NFL Draft 2011 Results: 10 Most Shocking Surprises of Day 1
The 2011 NFL Draft had its fair share of surprises on Day 1. Some trades and players taken at certain spots could only make us scratch our heads.
Why did the Falcons make that trade? Why on Earth did Jake Locker go that high? We may never know, but it provided a memorable first round and surprised all of us.
10. James Carpenter
1 of 10
The Seahawks had offensive line issues, but there were better options than Carpenter to pick from. Gabe Carimi and Derek Sherrod were two guys who could have gone there.
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Seahawks go for more line help. Carpenter is someone they must have liked to take him 25th overall.
9. Mike Pouncey
2 of 10
I'm not at all surprised Pouncey went in the first round, I am somewhat surprised he went this high. Center/Guards usually won't go until the late first round, but Pouncey goes 15th to the Dolphins.
Many thought the Dolphins would go running back, but instead they go offensive line to try to improve the run game. Look for Pouncey to get playing time immediately.
8. Danny Watkins
3 of 10
Watkins going in the first round shouldn't come as a shock, other than Pouncey he was the highest rated guard. It's not Watkins going here, it's the Eagles taking him.
In my opinion the Eagles needed a cornerback more than anything, and taking Jimmy Smith here would have been a good fit.
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7. Prince Amukamara
4 of 10
Amukamara in my mind had top-10 talent. Surprised to see him fall down to No. 19 to the Giants, but overall a great pick at this spot.
He is was just a notch below Peterson at cornerback, and he has the skills to be very good. Look for Amukamara to help the Giants right away in the secondary.
6. J.J. Watt
5 of 10
Surprised he went this high, but more than anything surprised the Texans went with him. They needed more of an OLB who could rush more than a true DE.
Robert Quinn in my eyes would have been the better pick, but Watt is a hard worker who they must have really liked.
5. Aldon Smith
6 of 10
Surprised the Niners went with him. Just like with the Texans, I thought Quinn would have been the pick here.
The Niners also could have used secondary help so not taking Amukamara was somewhat surprising. Smith was productive, but let's see it carry over to the pros.
4. Julio Jones
7 of 10
Julio Jones has the talent to go where he did (No. 6 overall), but why did Atlanta give up so much to get him?
The Falcons gave the Browns five picks (two first round, one second round, and two fourth round). Jones would have gone 10th to the Redskins, but the Falcons could have given less to get him.
3. Da'Quan Bowers
8 of 10
Why did Bowers not get taken in the first round? I understand there are concerns about the knee, but this guy has top-10 talent and falling out of the first round is a joke.
I get teams are worried about his knee, but Bowers should have gone in the top 20 for sure. I have a feeling teams will be upset they didn't take him, and whoever gets him will be extremely happy.
2. Jake Locker
9 of 10
Another quarterback who went higher than he should have. The Titans were desperate for a quarterback, but couldn't they have waited?
Locker is a physical specimen, but does he have the tools to be successful? The Titans will have to wait a bit on him, but it could become a good pick for them.
1. Christian Ponder
10 of 10
This must be a joke right? Wrong!
By far the biggest surprise of the first round. Ponder had second round ability, but to go 12th overall is a shocker.
He has good size, a decent arm, and is very smart. I understand the Vikings needed a quarterback, but couldn't they have waited? Time will tell.
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