2011 NFL Draft Results: 60 Memorable Moments from the 2011 NFL Draft
Well, that's all folks. The 2011 NFL Annual Selection meeting is over and done.
Seven rounds are in the books, and now unfortunately our attention turns back to the newly reinstated lockout and labor situation.
Could this be the last time we see the NFL in the spotlight for 2011? I hope not.
The three-day draft event brought various memorable moments, whether they were shocking picks, funny TV moments or Jon Gruden being Jon Gruden.
Here are the top 60 memorable moments of the 2011 NFL Draft.
60. Roger Goodell Bear-Hugging Every Player...Again
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A big deal was made of the commissioner bear-hugging every first-round pick instead of the traditional handshake last year. Goodell had formed a solid relationship with a few of the picks from 2010, and this year he continued.
It was a good sight to see with the looming lockout situation.
59. The Famous ESPN Draft Pick Highlight Theme Music
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I've grown up on the player highlight theme music for the draft shown on ESPN. It's sentimental, cool and really gets you stoked that even the worst picks have a chance to be good in the NFL.
It really accents the feel of the draft.
58. Mel Kiper Giving Todd McShay Grief and Vice Versa
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We all know the clearly staged tension between Todd McShay and Mel Kiper on ESPN draft debates, but I don't think they hate each other as much as many think.
However, Kiper took a jab at McShay for his love of the Patriots taking Ryan Mallet since McShay gives Kiper grief for being a Ravens supporter.
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57. Suzy Kolber's Interview with Alabama Players on Storms
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Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the people in Alabama and the surrounding region after a terrible occurrence of multiple tornadoes killed many and injured more.
Suzy Kolber had a chance to speak to the Crimson Tide's potential first-round picks before the draft, and they let us know their thoughts and family situations.
56. Patriots and Eagles Making Another Draft Day Trade to Keep the Streak Alive
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The Patriots and Eagles are two of the best-ran organizations in the NFL. Period.
They also have a great relationship of draft day trades and dealings, and have made a trade each draft since 2000.
In the sixth round, Bill Belichick noticed the streak could be dead, but decided to keep it alive by swapping picks at 193 and 194.
On to the 2012 Draft, Eagles and Pats fans!
55. Moment of Silence for Those Impacted in Alabama
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Back to the situation around Alabama.
Aside from locking out players, the NFL is always doing things classy and the right way.
Before the draft commenced, Commissioner Goodell had Radio City Music Hall and all of us watching observe a moment of silence for those in Alabama. Classy move.
54. The Steelers Winning the Draft, Wingo's Tiger Blood Response
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Somewhere in the sixth round, Trent Dilfer, who's an excellent analyst in my opinion by the way, stated the Steelers were "winning" the draft.
We all know the infamous Charlie Sheen ABC interview that was more comedy than seriousness, and he semi-coined the phrase "Winning!!".
Trey Wingo, who's got a sarcastic sense of humor in his own right, naturally responded to Dilfer's claim by asking the former QB if he felt the Steelers also had tiger blood in them. Classic.
53. New Hall-of-Famers Introduced During the Draft
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As I mentioned before, the NFL tries and strives on doing things the right way and in a classy manner.
Honoring past players is always a plus, especially when they are months away from joining football eternity in the Hall of Fame.
Goodell brought out the likes of Deion Sanders and Marshall Faulk, among a slew of other greats, and honored them as the new incoming class. Cool deal.
52. DeMaurice Smith Comparing Goodell Statements to a Y2K Story
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Before the draft started, Jeremy Schaap had a good interview with NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith.
Smith gave his thoughts on the ongoing labor disagreement between the players and owners, and then Schaap asked him about Commissioner Goodell.
Smith went on to analyze statements Goodell has been making and ripped them into shreds.
He finished up by comparing Goodell's thoughts to the Y2K story. Yikes.
51. Andy Dalton's Hot Fiance Sighting in the Second Round
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A NFL assistant coach anonymously asked if a red-headed QB ever succeeded in the NFL.
Dalton doesn't care. He's already won.
Did you see his new boo? I know you did.
Talk about living the life; 40-game winner in college, 6'2" and 215 pounds, smart, NFL QB and a nice-looking fiance.
Andy Dalton = Winning!
50. Dilfer Saying He Threw Up in His Mouth When He Heard People Knocking Gabbert
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Dilfer knows a thing or two about playing QB in the NFL.
Sure he wasn't a top-flight starter, but you can tell by his analysis that he knows what he is talking about. He stated he liked Blaine Gabbert, and when he heard people knocking his skill set and deep accuracy, he threw up in his mouth.
Thanks Trent.
49. Chris Berman Calling Prince Amukamara, "Not the Guy Who Sings"
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During the lead-up to the draft, a segment on top cover corners was in session, and of course much of the chatter was on Patrick Peterson.
But after talk on Jimmy Smith came and went, Chris Berman had another comment and lead in.
Berman was to lead Kiper in to speak on Amukamara, and he finished his lead by saying, "He's not the guy who sings."
Wow, Berman.
48. Carolina Takes Newton No. 1 Overall, After All
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The night before the draft the Panthers were leaking word they were considering four players with the top selection of the draft.
Not sure about you, but I never fully believed that. The NFL is a wacky league though.
So when the Panthers took Newton No.1 overall after all, it became a memorable moment for me.
47. Von Miller Crying When the Broncos Took Him No. 2 Overall
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It's always a great moment when the cameras show the raw emotion of these prospects finally getting the call to officially make them a professional football player.
When Denver called Von Miller to inform him he was their man at No. 2, Miller broke into tears.
A great moment for a great player who will surely have a few QB's in tears before his career is up.
46. Gruden Saying He Had Miller as No. 1 Overall
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Jon Gruden is going to be a common theme throughout this piece. He's a smart football man, but I think he's even more hilarious.
Later on in the draft when the panel was discussing Miller as a prospect, Gruden said, "I had him as my No. 1 player."
Did you really, Chucky?
45. McShay Saying He Had Clint Boling in His Top 50, Wingo at It Again
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Wingo always has a solid zinger lined up to keep the panel on their toes, and when Clint Boling got picked at No. 101 overall, McShay claimed, "He was in my top 50 overall."
Wingo quickly interrupted and said, "Well you got him half right then." Funny moment.
44. Atlanta Trading Up for Julio Jones at No. 6
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Roddy White was overcome with excitement.
The Falcons just made a huge trade to go up to No. 6 with the Browns to get Julio Jones.
Then he found out what his squad sacrificed to get the Alabama pass-catcher.
Atlanta gave up a lot, including a first-round pick in next year's draft, among a bevy of picks in this year's draft. White then tweeted, "Nevermind, just found out we gave up our whole draft."
43. The 49ers Selecting Aldon Smith
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Aldon Smith was bantered by scouts as having the highest ceiling among pass-rushers in this year's draft. He was a surefire first-round pick, as the former Missouri Tiger can get after the passer.
The 49ers shocked most by taking him at No. 7 overall. As I mentioned before though, Smith has the potential to easily warrant being selected at this spot.
42. Dilfer and Jaws' Fifth-Round Debate over Christian Ponder
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Ron Jaworski and Trent Dilfer are two respected NFL analysts, so when they give their thoughts on quarterbacks, I listen.
During the fifth round, the two enjoyed a solid debate over the potential of Christian Ponder.
Dilfer feels the Vikings made a huge reach at No. 12 for the FSU QB, but Jaws feels Ponder will be a very good starter in the league. Only time will tell who was right on this one.
41. The Vikings Taking Ponder at No. 12
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We had all heard about the potential QB run in the first round, but it was expected to take place during the bottom portion, with teams trying to trade back into Round 1 to get their QB.
The Vikings didn't want to take a chance on their man not being there.
Minnesota drafted Christian Ponder at No. 12, and he is the new QB of the Vikings.
40. Sam Madison's Shout-out to Jim Mandich
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Mad Dog Mandich will be missed by Dolphin fans everywhere. He recently passed away from cancer, and the former Michigan/Dolphins tight end will always be remembered.
Sam Madison, a former Dolphins great himself at cornerback, took a moment to give a shout-out to Mad Dog during the second round. One of the best moments of the draft.
39. D.J. Williams Going to Green Bay at No. 151
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If you followed D.J. Williams' career, then you know his story.
If you watched the E:60 piece on him, then you know his story in a nutshell.
You had to cheer when you saw him drafted.
The 2010 Mackey award-winner is now a professional tight end for the Green Bay Packers, taken in the fifth round. His father has been in prison since he was a kid, and their relationship is strained, among other circumstances in Williams' life.
Great moment.
38. Jake Locker Going Eighth Overall to the Titans
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There were some who had a higher grade on Locker than they did on Sam Bradford a year ago. Locker was that highly-regarded by the NFL, but suffered a tumble down the overall board as the 2010 season wore on.
Locker was projected to be a late first or early second-round pick by many in the 2011 Draft, so Tennessee snatching him at No. 8 was a surprise.
37. Specualtion About a Potential Free-Fall for Blaine Gabbert
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When Locker was picked by the Titans, speculation was heavily afoot about a potential free-fall for Blaine Gabbert.
We all witnessed Aaron Rodgers' fall a few years back, then the Brady Quinn fiasco too.
Could we be in store for another one in Blaine Gabbert? Hmmm...
36. Gabbert's Free-Fall Stopping Immediately, Shutting Everyone Up
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No we weren't in store for another free-fall.
Gabbert almost immediately saw his phone ring, and the Jacksonville Jaguars shocked almost everyone by trading with the Redskins to snatch up the Missouri Tiger at No. 10.
Gene Smith is a relatively conservative personnel man who doesn't take many risks. A trade up plus the pick being a QB? That's not in Smith's normal character, but it shows how much the Jags love Gabbert.
35. Seeing Tyron Smith Get Drafted by Dallas at No. 9
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I've watched Smith play since his junior season, and I've always known he was a NFL-caliber player.
Smith dominated the LA NIKE Camp two years in a row as a prep and was a prime recruit. Seeing him get picked in the top 10 of the draft was a neat moment when you realize you semi-watched him grow up a bit, and now he's a pro.
Cool moment to see.
34. Trent Dilfer's Fourth-Round Rant About Kickers
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Kickers are not football players—according to Dilfer.
He says they don't attend meetings, never watch film and barely work out, which is almost true.
When the Eagles took Alex Henery in the fourth round at No.120, Dilfer was annoyed. He went off about kickers again and said, "All they do is watch cooking shows and shop online at practice."
Hilarious.
33. Gruden and Kiper Exchanging Their Super Bowl Picks and Gruden's Reaction
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This was a funny exchange.
Gruden and Kiper were speaking about the Houston Texans and their prospects for the potential 2011 season. Kiper was on his normal long, drawn-out rant, and he finished by saying, "Last week, my Super Bowl pick with a strong draft was the Houston Texans."
Gruden's speechless look of, "No you didn't," was priceless.
32. McShay's Statement on Sam Acho
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When Texas' Sam Acho was drafted in the middle rounds, Todd McShay was left to speak on him.
In one of his opening statements, McShay said, "If you spend an hour with Acho, you come away feeling bad about yourself."
This in reference to Acho's great character and charity work, which will surely increase with his newfound job.
31. Gruden Asking Kiper, "Where Do You Get Your Stats Mel?"
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Gruden, Kiper and Berman had some great exchanges between them during the early frames of the draft, making for great, funny television. If Gruden returns to the sidelines in 2012, he will be missed as an analyst.
During one on of the selections, Kiper went on a rant in regards to all kinds of statistical information, and in a sarcastic, obviously disagreeable tone, Gruden asked, "Where do you get your stats Mel?"
Great TV.
30. No Pouncey Twins Kiss at Pick No. 15
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Last year when the Steelers took Maurkice Pouncey, his twin brother Mike was so excited for him, they gave each other a brotherly smooch that drew mixed reviews.
Leading up the draft, the twins were asked if we'd be seeing another kiss when Mike was drafted. They steadily denied it.
When Mike was picked, a cool hug ensued, and that was that.
29. Chris Berman Saying, "They Like Me in San Diego."
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Chris Berman is one of the most popular sportscasters in the industry, but in the 1990's, he made a famous quote to a woman in a bar stating, "You're with me, leather."
While waiting for the Chargers to announce their pick, Berman became impatient, stating he could go down there and make the announcement because,"They like me in San Diego."
Not sure if that's true, but I could be wrong.
28. Trent Dilfer Saying He Didn't Play with a Lot of Great Receivers
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As I mentioned before, Dilfer is respected by many others (myself included) as an analyst.
But we all know he just managed the Ravens' offense to a Super Bowl behind what likely could be the greatest defense of all time.
During the draft coverage, Dilfer was analyzing the receivers in the draft and said, "I didn't play with a lot of great pass-catching receivers."
While this may be true, this can't be your sole excuse for subpar play, Trent.
27. Dilfer Going off About the Seattle Seahawks' Draft
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Back to Dilfer, he went off in the seventh round about the Seahawks' draft class. He stated it hurts him to see the Seahawks "whiff" on the draft and reach for players at each pick.
While the Seahawks may have reached on some picks, and passing on Andy Dalton may prove to be a haunting fiasco, only time will tell if this class will help the team.
26. New England Drafting Ryan Mallett
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You can argue that Mallett was the best QB in this draft from a pure, on-field performance evaluation. He has everything, sans mobility, that you want from a QB.
But him falling to the third round was a shock to most, and getting picked by the Pats of all teams was an even bigger shock because the Pats pride themselves on character guys, and Mallett fell because of character.
Also, I think—but I'm not quite sure—the Pats have an OK QB.
25. Tom Brady Texting Kurt Warner About Playing Another 10 Years
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With New England selecting Ryan Mallett in the third round, many now feel he is the heir apparent to Tom Brady.
That may not be the case, at least for a good while, if you ask Brady.
After the selection was announced, Kurt Warner stated he received a text from Brady that said the Pats superstar QB plans to play for another 10 years.
24. Gruden Calling out Kiper About Tebow
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Jon Gruden is what you call a "Tebow guy." He's a staunch supporter and believer of Tim Tebow as a starting NFL QB.
Then there are those who are not "Tebow guys."
During the first round, Kiper got on the subject of Tebow and said "Listen, I'm a Tebow guy."
Gruden interrupted, "No you're not," and smirked in the classic, sarcastic Chucky way.
23. Peyton Hillis Announcing the Browns' First-Round Pick
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Goodell stepped aside for a pick in the first round to let Peyton Hillis, the newly-anointed cover player for the 2012 edition of Madden, announce the selection for his Cleveland Browns.
Hillis enjoyed a breakout season in 2010 and will look to build on that in 2011 if there is a season. Seeing him announce Phil Taylor as the Browns' pick was a neat moment.
22. Gruden's "La-Di-Dah" Rant on Tampa Bay
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Gruden has drawn criticism for being too positive about everyone and everything as an analyst. He has also gone a bit over the top in praising the team that fired him, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Gruden stated, "Everyone wants to talk to about how they didn't beat a team with a winning record until Week 16, well la-di-dah."
You have to be entertained by Gruden.
21. Ryan Williams Crying When Drafted by Arizona at No. 38
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Again, when you see these guys show their raw emotion, it really gets to you.
If not, then I'd argue you have no soul.
These guys go through a grueling process of training, interviews, travel, pressure, being poked, prodded and more things you wouldn't believe.
I know, because I was once one of those assisting in the poking, prodding and such. Hearing their names called has been stated as indescribable feeling, and Williams was no different.
20. Gruden Changing the Subject When Berman Asked Him What Time He Wakes Up
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If you're a staunch follower of the NFL, then you've heard the stories of coaches getting to their offices at dawn to watch film and prepare.
Gruden is one of the those coaches, and he has been rumored to be at the office around 3:17 a.m.
When Berman asked him about it, Gruden changed the subject to suits and ties. Nice.
19. Jimmy Smith's Family Watching His Highlights Like They Were Live
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When the Ravens took Jimmy Smith in the first round, like every other prospect drafted, he was excited.
But his family took it another level.
Before I get to the that, did you see Drew Rosenhaus shushing people?
Anyways, when Smith got the call and ESPN started playing his draft highlights, some members of his family were watching and yelling, "Take it to the house Jimmy, take it to the house!"
Umm, these were highlights, not live television. We've all seen those highlights of Smith dozens of times. Why was his family watching and cheering along like it was live?
18. Gruden Getting Pumped About the Trade at No. 21
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When a trade was announced at pick No. 21 in the first round and with the Browns now on the clock, Gruden geeked because he thought a potential QB was coming off the board.
He stated, "I'm telling you, I think one of these QB's come off the board here."
Berman took a long pause and said, "It's Cleveland. They have Colt McCoy."
Another hilarious exchange.
17. Finding out Jim Harbaugh Covered Kicks as a Rookie in Chicago
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Jim Harbaugh was a bit of a journeyman QB in the NFL and has really made his mark on the football world as a coach. The former Stanford coach is the new sheriff for the 49ers and will surely go full tilt to get the job done.
But to find out that Harbaugh, a QB, played special teams and covered kicks his rookie year with the Bears while Jim McMahon was on the roster was a cool thing to learn.
16. Gruden Saying He Is Now a Stanford Cardnial Fan Because of Andrew Luck
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So you know you're big-time when you're still a college player, not even in the draft, and there is a segment devoted to you.
Andrew Luck saw just that this weekend, as his name was frequently mentioned by all the analysts.
Jon Gruden went as far to say he is now a Stanford fan because he likes Luck so much, which drew some chuckles form the panel.
15. Gruden Saying Kiper Talks Too Much
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Whether you love him or hate him, you still have to respect the work Kiper puts in year in and year out for the draft. He knows a wealth of information on just about all of the prospects, and that is a great feat.
So when Kiper, who doesn't get much face time during the season except during the draft, goes on a rant spitting out information on players, it's a sight to see.
Unless you're Gruden, who was left to talk about a prospect after Kiper and said, "Mel talks so much he never leaves me with anything to say."
14. Danny Watkins' Firefighter Buddies Cheering as the Eagles Drafted Him
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Watkins is a big guard prospect from Baylor who saw his name come off the board in the first frame.
He's also a former firefighter who has stayed close to his former coworkers, and hearing them overcome with joy and cheering as he walked on the stage after being picked by Philly was a cool moment.
13. Andy Dalton to the Bengals at No. 35
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Dalton is a prospect who saw his fortune in the draft process go opposite of Jake Locker's.
Coming into the season, it seemed Locker was the No. 1 overall pick. Despite dropping, he was still snatched up by the Titans at No. 8.
Dalton was seen as an undrafted free agent for much of the season. Then after winning the Rose Bowl, you started to hear late rounds. But the TCU QB rose and rose, and in the final weeks before the draft, first round was seen as a very realistic possibility.
The Bengals got him in the second round at No. 35, and he will perhaps replace Carson Palmer.
12. The 49ers Trading Up to Get Colin Kaepernick
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Watching Kaepernick play at Nevada was pretty neat because he defined the term "dual-threat QB." Kaepernick was a routine 3,000-yard passer and a 1,000-yard runner.
He has a cannon for an arm and stands in the 6'4", 225-pound range. I think he can be a top-flight starter in this league. For Harbaugh and Trent Baalke to go up to get him shows they love him.
What does this mean for Alex Smith?
11. Mark Ingram Getting Drafted by New Orleans
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The Saints are just one year removed from winning the Super Bowl and are still one of the elite teams in the NFL. When they chose Mark Ingram in the late first round, it was a mild shock to some.
Does this mean Reggie Bush is done in the Big Easy? Will he take a pay cut? How will Ingram be used in the offense?
10. Then Breaking Down When Suzy Kolber Read Him a Note from His Dad
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Ingram was very excited to finally be in the NFL, and his dad, Mark Sr., was there in spirit.
When it came time for Ingram's post-pick interview with Suzy Kolber, she read him a note from Mark Sr., and it got to the younger Ingram.
He broke down into tears and thanked his father, telling him he missed him and that "they" did it. Great moment.
9. Gruden's Rhyming
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Gruden is a pure football guy, through and through.
He loves to watch film, prepare, study, analyze, teach and other things football. So you have to excuse him for being a little annoyed with the labor situation, as the coaches are really the main people in limbo.
Gruden said, "Negotiate, litigate, the words I hate," during the second round in regards to the ongoing rift between players and owners.
8. Tampa Bay Stopping Da'Quan Bowers' Free-Fall at No. 51
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Da'Quan Bowers is one of the most elite players in this draft—when he's healthy.
He's going to need knee surgery and was deemed as a medical red flag by most of the league, plummeting out of the first round into the second during the draft.
Finally at No. 51, Bowers got the nod from the Bucs, and seeing his name finally come off the board was a memorable moment in the draft.
7. The Gruden Close-Ups
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Gruden is known for making the most priceless facial expressions and looks of anyone in popular culture. Seeing his close-ups and facial expressions come out during his delivery of points during the draft was again hilarious and entertaining.
6. The Ravens' Trade Falling Through, Leaving Baltimore with No Time Left
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The Ravens felt they had a trade worked out with the Bears at No. 26, to which it was deemed the Bears' priority to call the league office to notify Joel Bussert. Ozzie Newsome stated he was told by the Bears that they had notified the league, but in reality they didn't.
The Ravens saw their slot run out of the 10 minutes they had to make a pick, which has caused a bit of controversy. The Ravens asked that they be compensated for a pick from the Bears.
Baltimore still got their man in Jimmy Smith though.
5. Marshall Faulk Announcing the Rams' Second-Round Pick
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To me, the best former great to announce a pick in the second round was Marshall Faulk of the Rams. In his prime, in my evaluative opinion, Faulk was the best player in football.
There was nothing he could not do, seriously. Seeing him still be a part of the Rams is a wonderful sight to see, and announcing their second-round pick of Lance Kendricks was a cool moment.
4. Armed Forces Joining Goodell on Stage for the Eagles' Pick
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It's always cool to take time out to honor those in the Armed Forces for what they have done and continue to do for our country during these times.
As I've mentioned several times before, the NFL is always trying to do the classy thing with occurrences like this, and having various members of the Armed Forces onstage during the Eagles' pick was a very memorable moment.
3. Mel Kiper's Hair
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Not sure about you, but I don't know what to make of Kiper's hair.
What kind of style is that?
But the look has become synonymous with Kiper, and his hair has drawn reactions from everyone through the years.
Seeing it again this year—and every year—is always a memorable moment during draft weekend. Ryan Russilio of ESPN commented earlier this week that Kiper admitted to him he's cut it with a Flowbee.
2. Owners Winning in the St. Louis Eighth Circuit Court
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The owners lost in Minnesota, but found new home-field advantage in St. Louis. This was a shocking moment of the draft, as we learned the owners had won their appeal, and the lockout was back on.
I've been watching the draft since I was a kid, and this is the first time the shadow of something else has loomed over the excitement of the draft. The lockout's shadow was apparent all three days, and the moment we learned it was back was memorable.
1. Goodell Getting Booed and Fans Chanting, "We Want Football!"
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This took the cake for me. As I mentioned before, the lockout's shadow was all over and around this year's draft, so as soon as Goodell came on stage, a sea of boo's was heard through Radio City Music Hall.
Then a chant of, "We Want Football!" took place, and the commissioner stated a few times, "I agree."
Well get something done, commish. Training camp time will be here soon, and the clock is ticking.
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