maker on offense, and Jones could fill that void.
Jones' stock took off after his awesome combine performance which saw him run a 4.34 40-yard dash and put up a ridiculous broad jump of 11'3".
Jones was also productive on the field, which should be an even bigger deal than his combine performance. The 22-year-old caught 78 passes for 1,133 yards and seven touchdowns in his final season for the Crimson Tide.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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The Niners dream scenario takes place here as potentially the draft's most talented player slips to them with the seventh pick.
Patrick Peterson is unquestionably the top corner in this draft, and his ability as a ball-hawk really stands out. Peterson had six interceptions in his final two seasons at LSU, and he has some of the most reliable hands in the draft at any position.
At 6'0" tall and 219 pounds, some think Peterson could eventually see a move to safety with his ability in run support but for now, the Niners will be happy to have potential star at corner for years to come.
8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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The Titans are still looking to replace Albert Haynesworth, and they should be able to do so here with the selection of Fairley.
Fairley was very disruptive in the middle of Auburn's defense and although there are some questions about his work ethic and maturity, the 23-year-old should be too tough for the Titans to pass up here.
Fairley needs to show more effort when playing the run, but there are few concerns about his ability so his NFL success will likely come down to what kind of attitude he has a pro.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
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The Cowboys could desperately use some help on the offensive line so that they can keep quarterback Tony Romo upright in 2011. Smith should go a long way in making that a reality.
Smith is the top-rated offensive lineman in this draft by most analysts, and while pass protection is his biggest strength, he is also a very good run blocker who shows a nasty side.
Smith spent the majority of his career at USC as a right tackle, but he could see a move to left tackle in the future if necessary because of his ability to protect the passer.
10. New England Patriots (From Washington): Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, UNC
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Finally we have a trade as the Pats send the Redskins the 17th and 60th picks in this year's draft in exchange for the Skins' 10th pick here.
With plenty of ammo in this year's draft, the Patriots make their move, trading with the Redskins to get one of the premier defenders in this year's class.
Quinn would give the Patriots a dynamic play-maker who could line up at outside linebacker in the Pats 3-4 defense and give the team some much needed pass-rush help off the edge.
Quinn is solid against the run, but his instincts are his biggest weakness at this point in his career, something that Bill Belichick could probably help to remedy.
It's also unknown how Quinn will respond after missing the past college season due to being ruled ineligible, but he would be well worth any potential risk for the Pats here.
11. Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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The Texans will be looking to upgrade many facets of their defense in this draft, and although many think they will try to upgrade their defensive front first, I think Amukamara should be the pick here.
Houston had one of the worst secondaries in league history last season, and Amukamara is one of the top cover corners in this draft.
Amukamara was a big reason why the Blackshirt defense thrived last season at Nebraska, and he should provide an immediate upgrade in the Texans' secondary as they get the best possible value here.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
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The Vikings need a quarterback unless you believe that Joe Webb is the answer, and while I think Jake Locker could be a very real possibility with this pick, I believe they will ultimately take Cal defensive end Cameron Jordan.
Jordan is not an elite pass rusher at this point in his career, but he is very stout against the run and he would provide the Vikings with another good option on their defensive line.
There is a lot of speculation that the Vikings are very high on the former Cal star, so it's looking a lot like it will be down to Jordan and Locker for the 12th pick.
13. San Diego Chargers (From Detroit): J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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The Chargers trade the 18th and 61st picks in the draft to the Lions for the 13th pick and they select Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt.
Watt would be a tremendous addition to the Chargers defense, and he would bring a lot of energy to a unit that is looking to get back on top in the AFC West.
Watt has a relentless motor, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him end up having a similar career to Vikings star Jared Allen.
14. St. Louis Rams: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
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The run on defensive ends continues here, as Smith goes to the Rams with the 14th pick.
Smith is a solid contributor against the run and he also has some developing pass-rush skills, which the Rams could covet on their defense.
Smith will need to put more weight on his 6'4" frame to stay at defensive end, but he is a hard worker in the weight room, and the Rams would be getting a good addition by staying in-state with this pick.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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The Dolphins have many directions they could go with this pick, but since free-agent running back Ricky Williams will likely not be back, the team will go with the draft's top runner with this selection.
The former Heisman Trophy winner would automatically upgrade the position for the Dolphins and take some of the pressure off of quarterback Chad Henne, who could see his future change during the course of this draft as well.
Ingram isn't going to break away from too many defenders with his 4.62 40-yard dash, but he is one of the toughest runners in this draft, and he runs with a vengeance.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
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Kerrigan is a great character guy with an exceptional motor who finds himself near the opposing passer often.
The Jags could use more pass-rush help and Kerrigan looks to be a safe pick who could contribute right away.
Jacksonville could also look at Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers with this selection, but he would be much more of a risk.
17. Washington Redskins (From New England): Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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After moving down and picking up an extra selection, the Redskins get their quarterback of the future in the first round when they tab Jake Locker their man with the 17th pick.
Locker has all of the intangibles and a rocket for an arm, but the question has been and will continue to be his accuracy.
I believe Locker could turn out to be one of the biggest steals of this draft five years from now, and the Skins will be the beneficiaries.
18. Detroit Lions (From San Diego): Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
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The Lions, much like the Redskins, will be very happy that they moved down in the first round of this draft.
Detroit ends up with one of the top blockers in this year's draft with Castonzo, a player who could help protect quarterback Matthew Stafford's blindside for years to come at the left tackle position.
The Lions are a team that many people are expecting to show great improvement this season, and the addition of Castonzo would go a long way in moving that process along.
19. New York Giants: Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida
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The Giants could use some help on the offensive line, and this could be their dream scenario as Mike Pouncey is available for them with the 19th pick.
Pouncey could play either guard or center for the Giants, and he would immediately upgrade the offensive line for Eli Manning and Co.
Gabe Carimi could also be the pick here but the thinking is that G-Men will have Pouncey rated higher on their board.
20. Chicago Bears (From Tampa Bay): Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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The Bears trade the 29th, 93rd and 160th picks in this year's draft to the Bucs in exchange for Tampa Bay's first-round selection here.
With the 20th pick the Bears make a major improvement on their offensive line with the addition of Carimi, an offensive tackle who is very strong in the running game.
Carimi needs to get better at pass protection in the future, but I think he has the potential to be a Pro Bowler in the coming years, and the Bears will definitely be happy to have him.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
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With the top offensive tackles off the board, the Chiefs turn their attention to their defense and one of the best defensive play-makers in this year's draft, Akeem Ayers.
Ayers would be an immediate contributor in the Chiefs 3-4 defense at the outside linebacker position opposite of Tamba Hali.
Ayers ran poorly at the combine (4.84) which caused many to project a draft slide for the former UCLA star, but the Chiefs will be more than happy to take the 21-year old here.
Ayers is very versatile with the ability to play the run and rush the passer, while also being a solid contributor in pass coverage.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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Peyton Manning will like this pick as the Colts upgrade their offensive line with the addition of offensive tackle Nate Solder.
Solder is a very raw talent, having moved from tight end to offensive tackle during his time at Colorado, but he is also very athletic, and in time he could become one of the top players from this draft.
Solder needs to keep sharpening his blocking skills, and with more playing time on the o-line, he should become a very good player.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
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Asante Samuel was one of the top corners in the league last season for the Eagles, but he didn't have a whole lot of help on the other side so Philly will address that here.
Colorado corner Jimmy Smith is one of the most talented corners in this draft, but there are plenty of character concerns associated with him.
Smith failed numerous drug tests during his time at Colorado, and there are other concerns that scouts are investigating as well.
The Eagles will look past these concerns and take one of the draft's most talented players in hopes of landing a steal with the 23rd pick.
24. New Orleans Saints: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
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The Saints could use a defensive end and Da'Quan Bowers is still on the board here, but instead they will go with another top-15 talent and defensive tackle Corey Liuget.
Liuget has far less concerns surrounding him than Bowers and the Saints will be happy to upgrade their d-line with a player of Liuget's caliber with this pick.
Liuget is very strong and powerful in the middle, and he would be a potential disruptive force in the Saints defensive front, particularly against the run.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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The Seahawks could really use some more help in their secondary, but with Smith off of the board, they will instead turn to their offensive line and select offensive tackle Derek Sherrod.
Sherrod would be an instant upgrade to the Seattle offensive line and would give the Hawks potential franchise bookends when paired with last year's first-rounder Russell Okung.
I'm not buying the Jake Locker talk with this pick, even if he does turn out to be available.
If he is available and they don't take him, we could have another Tim Lincecum situation on our hands in Seattle as the hometown team passes on one of their own, only to watch him become great for another franchise.
26. Cincinnati Bengals (From Baltimore): Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
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The Bengals trade the 35th pick and their third-rounder in next year's draft in exchange for the Ravens first-round selection here.
Having already gotten their franchise receiver in Green with the fourth pick, the Bengals will now land the quarterback that they have been coveting all along in Andy Dalton.
While Dalton does not have outstanding arm strength, he is very accurate and he possesses tremendous leadership skills that the Bengals could definitely use at the most important position in football.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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Clayborn did not have nearly as productive of season as expected this past year at Iowa, but he still considered to be a first-round talent and the Falcons will benefit from his draft slide here.
The Falcons don't have many weaknesses but they could improve at defensive end, and you can never really have enough depth on the D-line, so Clayborn should be the guy here.
Clayborn will need to improve his work ethic in the NFL, and if he does, he should become a solid contributor in Atlanta.
28. Detroit Lions (From New England): Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
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Detroit trades the 44th pick in this year's draft and their third-round selection in next year's draft to New England for the 28th pick here.
The Lions' draft-night wheeling and dealing continues, as they move back up into the first round to pick up a versatile outside linebacker in Justin Houston who should help improve the Detroit defense immediately.
Houston is a very versatile player who would allow the Lions to do many different things defensively, but most importantly, he would provide a pass-rush from the outside and help to take some pressure off the Detroit secondary.
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (From Chicago): Da'Quan Bowers
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Da'Quan Bowers finally sees his draft nightmare end here when the Bucs get potentially one of the top pass rushers in this draft.
Bowers is a top-10 talent in many draft analysts mind but he has a major red flag in the durability department.
Bowers underwent surgery on his knee during the 2010 season and he appears to still be having trouble with it, causing some to think he will require more surgery.
Bowers is a very good pass rusher when healthy, but everything will hinge on his knee, and I think that could cause him to fall into the latter part of the first round.
30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor
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Taylor is another player with plenty of red flags, but I don't believe they will be enough to scare away Rex Ryan and the Jets with this pick.
Taylor has knee and feet concerns that could hamper him in both the short and long terms, but he also has immense talent as a 3-4 nose tackle.
At 334 pounds, Taylor could clog running lanes in the middle of the Jets defense for years, if only he can stay healthy and dispel any character concerns.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
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The Steelers will be looking for more impact players in this draft, and Texas corner Aaron Williams would provide pretty good value with this pick.
Williams could use some work on many aspects of his game, but he is a very good athlete and naturally talented player who could develop into something special in Pittsburgh.
Williams is very strong in run support as well as in coverage which is another reason why you could see him end up playing his home games at Heinz Field this season.
32. Green Bay Packers: Marcus Cannon, G/T, TCU
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Baylor guard Danny Watkins could be an option here, but I think the defending Super Bowl champs will go with the younger offensive line option here and take Cannon.
Cannon is a massive man at 358 pounds and he carries his weight surprisingly well as he played left tackle all of last season for the Horned Frogs.
Cannon would likely move inside to guard for the Packers where he could become a potential road-grader while also helping protect Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers.
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