2011 NFL Re-Draft: How Would the Draft Look If Re-Done Today?

Have you ever wondered how sweet life would be if a time machine existed? NFL teams are wondering the same as well. 

The 2011 NFL draft was believed to be one of the weakest in recent years. I somewhat disagree.

The first round of the draft produced several up-and-coming stars and a few duds. While we can all agree Cam Newton has performed up to billing, the same can't be said for Blaine Gabbert and a few other first-rounders. 

A few second-round selections made the list and one even went as high as 20. It goes to show you that hard work can sometimes beat superior talent. 

Without further delay, here is a re-draft of the first round of the 2011 NFL draft. 

1. Carolina Panthers

Selection: Cam Newton, Quarterback, Auburn 

The Carolina Panthers made the right decision when they selected the Auburn product with the first overall selection. 

Cam Newton has played phenomenal football up to this point despite the Carolina Panthers losing ways. He may finish the season with the best statistical output of any rookie to ever play the game. 

Newton has shown to be a threat as both a runner and passer. Critics labeled Newton as a one-dimensional player coming into the league, but his play has been anything but.

With the rumored switch to a 3-4 alignment on defense, Von Miller would make sense here as well.  

2. Denver Broncos

Selection: Von Miller, OLB, Texas

Although, Miller is more suited in a 3-4 alignment, he has dominated in John Fox's 4-3 scheme.

Miller is a pure speed rusher off the edge and has perfected the swim move. He still struggles against the run at times, but that is expected with a young player. 

If not for Cam Newton, Miller would be the leading candidate for Rookie of the Year honors. Miller leads all rookies with 10.5 sacks. 

3. Buffalo Bills

Selection: Ryan Kerrigan, OLB, Purdue 

Ryan Kerrigan has surprised many analysts and fans alike. Who knew the Purdue product would seamlessly transition from a DE to a OLB in a 3-4 scheme? 

I thought Kerrigan was an ideal fit as a 4-3/3-4 (2-gap) lineman but the Washington Redskins drafted him for the purposes of him playing OLB in a 3-4 scheme. I was unsure about the transition, but Kerrigan has put the concerning questions to rest. 

The Bills need pass-rushers off the edge to run their newly-minted 3-4 scheme, and Kerrigan could be the centerpiece. 

4. Cincinnati Bengals

Selection: Andy Dalton, QB, TCU

The Cincinnati Bengals will not have the opportunity to draft both A.J. Green and Andy Dalton. The Arizona Cardinals (5th overall selection) would undoubtedly select the TCU product if the Bengals foolishly passed on Dalton. 

While A.J. Green has superstar potential, you win in this league with a quarterback. 

5. Arizona Cardinals

Selection: Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri 

Why not stick with Patrick Peterson? Well, the Cardinals would love to keep Peterson, but they have a much more dire need at OLB.

The Arizona Cardinals hired defensive coordinator, Ray Horton, to run a Pittsburgh-style 3-4 defense. Smith has shown huge potential and could contribute immediately. 

Aldon Smith has 7.5 sacks on the season despite playing majority of his snaps in nickel packages. 

6. Atlanta Falcons (from Cleveland Browns)

Selection: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

The Atlanta Falcons would love for Patrick Peterson to fall in the draft. The Falcons made a bold move by trading up 21 selections to select sixth overall in the draft.

Thomas Dimitroff wanted to add an explosive player to the Falcons ranks and I'm sure he was hoping Peterson would still be available.

Julio Jones is more of a luxury, while Peterson would actually serve as an upgrade. 

7. San Francisco 49ers

Selection: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama 

With the loss of Aubrayo Franklin, the San Francisco 49ers would look to improve the interior of their defensive line. 

Analysts characterized Marcell Dareus as a 4-3 defensive tackle, but I believe the Alabama product can also play nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme. 

The 49ers would be giddy to add such a dominating interior presence to an already stacked defensive line. 

8. Tennessee Titans

Selection: Jake Locker, QB, Washington 

The Tennessee Titans love Locker's potential, so they stay the same. 

Jake Locker has shown flashes but currently sits behind Matt Hasselbeck on the depth chart. I can see Locker taking over the starting duties next season. 

The Titans would also consider selecting either Julio Jones or A.J. Green. 

9. Dallas Cowboys

Selection: Tyron Smith, OT, USC

Tyron Smith is currently starting at right tackle for the Dallas Cowboys. He has played well this season, so the Cowboys stay with their first-round selection. 

Smith could eventually shift to left tackle, which would then move Doug Free to right tackle. 

10. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Washington Redskins)

Selection: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia 

A.J. Green would instantly upgrade a pathetic receiver corps in Jacksonville. Mike Thomas is solid, but he is not a number one receiver like Green. 

Blaine Gabbert is clearly not ready to start, so the Jaguars opt to add a playmaker in the passing game. 

11. Houston Texans

Selection: J.J Watt, DE, Wisconsin 

The Texans would love to re-select J.J. Watt. He has exceeded expectations in Houston and is a perfect defensive end in Wade Phillips' 3-4 scheme. 

His game reminds me of another 3-4 defensive end—Justin Smith of the San Francisco 49ers. They both play with the same motor and relentlessness. 

Watt has recorded 45 tackles and 4.5 sacks up to this point in the season. 

12. Minnesota Vikings

Selection: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State 

The Minnesota Vikings surprised fans and analysts alike when they selected the Florida State quarterback with the 12th overall selection. 

Ponder is a perfect fit within a West Coast scheme and should flourish with more playing time. They benched Donovan McNabb in order to give the young quarterback more playing time.

His game reminds me of another quarterback: Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons.  

13. Detroit Lions

Selection: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado 

The Detroit Lions will finally address their protection issues with the selection of Nate Solder. Jeff Backus is solid, but he turned 34 in September. 

Solder currently sits behind Sebastian Vollmer on the depth chart but has played well in limited reps. He has the potential to turn into a phenomenal pass protector and would be a ideal fit in the Lions' pass-happy offense. 

14. St. Louis Rams

Selection: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama 

The St. Louis Rams would finally give Sam Bradford some help in the passing game with this selection.

The wide receiver corps in St. Louis is more pathetic than the group in Jacksonville (that's saying something). The Rams would be downright giddy if Jones falls this far in the draft. 

Jones has not disappointed in his rookie season. In eight games, he has recorded 30 catches for 498 yards (16.6 receiving average per catch). He has shown the big play ability the Falcons desired when they traded up to select the Alabama product. 

15. Miami Dolphins

Selection: Mike Pouncey, C, Florida 

Mike Pouncey has looked average at times but the rookie has also looked dominant as well. He has made the most impact in the running game.

According to football outsiders, the Dolphins run up the middle more times than any other direction (59 percent).  

16. Washington Redskins (from Jacksonville Jaguars)

Selection: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh 

The Washington Redskins missed out on Ryan Kerrigan (original selection) but should be satisfied with this selection.

The troubled wide receiver has some maturity issues, but no one denies his talent. 

17. New England Patriots (from Oakland Raiders)

Selection: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa 

The Patriots desperately need a young pass-rusher. Andre Carter has filled in nicely, but Clayborn would turn into a star under Bill Belichick's tutelage. 

Clayborn has picked up the sack production in recent weeks. He has recorded at least one sack in the last two games (both losses).

The Iowa product has five sacks up to this point in the season. 

18. San Diego Chargers

Selection: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor 

The San Diego Chargers could use a dominating interior presence in Greg Manusky's 3-4 scheme. Taylor is currently playing in Cleveland in Dick Jauron's 4-3 scheme. 

He played as a one-gap tackle at Baylor and could play as a run-stuffing two-gap tackle in Manusky's scheme.

The Chargers have played below average against the run and could use the big fella inside. 

19. New York Giants

Selection: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska 

The Giants are in desperate need of corner help, meaning that passing on Amukamara would be foolish. Amukamara has played in only two games (because of injury) but the potential is there. 

Amukamara recorded one interception between those two games. 

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Selection: Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh  

With Adrian Clayborn off the board, the Tampa Buccaneers select Jabaal Sheard with the 20th selection. Sheard was originally a second-round selection (Cleveland Browns).

Sheard is currently starting at left defensive end for the Cleveland Browns. He has played well, recording 4.5 sacks up to this point. 

As a pass-rusher, Sheard turned out to be a steal for the Browns. He should only get better as the season progresses. 

21. Cleveland Browns

Selection: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina 

Robert Quinn would be a nice addition to the Browns front seven. He has all the tools to become a dominant pass rusher in a 4-3 scheme.

Quinn has recorded five sacks despite being third on the depth chart at right end. I expect Quinn to receive more playing time in the last few games of the season with the Rams all but eliminated from playoff contention. 

22. Indianapolis Colts

Selection: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College 

The Indianapolis Colts decide to stay pat with Anthony Costanzo. Whoever quarterbacks this team next season will need solid protection. 

Costanzo has played well this season at left tackle despite the 0-16 hoopla surrounding this team. He was the most ready offensive lineman coming out of the draft and he has not disappointed. 

23. Philadelphia Eagles

Selection: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple 

Cullen Jenkins is not the long-term answer in Philadelphia. Wilkerson would bring some much needed athleticism to an Eagles defensive line that struggles to stop the run. 

Wilkerson can play end or tackle in a 4-3 scheme. 

24. New Orleans Saints

Selection: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama  

Saints fans shouldn't have any qualms with this selection. Ingram has formed a scary triplet with Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas in New Orleans backfield.

This is a pass-oriented Saints squad, but expect Ingram to earn more touches as the season progresses.

Look for Ingram to have a bigger role in the playoffs, especially if the Saints must play outside of their homey confines.  

25. Seattle Seahawks

Selection: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri 

Blaine Gabbert has looked very raw, but with a little seasoning, he could flourish. I can see Pete Carroll taking a chance on the big-armed quarterback with a late first-round selection. 

With Sidney Rice as a weapon, Gabbert should have more success in Seattle. Seahawks fans must stay patient, as it will take Gabbert a few years to develop. 

26. Kansas City Chiefs

Selection: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland 

With Jonathan Baldwin off the board, the Chiefs should select Torrey Smith. 

Smith has far exceeded expectations in Baltimore (current team) and should bring the same production to Kansas City. He is the ideal deep threat and would be a perfect complement opposite Dwayne Bowe. 

I see all-pro potential for Torrey Smith; so should the Chiefs. 

27. Baltimore Ravens

Selection: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado 

The troubled but talented cornerback should stay put in Baltimore. Smith currently sits behind Lardarius Webb but has shown flashes of potential. 

He injured his ankle in the season opener and has been absent since the Week 7 matchup against Jacksonville on Monday Night Football. 

Smith has the physical tools to become a shut-down corner (6'2", 210 pounds) but the off-field issues could derail his career. 

The Ravens will need Smith in the latter stages of the season, especially when they face teams with multiple receiving threats (Ex: Pittsburgh Steelers). 

28. New Orleans Saints (from New England Patriots)

Selection: Cameron Jordan, DE, California 

The Saints simply switched first-round selections. Cameron Jordan is currently starting at left defensive end. 

Jordan was thought to be one of the more ready draft prospects, but the sack production is lacking. He has not recorded a sack in 11 games (started all 11 games).

I thought Cameron Jordan was an ideal 3-4 end coming out of college, but the Saints believed he could play in a 4-3 scheme. I disagree and the production—or lack thereof—has somewhat proved my point. 

Nevertheless, I expect Cameron Jordan to improve and progress, but it will take some time before he becomes truly comfortable in a 4-3 scheme.

29. Chicago Bears

Selection: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin 

Gabe Carimi started the first two games at right tackle before suffering an injury that has sidelined him for the rest of the season. 

The Bears believe the rookie can be a great player but he has to stay healthy. They sure could use the 315-pound behemoth in the lineup. 

30. New York Jets

Selection: Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona 

Brooks Reed was originally a second-round selection by the Houston Texans (42nd selection). Reed has formed quite a duo with Connor Barwin at OLB and has played a huge role in the revitalization of the Houston Texans defense. 

Reed has recorded 36 tackles and six sacks up to this point in the season. The Jets desperately need a pass rush off the edge and Reed would nicely fit within Rex Ryan's 3-4 scheme on defense. 

The Jets would be ecstatic if Reed fell this far. 

31. Pittsburgh Steelers

Selection: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

Ayers is another second-round selection that many teams bypassed in the first round. He currently starts at OLB for the Tennessee Titans in their 4-3 scheme. 

Ayers has played well but I firmly believe the UCLA product would be a better fit in a 3-4 scheme as a SAM linebacker. The Steelers could even use Ayers as a pass-rusher, which would validate a first-round mark.

32. Green Bay Packers

Selection: Chris Culliver, CB, South Carolina 

Culliver was a third-round selection (80th selection) by the San Francisco 49ers. With Charles Woodson up in there age, the Packers could add to an already young but talented secondary. 

Statistically speaking, the Packers have the second-worst pass defense in the NFL (only the Patriots are worse).

Culliver is physical and has the speed to match up with the game's best deep threats. He has exceeded expectations in San Francisco despite playing behind both Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown.