NFL Draft 2011 Results: Recapping Draft Picks 13-16

The 2011 NFL draft results are here and we are hitting you with some solid draft picks from 13 through 16. The surprise to me has to be Nick Fairley.

I thought he might slide a bit deeper than he did. But the next four picks are all about need. The teams did well to draft athletes that can stand in immediately and make a difference.

This has been one fluid draft. Players slipping and sliding all over the board. But for the most part, these guys make sense where they fell.

Here is a brief glimpse into the next four selections on the draft board, 13-16.

Detroit Lions Take Nick Fairley at No. 13

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Nick Fairley, #13 overall pick by the Detriot Lions, holds up a jersey during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

The Nick Fairley plummet didn't last too long.

Fairley is now the prized possession of the Detroit Lions. I had thought that they might take a shot at huge offensive tackle to protect Matt Stafford.

Boy, was I wrong.

Fairley is a great value here. There have been many to question his work ethic, but there is no doubt the talent is there. He has the gift to change games simply by his presence in the front seven.

You saw how effective he was in the BCS title game. If he can be coaxed to give his all from here on out. Expect the same type of results at the next level.

St. Louis Rams Take Robert Quinn at No. 14

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Defensive lineman Robert Quinn of North Carolina runs through a drill during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

You know the Rams were thinking wide receiver. They had to be licking their chops in the hopes that Julio Jones would slide like some of the other stars of the draft did.

That was a pipe dream. In actuality, they may have lucked out anyway. The Rams have a new emphasis, and it's on defense.

Quinn is a top-10 talent that slid to them over health concerns. If he stays healthy, this could be the steal of the early goings. He makes the Rams instantly better on defense. They are no longer just flash on offense, they are gritty on defense.

Miami Dolphins Take Mike Pouncey at No. 15

Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images

MIAMI - JANUARY 08: Mike Pouncey #55 of the Florida Gators reacts after a play against the Oklahoma Sooners in the FedEx BCS National Championship Game at Dolphin Stadium on January 8, 2009 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images)

The Miami Dolphins gave me a bit of a surprise in this draft. I had them taking Mark Ingram.

This is one team that mandates having a star running back. I scratch my head here because there is no certainty that either Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams will be back next season.

What we do know is that they did need help at the line. The success of any offense begins at the line. Pouncey could be just as good as his brother, Maurkice. That is what the Dolphins will be gambling on anyway.

Washington Redskins Take Ryan Kerrigan at No. 16

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Dan LeFevour #13 of the Central Michigan Chippewas is tackled by Ryan Kerrigan #94 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 20, 2008 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/

The Washington Redskins had more of a doormat and less of a defense last season. The opposition was content to run all over them.

This is a great pick. Ryan Kerrigan makes the Redskins ten times better and he is yet to suit up for the Skins.

He may not blow you away with athleticism, but he makes up for it with a great motor and above par instincts. This guy just knows how to ball. I am sure Washington can use a guy like that.