2011 NFL Mock Draft: With 1st Round Trades

Since everyone else seems to be doing their own mock draft for the 2011 NFL Draft, I figured I'd throw my hat in. I've also included some trades in the first round since the first round always has some action. This is also the same mock draft I included in Bud Light's mock draft contest. Hopefully I can luckbox my way into scoring big.

1. Carolina- QB Cameron Newton

I don’t believe Newton will be a star quarterback in the league as his learning curve will be much higher than most quarterbacks in the draft. I think it will be too much to overcome in the NFL.

2. Denver- DR Marcell Dareus

3. Buffalo- OLB Von Miller

4. Cincinnati- WR A.J. Green

I wouldn’t be surprised to see this pick get traded so they can take Julio Jones later, but I don’t think they will get enough back to complete a deal. Apparently the Falcons want to trade up into the top 10 or top 5, but the Bengals probably wouldn't be interested in trading all the way down to 27. The St. Louis Rams could be a dark horse in trading up for this spot.

Ultimately, I believe the Redskins will pull the trigger and trade up. They need a future franchise quarterback and will probably end up overpaying. Like Newton, I don’t believe Gabbert will be that successful in the NFL. Wouldn’t be surprised if they give up next year’s first round as well as their 10th overall this year for this pick and a 3rd or 4th rounder this year. The Cardinals could then use one of their extra firsts next year in a trade for Kevin Kolb.

6. Cleveland- WR Julio Jones

7. San Francisco- CB Patrick Peterson

8. Tennessee- DT Nick Fairley

9. Dallas- OT Tyron Smith

10. Arizona (from Washington)- DE Robert Quinn

12. Minnesota- DE Cameron Jordan

Not really buying reaching for Locker here. Leslie Frazier is more of a defensive minded coach.

13. Tampa Bay (from Lions)- DE Ryan Kerrigan

With a run of teams needing pass rushers, I’m going with the Bucs trading up for one of them—which one is the tricky part.

14. St. Louis- DT Corey Liuget

Wouldn’t be surprised by Akeem Ayers here either.

15. San Diego (from Miami)- DE J.J. Watt

Like Tampa Bay, fearing one of the teams picking in front of them could select Watt, they trade up with Miami.  Could also go Aldon Smith and move him to OLB.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars- DE Aldon Smith

18. Miami (from San Diego)- OG Mike Pouncey

19. New York Giants- OT Nate Solder

20. Detroit (from Tampa Bay)- CB Jimmy Smith

21. New England (from Kansas City)- OLB AkeemAyers

22. Indianapolis- OT Gabe Carimi

23. Buffalo (from Philadelphia)- QB Christian Ponder

I could also see the Vikings or Bengals trading up to take Locker or Ponder here. Eagles love trading on draft day.

24. New Orleans- DE Da’Quan Bowers

26. Baltimore- CB Aaron Williams

Could see them trying to trade up for Jimmy Smith and then attempt to trade down when he’s gone. Ultimately I think they’ll stick with the pick as they need a bigger corner and the Steelers could easily take him at 31.

27. Atlanta- DE Adrian Clayborn

28. New England- RB Mark Ingram

29. Chicago- OT Derek Sherrod

30. New York Jets- DE/OLB Justin Houston

31. Pittsburgh- CB Brandon Harris

32. Green Bay- DE/DT Muhammad Wilkerson