2011 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Each Pick of Round 2
Well the first frame of the 2011 NFL draft is finished and we saw some prime-time shockers up and down the round. The second round begins tomorrow and that is where our focus turns to now, as will each of the league's 32 teams.
Draft boards are currently being re-shuffled and sequenced, trades are being discussed and meetings are being held by all of the franchises. Tomorrow also marks a day of importance as players get to report to team facilities and transactions may even be permissible starting the new league year on Friday as well.
With all that said, here is a sneak preview on how the second frame may look starting tomorrow afternoon.
33. New England Patriots: Ryan Williams, RB Virginia Tech
1 of 32
For some reason we all started linking the Pats to Mark Ingram, all because they brought him in for a visit. When are we going to learn not to trust anything Bill Belichick says during the draft until his pick his made.
I think the Pats nab a running back somewhere in this draft and Williams is the top back on the board at this point for many observers. He'll give BenJarvis Green-Ellis a partner in crime to rebirth the Patriots rushing attack.
34. Buffalo Bills: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
2 of 32
The Bills took Marcell Dareus in the first round and will dip into the SEC for next pick. Mallett may be the most pro-ready QB in this draft, and I think if he had better character reports, he would have been a top-10 pick.
At 6'7", 250 pounds, he has the arm strength to spin the ball through the harsh western New York winters every Sunday. Chan Gailey likes more mobile QBs normally, but Mallett won't need to run when his arm strength and instincts allow him to toss the ball around with ease.
35. Cincinnati Bengals: Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
3 of 32
Look, Carson Palmer is not coming back to the Cinci next year. Face it, Bengals fans. I think he's super serious about retirement and it is time to start over.
Dalton gives Jay Gruden a QB that fits his West Coast-like scheme. Dalton was looked at as a seventh-round pick going into the season and worked himself into first-round consideration. He goes here to Cinci in the second round.
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36. Denver Broncos: Marvin Austin, DT, UNC
4 of 32
I was mildly shocked that John Elway took Von Miller over Marcell Dareus, but Elway, Brian Xanders and John Fox get their 3-technique defensive tackle in the second frame in Austin.
Austin is a first-round talent but there is the concern over the whole Agent-gate fiasco at North Carolina. If he comes in and plays football like he's capable, Austin can be an upper echelon defensive tackle in the NFL.
37. Cleveland Browns: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
5 of 32
Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert have said they go for best player available and see that Bowers, who could have been the top player in this draft if healthy, fall to them in the second round. This is a great value pick for the Brownies.
Bowers, if his knee checks out, can come in and provide an immediate pass rush and also play the run with some stoutness. The Browns are moving to a 40 front this year and a rush end off the edge is needed.
38. Arizona Cardinals: Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona
6 of 32
Rod Graves and Ken Whisenhunt stood pat and took the best player on the board in the first round. Yet they and everyone in the NFL know they need a pass rusher. Joey Porter is long in the tooth.
They are going to get a veteran QB and likely won't draft a young signal caller. So here they get Reed from in-state 'Zona to get after the passer in the NFC West.
39. Tennessee Titans: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
7 of 32
Carimi was once considered a top-10 pick but now goes into the second round. The Titans pride themselves on being one of the toughest teams in the league and Carimi comes from a tough-minded program in Wisconsin.
At 6'8" and well over 305 pounds, the Titans can take Carimi, a value pick for them and plug him along the offensive front and go from there. Keep in mind Mike Munchak is a former OL coach.
40. Dallas Cowboys: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
8 of 32
The Cowboys need to address some concerns in their secondary. It's been a disappointment, in my opinion. Terrance Newman talks too much, Orlando Scandrick needs to step up and the only solid player is Mike Jenkins, but he doesn't want to tackle anyone.
They take Williams here and throw him into the fray. Williams is a big corner who can play the boundary or even factor as a safety.
41. Washington Redskins: Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois
9 of 32
Keiland Williams was solid for the 'Skins, but there is no more Clinton Portis. Mike Shannahan prides himself on running the football and in the NFC East, he will need to do that in order to compete in the division, as it is one of the more physical divisions in the NFL.
Leshoure can come in and tote the rock immediately. Some scouts have quietly billed him as the top running back in this draft and getting him here is a great value.
42. Houston Texans: Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
10 of 32
I liked the Houston first-round pick, don't get me wrong. But when your pass defense basically is one of the worst in NFL history, and you have a solid corner on the board, you take him. Sometimes the Texans get too conservative in the draft for my liking.
But they get a chance to redeem themselves here, by taking Dowling, a big corner prospect in the 6'2" range that had a first-round grade going into the season. He and Kareem Jackson give the Texans a solid cover tandem moving forward.
43. Minnesota Vikings: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
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The Vikings shocked many by taking Christian Ponder at No. 12, but I think Ponder will be a solid pro after all. Yet Leslie Frazier and Rick Spielman know this team needs some serious tweaks, which is why this draft is so crucial for the Vikes.
The Williams Wall won't be able to stand for too much longer, as aside from the lingering oncoming suspension for the both of them, Pat Williams is getting long in the tooth. Paea gives the Vikes a young DT who can learn from P-Willy for a year and then take over in 2012.
44. Detroit Lions: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
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Harris was a top flight corner recruit coming out of high school and he was close to going to Ohio State but settled on Miami. I honestly believe he was a victim of poor development and coaching and will be a better pro.
The Lions get him here, and he goes on to compare favorably to Corey Webster of the Giants. Harris can factor in man and zone coverage and will play tough on the back end.
45. San Francisco 49ers: Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky
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Jim Harbaugh is the new sheriff in Frisco and will re-tool the roster along with Trent Baalke. It seems Harbaugh is is serious when he says he can win with Alex Smith, evidenced by him passing on Blaine Gabbert at No. 7.
Cobb is not a need pick, per se, but his talent and potential are off the charts. I think Cobb can come in to the 49ers and develop down the line into a solid No. 2 receiver to Michael Crabtree and complement Vernon Davis.
46. Denver Broncos: Rahim Moore, DS, UCLA
14 of 32
The Broncos again show that they are serious about fixing their defense, going with their third straight defensive player to start the 2011 draft. After two front seven players, the Horses take a back end defender in Moore.
Moore was a good player in a bad defense last year, but is one of the most instinctive defensive backs in this draft. He is what us scouts call an "interceptor" in the sense he has a pure skill of using his instincts and route recognition skills to jump routes and pick off passes. Denver will love him.
47. St. Louis Rams: Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami
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Josh McDaniels is the offensive chief in STL and will move the Rams to a more spread look on offense. I honestly do not think Sam Bradford will see a setback in his development, as he ran a similar type of scheme for Oklahoma.
But Bradford needs help as far as weapons. Mark Clayton will likely return and so will Donnie Every and Danny Amedola. But more help is needed and it come in the form of Hankerson, a receiver that will likely get better as a pro.
48. Oakland Raiders: Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada
16 of 32
This is another surprising pick. The Raiders don't need Kaepernick at all, but have become infatuated with him during the draft process. He has the big arm to stretch the field for the vertical offense Al Davis still likes to see run from the 1960s.
However, Jason Campbell is the type of QB that needs everything around him to be right to be effective, i.e. a strong running game, good offensive line and solid receivers. QBs are to raise the play of those around them, not ask everyone's play mask their flaws.
49. Washington Redskins: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
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The Redskins were likely banking on Julio Jones being left on the board at No. 10, but when wasn't, they bailed out of the slot. They find their man to complement Santana Moss in the second frame from nearby Maryland in Torrey Smith.
Smith has speed, speed and more speed. Washington missed on Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly a few years back, so Smith must be a hit.
50. San Diego Chargers: Clint Boling, OL, Georgia
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AJ Smith is back at it again in the second round. I kind of scratched my head at the Liuget pick because I thought he was strictly a 4-3 defensive tackle, but Smith and the Chargers feel they plug him in their 3-4 defense.
Boling falls to them at No. 50 and Smith nabs the guard prospect. At 6'4", 310 pounds, he is a solid athlete who can also play some right tackle as well.
51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
19 of 32
I know the Bucs have Kellen Winslow II at their tight end spot, but hear me out, TB fans. Rudolph simply is too good to pass up and I would be a bit shocked if the Rams passed on him a few picks prior to this slot.
However, he would give Josh Freeman threats up the seams with himself and Winslow and another weapon for the growing franchise QB. Great example of letting the board fall to them.
52. New York Giants: Bruce Carter, LB, UNC
20 of 32
Listen, I like John Goff, I really do. I think Michael Boley is a solid SAM 'backer. But the Giants are missing something on the second level of their defense and it's been missing since they let Antonio Pierce leave.
Carter is one of the most instinctive defenders in this draft, regardless of position. He can come in and play any of the three linebacker spots for Perry Fewell and help shore up a leaky second level for the G-Men.
53. Indianapolis Colts: Rodney Hudson, OC/OG, Florida State
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Jeff Saturday is getting long in the tooth. Let's face it. One of the smartest centers to ever play the game, Saturday's sunset is dwindling as a Colt.
However, he may have a few years left in the tank, which is fine as Hudson can come in and play some guard for the Horseshoes. At 6'2", 300 pounds and athletic, he fits the zone blocking scheme as he plays with solid knee bend and smarts.
54. Philadelphia Eagles: Orlando Franklin, OL, Miami
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This draft, for me, in regards to Andy Reid and the Eagles, could be about re-stocking the depth along the offensive front. Reid and Howie Roseman took Danny Watkins in the first frame and come back in the next frame to take another offensive lineman in Franklin.
Franklin has the versatility to play guard or even right tackle for Philly. He will add immediate depth to the front, and his mean streak and toughness will become beloved in tough city of Philly.
55. Kansas City Chiefs: Williams Rackley, OG, Lehigh
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The Chiefs also are a team rumored to have a desire to address their depth along the offensive line. Scott Pioli runs the show in KC and knows how important it is to have depth on the fronts, especially for an offense predicated on basing their attack off running and play action.
Rackley may not be a sexy pick, but I think he can develop into a solid guard in the league. At 6'3", 310 pounds, he is the type of lineman that doesn't do anything to wow you athletically, but is solid in all areas.
56. New England Patriots: Titus Young, WR, Boise State
24 of 32
I didn't want to say this, but I have a feeling Young may remind Belichick of a version of Troy Brown. A smart, heady and tough player with versatility, young has been productive at Boise State evidenced by his consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Only 5'11", 175 pounds, Young has solid speed, release quickness and separation quickness. He fits the Patriot mold of a receiver and is another toy for Tom Brady.
57. Seattle Seahawks: Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville
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The Seahawks run some Tampa-2 in their system on defense as it is based off of pressures. Yet getting another cover corner is a solid option for Pete Carroll and John Schneider, and Patrick would be a solid fit.
At 5'11", 190 pounds, he's a physical press corner with the ability to challenge the run off the island. Patrick is solid in his transition and has great coverage instincts. He can factor in press and off-man for the Seahawks' scheme.
58. Baltimore Ravens: Jerrel Jernigan, WR, Troy
26 of 32
The Ravens need to start to add some youth to overall makeup of their roster, especially at receiver. Most of their key pass catchers are around or past 30. Wowsers, Raven fans.
Jernigan is one of the top second tier receivers in the draft and really the only reason he goes in the second round is because he lacks size. At 5'8", 185 pounds, Jernigan makes up for it with sharp cuts, play speed and separation quickness. He may remind some of Donnie Avery.
59. Cleveland Browns: Greg Little, WR, UNC
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It was a bit shocking to see the Browns bail out at No. 6 as I thought Julio Jones was their man. But I think that shows that they really wanted Patrick Peterson to fall to them. So when the LSU cover man went to Arizona at No. 5, Holmgren and Heckert bailed back.
But the Browns need another pass catcher. It's obvious. Colt McCoy needs more weapons than just Peyton Hillis and Josh Cribbs. Little can come in and help give them production in the air assault game. I'm sure he'd fare better than Travis Wilson did a few years back.
60. New England Patriots: Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pitt
28 of 32
No one, and I mean no one manipulates the draft better than Belichick. I think he's the greatest football mind since Bill Walsh or even as far back as Paul Brown. I mean, it seems every other pick is New England's in this draft so far.
I think here, Belichick realizes he needs to rev up his pass rush and nabs the former Big East Player of the Year in Sheard. He'll stand up at Foxborough and rush the passer in the Roosevelt Colvin mold.
61. San Diego Chargers: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
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The Chargers go back to addressing their defensive front depth issues here at this pick. Smith loves making sure his 30 front squad is quipped with talent, and Bailey could fit in as an end.
Bailey has solid strength and equal pass rushing ability. He could be moving, slanting type of end in the Charger 30 front and get after the passers in the AFC West while being stout against the run with Corey Liuget.
62. Chicago Bears: Jurrell Casey, DT, USC
30 of 32
The Bears are wiping their hands with Tommie Harris. Once considered the top 3-technique in the league, Harris' play has declined significantly over the years and he is gone from Halas Hall.
In comes Casey, a prototypical 3-technique tackle from Lovie Smith's Tampa-2 scheme. Casey can man the under-tackle role, split gaps and play in the backfield. He's quick off the ball and has a solid motor. This is a great scheme fit.
63. Pittsburgh Steelers: Justin Houston, LB, Georgia
31 of 32
The Steelers pride themselves on always having linebackers in the fold. They really like to red-shirt their defensive players, per se, and make sure they learn the system. Example: Ziggy Hood.
Houston can come in and learn from LaMarr Woodley and, of course, James Harrison about how to play the stand-up spot in the Steelers' 3-4 scheme. At 6'2", 270 pounds, Houston falls here due to some character concerns, but his athleticism, size and pass rush ability make him a great fit.
64. Green Bay Packers: Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh
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Green Bay won the Lombardi Trophy last year with a playoff run that had a masked running game flaw. James Starks was solid and Ryan Grant returns, but Grant is always hurt and Starks lacks the toughness to pound inside.
A multiple attack will be needed and Brandon Jackson is likely gone from Title Town at the commencement of Free Agency. Ted Thompson gives Mike McCarthy a running back like Lewis to take some pressure off Aaron Rodgers and the passing game, along with more help for Grant and Starks.
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