2011 NFL Mock Draft: Mocking the Complete First Round Hours Before the Draft
The 2011 NFL draft is only a few hours away, and NFL draft experts and analysts are releasing their latest mock drafts right and left.
After reviewing multiple updated mock drafts, I have come to a conclusion on many picks, and I believe that I strongly understand how the first round is going to lay out.
A few days ago, I released my "final mock draft," but after hearing the latest buzz and reviewing experts' updated big boards and mock drafts, I have decided to modify my picks one more time.
I have stated several times before: I am not an expert, but I consider myself an expert fan—a fan with strong insight and great knowledge of the NFL.
I hope you all enjoy this mock draft, and I have a strong feeling that it's going to be fairly close to what happens in the first round tonight—be sure to leave your feedback!
This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @ TonySantorsa.
1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
1 of 32
The first overall pick of the 2011 NFL draft will be Cam Newton out of Auburn.
The most common buzz revolving the NFL is that the Carolina Panthers are very interested in Newton and think very highly of Newton's amazing upside.
Newton may not be the best player in the draft class—or even the best quarterback for that matter—but he is the player with the greatest upside and potential to be an elusive and unique NFL quarterback.
2. Denver Broncos: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
2 of 32
Throughout the entire "mock draft season," I have had the Denver Broncos selecting Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus, but with more research, Texas A&M's Von Miller seems like a better fit.
The Denver Broncos will be playing in John Fox's 4-3 defensive system, and Miller could be a very disruptive strong-side linebacker. Many scouts feel that Miller is best suited for a 3-4 outside linebacker, but Millers' athleticism and strength will allow him to be just as successful in a 4-3 alignment.
3. Buffalo Bills: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
3 of 32
As the Denver Broncos select Von Miller, the Buffalo Bills will be completely content with Alabama's Marcell Dareus.
Dareus will be a nice addition to Buffalo's 3-4 defense as a defensive end. He's not a typical 3-4 defensive, but he will fit rather nicely.
Dareus is the complete defensive lineman that is equipped with athleticism, which allows him to play anywhere along the defensive line.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
4 of 32
In ESPN's Todd McShay's latest mock draft, he acknowledges that the Cincinnati Bengals are not completely sold on quarterback Blaine Gabbert.
So, passing on Gabbert means selecting wide receiver A.J. Green out of Georgia.
With Terrell Owens departing town and Chad Ochocinco likely on his way out too, the Bengals will need some help at wide receiver, and Green is the draft's top receiver.
The Bengals don't need to grab a quarterback here, as they can find a quality passer in the second round.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
5 of 32
Much like the Bengals, the Arizona Cardinals will set their quarterback concerns aside and grab the draft's most freakish and talented player in LSU's Patrick Peterson.
Peterson will join Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie as the team's starting two cornerbacks and will likely emerge as one of the NFL's best cornerback tandems.
6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
6 of 32
The Cleveland Browns must find a quality wide receiver to pair up with young quarterback Colt McCoy. At this point, Julio Jones out of Alabama is the best available wide receiver and could offer the best production out of all rookie wide receivers in 2011.
Jones will join an up-and-coming Browns offense led by McCoy and running back Peyton Hillis.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
7 of 32
In my opinion, the best quarterback available, Blaine Gabbert, isn't the right fit in San Francisco, and new head coach Jim Harbaugh may be able to turn around former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith's career.
The 49ers may trade this pick, but cornerback Prince Amukamara is the best available that suits their pressing needs.
8. Tennessee Titans: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
8 of 32
The Vince Young era in Tennessee would be considered done if the Titans select quarterback Blaine Gabbert.
Gabbert has an NFL-ready arm, and is the ideal size to be a quarterback at the next level.
This is quite the pleasant surprise for the Titans to see the draft's best quarterback available at eighth overall.
9. Dallas Cowboys: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
9 of 32
Wisconsin's J.J. Watt is arguably the draft's most well-rounded defensive end and possibly the best fit in a 3-4 defense.
The Dallas Cowboys would be a getting a strong and athletic defensive end that will fit perfectly in their 3-4 defensive scheme.
10. Washington Redskins: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, Washington
10 of 32
Due to Robert Quinn's suspension handed down by the NCAA in 2010, he did not participate at all last year and his draft stock has fallen a bit.
Quinn is a top-five talent prospect, and he'll be a certain upgrade in the Washington Redskins' pass-rushing department.
11. Houston Texans: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
11 of 32
Over the past couple of weeks, Missouri's Aldon Smith's draft stock has been skyrocketing.
Smith could be a potential DeMarcus Ware-type player in Wade Philips' newly installed 3-4 defense in Houston. The Texans need help with their pass rush, and defensive end Mario Williams will gain some much-needed support with the addition of Smith.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
12 of 32
This selection will be a draft-changing pick, as it will spark trades involving teams who really need a quarterback to move ahead to grab one.
The Minnesota Vikings don't have a quality quarterback of the future, and Jake Locker has all of the intangibles to be great; his talent just needs to be developed into skill.
13. Detroit Lions: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
13 of 32
With the second-best cornerback in the draft, Prince Amukamara, already gone, the Detroit Lions will have no issue with taking offensive tackle Tyron Smith.
Smith would be a definite upgrade from Jeff Backus and would enable Backus to move inside as an offensive guard.
14. St. Louis Rams: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
14 of 32
The fall of Auburn's Nick Fairley will end here with the St. Louis Rams.
The Rams wont have an issue with drafting Fairley—who was projected as top-10 talent.
St. Louis will miss out on wide receivers Julio Jones and A.J. Green, but they'll get a talented prospect to throw into the mix on their defensive line along with Chris Long.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida
15 of 32
The Miami Dolphins need help solidifying their offensive line, and Florida's Mike Pouncey will be a first-year impact player as an interior offensive guard or even center.
Pouncey will join an already-talented offensive line with tackles Jake Long and Vernon Carey.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
16 of 32
Defensive end Ryan Kerrigan is definitely a safe pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Kerrigan is a relentless, hard-working, high-motor athlete—something that general manager Gene Smith and head coach Jack Del Rio love.
17. New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
17 of 32
With the draft pick New England received in the Richard Seymour trade to the Oakland Raiders, the Patriots will draft a potential suitor for the hole left by Seymour with Cal's Cameron Jordan.
Jordan is a well-rounded defensive end that is very powerful, athletic and an elite pass-rusher. He is the perfect fit in New England's 3-4 defense.
18. San Diego Chargers: Muhammad Wilkerson, DL, Temple
18 of 32
Temple's Muhammad Wilkerson is a big, powerful and athletic defensive lineman that is versatile enough to fill many holes along the San Diego Chargers defensive line.
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
19 of 32
The New York Giants have a quickly-aging offensive line and the fall of Anthony Castonzo to this point makes perfect sense to snag him.
Castonzo is an ideal left tackle in the NFL and could be a valuable piece for the Giants moving forward.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
20 of 32
A rising and pressing need for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is now the cornerback position given Aqib Talib's recent arrest. With the best cornerback available being Jimmy Smith, who has his own personal issues, it's best that the Bucs stay away and grab a highly talented defensive end in Da'Quan Bowers.
If healthy, Bowers will be a great addition to a young Tampa Bay defensive line led by Gerald McCoy.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
21 of 32
The Kansas City Chiefs will likely be headed in a run-first offense for the next couple seasons, so addressing their offensive line would be a smart decision.
Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi is a powerful offensive tackle that is very good at blocking for the run and is a satisfactory pass-blocker.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
22 of 32
Defensive line isn't a huge need for the Indianapolis Colts, but it'd be nice to add an anchor lineman for the years moving forward.
Illinois' Corey Liuget is a very well-rounded prospect and is a solid pick for the Colts at this point.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
23 of 32
If it weren't for so many character concerns, Colorado's Jimmy Smith would be a much higher draft pick due to his very impressive skill set.
The Philadelphia Eagles are in search of a No. 2 cornerback to start opposite of Asante Samuel, and Smith appears to be the best guy available.
24. New Orleans Saints: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
24 of 32
Despite character concerns, Iowa's Adrian Clayborn is arguably a top-15 talent but has seen his draft stock fall.
This is definitely a value pick for the New Orleans Saints and a great addition to Greg Williams' very aggressive 4-3 defensive system.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
25 of 32
This is a brilliant pick in my opinion. The Seattle Seahawks have huge concerns regarding the quarterback of the future. With Matt Hasselbeck entering free agency and the very inconsistent play of Charlie Whitehurst, Christian Ponder looks like a great decision.
In my opinion, Ponder is the draft's best quarterback and this pick is going to be considered a steal—Ponder has all the tools to be a great passer in the NFL.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
26 of 32
This is the best pick for the Baltimore Ravens at this time.
No prospect available right now looks to fit any of the Ravens' needs, but UCLA's Akeem Ayers would be a nice infusion of youth into an aging Ravens linebacker corps.
Don't be surprised if Baltimore trades out of this pick.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
27 of 32
Colorado's Nate Solder is one of the most powerful and athletic offensive tackles in the 2011 draft class and would be a quality addition to the Atlanta Falcons offensive line.
Moving forward, the Falcons need to make sure that quarterback Matt Ryan is protected.
28. New England Patriots: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
28 of 32
The Patriots are looking to get more physically tough on offense, and Mark Ingram is the most well-rounded back and is extremely effective between the tackles.
This is a brilliant pick by Bill Belichick because now New England's offense appears to be a bit more balanced and is now even more unstoppable as it was in previous seasons.
29. Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
29 of 32
When you take a look at the Chicago Bears' biggest needs and the best player available, offensive tackle Derek Sherrod makes the most sense.
Sherrod is a powerful tackle who can play left or right tackle and would be a great addition to Chicago's offensive line.
30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
30 of 32
Nose guard Phil Taylor is the perfect draft pick for the New York Jets at this point.
Rex Ryan is looking for a massive centerpiece to anchor his 3-4 defensive front, and Taylor is the perfect fit, as he will clog up space and demand double-teams.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
31 of 32
Cameron Heyward is a very powerful defensive end out of Ohio State and will fit rather nicely as a five-technique in Pittsburgh's defense.
The Steelers will be a getting a well-rounded defensive end who is overall a solid prospect.
32. Green Bay Packers: Mike Leshoure, RB, Illinois
32 of 32
The Green Bay Packers are the most complete team in the NFL, and they only need to add depth at a few positions—one being running back.
Illinois' Mike Leshoure could potentially be a home run if he's mixed in properly with Green Bay's Ryan Grant.
The Packers offense could become nearly unstoppable, with Aaron Rodgers at the helm along with a very productive rushing duo of Leshoure and Grant.
.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 🤩")