2011 NFL Draft Results: Buying or Selling Each Pick from Round 3
The third round of the 2011 NFL Draft has come and gone. We saw surprise picks as potential first-round talent fell to the third round. Linebackers Dontay Moch, Mason Foster, Martez Wilson, Nate Irving and Justin Houston highlight the third round from the defensive side of the ball.
You won’t find a bigger name in the round than Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett.
The strong-armed quarterback fell to the third round and landed with none other than Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Is he really the heir apparent to King Tom Brady in New England? Was this a smart move by Bill Belichick, a genius I praised all offseason, who I’ve been ripping during this draft for his odd selections?
We have the results of all 32 picks, but more importantly, are we buying or selling each prospect for each team?
1 (65). Carolina Panthers: Terrell McClain, South Florida DT
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The Panthers address a major need in the third round. Ron Rivera is a defensive-minded coach and needs to begin improving the overall defense from the inside out.
Many thought when the mock draft season started that he would select Nick Fairley or Marcell Dareus because they fill one of the glaring needs.
Carolina made the right choice with Cam Newton No. 1 overall, but fall short here. With USC's Jurrell Casey, LSU's Drake Nevis and Hampton's Kenrick Ellis on the board and all drafted in the third round, this was a poor selection for Rivera following their blockbuster selection in Round 1.
Selling
2 (66). Cincinnati Bengals: Dontay Moch, Nevada OLB
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Dontay Moch is one of my favorite linebackers in this draft. He has great pass-rushing abilities and will help in run support. He should have been drafted in the second round as he can be a major force in this league.
He is a fantastic athlete and will provide the Bengals with a great linebacker unit as they pair him with Rey Maualuga. This was an ideal selection for Cincinnati in the gritty AFC North division.
The Bengals grab a top-level defensive player to bolster their defense after selecting the future of their franchise in rounds one and two in A.J. Green and Andy Dalton. Thus far, the Bengals are putting together one of my favorite drafts of any team in the league.
Buying
3 (67). Denver Broncos: Nate Irving, North Carolina State LB
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Another great pick by the Denver Broncos, who are also putting together an excellent draft. They now pair one of the better linebackers in the class with D.J. Williams and Von Miller to put together a top linebacker unit in the league.
Although I have Martez Wilson and Mason Foster ranked higher than Irving, I still like this pick. He completes the linebacker unit for John Fox, who is completely rebuilding this defense. With Elvis Dumervil returning and the additions of Rahim Moore, Irving and Miller, the Denver Broncos truly have a defense that can compete in the AFC West.
Buying
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4 (68). Buffalo Bills: Kelvin Sheppard, LSU LB
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I still do not understand how Martez Wilson and Mason Foster are being overlooked, especially Wilson. Wilson was a popular pick for the Bills in the second round during the mock draft season, so this is a bit of a shocker for me.
Still, I like Kelvin Sheppard. He is a fine athlete and has the ability to rush the passer and assist in run support as he is a solid tackler. The Bills said they would dedicate this draft to defense after putting together a nice offense on the field last year.
Buying
5 (69). Arizona Cardinals: Robert Housler, Florida Atlantic TE
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It’s a shame. Ken Whisenhunt started this draft off so well with Patrick Peterson No. 5.
The draft is going downhill quickly.
Robert Housler could develop into a top-five tight end in this class, but there are still two better tight ends on the board in Luke Stocker and Virgil Green. Even then, I don’t like the pick with better defensive players on the board.
I didn’t like the Ryan Williams selection in the second round and don’t like the Housler selection here. Yes, Arizona needs a tight end. Yet this isn't the class to jump on a tight end in the third round; they needed to wait.
Selling
6 (70). Kansas City Chiefs (from Cleveland): Justin Houston, Georgia OLB
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Wow, did this work out for Kansas City or what?! Houston was once a first-round talent as he is a great pass-rusher off the edge.
What a difference two weeks makes! His failed drug test caused him to drop all the way into the third-round for a team to land him as a steal. Good thing Cleveland was silly enough to move up to No. 21 in the first round, eh Chiefs fans?
The Chiefs needed to upgrade at the linebacker position and they land a potentially great player in Houston. At the very least, he represents fantastic value.
Buying
7 (71). Dallas Cowboys: DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma RB
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Like New England in the second round, I don’t like this pick. Jerry Jones already has a player similar to DeMarco Murray—his name is Felix Jones. The Cowboys need a more powerful, inside runner to compliment Jones .
There is a player Dallas could have landed to compliment Jones still on the board and his name is Kendall Hunter, who is being underrated in this draft.
Oddly enough, Dallas could have landed Mikel Leshoure in the second round and Mason Foster in the third…I like DeMarco Murray and think he'll be productive in the NFL, and he could very well be a good fit for Dallas, but I don't like it right now.
Selling
8 (72). New Orleans Saints (from Washington): Martez Wilson, Illinois LB
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Martez Wilson is one of my favorite linebackers in this class. He has exceptional athleticism for a linebacker and will greatly assist Jonathan Vilma behind the defensive line. The Saints need a linebacker who can attack quarterbacks, and Wilson has that ability off the edge, especially with Vilma clogging the middle.
Now with Cameron Jordan bolstering the defensive line, Sean Payton lands a potential first-round talent here in the third. Saints are truly having a great draft.
Buying
9 (73). New England Patriots (from Houston): Stevan Ridley, LSU RB
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After a terrible selection in the second round when they chose Shane Vareen instead of Daniel Thomas, the Patriots finally land their in-between-the-tackles running back in Ridley. Ridley is a strong, downhill runner who will protect the rock.
Although I believe this is a reach for New England, he fills a major need. He will greatly assist the Patriots in short-yardage situations. Still, this was a reach for New England with Kendall Hunter on the board. Ridley could have been had later in the draft.
Selling
10 (74). New England Patriots (from Minnesota): Ryan Mallett, Arkansas QB
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I’m not a fan of Ryan Mallett at all. I don’t care how strong of an arm he is, I’m not sold on him as a franchise quarterback or successor to Tom Brady.
If there was any organization I could have chosen to guide Mallett, though, it would be New England with Bill Belichick.
Mallett should become trade bait this offseason or a few years down the road as the mystique surrounding his strong arm will still exist.
Buying
11 (75). Seattle Seahawks (from Detroit): John Moffitt, Wisconsin OG
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After reaching for James Carpenter in the first round, Pete Carroll continues to build one of the strongest young offensive lines in the league. I’m a big fan of Moffitt and believe he can develop into one of the best offensive guards in the class. He will be great in run support and will help keep whoever plays quarterback upright in the pocket. Seattle will be fantastic in the running game with this offensive line and running back Marshawn Lynch.
Buying
12 (76). Jacksonville Jaguars (from San Francisco): William Rackley, Lehigh OG
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Jacksonville shows they are dedicated to making sure Blaine Gabbert succeeds whenever he lines up behind center as they select a talented offensive lineman here in the third round. Rackley could start immediately in Jacksonville and will help Maurice Jones-Drew in the running game.
Buying
13 (77). Tennessee Titans: Jurrell Casey, USC DT
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A fantastic pick by the Titans in the third round. Casey could be considered a steal here as he was a forgotten and underrated prospect. The Titans strongly considered Nick Fairley in the first but opted for their franchise quarterback.
Good thing they did (even though I don’t agree with their choice of QB).
Casey is a top-10 defensive tackle in this class with the ability to move up as long as he is dedicated to honing his craft. He fills a major need for Tennessee on their defensive line.
Buying
14 (78). St. Louis Rams: Austin Pettis, Boise State WR
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Austin Pettis is an underrated wide receiver in this draft. He was my No. 11 rated wide receiver as he is a strong receiver with very good hands.
It’s about time the Rams draft a wide receiver.
Still, I don’t understand how the Rams could have passed on Leonhard Hankerson, who I ranked much higher than Pettis.
I do not doubt that Pettis could be productive with Sam Bradford throwing him the ball, but Hankerson should make a bigger impact in the NFL.
Selling
15 (79). Washington Redskins (from Miami): Leonhard Hankerson, Miami (FL) WR
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A very good pick for the Redskins, who desperately need a receiver. Hankerson is the No. 3 receiver in the draft depending on who you talk to. He will become a favorite target for whoever lines up behind center for the Redskins. Washington receives great value in the third round as Hankerson should have been selected in the second round.
Buying
16 (80). San Francisco 49ers (from Jacksonville): Chris Culliver, South Carolina
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I do not like this pick by the 49ers as more talented cornerbacks are on the board in Curtis Brown, Johnny Patrick and Brandon Burton. Culliver has good coverage skills and could be versatile enough to play safety, but he does not have the ability to start immediately like the other three corners.
Selling
17 (81). Oakland Raiders: Demarcus Van Dyke, Miami (FL) CB
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I don’t like this pick for the Raiders. Yes, he is an insurance policy for free agent Nnamdi Asomugha, but there are better cornerbacks on the board in Curtis Brown, Brandon Burton, Johnny Patrick and Davon House.
Van Dyke could very well become just another track star for the Raiders.
Selling
18 (82). San Diego Chargers: Vincent Brown, San Diego State WR
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Brown runs solid routes and can get separation from defensive backs, but the Chargers make another poor selection here.
Jerrel Jernigan and Tandon Doss, two players I rank much higher than Vincent Brown, are still on the board and could produce immediately for Philip Rivers.
San Diego already has a receiver that thrives underneath coverage in Legedu Naanee. Jernigan and Doss were better fits. The Chargers have had difficulties selecting receivers in recent drafts, like the time they took Buster Davis over Steve Smith.
Selling
19 (83). New York Giants: Jerrel Jernigan, Troy WR
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I like Jernigan. I think he will develop into a fine wide receiver and is clearly a top-10 receiver in this class.
Still, I do not like this pick for the Giants. New York needs to add depth after just about every one of their receivers got hurt last year and Steve Smith could leave, but the Giants have bigger needs on the offensive line and at the linebacker position.
The Giants are making solid selections, but they are still failing to address their two biggest needs in the draft. It’s tough to pass on Mason Foster.
Selling
20 (84). Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mason Foster, Washington LB
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Mason Foster finally comes off the board and lands in a fantastic place. Raheem Morris is building a great defense and needed a linebacker who has the ability to play inside or outside. Foster is a tackling machine who will destroy running backs with Gerald McCoy, Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers up front.
The Buccaneers have a great offense led by Josh Freeman and are dedicating this draft to upgrading their defense. A fantastic pick by a team who could very well win the NFC South.
Buying
21 (85). Baltimore Ravens (from Philadelphia): Jah Reid, UCF OT
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Reid gained momentum late in the offseason and lands in Baltimore to add depth to the offensive line. The Ravens need to protect Joe Flacco and make sure Ray Rice has enough running room. The Ravens needed insurance for Jared Gaither who could bolt via free agency. Reid was a needed pick here for depth and insurance.
Buying
22 (86). Kansas City Chiefs: Allen Bailey, Miami (FL) DE
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Back in January, Bailey was a late-first-round selection. His draft stock has tumbled mightily, especially following the Senior Bowl, but he has the ability to be a fine defensive end in the league.
He is a great fit for the Chiefs’ 3-4 defense and should make contributions as a rookie. The Chiefs add depth to their defensive line in an improving division.
Buying
23 (87). Indianapolis Colts: Drake Nevis, LSU DT
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Although I think Christian Ballard would have been a better selection, I do like this pick. Nevis’ stock has dropped mightily as he was a late-first-round selection three months ago. He will definitely help Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney on the defensive line.
The game is won in the trenches and the Colts are drafting to win that battle.
Buying
24 (88). New Orleans Saints: Johnny Patrick, Louisville CB
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A great pick for the Saints, who are having a fantastic draft for themselves. After being embarrassed by Marshawn Lynch in their Wild Card loss to the Seahawks, the Saints are dedicated their draft to defense. More importantly, the Saints are grabbing defenders who can tackle ball carriers after Lynch threw defenders off him. Patrick is an underrated tackler who has good instincts and coverage skills. Not a major need for the Saints, but you can never have enough corners as far as I’m concerned.
Buying
25 (89). San Diego Chargers (from Seattle): Shareece Wright, USC CB
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Wright has been underrated heading into the draft, so it’s good to see him selected in the third round. He is one of the better tackling corners in the draft and is the Chargers’ second best pick in the draft next to Corey Liuget. With Wright and Marcus Gilchrist in the second, the Chargers are building one of the better secondary units as far as run support goes.
Buying
26 (90). Philadelphia Eagles (from Baltimore Ravens): Curtis Marsh, Utah State
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They pass on Brandon Harris in the second round and now select an inferior cornerback to Curtis Brown and Brandon Burton.
Marsh fits their style of play, though. He is a converted running back, so he has limited experience. Still, he has great size and athleticism and has active hands. With strong receivers in the NFC East, he should match up well.
For that, I'll concede the pick to Andy Reid.
Buying
27 (91). Atlanta Falcons: Akeem Dent, Georgia LB
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Great pick for the Falcons, who need depth at the linebacker position. He won’t help out in the passing game, which the Falcons will need in the NFC South with Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and now Cam Newton, but he can certainly tackle and is not afraid to run his body into blockers.
Buying
28 (92). Oakland Raiders (from New England): Joe Barksdale, LSU OT
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Although I don’t like their earlier third-round selection, I like that the Raiders go back to bolstering their offensive line. Barksdale could become one of the better offensive tackles in the draft. As the Raiders continue to pound the rock with Darren McFadden, this is a great move.
Buying
29 (93). Chicago Bears: Christopher Conte, California S
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I like the decision to go safety. Still, I have other safeties ranked higher than Conte, and feel DeAndre McDaniel or Tyler Sash would have been a great fit for the Bears. Conte is a solid prospect for the Bears as he will definitely help in run support.
Who would have been a better fit for run support? McDaniel or Sash.
Selling
30 (94). New York Jets: Kenrick Ellis, Hampton DT
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I suggested the Jets select Ellis in one of my mock drafts. This is a great pick for the Jets who needed to find a replacement for Kris Jenkins at the nose tackle position. He is a perfect fit for Rex Ryan’s defense and will greatly improve the Jets’ entire defense.
Buying
31 (95). Pittsburgh Steelers: Curtis Brown, Texas CB
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A fantastic pick for the Steelers, who desperately need to upgrade at the cornerback position. Brown will be able to play on special teams, but more importantly, has the skills to play at the No. 2 cornerback position.
I thought the Steelers would grab him in the second but they were able to steal him in the third. Through three rounds, the Steelers have addressed their three major needs with solid prospects.
Buying
32 (96). Green Bay Packers: Alexander Green, Hawaii RB
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I like Green, I think he has good instincts and vision and could develop nicely. Still, I do not like this pick for the Packers. Kendall Hunter is still on the board here and would be a far more productive runner for Green Bay in 2011 as they look to repeat as Super Bowl champs. Furthermore, I would have preferred the Packers upgrade their pass rush here as Chicago and Detroit improve their offenses.
Selling
33 (97). Carolina Panthers (compensatory): Sione Fua, Stanford DT
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After selecting defensive tackle Terrell McClain to kick off the round—Ron Rivera grabs another defensive tackle. I understand building the defense from the inside out, but this is a poor selection for the Panthers who have needs across the board. There are rumors they could be trading Steve Smith, why not give Cam Newton a solid receiver in Tandon Doss?
What about cornerback Brandon Burton to bolster the secondary? Far too many needs to select another defensive tackle.
Selling
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