2011 NFL Draft Results: Top 50 Smartest Picks of the 2011 NFL Draft
The NFL draft is always a crapshoot, and this year was no different.
Some of the top picks in the draft, including the top pick Cameron Newton, have plenty of concerns surrounding them.
Newton has a lot of upside, but he also has a fairly high bust potential, so I don't believe his selection was the smartest move by the Panthers.
However, many teams did make smart picks in this year's draft and here are 50 that stood out above the rest.
This list is in no particular order.
1. Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Begals
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The Bengals were able to get a good value when they took Andy Dalton in the second round as their potential franchise quarterback.
Cincinnati pretty much had to take a signal-caller in this year's draft because of Carson Palmer's apparent holdout.
Selecting Dalton was a very smart move on the part of the Bengals as they look to finally turn over a new leaf.
2. Jake Locker, QB, Tennessee Titans
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I know a lot of people are down on Locker, and they have some reason to be given his completion percentage, but I think the Titans got the player who will eventually be the best quarterback in this draft.
Not only did they get the guy who will be the best passer in this draft, but they also took him ahead of Blaine Gabbert, who many thought would go well ahead of Locker.
The Titans made the smart choice by taking one of the toughest players in this draft and a guy who will work his tail off to succeed in the NFL.
3. Colin Kaepernick, QB, San Francisco 49ers
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In a division that currently has just one legitimate starter signed to a contract (Bradford), the Niners picked up a very intriguing quarterback prospect in the second round.
Kaepernick has the ability to run and pass, but he needs to further develop his throwing ability before he becomes a legitimate NFL starter.
Luckily for Kaepernick and the Niners, new head coach Jim Harbaugh has had very good success with young quarterbacks in the past.
I think Kaepernick will turn out to be a better NFL quarterback than Cam Newton and he was taken with a lot less risk attached.
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4. Mikel Leshoure, RB, Detroit Lions
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The Lions had an outstanding draft and one of their best picks was Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure in the second round.
Leshoure should be a great complement to last year's selection, Jahvid Best, and he was arguably the second-best running back in the draft after Alabama's Mark Ingram.
5. Alex Green, RB, Green Bay Packers
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The Packers should have some solid options at running back this season with James Starks, Ryan Grant, and now third round selection Alex Green.
Green is a very versatile back who is well-versed in the passing game due to his time at Hawaii. Green will be a nice third down option for Aaron Rodgers and Co., with the ability to carry the load at times if need be.
6. Kendall Hunter, RB, San Francisco 49ers
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The Niners wanted to find a backup for running back Frank Gore in this draft and they found a good one in Oklahoma State's Kendall Hunter.
Hunter ran 1,548 yards last season for OK State and he should be ready to step in and contribute when needed for the Niners this season.
7. Jordan Todman, RB, San Diego Chargers
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I believe UConn running back Jordan Todman was a very smart selection in the sixth round of the draft.
Todman should be a great backup to Ryan Mathews at the time being, and he has the ability to carry the load if needed, after running for 1,694 yards on 334 carries last season.
8. Daniel Thomas, RB, Miami Dolphins
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Daniel Thomas should be a very productive running back for the Miami Dolphins after being taken with the 62nd pick in the draft.
The Dolphins needed to find a replacement for Ricky Williams, who will most likely leave as a free agent, and they found one in the 6'0", 230-lb. back.
Thomas had a problem with holding onto the ball at times for the Wildcats, but if he can take care of the ball at the next level, he could turn out to be a steal for the Dolphins.
9. Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay Packers
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Randall Cobb was an excellent selection and very smart addition with the final pick of the second round. Cobb should begin his career as the slot receiver in Green Bay, but over time he should find himself as Donald Driver's replacement.
For now, Aaron Rodgers has another strong receiving option, and that should definitely cause concern for the rest of the league.
10. Tandon Doss, WR, Baltimore Ravens
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The Ravens got one of the steals of the draft when they selected Indiana receiver Tandon Doss in the fourth round.
Baltimore needed to upgrade their receiving corps in this year's draft and they did so by picking up Doss, who has good size (6'2") and some of the best hands in the draft.
Quarterback Joe Flacco has to love what the Ravens did in the draft.
11. A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
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Receiver A.J. Green was an easy selection for the Bengals with the fourth overall pick, but that doesn't make the pick any less smart.
Green was the best receiver available in this draft and he should step right in as the Bengals new No. 1 receiver and Andy Dalton's favorite target.
12. Jon Baldwin, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
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I know that a lot of people would say that this pick was not too smart on the part of the Chiefs, and to you I say, you're wrong!
The Chiefs had a big need at receiver and they filled it with a big body (6'4") who just happens to have big-time talent.
Baldwin has attitude and maturity concerns, but I don't see that being a problem as long as Todd Haley is running the ship in Kansas City.
13. Greg Salas, WR, St. Louis Rams
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The Rams were another of the many teams in this draft looking to upgrade their receiving corps and I really liked their selection of Hawaii's Greg Salas.
The fourth-round pick should be a big addition for quarterback Sam Bradford and although he may never develop into a true No. 1 receiver, he has the talent to be a very productive player in the NFL.
Salas is a reliable catcher who should instantly become one of Bradford's favorite targets in the middle of the field.
14. Titus Young, WR, Detroit Lions
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The Lions need quarterback Matthew Stafford to stay healthy this season if they are to be successful, and in this draft they needed to get him some more weapons for when he is on the football field.
Boise State receiver Titus Young was a smart choice in the second round for the Lions, with his ability to stretch the field and potentially open the field up even more for Calvin Johnson.
15. Greg Little, WR, Cleveland Browns
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The Browns passed on their chance to land one of the draft's top receivers, Julio Jones, by trading their first round pick (another smart move) and instead they landed UNC's Greg Little.
Little was one of the many Tar Heels stars who was ineligible last season, but he has the play-making ability to be a star in the NFL and potential No. 1 receiver for years to come in Cleveland.
16. Virgil Green, TE, Nevada
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Green could be a bit of a project for the Broncos at tight end as he is a very raw player, but he is also a very athletic talent who could be a steal for Denver.
Green needs to improve his route running, but he runs well (4.54 40-yard dash time) and he has great hands. Denver could look very smart in a few years if Green can develop into a big-time receiving threat.
17. Marcus Cannon, OT, New England Patriots
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The Patriots made a smart move when they selected massive TCU offensive lineman Marcus Cannon in the fifth round.
Cannon was diagnosed with Non-Hodginks Lymphoma just before the draft took place, and if not for the diagnosis he would have likely gone in the first or second rounds.
Hopefully Cannon can make a full recovery, and if he does, Bill Belichick will look very smart once again.
18. Gabe Carimi, OT, Chicago Bears
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The Chicago Bears were smart when they told the Ravens they were going to make a trade with them, only to "forget" to turn the pick in as Baltimore's pick was skipped.
OK, calm down Bears fans.
The Bears actually were smart with their selection of Wisconsin offensive tackle Gabe Carimi. Although Chicago's offensive line did improve as the season went along, anyone who watched the game between the Bears and Giants at the New Meadowlands last season knows, Jay Cutler is lucky to still be alive.
Carimi should help Cutler sleep a little easier at night.
19. Anthony Castonzo, OT, Indianapolis Colts
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The Colts entered the draft with a plan and they executed the plan perfectly with their selection of Boston College offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo.
That plan involves the protection and preservation of Peyton Manning.
Mission accomplished.
20. Marcus Gilbert, OT, Pittsburgh Steelers
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The Steelers made a great move by selecting Florida offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert in the second round.
Gilbert could play guard or tackle for the Pittsburgh offense and there is a solid chance that he will be the Steelers starting right tackle when the 2011 season kicks off.
21. Tyron Smith, OT, Dallas Cowboys
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Jerry Jones learned from his mistake last season, when he drafted receiver Dez Bryant, instead of upgrading his offensive line.
Bryant is going to have a very productive career in the NFL, but the Cowboys made a smarter pick this season by selecting USC's Tyron Smith to play offensive tackle.
Smith should step in right away to help protect Tony Romo from another season-ending injury.
22. Nate Solder, OT, New England Patriots
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The Patriots did not have a great draft, but they made a smart move when they selected Colorado's Nate Solder with the 17th pick.
Solder is relatively new to the offensive line, having started his career as a tight end for the Buffaloes, but he is very athletic and he could turn out to be a Pro Bowl offensive tackle in the future.
23. Derek Sherrod, OT, Green Bay Packers
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The rich get richer with this pick, as the Super Bowl champs decided to get better in the trenches.
Green Bay selected Sherrod with the final pick of the first round to help protect Aaron Rodgers well into the future, and i believe that is exactly what he'll do.
24. Ryan Mallett, QB, New England Patriots
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The Patriots are hoping they won't have to play the former Arkansas quarterback anytime soon, but he does provide good insurance in case Tom Brady were to get hurt again.
And for a third-round pick, Mallett could be pretty good trade bait in the future.
25. Mike Pouncey, C, Miami Dolphins
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The Dolphins are hoping that Mike Pouncey will be nearly as good as a rookie as his twin brother Maurkice, was for the Steelers.
Mike should be an immediate starter as the Dolphins continue to build one of the league's best offensive lines.
26. Rodney Hudson, C, Kansas City Chiefs
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The Chiefs' selection of Hudson was arguably their best pick of the draft. The former Florida State center went in the second round to Kansas City and he has the ability to be one of the league's top interior lineman.
Hudson could start as soon as this season for the Chiefs if veteran Casey Wiegmann decides to retire.
27. Christian Ballard, DT/DE, Minnesota Vikings
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More than anything, this pick was a smart move by the Vikings because of the value.
Ballard was projected by most to be gone by the end of the third round, but the Vikings were able to snag him with the ninth pick of the fourth round.
Ballard could turn out to be a steal as he plays defensive end in Minnesota's 4-3 defense.
28. Stephen Paea, DT, Chicago Bears
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Paea should fill a big need for the Bears and that is the starting defensive tackle role. Chicago let veteran Tommie Harris go and they needed a replacement; Paea should step in and play a good amount as a rookie.
The former Oregon State star put up a record-breaking 49 reps at 225 on the bench press at the combine, making the Bears looking even smarter for taking him.
29. Marcell Dareus, DT, Buffalo Bills
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Buffalo had the league's worst run defense last season, so it was no secret that they needed to make some upgrades in their front seven.
Enter Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.
Smart move.
30. Jurrell Casey, DT, Tennessee Titans
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The Titans have been looking to replace defensive tackle Albert Haynewsworth ever since he left town and they appear to have finally done so with their third-round choice, USC's Jurrell Casey.
Casey should be one of the best defensive tackles in this draft class in a few years, and given the fact that he didn't go until the 77th pick, I'd say the Titans did well.
31. Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers was at one point considered to be the favorite for the No. 1 pick in the draft.
Instead he fell all the way to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the 51st pick. Bowers fell because of injury concerns, most notably to his knee, but if he can regain his health, he should be one of the biggest steals of this draft.
32. Cameron Heyward, DE, Pittsburgh Steelers
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The Steelers defensive line is starting to get up there in age, so the pick of Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward was a good one.
Heyward should see playing time as a rookie for the Steelers and he should only see more playing time as his career goes along. Heyward is very stout against the run, so he should have no problem fitting in for the Black and Gold.
33. Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Washington Redskins
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The Redskins could have selected Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert with their first round pick, but instead they traded down and made Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan the 16th player picked in the draft.
Washington made the right move.
Kerrigan should be a force lining up across from Brian Orakpo on the Redskins defense as they now have two pass-rushing threats.
34. Cameron Jordan, DE, New Orleans Saints
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Cal defensive end Cameron Jordan is a solid football, but he slipped a little bit on draft night as he fell the Saints with the 24th pick.
The Saints were very fortunate to get a player of Jordan's caliber in the latter stage of the first round. He needs to improve his pass rushing skills but he is already a great run stopper.
35. J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans
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The Texans made their defense the focus in this year's draft and they seemed to have done a great job at upgrading that side of the ball.
Watt is a high-motor player who should help out the Texans porous secondary with an improved pass rush. Watt was a great selection for Houston as they look to finally get over the hump and into the playoffs.
36. Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, New York Jets
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The Jets had a need on their defensive line that has now been filled by Temple's Muhammad Wilkerson.
Wilkerson is a very powerful athlete who should be a great fit in Rex Ryan's 3-4 defense as the Jets appear to have gotten solid value at the end of the first round.
37. Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Houston Texans
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Houston continued to upgrade their defense in the second round with their selection of outside linebacker Brooks Reed.
Reed's biggest strength is his ability to get to the passer and with his addition, as well as the addition of Watt, the Texans appear to be making major strides on the defensive side of the ball.
38. Mason Foster, ILB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Tampa Bay got one of college football most productive players when they selected Washington linebacker Mason Foster in the third round.
Foster was second in the country with 162 tackles last season and I expect him to be a solid linebacker in the NFL as well.
The Bucs may have gotten a steal with the former Husky star.
39. Casey Matthews, ILB, Philadelphia Eagles
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Casey Matthews' stock has definitely been helped out by the success of his brother, Clay, who is a star for the Packers, but Casey has some good ability as well.
While Casey's skill set is much different than his older brother's, he should be a productive NFL linebacker given his strong bloodlines and work ethic.
40. Akeem Ayers, OLB, Tennessee Titans
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Akeem Ayers draft stock plummeted after his 40-yard dash time at the combine (4.84), but I think the Titans made a very smart move by selecting the former Bruins outside linebacker in the second round.
Ayers is a solid football player and he makes plays on the field, so I don't carry what his 40 time was.
41. Dontay Moch, OLB, Cincinnati Bengals
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Dontay Moch may turn out to be a bust in the NFL, or he may turn out to be an incredible sack machine.
Moch has blazing speed (4.40) so I like his chances to be successful at the next level and I think the Bengals were smart to take a chance on this freak athlete with their third round pick.
42. Patrick Peterson, CB, Arizona Cardinals
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The Cardinals were another of the many teams who appeared to have a need at quarterback heading into the draft, and while I think they may regret passing on Locker down the line, they picked up one of the elite defenders in this draft class instead.
LSU corner Patrick Peterson is another freak athlete who should form a very tough duo with current Cards corner, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. That's a lot of speed in one secondary, so I am a big fan of this pick by the Cards.
43. Prince Amukamara, CB, New York Giants
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The Cardinals were another of the many teams who appeared to have a need at quarterback heading into the draft, and while I think they may regret passing on Locker down the line, they picked up one of the elite defenders in this draft class instead.
LSU corner Patrick Peterson is another freak athlete who should form a very tough duo with current Cards corner, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. That's a lot of speed in one secondary, so I am a big fan of this pick by the Cards.
44. Jimmy Smith, CB, Baltimore Ravens
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Colorado corner Jimmy Smith was viewed as a better corner than Amukamara by some draft analysts, but he also comes with many character concerns.
Smith should find getting in trouble hard in Baltimore, where he will have to answer to veterans Ray Lewis and Ed Reed should anything go not as planned.
45. Brandon Harris, CB, Houston Texans
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The Texans improved their secondary with their first two picks by upgrading their pass rush, and with their third pick they actually upgraded their secondary, taking Miami corner Brandon Harris.
Harris gives the Texans versatility as they could move him to the nickel spot or keep him outside as one their top guys.
46. Rahim Moore, S, Denver Broncos
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Denver had a big need at safety as they entered the draft and they decided to take not one, but two safeties.
The better of the two picks was Moore, who was considered to be the best safety prospect in this draft. Denver had a solid overall draft as they tried to reload their roster with as much talent as possible.
47. Alex Henery, K, Philadelphia Eagles
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Henery was the only kicker taken, and he went to the Eagles in the fourth round. Some people though that Philadelphia took him way too early, but he was clearly the top kicker in this draft and I thought they were smart to not take a chance.
Whether fans or players like it, kicking is an important part of the game, and the Eagles made a big upgrade in that area during this draft.
48. Stefen Wisniewski, C, Oakland Raiders
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Wisniewski was a smart pick by the Raiders because he is a solid player that should be an instant upgrade at center, and because he is a fan favorite already in Oakland.
Wisniewski is the nephew of former Oakland offensive lineman Steve, who is currently the team's assistant offensive line coach.
49. Justin Houston, OLB, Kansas City Chiefs
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The Chiefs got a potential first-round talent in the third round, and he filled a big need for the Kansas City defense.
There are some concerns about his motor, but all-in-all I think he was a great pick at that point in the draft given his upside and ability to get to the passer.
50. Nick Fairley, DT, Detroit Lions
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Fairley was the smartest pick in the entire draft.
The combination of Suh and Fairley is just downright scary and any concerns associated with the former Auburn star should be all but dismissed now that he will be playing next to one of the league's top defensive tackles this season.
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