2011 NFL Draft Results: The Five Safest Picks of the 2011 NFL Draft

Hard to Argue with Some 2011 NFL Draft Results

The 2011 NFL Draft has come and gone. Now that it has, we football junkies are faced with a long stretch of nothing (also baseball) until the start of the 2011 season. And of course, the stretch could get even longer if the lockout starts biting into the season.

But let's not think about that. It's too depressing. Instead, let's talk about the draft, shall we? And for the sake of keeping this conversation light, let's talk about which teams scored big over the last couple days.

Sooner or later, there are going to be plenty of stars born out of this draft. But as I see it, there are a couple can't-miss prospects that made for very safe picks. Here are my Top Five.

5) Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Unlike most of the other quarterbacks in this year's draft class, I would not label former TCU QB Andy Dalton as a "boom-or-bust" prospect. Because the Bengals took him in the second round, he won't really be a bust if he doesn't pan out.

And given his skill set, he's probably not going to be a star along the same lines as Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. Instead, I think he will be steady, and I think he will be a consistent winner. The Bengals definitely scored when they landed him.

4) Anthony Castonzo, OT, Indianapolis Colts

As always, the Colts came into the draft without that many glaring needs, but they did need offensive line help. Castonzo is perfect for them. He's a big, strong drink of water with quick feet and above-average athleticism.

He'll make it very hard for edge rushers to get to Peyton Manning, which should ensure another 10-win season for the Colts.

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3) Mike Pouncey, C/G, Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins could have taken Mark Ingram. They also could have taken Ryan Mallett. Instead, they took Mike Pouncey.

Because he's the twin brother of Steelers Pro Bowler Maurkice Pouncey, the blueprint for NFL success is there. And because the Dolphins had a need in the middle of their offensive line, it really doesn't get much safer than this.

2) A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Taking wide receivers in the Top Five is tricky. This is the ultimate boom-or-bust position, and there have been plenty of Top Five WRs in recent years who haven't panned out.

The good news for the Bengals is that Green doesn't seem to be one of these guys. He has extremely rare physical assets, and his instincts and route-running skills are elite.

He won't always be flashy, but he'll be productive. Combined with Dalton, the future is bright for the Bengals.

1) Marcell Dareus, DT, Buffalo Bills

I could have gone with Von Miller at this No. 1 spot, but it's true what they say about him being better suited to play in a 3-4 than a 4-3. As for Dareus, the Bills and their fans have nothing to complain about.

He has everything you want in a defensive lineman, plus a little extra. He's going to rush the passer, and he's going to stuff the run. For a team that struggled mightily in both areas in 2010, Dareus is a godsend.