2011 NFL Draft Results: Bold Career Peak Predictions for Top 64 2011 Rookies
The smoke has settled on the 2011 NFL Draft. We put an end to four months of speculation on where these prospects would begin their careers.
It was arguably the most entertaining draft weekend of all time, highlighted by trades and superstar talent in each round.
Now, instead of speculating where each player will be with countless mock drafts, we get to the real fun—determining how each player will perform in the NFL.
General managers and head coaches have a vision for each of their rookies. They picked the best of the best available to fit their systems to help them achieve their goal of a Super Bowl Championship.
Which of these rookies are destined to shatter the records books? Who will win a Super Bowl?
We have bold career peak predictions for every prospect selected in the first two rounds.
64. Randall Cobb, Kentucky WR to Green Bay Packers
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Sets Franchise Career All-Purpose Yards Record
Cobb is simply a great all-around football player. He can do everything on offense—run, catch and even pass. He is also a great return specialist.
In Green Bay, with a head coach like Mike McCarthy, Cobb will have every opportunity to display his all-around dominance on the field.
Expect him to line up everywhere, even quarterback in some packages, to exploit defenses. With his instincts and abilities—he will become another folk hero on Green Bay’s prolific list.
63. Marcus Gilbert, Florida OT to Pittsburgh Steelers
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Anchors Super Bowl-Winning Offensive Line
Chemistry goes an extremely long way in the NFL—you can’t teach it, it just comes naturally.
Pittsburgh desperately wanted to reunite center Maurkice Pouncey with his twin brother Mike, but the cost was far too high.
In the second round, the Steelers landed the next best option for Maurkice in former Florida teammate Marcus Gilbert.
Together, these two will become staples on a solid offensive line to anchor the team to another Super Bowl Championship.
62. Daniel Thomas, Kansas State RB to Miami Dolphins
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Sets Franchise Career Record for Rushing Yards
The Dolphins have a list of great running backs in franchise history.
As I suggested over the past month, the Miami Dolphins grabbed Daniel Thomas to be their next workhorse running back.
He is a perfect fit for this team; he can carry the load immediately and has very good speed, power and vision.
The Dolphins’ main objective with Tony Sparano as head coach is to run the football. His next objective is to also run the football.
Behind a bruising and athletic offensive line, Thomas will have every opportunity to be a dominant workhorse running back—and he has the tools to succeed in this system.
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61. Jonas Mouton, Michigan LB to San Diego Chargers
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Greatest Special-Teams Player in Franchise History
The Chargers’ special teams play was terrible last year, and it cost them the division title.
Despite better linebackers on the board in the second round, San Diego grabbed a sound prospect who can wrap up, which is exactly what they need to complete the third phase of the game.
Expect Mouton to anchor the special teams throughout his career and blow up return men along the way.
After making important stop after important stop, he will go down as the greatest special-teamer in franchise history, while helping keep the defense towards the top in run support as well.
60. Brandon Harris, Miami (Fla.) CB to Houston Texans
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Sets All-Time Franchise Interceptions Record
It may not be saying much because the Texans are still a young franchise and Dunta Robinson is no longer with the team, but Brandon Harris is already the second best cornerback in team history.
He will be a staple in the secondary for the remainder of his career, as Harris will show loyalty to the team that traded up for him during his freefall.
Teams are going to throw his way as he will always guard the No. 1 receiver. He has great instincts and with the Texans' highly improved pass rush, he will have every opportunity to intercept errant passes.
59. Greg Little, North Carolina WR to Cleveland Browns
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Becomes the Best WR in Franchise History
The Browns do not have a history of great receivers, which gives Little even more of a chance to reach this bold statement.
He is a freak athlete with great instincts, speed, strength, toughness and competitiveness. He will instantly become Colt McCoy’s favorite target as a rookie and for the remainder of his career.
We could very well be looking at the next Terrell Owens, just in a smaller frame. He still has a similar skill set and the determination to destroy all would-be tacklers.
In Cleveland’s system, he will have every opportunity to get the ball and run over defensive backs.
58. Torrey Smith, Maryland WR to Baltimore Ravens
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Sets Career Franchise Record for Most Yards Per Reception
The Baltimore Ravens desperately needed a speedster receiver to stretch the field. They landed one of the top options in the league—and he has better hands than most speedsters before him.
He gets to continue playing ball in Maryland, which makes this a great story as he gets to change the record books for the Baltimore franchise.
With Joe Flacco’s accurate rocket arm, Smith will be used to stretch the field—and he will haul in those deep bombs.
57. Mikel Leshoure, Illinois RB to Detroit Lions
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Regarded as Second-Best RB in Franchise History
Barry Sanders it the best running back in Detroit Lions history—always will be.
Mikel Leshoure, a first-round talent, will end his career just below him.
Leshoure has the excellent combination of vision, power, speed, durability and ball security.
He is expected to begin his career as a complement to Jahvid Best, but I expect him to take control of the starting gig quickly and become the focal point of an excellent offense.
He has every ability necessary to become the second-greatest back in franchise history.
56. Shane Vereen, California RB to New England Patriots
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Sets All-Time Receptions Record for Patriots Running Backs
Vereen is the best receiving back in this class—the perfect fit for Bill Belichick to replace the rapidly aging Kevin Faulk.
In their dink-and-dunk offense, Vereen will see a ton of playing time and will be a reliable check down option for Tom Brady.
He will be a major third-down threat out of the backfield and will rack up receptions as a viable option to rack up monster yards.
Although some believe him to be a reach selection in the second round, no running back in this class would be a better fit to replace Faulk for this championship-caliber team.
55. Rodney Hudson, Florida State OG/C to Kansas City Chiefs
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Retires a Chief After Starting Every Career Game
Hudson is a very good all-around offensive lineman. He can run- and pass-block with the best of the interior linemen in the draft.
Although he was my No. 1-rated center, he has the versatility to play guard for the Chiefs, who needed an upgrade for this emerging offense.
The Chiefs are an organization that have had Hall of Fame offensive linemen walk through the doors. I’m not calling Hudson a Hall of Famer, but he will finish his career in Kansas City.
54. Jaiquawn Jarrett, Temple S to Philadelphia Eagles
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Sets Single-Season Franchise Record for Interceptions and Defensive Touchdowns by a Safety
Although a reach pick in my eyes, Jarrett is a top-five safety in this draft. The Eagles always have quality corners, which means he will have every opportunity to ball-hawk as an Eagle.
He is one of the better safeties in this class in terms of coverage skills are concerned. He will attack the ball in the air as quarterbacks try to get one by the solid corners flocking in Philly.
53. Stephen Paea, Oregon State DT to Chicago Bears
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Anchors Line that Leads Team to Multiple NFC Championship Games
The Bears have one of the most intense defenses in the entire league full of superstar talent like Julius Peppers, Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. Still, this defense is lacking a powerful force in the middle of the line at defensive tackle.
Paea is the strongest player in this draft according to the Combine bench press drill. He suffered an injury earlier this year, but he will be fine to begin his career.
He is an underrated defensive tackle in this class and, with the help of his supporting cast, will take the Bears to multiple NFC Championship appearances.
52. Marvin Austin, North Carolina DT to New York Giants
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Staple On Giants Line for Entire Career, Makes Super Bowl Appearance
The Giants are an organization that prides itself on its defensive line each year. It has superstar talent across the line, especially at defensive end with Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul.
The one piece lacking on the defensive line throughout the years has been the defensive tackle position.
Cross that off the list now.
Marvin Austin has first-round talent with his dominating athleticism from the defensive tackle position. On this list, he will become a massive force of destruction, and will help lead the Giants to many victories.
51. Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson DE to Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Sets Single-Season Franchise Sack Record
In January, Bowers was the No. 1 overall selection. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
His troublesome knee caused him to drop all the way to the middle of the second round, causing 32 teams to pass on him.
He lands in a great destination, at least for the Bucs.
Bowers is an elite sack artist and he now has the biggest chip on his shoulder of anybody in the draft. He will be more determined than anybody to succeed after suffering a freefalling unlike anyone has ever experienced.
On a defensive line with Gerald McCoy and Adrian Clayborn, he will destroy quarterbacks and change the record books.
50. Marcus Gilchrist, Clemson DB to San Diego Chargers
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Sets Career Franchise Record for Tackles by a Defensive Back
Gilchrist is a masterful tackler from the defensive back position. He has the versatility to play cornerback and safety, which is perfect for the Chargers, who need an upgrade at both positions.
More importantly, the Chargers are in a division with three quality running backs, including superstars Jamaal Charles and Darren McFadden.
Gilchrist will be asked to throw his body into these ball carriers and excel on special teams. He has the abilities to meet the challenge as a tackling machine in San Diego.
49. Benjamin Ijalana, Villanova OT to Indianapolis Colts
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Starts Every Game Until Retirement with Colts
The Colts went full force to bolster their offensive line in this draft to protect Peyton Manning, as I said they should.
In turn, they landed two of the best offensive tackles in the draft. Ijalana will instantly become a staple on this offensive line to protect whichever quarterback fills in for Manning when he retires.
48. Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State OG/C to Oakland Raiders
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Team Captain, Retires in Black and Silver
Stefen has the bloodlines to succeed in the league.
One of the best interior offensive lineman in this draft, his father played for the Colts and uncle played and now coaches the offensive line for the Oakland Raiders.
The Raiders needed a dependable lineman of Stefen’s caliber. He will become a staple and leader for this team for years to come and will retire in the black and silver.
47. Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin TE to St. Louis Rams
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Sets Franchise Record for Touchdowns by a Tight End
Although I believe this was a poor pick, it’s not due to Kendricks’ abilities on the field. He very well rivals Kyle Rudolph for the top tight end in this draft.
Entering a team on the brink of success led by superstar Sam Bradford, Kendricks will quickly become a reliable target for the young quarterback.
In the red zone, Bradford will look to him early and often and make him a touchdown machine. He also has the athleticism to dominate the middle of the field to become far more than just a goal-line threat for touchdowns.
46. Orlando Franklin, Miami (Fla.) OG to Denver Broncos
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Wins Super Bowl Championship with Broncos
Franklin will help complete an already solid offensive line in Denver. The Broncos have one of the better young quarterback-running duos in the league but need more help from the offensive line to improve their games, which he will be able to do.
John Fox and John Elway are building a championship-caliber defense, which will of course weigh into the Broncos’ major success sooner than people think.
45. Rahim Moore, UCLA FS to Denver Broncos
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Super Bowl Championship with Broncos
Moore is one of my favorite safeties in this class due to his all-around abilities to play the position. He will make an immediate impact for this secondary and is clearly the future of the team.
He has a great mentor in Brian Dawkins, who is one of the best safeties of all time. Moore will become a better tackle to go along with his solid coverage skills by watching Dawkins abuse ball carriers.
Moore will become an important piece to the Broncos’ defensive success quickly.
44. Titus Young, Boise State WR to Detroit Lions
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Sets Single-Season Franchise Receptions Record
Young heads to the best destination for a player with his talents. He will have a great running game, a very good young quarterback in Matthew Stafford and the more importantly, Calvin Johnson drawing double coverage for the rest of his life.
He will be able to sneak into soft spots in the coverage to pick apart defenses. Johnson is the big-play threat and doesn’t rack up as Andre Johnson-type receptions just yet. Now, he won’t have to because Titus will be the one dissecting defenses underneath.
43. Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame TE to Minnesota Vikings
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Sets Career Franchise Record for Touchdowns by Tight End
A young quarterback’s best friend is his receiving tight end. Rudolph has the talent to become one of the best receiving tight ends in the league today, as he reminds many of Oakland’s Zach Miller.
The Vikings grabbed Christian Ponder to be their franchise quarterback—an accurate passer who does not truly have the arm strength to stretch the field.
This means Ponder will be looking for receivers underneath coverage and in the middle of the field, which is right where Rudolph will be. Kyle will be Christian’s favorite target, especially in the red zone.
42. Brooks Reed, Arizona DE/OLB to Houston Texans
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Sets Franchise Career Sack Record
Reed is one of the safest players in this draft and heads to a team that will maximize his potential. He has a fantastic work ethic and nonstop motor on the field. Now on this defense full of superstar talent, he will be able to attack the passer relentlessly, just like he did in college.
Reed reminds many of Green Bay’s Clay Matthews—and not because of the hair. He is a very good pass-rusher with solid speed and speed all around. Wade Phillips will have fun unleashing this animal on the rest of the NFL.
41. Jarvis Jenkins, Clemson DT to Washington Redskins
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Becomes One of the Greatest Defensive Tackles in Redskins History
Jenkins has big shoes to fill—literally, not figuratively—as he comes in to replace Albert Haynesworth.
Haynesworth was beyond awful as a Washington Redskins, effectively helping to destroy his own career.
Jenkins comes in to show Redskins fans what it is like to have a devastating force up front from the defensive tackle position.
He will be a breath of fresh air for Mike Shanahan. Now with an improving defense around him, Jenkins will have the opportunity to dominate up the middle.
40. Bruce Carter, North Carolina OLB to Dallas Cowboys
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Becomes Best Dallas Cowboys Linebacker in History
The Cowboys have a laundry list of elite players in their history—chalk up Bruce Carter as the next one on the list.
He is one of my favorite linebackers in this class for his all-around abilities as a linebacker. He is one of the safest picks at the position in the class for his sound tackling, ability to rush the passer, experience, size, strength and speed.
This is the linebacker Jerry Jones has been searching for to anchor his defense. Expect him to become a leader for this team.
DeMarcus Ware may be the greatest pass-rusher in Cowboys history when his career is over, but Carter will go down as the team’s best overall linebacker to date.
39. Akeem Ayers, UCLA OLB to Tennessee Titans
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Becomes Greatest Outside Linebacker in Team History After Keith Bullock
Akeem Ayers slipped in this draft due to concerns over his work ethic. He still one of the best linebackers in the class for his sideline-to-sideline speed, ability to rush the passer and drop back into coverage.
Expect him to realize that he needs to work following his slip into the second round and prove to everyone that he really is one of the best linebackers from this class.
Keith Bullock is the best linebacker in franchise history, Ayers will rival him.
38. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech RB to Arizona Cardinals
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Sets Franchise Career Record for Attempts, Yards and Touchdowns
Due to the lack of a quality passer, Ken Whisenhunt will rely on his rushing attack to carry the team.
Chris Wells may be better suited as a change of pace power back after battling injury all last season.
Williams has workhorse ability with great speed, power and vision. Whisenhunt will pound his running backs into the ground from Day 1.
Wells may choose to leave the Cardinals when his contract is up—because Ryan will be getting the bulk of the carries as he becomes the best runner in franchise history.
37. Jabaal Sheard, Pittsburgh DE to Cleveland Browns
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Sets Franchise Single-Season Sack Record
Jabaal Sheard is a top-10 defensive end in this class with his athleticism and knack for attacking the passer.
With Phil Taylor anchoring the defensive front seven, Sheard will be able to dominate offensive lineman from Day 1 as a rookie.
He will become a leader for this defense and a staple on the defensive line. When his career is over, he will come very close to capturing the Browns’ franchise career sack record.
36. Colin Kaepernick, Nevada QB to San Francisco 49ers
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Leads 49ers to Multiple NFC Championship Appearances, Sets Rushing Record for 49ers QB
Kaepernick was my No. 4 quarterback in this class for his experience, leadership, rushing ability, arm strength and accuracy. He is the complete package and the 49ers grabbed him at the right time.
Kaepernick may not start as a rookie, but he could very well play in a few packages.
With his athleticism and rushing ability, he will become the 49ers’ all-time leading QB rusher and take the team deep in the playoffs during his career.
35. Andy Dalton, TCU QB to Cincinnati Bengals
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Leads Bengals to Super Bowl Championship
Dalton gained a ton of momentum over the last few weeks heading into the draft—because after analyzing the quarterback class, scouts realized he has the tools to become a winning franchise quarterback in the NFL.
Dalton was a great college quarterback and comes to the league with great experience and leadership qualities. He is joining a team that needs a new face of the franchise, and he will bring a winning swagger to the team.
With his solid arm strength, accuracy and winning ways, he will be the QB who finally leads the Bengals to a Super Bowl Championship.
34. Aaron Williams, Texas CB to Buffalo Bills
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Sets Franchise Record for Career Pass Break-Ups
Williams is my No. 5 cornerback in the class. He has the ability to play safety and corner in the NFL with his size.
He is a risk-taking corner, so he will give up yards and touchdowns. Yet he has the ability to jump routes and bat down passes and intercept others.
With his nature to attack the ball, he will break up more passes than anybody in Bills history.
33. Ras-I Dowling, Virginia DB to New England Patriots
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Leads Patriots to Super Bowl Appearance
Bill Belichick loves to employ versatile defensive backs who can do it—Dowling fit the bill this year.
He can play safety and cornerback and is a sound overall football player. He will become a leader for this secondary with his skills and versatility as he completes a dominant unit.
32. Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State OT to Green Bay Packers
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Finishes Career with Packers
The Green Bay Packers are stacked and ready for a Super Bowl repeat, but they desperately needed to find a way to better protect Aaron Rodgers, who was beaten up last season.
Rodgers is the most important player on this team—without him, their Super Bowl hopes are over.
Sherrod is a versatile offensive lineman who is solid all-around in pass- and run-blocking. He was my No. 5 offensive tackle in the draft and heads to a team that is known for longevity within their offensive line unit.
31. Cameron Heyward, Ohio State DE to Pittsburgh Steelers
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Sets Career Franchise Record for Sacks, Leads Steelers to Super Bowl Championship
Cameron Heyward will go down as the best defensive lineman in Steelers history. He has the ability and bloodlines to thrive in this defense.
He is one of the better 3-4 defensive ends in the class. He has the knack for attacking quarterbacks and ball carriers and successfully bring them to the ground.
Heyward will become the leader of this defensive line with his experience and qualities. He is a Pro Bowl talent on a defense littered with Pro Bowl and Hall of Fame talents.
30. Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple DE/DT to New York Jets
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Sets Career Franchise Record for Sacks, Leads Jets to Super Bowl Championship
Wilkerson is a top-10 talent in this class and heads to the perfect destination. He joins an elite defense, which will be greatly improved by his elite abilities.
He is one of the best 3-4 defensive linemen in this class and will be unleashed upon the NFL by Rex Ryan.
He has a terrific work ethic and abilities to stop the run and sack the quarterback. He is the type of player who can help the Jets get to the Super Bowl—and win.
29. Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin OT to Chicago Bears
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Becomes the Most Dominant Run-Blocker in Franchise History
Carimi is my No. 1 offensive tackle in this draft—and he believes it, too. He is one of the nastiest offensive linemen to ever come out of college.
In run-blocking, he will absolutely maul defensive linemen and power his running back to the end zone.
Dropping all the way to No. 29, despite being the best offensive lineman, will put a massive chip on his shoulder. Defensive linemen better watch out when they match up with this powerful, determined man.
28. Mark Ingram, Alabama RB to New Orleans Saints
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Becomes All-time Saints Leader in Rushing Yards, Leads Saints to Super Bowl
Mark Ingram is one of the angriest runners in the history of running backs and has been compared to Emmitt Smith before.
He will be the perfect complement to Drew Brees throughout his career. With the focus on stopping Brees and the passing attack, Ingram will be able to gut defenses as he powers the team back to the Super Bowl.
He is the type of back who will fight for every single yard possible—and it will pay off as he sets the franchise record.
27. Jimmy Smith, Colorado CB to Baltimore Ravens
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Sets Franchise Single-Season Interceptions Record
Jimmy Smith is one of my favorite players in this entire class. He has elite ability and has even been compared to Nnamdi Asomugha, who is the best cornerback in today’s NFL, depending on who you talk to.
Smith can play in any defense, but his elite ability to track the ball will lead to dominance. He is a strong corner, so he will be able to press receivers at the line of scrimmage.
He also has great hands and will intercept a ton of passes with his vision and playmaking ability.
26. Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh WR to Kansas City Chiefs
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Sets Single-Season Franchise Touchdown Record
Baldwin has the ability to become a major red-zone threat in the league with his size and leaping ability.
He heads to a great destination, as Matt Cassel is an effective passer and Dwayne Bowe emerged as a legitimate No. 1 receiver.
As teams double-team Bowe, Baldwin will have every opportunity to dominate the touchdown category.
25. James Carpenter, Alabama OG to Seattle Seahawks
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Retires a Seahawk
It’s not James Carpenter’s fault Pete Carroll reached for him.
He is a very good overall offensive lineman and will greatly bolster the offensive line.
Carroll’s main objective is to build a line that can both pass protect and create lanes for the running back—Carpenter will help the offense achieve their goals.
24. Cameron Jordan, California DE to New Orleans Saints
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Sets All-Time Franchise Career Sack Record
The Saints haven’t had a true dominant defensive end in the history of the franchise—until now.
Jordan is arguably the most NFL-ready player in this entire draft. He is fantastic overall in getting to the passer and taking down ball carriers.
His father, Steve, played for the Vikings during his NFL career, so the bloodlines are clearly there.
Jordan is a late first-round gem as he is a top-10 talent in this class. The Saints needed to upgrade their defensive line, and they landed a steal.
23. Danny Watkins, Baylor OG to Philadelphia Eagles
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Starts Every Game as Eagle Until Retirement
Watkins is closer to 30 years old than 20, so this isn’t the boldest of statements.
He is an athletic offensive lineman and fits in with the style of play the Eagles are known for.
It remains to be seen if he’ll be able to keep up with Michael Vick extending plays, but Philly fans can rest assured this determined man with a good work ethic will be out there each week busting his butt to protect him.
22. Anthony Castonzo, Boston College OT to Indianapolis Colts
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Starts Every Game of Career with Colts, Retires with Team
Castonzo was my No. 3 offensive tackle in the draft and was a staple for the Boston College Eagles up front. Long after Peyton Manning retires, Castonzo will still be starting for the Colts, protecting Manning’s successor.
He may be the best overall offensive tackle in the class when taking into account pass-blocking and run-blocking. He landed in the perfect destination, as most Colts staples stick it out for the long haul.
20. Adrian Clayborn, Iowa DE to Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Starts Every Game of Career, Retires A Buccaneer
Clayborn’s stock began to drop in recent weeks due to concerns over his Erb’s Palsy condition. Many wondered if he would be able to last for the long haul in the NFL.
It’s good to see that his stock didn’t drop for the Bucs, who grabbed him at No. 20. He is a high character, determined person and will be a motivational leader in the locker room.
With his drive, expect him to suit up every week in Tampa Bay.
19. Prince Amukamara, Nebraska CB to New York Giants
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Sets Franchise Record for Career Pass Break-Ups, Makes Super Bowl Appearance
Amukamara is one of the finest football players in the class and had no business dropping to No. 19.
With the Giants’ incredible defensive line, expect him to be able to make a lot of plays on the ball as quarterbacks are rushed into quick decisions and errant throws.
He has quick, strong hands and will knock a lot of balls away from receivers.
18. Corey Liuget, Illinois DT to San Diego Chargers
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Sets Career Tackles for Loss Record with Chargers
Liuget was a top-10 talent in this draft. He has remarkable potential to go along with his elite ability.
He is a high-character player with a fantastic work ethic and the determination to be a major success in this draft.
In the Chargers’ offense, expect him to make a great impact and consistently get into the backfield to bring down ball carriers.
17. Nate Solder, Colorado OT to New England Patriots
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Scores Most Career Touchdowns as Offensive Lineman
A converted tight end, Solder will be one of the most athletic lineman in the history of the league. Even more, he will be able to catch the football.
Bill Belichick enjoys lining up unexpected players in the red zone. With a host of other tight ends on the team to be covered, Solder would be a sneaky option for the Patriots to declare eligible.
16. Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue DE to Washington Redskins
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Sets Franchise Single-Season Sacks and Tackle for Loss Records
Ryan Kerrigan is just a great football player. He is a very good tackler but is even better at sacking quarterbacks.
He was one of the nation’s best pass rushers during his tenure at Purdue. In the NFL, with Brian Orakpo on the defense, he will still excel at knocking QB’s to the ground.
Washington needed to upgrade their pass-rush and overall defense badly—Kerrigan is a fantastic fit.
15. Mike Pouncey, Florida OG/C to Miami Dolphins
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Regarded as Greatest Interior Lineman in Franchise History
Pouncey is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in this entire class. He is extremely athletic and is excellent in both run- and pass-blocking.
His elite abilities will only improve as he joins an offensive line led by Jake Long.
Mike’s brother, Maurkice, was selected to the Pro Bowl last year as a rookie, and we can only expect Mike to follow in his footsteps.
14. Robert Quinn, North Carolina DE to St. Louis Rams
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Sets Career Franchise Record in Sacks and Interceptions for Defensive End
Robert Quinn is one of the most athletic defensive players in this entire draft. He joins a team that desperately needs a dominant pass-rusher.
With James Laurinaitis patrolling the middle of the field, he will be able to rush off the edge to pounce on quarterbacks.
With his elite athleticism, he will be able to get in the QB’s face to knock down and intercept passes.
13. Nick Fairley, Auburn DT to Detroit Lions
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Regarded as Part of Greatest Defensive Tackle Duo in NFL History, Sets Career Franchise Record for Fumbles Forced
Nick Fairley is one of the most dominating defensive tackles in the history of the game after powering the Auburn Tigers defense to a National Championship.
He has a killer mean streak and innate ability to destroy all ball carriers.
He heads to Detroit to team with Ndamukong Suh, last year’s No. 2 overall selection and already the No. 1 defensive tackle in the game today.
Together, these two will form the most relentless defensive tackle tandem of all-time. With Suh demanding most of the attention, Nick will be able to knock the ball away from quarterbacks at a record-setting pace.
12. Christian Ponder, Florida State QB to Minnesota Vikings
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Sets Franchise Single-Season Completion Record, Leads Vikings to Super Bowl Appearance
The Vikings shocked many by choosing Christian Ponder, but I wasn’t one of them.
He is the perfect quarterback for their system, which only requires a game-managing, accurate leader with experience and smart decision-making.
He has every tool necessary to lead the Vikings to the top—and he will. He will become an extremely efficient and effective signal-caller with the Vikings’ championship-caliber supporting cast.
11. J.J. Watt, Wisconsin DE to Houston Texans
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Sets Franchise Record for Tackles for Loss and Most Fumbles Forced
J.J. Watt is a powerhouse of a defensive end with a nonstop drive and work ethic. With elite talent around him like Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, Brian Cushing and Brooks Reed, he will be able to destroy ball carriers and quarterbacks.
Expect to see him consistently in the backfield blowing up offensive game plans with his ability to shred blockers with brute force.
10. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri QB to Jacksonville Jaguars
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Sets Career Franchise Record in All Major Passing Categories
Blaine Gabbert heads to one of the best destinations possible. He is not ready just yet to be a starting quarterback, but he has every tool necessary to succeed.
The Jaguars have had a history of fine quarterback play, but with Gabbert’s accuracy, mobility and arm strength, he will shatter the record books.
He will sit for a year to see the game from the sidelines and then take the reins next year as the starting quarterback.
He will have less pressure and will feel far more comfortable with the team, which will accelerate his progression.
9. Tyron Smith, USC OT to Dallas Cowboys
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Starts Every Career Game for Cowboys, Regarded as Greatest Lineman in Franchise History
Tyron Smith is the most athletic offensive lineman in this draft. He is a powerhouse of a man who is quick and light on his feet. He is the clear-cut best pass-protector in the draft and will be a staple for the Dallas Cowboys.
Jerry Jones played it safe by grabbing Smith, but we all know he has every tool to dominate this league on the offensive line. The Cowboys needed to protect superstar Tony Romo and grabbed the No. 1 player who could help them conquer that mission.
8. Jake Locker, Washington QB to Tennessee Titans
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Sets Franchise Single-Season Record for Rushing Touchdowns by QB
The Titans have a history of great, athletic quarterbacks who can dominate the game with both their arm and legs.
Although I’m not high on Jake Locker, he does have a lot of raw talent as a passer. More importantly, he has the mobility, size and speed to be an extremely effective scrambler.
He has fine decision-making skills but lacks the solid accuracy of a starting NFL QB. This means he will rely more on his athleticism to help control the pace of the game.
He is a fearless player, which may hurt him in the NFL, but will make him a fan favorite as he sacrifices his body for his teammates and touchdowns.
7. Aldon Smith, Missouri DE/OLB to San Francisco 49ers
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Sets Single-Season Franchise Record for Sacks
Jim Harbaugh has officially created the NFC’s version of Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs, as his 49ers boast Patrick Willis and Aldon Smith.
Willis may very well be the best defensive player in the entire league. With the focus on him, Smith will be able to come off the edge to annihilate quarterbacks.
He has freak-like pass-rushing abilities and has been compared to DeMarcus Ware recently—I like to compare this duo to the Baltimore Raven’s star-studded linebacker tandem.
The 49ers have lacked an elite pass-rushing linebacker for quite some time now. They have finally found their man in Aldon Smith.
6. Julio Jones, Alabama WR to Atlanta Falcons
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Sets Franchise Career Records for Receiving Yards and Receptions
Many are bashing the Falcons for trading up to grab Julio Jones—I’m not one of them.
Jones and Roddy White now create the greatest receiving duo in the history of the franchise.
He heads to one of the prime destinations for a player with his skill set. He will eat up No. 2 cornerbacks in this league and rack up receptions and yards as teams are forced to double-team Roddy White.
Jones is now equipped with a superstar quarterback for the rest of his career. He completes this high-octane offense and will rival every offensive player in the draft for Rookie of the Year honors.
5. Patrick Peterson, LSU CB to Arizona Cardinals
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Sets Franchise Career Records in Interceptions and Defensive/Return Touchdowns
Patrick Peterson is my No. 1 overall player and heads to Arizona to complete this secondary.
He is an elite talent with remarkable physical abilities. He is a very good tackler and has incredible instincts and ball-hawking skills.
Furthermore, he is an excellent return specialist and will be used to create a spark on special teams on top of his defensive duties.
Expect to see many highlights out of Peterson that include him racing into the end zone, as this could be the second coming of Deion Sanders.
4. A.J. Green, Georgia WR to Cincinnati Bengals
60 of 63
Sets Single-Season and Career Franchise Records for Touchdowns
A.J. Green is the elite offensive talent in this draft. He is the best wide receiver to enter the NFL since Calvin Johnson—which is extremely high praise.
He has amazing hands, leaping ability, speed, vision, footwork, balance and separation skills, which will allow him to absolutely dominate the NFL.
None of the other receivers on this team can touch A.J. Green right now, which will make him the definitive option when looking to score.
With Green's ability to haul in any pass thrown his way, Andy Dalton will always look to him first.
There is no doubt that Green will excel, as he is a “can’t miss” prospect.
3. Marcell Dareus, Alabama DT to Buffalo Bills
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Sets Franchise Career Record for Tackles for Loss
Marcell Dareus is my No. 3 player from this draft. He has the versatile abilities to line up anywhere on the defensive line.
It is his work ethic, determination, motor and athletic ability that will allow him to consistently penetrate into the backfield to take down quarterbacks and running backs in the NFL.
The Bills’ defense is improving rapidly, which will greatly assist him on the line as teams cannot gear to just stop him. Dareus will be the anchor of this defense and have a long, successful career.
2. Von Miller, Texas A&M to Denver Broncos
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Sets Franchise Record for Sacks by a Linebacker, Wins Super Bowl Championship
Miller is the elite pass-rusher of this class. Although heading to a 4-3 defense, don’t think for a second this man won’t be able to still get to the passer with his speed, instincts and overall exceptional athleticism.
He is an extremely high character man with a fantastic work ethic and competitive nature. He was my No. 2 overall prospect and a can’t-miss prospect.
Elvis Dumervil returns this season to play defensive end as one of the elite pass-rushers in the league, which will create a lot of room off the edge for Von to swoop in and annihilate quarterbacks.
John Fox built a strong defensive core in this draft—and they will help lead the Broncos to a Super Bowl Championship—with Tim Tebow at quarterback.
1. Cam Newton, Auburn QB to Carolina Panthers
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Sets Career Franchise Records in All Major Passing Categories, Rushing Yards and Touchdowns by a QB, Wins Super Bowl Championship
Cam Newton has been a superstar wherever he’s played. He won the Heisman trophy, BCS National Championship and was justly selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
He will sell jerseys and tickets, but more importantly, hope to his Carolina fans and teammates. In every single game, his teammates will know they have an opportunity to win.
He is one of the most heroic quarterbacks in college football history. His mystique and aura will follow him throughout his career.
He has the arm strength, motor, speed, size, strength and determination to succeed—which will be solidified with every major passing record, rushing yards and touchdowns recorded by a QB and most importantly, a Super Bowl ring by the time he retires.
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