2011 NFL Mock Draft: Pro Comparisons and Grades
The NFL draft is among us and with the final hours ticking away before the Carolina Panthers are placed on the clock, I felt that I would chime in with my own thoughts on who will be going where.
I have been making my own mock drafts since the BCS title game ended and one thing has remained a constant throughout, an Auburn player at the top. This go around was no different, however is it the right pick?
1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
1 of 32
Pro Comparison: Donovan McNabb
Newton is a strong, hard-nosed player with great mobility. He needs to work on fundamentals and accuracy, but if that comes around he can be a player you build a franchise around.
Grade: B
2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
2 of 32
Pro Comparison: B.J. Raji
He has unnatural speed for a DT and is capable of dropping back if need be. He will use his athleticism and strength to get past NFL Lineman. He is a potential star in the making.
Grade: A+
3.Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
3 of 32
Pro Comparison: Clay Matthews
Unreal ability to get into the backfield combined with great ball instincts equals a top notch player. There is nothing stopping this future pro-bowler.
Grade: A+
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
4 of 32
Pro Comparison: Calvin Johnson
Great size, hands, strength and ability to spread out the defense will make him an elite WR.
Grade: A
5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
5 of 32
Pro Comparison: Carson Palmer
Perfect size for a QB, strong arm and good accuracy. This prototype-QB can make an early impact in the NFL.
Grade: A+
6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
6 of 32
Pro Comparison: Sidney Rice
Dreads aren't the only thing these two have in common; great hands, size, speed and tough to bring down after the catch.
Grade: A
7.San Fransisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
7 of 32
Pro Comparison: Ed Reed
Reed may be a safety, but Peterson's hit-first mentality and ball hawking skills are reminiscent of the Miami alum.
Grade: A+
8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
8 of 32
Pro Comparison: Albert Haynesworth
Has all the skills to be an elite NFL player, but his troubles could cost him a memorable career.
Grade: A-
9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
9 of 32
Pro Comparison: Michael Oher
He may have to start at RT, but will eventually become a stalwart at LT for a long time.
Grade: B+
10. Washington Redskins: Robert Quinn, DE, UNC
10 of 32
Pro Comparison: Dwight Freeney
Great speed at the DE position and could potentially be an OLB if he loses some weight. Will likely cause problems for teams for a long time to come.
Grade: A
11. Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
11 of 32
Pro Comparison: Nnamdi Asomugha
He's quick and has excellent ball skills. He doesn't get physical often but he can if need be.
Grade: A+
12: Minnesota Vikings: Da' Quan Bowers
12 of 32
Pro Comparison: Elvis Dumervil
Has tremendous strength and ability to get to the QB. He has previous struggles with injuries that may cause problems, but if healthy, he is a top 5 pick.
Grade: A-
13. Detroit Lions: Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri
13 of 32
Pro Comparison: LaMarr Woodley
Was able to enter the draft after his sophomore year at Mizzou because of his size, speed and instincts, and will continue to use those at the NFL level.
Grade: A
14. St. Louis Rams: Muhammed Wilkerson, DT, Temple
14 of 32
Pro Comparison: Haloti Ngata
Disruptive and able to push through lineman to find the QB, will work in both 4-3 and 3-4.
Grade: A
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Dolphins
15 of 32
Pro Comparison: Adrian Peterson
Excellent combination of strength and speed; loves to punish defenders at the end of runs.
Grade: A+
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
16 of 32
Pro Comparison: Darnell Dockett
Great athleticism, he can both power and finesse his way through a line.
Grade: A
17. New England Patriots: JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin
17 of 32
Pro Comparison: Robert Mathis
Great strength with marginal speed; uses his power to get around the edge and level the QB.
Grade: B+
18. San Diego Chargers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
18 of 32
Pro Comparison: Chris Long
Not quite an elite pass rusher yet, but has all the potential to become one. Needs to work on his strength before he can accomplish that.
Grade: B-
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
19 of 32
Pro Comparison: Jake Long
Has the ability to be one of the best lineman in the league in just a few short years. Has great discipline, size and strength.
Grade: A+
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
20 of 32
Pro Comparison: Deuce Lutui
Uses his pure size and strength to bully defenders on the line; needs to have quicker feet so he can block on tosses and screens.
Grade: B
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
21 of 32
Pro Comparison: Amobi Okoye
Not very big for the DT position, but is very disruptive on run plays. Needs to work on his pass rush ability.
Grade: A
22.Indianapolis Colts: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
22 of 32
Pro Comparison: Joe Thomas
Blew up in 2010 and pushed himself into the first round. His size and strength are intimidating as he stands 6'7" and weighs 315.
Grade: A-
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
23 of 32
Pro Comparison: Aqib Talib
Strong, physical CB with good size will lay you out if given the opportunity and ball skills are an added bonus. Character issues could be his downfall.
Grade: B
24. New Orleans Saints: Ryan Kerrigan, OLB/DE, Purdue
24 of 32
Pro Comparison: Jarrett Johnson
Ideal size for his position, but doesn't really scream elite pass rusher. Has great instincts and a permanent move to OLB could help him in the future.
Grade: C+
25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
25 of 32
Pro Comparison: Jay Cutler
Mobile, tough, strong-armed QB with some serious accuracy issues. Very inconsistent, but if he is given good coaching he could prosper.
Grade: B-
26. Baltimore Ravens: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
26 of 32
Pro Comparison: Terrell Suggs
Excellent pass-rusher who loves getting to the QB, can easily line up at DE and be successful as well. Needs to work on his instincts.
Grade: A-
27.Atlanta Falcons: Brooks Reed, OLB/DE, Arizona
27 of 32
Pro Comparison: Lance Briggs
Hard-nosed pass rusher who lacks speed, but makes up for it with instincts and strength.
Grade: B+
28. New England Patriots: Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida
28 of 32
Pro Comparison: Ben Grubbs
Most likely a Guard in the NFL, Pouncey shows an odd combo of strength and speed on the offensive line and will be a future Pro-Bowler.
Grade: A
29. Chicago Bears: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
29 of 32
Pro Comparison: Casey Hampton
Excellent run-stuffer, could use some work on pass rushing. Uses his 351 lbs. to stop run plays before they even develop.
Grade: B+
30. New York Jets: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
30 of 32
Pro Comparison: Julius Peppers
Ideal size and strength for a DE and is an excellent pass rusher, but doesn't do much to stop the run.
Grade: B
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
31 of 32
Pro Comparison: Dunta Robinson
Not big, but shows some strength and great ball hawking ability. Can become elite if he can work on his man coverage.
Grade: B-
32. Green Bay Packers: Justin Houston, DE, Georgia
32 of 32
Pro Comparison: John Abraham
Can easily convert to a LB and his discipline could overcome his lack of instincts in the long run.
Grade: B+
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