2011 NFL Mock Draft: Miller and MacNamara Mock It Out
What happens when you put NFL Deputy Editor Dylan MacNamara as one general manager and NFL Draft expert Matt Miller as the other for all 32 picks in the first-round of the 2011 NFL draft?
You can go to a thousand websites to find predictions of what we all predict will happen, but how many mock drafts accurately predict what should happen? That's what we set out to do with our B/R experts mock draft.
Could a scenario play out where Marcell Dareus and Patrick Peterson are drafted before Cam Newton?
Find out inside.
1. Carolina Panthers
1 of 32
General Manager: Miller
Who's the Pick: Marcell Dareus, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
Conventional wisdom has the Panthers drafting Auburn star quarterback Cam Newton. But not here.
Newton is a fine prospect, but he's at least two years away from playing in the NFL. Marcell Dareus is ready to dominate the three-technique defensive tackle position right now.
The Panthers are desperate to rebound from a 1-15 season. Drafting a project at quarterback won't win them more games in 2011.
2. Denver Broncos
2 of 32
General Manager: MacNamara
Who's the Pick: Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, LSU
D-Mac quickly makes the pick of Patrick Peterson, our No. 1 overall player and the best cornerback prospect in the last 12 years.
Denver is closer to winning than most would realize, but they must use the 2011 draft to find three or four starters on defense.
Peterson is a guaranteed Week 1 starter opposite future Hall of Famer Champ Bailey.
While defensive tackle is a huge need, Denver has two second-round picks and can address the position there.
3. Buffalo Bills
3 of 32
General Manager: Miller
Who's the Pick: Von Miller, Outside Linebacker, Texas A&M
And Cam Newton continues to fall...
Von Miller is our No. 2 overall player, the best outside linebacker I have ever scouted in 10 years of covering the draft, and also fills the Bills' chief need this offseason.
No-brainer, right?
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
4. Cincinnati Bengals
4 of 32
General Manager: MacNamara
Who's the Pick: Cam Newton, Quarterback, Auburn
This selection is great value, if you are in the group who thinks Newton will become an All-Pro quarterback. If you're like me and really not sold on Newton, this looks like a reach.
From a purely football standpoint the Newton selection isn't great for Cincinnati. New offensive coordinator Jay Gruden will run a spread, timing-based passing attack that doesn't fit Newton's strength of moving outside the pocket, running and throwing deep.
Newton will need a lot of work no matter where he's drafted. In Cincinnati, where they need to replace Carson Palmer right now, he's not the right pick in my opinion.
5. Arizona Cardinals
5 of 32
General Manager: Miller
Who's the Pick: Blaine Gabbert, Quarterback, Missouri
There's a saying in draft circles that "if you don't have a quarterback, you can never draft one too high."
That's the logic behind this pick.
Blaine Gabbert may not blow you away. He's not Sam Bradford or Matt Ryan. He is a good quarterback with prototypical size and strength. He has a very live arm and can throw timing routes with accuracy. He's also about a million times better than anything else the Cardinals have at quarterback.
If Von Miller were on the board we could have gone that direction, or maybe even Robert Quinn, but Arizona cannot ignore their gigantic need at quarterback.
6. Cleveland Browns
6 of 32
General Manager: MacNamara
Who's the Pick: A.J. Green, Wide Receiver, Georgia
MacNamara lands another slam dunk, no-brainer with the selection of the draft's best wide receiver to a Cleveland franchise desperate to add a go-to wide receiver for quarterback Colt McCoy.
Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones may have run faster at the scouting combine, and he is a better blocker, but he cannot compete with Green's size/strength combination—or the fact that Green never missed time due to injury.
7. San Francisco 49ers
7 of 32
General Manager: Miller
Who's the Pick: Robert Quinn, Outside Linebacker, North Carolina
With two 49er fans as general managers, you would think we could have stacked the board a little better for the home team.
Robert Quinn is a good pick, and a good value at No. 7 overall. He's not Von Miller, though, or even Patrick Peterson.
In this scenario we would most likely see the 49ers trade back and hope to pick up selections in order to grab a quarterback at the end of the round.
8. Tennessee Titans
8 of 32
General Manager: MacNamara
Who's the Pick: Nick Fairley, Defensive Tackle, Auburn
Dylan grabs a player many expect to be drafted in this slot on draft day in Auburn's Nick Fairley.
The Titans have a need at quarterback, and maybe even wide receiver depending on what happens with Kenny Britt, but we do not expect them to pull the trigger on Julio Jones—even though that would be a great value.
Fairley is the safe pick for Tennessee. He fills a position of need and is a great fit for their defense.
9. Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
General Manager: Miller
Who's the Pick: Tyron Smith, Offensive Tackle, USC
With another selection that likely mirrors what will happen in the actual 2011 NFL draft, we pick the draft's highest-rated right tackle to replace Marc Colombo on the Cowboys offensive line.
Smith is a bit of a reach at No. 9 according to our rankings, but he fills a massive need and is young and athletic enough to develop into a stud.
10. Washington Redskins
10 of 32
General Manager: MacNamara
Who's the Pick: Julio Jones, Wide Receiver, Alabama
MacNamara ignores the temptation to reach for a quarterback here and instead does the smart thing by drafting the highest-rated player on our draft board.
Jones is an NFL-ready wide receiver and a great fit for Mike Shanahan's offense in Washington. He'll give the Redskins' next quarterback, whoever that may be, a downfield target opposite Santana Moss.
11. Houston Texans
11 of 32
General Manager: Miller
Who's the Pick: Prince Amukamara, Cornerback, Nebraska
With the No. 11 pick the Texans are faced with a ton of options. They can draft the best available player in Prince Amukamara, who just so happens to fill one of their biggest needs at cornerback. Or they can reach for an outside linebacker like Ryan Kerrigan or Brooks Reed to fill one of two openings at outside linebacker in their 3-4 defense.
In the end we chose value over need. In this case it's a win-win for Houston, as Amukamara does fill a need at cornerback.
12. Minnesota Vikings
12 of 32
General Manager: MacNamara
Who's the Pick: Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End, Clemson
Here's the first pick we truly disagree with.
Bowers has been red flagged by countless NFL teams. Drafting him No. 12 overall is a huge risk/reward pick. It might sound bad, but I would rather draft a guy with questionable character here than a guy with a potentially hazardous knee.
If Bowers stays healthy, this pick is genius, and MacNamara looks like the next Bill Belichick. If not, it's rather Matt Millen-ish.
13. Detroit Lions
13 of 32
General Manager: Miller
Who's the Pick: Anthony Castonzo, Offensive Tackle, Boston College
The Lions are facing an offseason where they need to draft a defensive end, outside linebacker and cornerback, and replace a 34-year old left tackle.
Good luck.
In Round 1 we simply drafted the highest-rated player at those positions, which is why the Lions are drafting a left tackle here.
14. St. Louis Rams
14 of 32
General Manager: MacNamara
Who's the Pick: Corey Liuget, Defensive Tackle, Illinois
When the pick first came in I wasn't sure Dylan was awake...but then the more I looked at it the more this pick makes sense.
The Rams could look at defensive end, but Cameron Jordan is eerily similar to Chris Long and doesn't fill their need for an edge rusher. Liuget, on the other hand, would instantly be a starter for the Rams.
The defensive line is a can't-miss first-round pick for the Rams. Grabbing Corey Liuget is a smart, savvy pick.
15. Miami Dolphins
15 of 32
General Manager: Miller
Who's the Pick: Mike Pouncey, Offensive Guard, Florida
How many mock drafts do you see that project the Dolphins to draft a running back here? A lot of them.
Not us.
The Dolphins know their offensive line needs help, especially at center and right guard.
Folks in Miami can hope the in-state product can perform as well as twin brother Maurkice did in his Pro Bowl rookie season.
With no second-round pick due to the trade for Brandon Marshall, the Dolphins may be tempted to trade back and add extra picks here.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
16 of 32
General Manager: MacNamara
Who's the Pick: J.J. Watt, Defensive End, Wisconsin
I like J.J. Watt a lot, but not in the Jaguars 4-3 defense. The Jags prefer smaller defensive ends who can get upfield. Watt is very similar to 2010 first-rounder Tyson Alualu, who they moved to defensive tackle once he was in the NFL.
While Watt has great value here, a guy like Ryan Kerrigan would make more sense. Or even a quarterback.
17. New England Patriots (from Oakland)
17 of 32
General Manager: Miller
Who's the Pick: Mikel Leshoure, Running Back, Illinois
We fully expect the Patriots to trade this pick in the actual NFL draft, but should they call and ask our opinion we're telling them to draft Mikel Leshoure and never look back.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis may have rushed for over 1,000 yards last year, but any back in that offense should do that with enough carries. What Leshoure gives them is a true tackle-to-tackle runner who can control the clock and punish the defense.
18. San Diego Chargers
18 of 32
General Manager: MacNamara
Who's the Pick: Ryan Kerrigan, Outside Linebacker, Purdue
The Chargers have to figure the last time they drafted an outside linebacker from Purdue, they struck gold with Shaun Phillips. Why not try again?
Kerrigan is a good value here—he could go as high as No. 11 overall in the actual draft, and he does fill a need as the team would like an upgrade over Larry English opposite Phillips.
San Diego has a lot of needs on defense and can sit here and grab the best defensive player available.
19. New York Giants
19 of 32
General Manager: Miller
Who's the Pick: Gabe Carimi, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin
Injuries decimated the Giants' offensive line this year, but this also exposed weaknesses and areas of need. No position needs more attention than offensive tackle.
Building depth at tackle is a need, but the Giants can also look for young players who can eventually start.
Carimi is slightly underrated by NFL analysts and TV scouts, but having seen him firsthand numerous times, it is hard to not be impressed with Carimi's ability on the blind side.
He is a dominant force in the run game and he has the tools to become an elite pass protector.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
20 of 32
General Manager: MacNamara
Who's the Pick: Cameron Jordan, Defensive End, Cal
MacNamara makes a great pick here. Jordan is a player rated as a top-15 guy, has the motor to play end or tackle on the defensive line, and is a high-character player with NFL pedigree.
The Bucs might feel tempted to draft a cornerback here to replace Aqib Talib, but Jimmy Smith of Colorado is the only guy worthy of the pick and he has his own character issues to worry about.
21. Kansas City Chiefs
21 of 32
General Manager: Miller
Who's the Pick: Derek Sherrod, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State
The Chiefs' starting right tackle in 2010, Barry Richardson, was terrible in pass protection.
For the Chiefs to go from AFC West champions to a playoff winning team they must protect Matt Cassel better.
Derek Sherrod is their answer.
The Chiefs have needs at nose tackle, outside linebacker and wide receiver but can focus on upgrading these positions in Rounds 2-7. They won't find a stud right tackle there.
22. Indianapolis Colts
22 of 32
General Manager: MacNamara
Who's the Pick: Nate Solder, Offensive Tackle, Colorado
MacNamara nails another pick.
Solder is an elite athlete for a left tackle, a must in the Colts' zone-blocking scheme. He has long arms, a big frame and the footwork to get to the second level and pull on screens and stretch plays.
Solder is rated by almost all draft experts as a late first-round pick. He is a solid tackle with good athleticism, great size and excellent length. He shows ability to play in the NFL as a rookie.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
23 of 32
General Manager: Miller
Who's the Pick: Jimmy Smith, Cornerback, Colorado
The Buffaloes see two straight players fly off the board.
Jimmy Smith has legitimate top-15 talent, but his character has been called into question this offseason and may hurt his ability to be drafted in the first round.
Smith is the classic risk vs. reward pick. He could end up a Pro Bowler, or out of the league in a few seasons.
24. New Orleans Saints
24 of 32
General Manager: MacNamara
Who's the Pick: Aldon Smith, Defensive End, Missouri
MacNamara seems to be on a bit of a hot streak to end the first round.
Smith is normally projected as an outside linebacker for a 3-4 scheme, but we love his ability as a pure pass rusher from a 4-3 defensive end position.
Smith has experience with his hand in the dirt, not dropping back into coverage.
Given the task of attacking the quarterback every down, he could excel. Playing next to big tackles Shaun Rogers and Sedrick Ellis will not hurt, either.
25. Seattle Seahawks
25 of 32
General Manager: Miller
Who's the Pick: Ryan Mallett, Quarterback, Arkansas
Another huge risk vs. reward from yours truly.
The Seahawks’ only signal-caller signed for 2011 is Charlie Whitehurst, and he has not proven to have the talent to become a franchise quarterback in Seattle.
With so many talented passers to choose from in this draft, we believe Pete Carroll will draft the most NFL-ready of the group and the player with the most experience in a pro-style offense.
Ryan Mallett is NFL-ready after playing for Bobby Petrino at Arkansas. Pete Carroll has managed his share of character guys at USC.
On paper this is a match made in heaven.
26. Baltimore Ravens
26 of 32
General Manager: MacNamara
Who's the Pick: Aaron Williams, Cornerback, Texas
And the hot streak ends for MacNamara with the reach pick here for Baltimore.
Aaron Williams might not have been the best cornerback on his own team—many would argue Curtis Brown was.
While Baltimore definitely needs a cornerback here in Round 1, they could look at Brandon Harris of Miami over Williams, as he's a more established cover man and better in run support.
In all reality, Baltimore would love to trade out of this pick.
27. Atlanta Falcons
27 of 32
General Manager: Miller
Who's the Pick: Justin Houston, Defensive End, Georgia
John Abraham had a great season in 2010, but he is only going to last another year or two at a high level.
Kroy Biermann has been good, but he is a situational player at best. Neither of the aforementioned ends offer help in stopping the run.
Houston gets pegged as an outside linebacker a lot, but he has experience as a defensive end in the 4-3 and fits what Atlanta needs.
28. New England Patriots
28 of 32
General Manager: MacNamara
Who's the Pick: Muhammad Wilkerson, Defensive End, Temple
Bill Belichick could go many directions with pick No. 28. They have needs at running back, wide receiver, offensive tackle, guard, defensive end and outside linebacker.
Thankfully they have four more picks in the next two rounds to stock up on other positions of need.
Muhammad Wilkerson will come in and start instantly opposite either Ty Warren, if he's not cut, or newly signed Marcus Stroud.
29. Chicago Bears
29 of 32
General Manager: Miller
Who's the Pick: Danny Watkins, Offensive Guard/Tackle, Baylor
The Chicago Bears' hearts will break when Nate Solder, the last of the first-round graded offensive tackles, comes off the board with pick No. 22.
The Bears are faced with the option of reaching for a tackle or wide receiver, or hunkering down at drafting a road-grader at offensive guard.
Danny Watkins might be 26 years old, and he may have a shorter NFL shelf-life than other rookies, but he is also ready to start and play at a high level from Week 1.
The Bears will plug Watkins in at left or right guard, and could even play him at right tackle if they move J'Marcus Webb to the left side.
30. New York Jets
30 of 32
General Manager: MacNamara
Who's the Pick: Stephen Paea, Defensive Tackle, Oregon State
This pick is both confusing and brilliant all at the same time.
The Jets need a lot of help on defense, where they have made salary cap cuts and also cannot re-sign any of their many free agents yet.
But not many people will have them taking Stephen Paea at defensive tackle over guys like Phil Taylor, and passing on outside linebackers Brooks Reed and Akeem Ayers.
Paea is a dominant player, and has the strength to play well as a nose tackle. In fact, he's comparable to the Ravens' Kelly Gregg.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers
31 of 32
General Manager: Miller
Who's the Pick: Adrian Clayborn, Defensive End, Iowa
We debated between Adrian Clayborn and a few players here, namely Brandon Harris (CB- Miami) and Phil Taylor (NT- Baylor) but in the end we went with our highest rated defensive lineman.
The Steelers would love to find a top cornerback or offensive tackle here, instead they focus for a second-straight year on building depth on the defensive line in Round 1.
32. Green Bay Packers
32 of 32
General Manager: MacNamara
Who's the Pick: Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama
To close the first round of our co-op mock draft, the boss selects the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner and a three-down running back the Packers need so badly.
Yes, Ryan Grant can be a work-horse running back, but how will he recover from missing the entire 2010 season?
James Starks showed promise in the playoffs, but the coaching staff didn't trust him to carry the load during the regular season last year.
Ingram answers every doubt at running back the Packers could have.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")