The 2011 NFL Mock Draft has a much different look following the NFL Combine. The previous No. 1 overall pick slides nearly out of the top 10, while the new man atop the mock draft didn't even participate in all the combine drills.
Mar 2, 2011 - The 2011 NFL Combine is in the books, and, as usual, while the weekend's workouts didn't completely change the landscape of NFL mock drafts everywhere, it created enough clarity about certain players to sufficiently tweak most projections. That includes our latest projection, which ironically starts with a player who did not compete in every positional drill in Indianapolis.
1. Carolina Panthers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri. If the Panthers have any conviction whatsoever that there's a franchise quarterback in this draft class, they have to take him. (Mike Mayock seems pretty convinced that Gabbert is legit for the time being.) If they don't like a quarterback, keep an eye on the two top defensive ends.
2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU. People will argue, justifiably, that Denver's defensive problems lie in the front seven. The league's second-worst run defense will be assisted by having two corners on an island, however - compressing one or both safeties into the box - and Peterson is the best defender available.
3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M. Quarterback is still a popular pick for the Bills, but there's every chance that they'll pass on a risky proposition in favor of an elite edge rusher. Von Miller gets a slight edge over other considerations here because of scheme fit, versatility and coverage upside.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia. Carson Palmer's threats will force the Bengals to do extensive homework on the available quarterbacks, but this has always been a team that favors raw talent over need early. Green is arguably the best player available this year, and also happens to fill a Bengals need.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina. A strong showing at the Combine won't alleviate concerns about his health nor his time away from football, but elite edge rushers are always taken sooner rather than later. The Cardinals desperately need an edge rusher, and Quinn is athletic enough to play OLB.
6. Cleveland Browns: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson. Even before the team hired Dick Jauron as defensive coordinator, the decision had been made to move back to the 4-3. Any defender that fits that front would be a good pick here, and Bowers might end up being a tremendous value at this point in the top ten.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska. A strong Combine workout alleviated concerns about his recovery speed, and Amukamara is strongly back in Top 10 consideration. The 49ers need to replace Nate Clements, and Amukamara has the talent-character combo that Jim Harbaugh will covet as he re-builds.
8. Tennessee Titans: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama. Showing off incredible athleticism and explosion for a man his size (319 pounds) in Indianapolis, Dareus might be off the board much earlier than this - perhaps even No. 1 overall. He'd be a steal at eight, and a great fit for a Titans team that needs defensive talent.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn. Amukamara would be a great fit here, and there's a chance that Dallas reaches on an offensive tackle. Fairley, however, is a good talent and star power fit for Jerry Jones and Rob Ryan, and wouldn't need to be an every-down defender immediately.
10. Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama. There are a couple of quarterbacks Washington could consider here, but neither is a snug fit for Mike Shanahan. Wide receiver is a huge need, and Jones - who absolutely dominated in Indianapolis - is a really nice fit both schematically and from a need perspective.
11. Houston Texans: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin. Unless a cornerback is miraculously available here, expect the Texans to add a front seven defender - ideally a lineman - for Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense. Watt is quietly garnering Top 15 consideration as a five-technique end, and fits Houston's need perfectly.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn. Quarterback is a need. Newton has immense potential. Leslie Frazier is an excellent coach that can handle challenging personalities, and offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave has done great work with young quarterbacks. This seems like an ideal fit if Newton lasts this long.
13. Detroit Lions: Tyron Smith, OT, USC. Many expected the Lions to find a long-term blind-side protector for Matthew Stafford much sooner than this. Jeff Backus is adequate, but Smith - up around 300 pounds now - looks great on tape, and is worth the slight gamble for a Lions team on the cusp of playoff contention.
14. St. Louis Rams: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri. Wide receiver is the Rams' most pressing need, but with the top two receivers off the board, defensive end becomes the next point of focus. Smith, a sophomore, is very raw, but is a great physical complement to Chris Long and a nice fit for Steve Spagnuolo's defense.
15. Miami Dolphins: Jake Locker, QB, Washington. At some point, a smart team will roll the dice on Jake Locker's intangibles and physical talents. Miami is a logical landing spot, as Locker won't be pressed into immediate duty, allowing Brian Daboll time to work out his footwork issues.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cameron Jordan, DE, California. Jordan, like most defensive linemen, performed very well in Indianapolis, but some are beginning to wonder if he'd be better in a 40 front than a 30 front. That's irrelevant here, as Jordan is the type of talent and character combination that Jags GM Gene Smith prefers.
17. New England Patriots: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado. Nick Kaczur is on his way out, Matt Light is aging, and Sebastian Vollmer can't play two tackle spots at once. Solder is an athletic marvel with more upside than any tackle available this year, and would not need to start immediately for the Pats. Great situation.
18. San Diego Chargers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa. Questions about his medical and a disappointing senior season have some wondering if he'll slide on draft day. On talent alone, the versatile Clayborn is first-round caliber, and he's an intriguing fit for a Chargers team that's looking to upgrade on Jacques Cesaire.
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College. Castonzo showed in Indianapolis that he is the most-polished, most NFL-ready tackle available this year. Tom Coughlin and the BC pipeline aside, Castonzo is a nice need fit for the Giants that will eventually start, whether it be on the left side or the right.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue. The Bucs are so desperate for help at defensive end that any prospect with talent would be a consideration here. Kerrigan showed surprising athleticism at the Combine and has the type of motor that will make him a great schematic fit, and fan favorite, in Tampa.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State. A meniscus injury has many writing off Paea as a first-round possibility; that is misguided. Paea can flat-out play - and the strength on display in his bench workout has long made him a 3-4 nose possibility. He's an upgrade over Ron Edwards.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois. It's easy to pencil an OT in here, but DT remains a need in Indy, as ever, and Liuget looks the part as a potentially elite interior defensive lineman. He's got the quickness and anchor ability to be an outstanding two-way defender for a Colts team that's long needed more beef.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin. Carimi has had a good off-season, proving in limited time at the Senior Bowl that he can play guard, and showing well athletically at the Combine. He is exactly what Andy Reid looks for in a lineman - a huge, blue-collar guy that is capable of playing multiple positions.
24. New Orleans Saints: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama. This position was a huge question mark for the Saints in 2010, and was also a big reason why they won a world championship in 2009. The dependable, productive Ingram would balance out the Saints' offensive unit and make the team Super Bowl caliber once again.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State. Healthy once again, no quarterback had a more productive Combine workout than Ponder, who might now get late-first consideration. Accurate and very smart, Ponder is a slightly more athletic version of Matt Hasselbeck, and would make a fine successor.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado. From a talent and need standpoint, this would be an absolute steal for a Ravens team that pulls off a lot of draft-day heists. Character questions are a concern, but shouldn't be a problem in a locker room containing Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame. An end or an offensive tackle would fill bigger needs, but Rudolph - whose injury recovery prevented him from working out in Indy - is great value. He'd eventually replace Tony Gonzalez, and team up with him in a Patriots-style offensive attack in the interim. Matt Ryan needs targets.
28. New England Patriots: Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia. Houston remains firmly under the radar despite being perhaps the closest thing to a true 3-4 outside linebacker available. A productive junior entrant with excellent athleticism at 270 pounds, he is an excellent long-term prospect and a great fit for New England.
29. Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State. It's not exactly a secret that the Bears need to upgrade their offensive line, and if Sherrod were to be available at 29, there wouldn't be a lot of war room deliberation. Sherrod had a nice career, is a solid athlete with experience, and might start at LT immediately.
30. New York Jets: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State. The Jets are doing a little re-tooling along the defensive line, having cut Kris Jenkins and with Shaun Ellis facing free agency. Ellis very well could be back, but youth is necessary, and Heyward is the type of disruptive player that Rex Ryan can work with.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida. This is a popular and easy pick to make for a very good reason: chemistry is an underrated factor in building offensive lines, and it's tough to beat twin brothers from a chemistry perspective. Pouncey may not be their top target, but he'd be a very wise pick.
32. Green Bay Packers: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas. Despite a strong season from Tramon Williams, the surprising play of Sam Shields and the continued excellence of Charles Woodson, cornerback is a need for the Packers. Safety depth wouldn't hurt, either, and the physical Williams comes with great pedigree and CB/S versatility.
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I just dont see how Gabbert goes that hight. With a rookie wage scale in place, CAR could easily trade back into first and get Gabbert then. CAR’s defense is atrocious and there are some stud DTs that are only top 10. Makes no sense imo to go Gabbert overall #1.
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by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 2, 2011 10:34 AM EST reply actions
If Carolina took a defender at No. 1, and then tried to trade back into the first to get Gabbert, they’d have to get ahead of Buffalo, Arizona or San Francisco. There’s almost no chance that Gabbert gets out of the top ten.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
I Disagree
Interesting. As a former DC, most think Rivera will go D with his first choice, but every new HC wants to have his QB in place. While Gabbert may be more ready to play in some ways than Newton, his ceiling is a LOT lower imo, and isn’t a true franchise caliber QB. I think he is a system QB that will struggle in the NFL.
The only possible franchise-caliber QB in this draft is Cam Newton, and he needs to sit for a year or two in all likelihood. Under normal circumstances, with FA first, then the draft, he is the ONLY QB I could see the Panthers taking at #1. The problem with taking Newton is they don’t have a veteran QB to mentor him and start until Newton is ready. With it appearing that the draft will happen before FA, if the Panthers want a QB, they may be forced to go with Gabbert. However, after the disaster they had with starting Clausen too soon, I think they’re nuts if they’re thinking about drafting another rookie QB and starting him.
As some posters have stated the Panthers have some good DEs, but DT is a glaring weakness for them. Yes, they could get a good one in the 2nd or 3rd round, but not one that could take over a game and collapse the pocket like Fairley can. Adding Fairley makes Charles Johnson and their other DEs that much more effective and is the safer choice imo.
Even if they aren’t high on Fairley, Bowers, Dareus and Peterson are all too good to pass up.
I think the Panthers will make plan on making the first pick a safe one to strengthen the D, will hope to sign a veteran QB, then get their franchise QB next year in the draft (Luck). If they are unable to sign a vet, they will go with Clausen for another season, which should insure that they again have the #1 pick in next season’s draft and they can take Stanford’s Andrew Luck.
In that way, their D will be on the road to being set. They can add Luck, a WR or two and some OL depth in next year’s FA and draft.
by joeklecko on Mar 4, 2011 1:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
This makes a lot of sense
Too much sense really, to happen.
by Ravens One on Mar 4, 2011 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
Not sure what you know about Carolina but their defence is not that bad.
They were about middle of the pack statistically, and their high points against was due mostly to an offence that could not move the ball at all and regularly gave other teams great field position. They have one of the better young DEs in the NFL, a very good group of Linebackers [best in the NFC IMO], and an okay secondary.
The best thing they can do for their defence is to improve the offence via a QB, or a WR. See what the Rams did last year. Pretty much the same situation.
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by NorthLeft12 on Mar 2, 2011 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
A good DT is what the Panthers really need.
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by RjTheMetalhead on Mar 2, 2011 12:24 PM EST up reply actions
Lucky for the Panthers, this is the deepest DL class ever. Pretty easy to get a starting-caliber guy at the top of the third round.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
Yes.
Austin, Paea, Jarvis Jenkins, Phil Taylor, and many others could possibly be there at the top of the 3rd.
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by RjTheMetalhead on Mar 2, 2011 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
I seriously doubt it re: Paea, and probably with Taylor, too. Coming out of the draft with Blaine Gabbert and Marvin Austin would be a marvelous haul for the Panthers. Jenkins would work, as well.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
I said possibly.
Doesn’t mean I don’t doubt it.
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by RjTheMetalhead on Mar 2, 2011 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
Gotcha. His injury would have to heal very slowly. That would be an incredibly good start to day three for the Panthers. :)
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 1:04 PM EST up reply actions
I doubt Austin being there the most.
Gone in the mid-2nd I think.
Top-5 pick if someone could beat sense into him.
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by RjTheMetalhead on Mar 2, 2011 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, yeah. The geniuses that run your team traded the # 33 pick away.
You could have had an excellent DT with that pick. As it is you will luck out and still get an okay prospect at the top of the third round.
What exactly did you guys get for that # 33 pick? Man, I hope the guy who made that decision got fired. No wonder your owner is always pissed off. I would be too.
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by NorthLeft12 on Mar 2, 2011 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
Carolina traded that pick to New England in last year’s draft for a third-rounder that yielded WR Armanti Edwards.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
Obviously not a Panthers fan, but i’m filing that name in the “who?” folder.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Mar 2, 2011 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
Edwards was the QB at Appalachian State the year they beat Chad Henne and Michigan (2007, in Ann Arbor). He was moved to WR by the Panthers.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
Two time Walter Payton winner (FCS Heisman) at QB
Lead App. State to 2 National Championships, outplayed Joe Flacco in one, and 4 conference championships.
Lead upset of the decade over #5 ranked Michigan.
Most rushing TD’s ever by a QB.
Homestate hero.
Who indeed.
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by RjTheMetalhead on Mar 2, 2011 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
Take off your hindsight goggles sir.
Should’a, Could’a, Would’a.
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by RjTheMetalhead on Mar 2, 2011 1:07 PM EST up reply actions
How about dumb, dumber, dumbest?
I guess you don’t need to draft a
QBWR because you have your homestate hero to fall back on."A lot of people have stayed 3 minutes in the ring with the bear, and they didn't do it by going at the bear. They did it by getting on their bike and running around. - Jim Schwartz 2011
by NorthLeft12 on Mar 2, 2011 2:35 PM EST up reply actions
no to yo gabba gabbert @ #1
bad pick there, but even worse back up picks for them.
1) gabbert is not a good QB. his game tape really reveals who he is, which is a QB who can’t handle pressure in the pocket. he has no poise whatsoever, but he has really happy feet when under pressure. last year he looked as bad as jimmy clausen did his rookie year. don’t care what mayock says, he isn’t the best QB. only one panthers would be interested in is newton, who has already scheduled a private workout with the panthers and meeting with the owner. gabbert’s ceiling is that of any average mediocre QB. not worth the #1.
aside from newton, panthers don’t need DE. they are happy with what they have there. the problem was push up the middle. any Dline pick is going to be DT, adding another DE wouldn’t help much if something isn’t done to improve the middle.
@DT, fairley is the better pick over areus. panthers will be running a good bit of 3-4 and dareus translates better to a DE in a 3-4, while fairley better translates to a 1 gap DT in a 3-4 like what they have in dallas and san diego.
other choices would be peterson (because marshall will most likely not be around and panthers still don’t have a good returner), and aj green, esp. with smith being a huge “?” going into next year.
any mock that has someone other than newton, fairley, peterson, or green should not be taken seriously.
by the_raynman on Mar 2, 2011 10:40 AM EST reply actions
First, on Gabbert: Mike Mayock disagrees with you. Pretty ferociously. I respect Mayock quite a bit, but even he is not selling Gabbert as an instant starter, or a flawless prospect. As I said: if there’s a franchise QB, you take him. Carolina will consider Gabbert. Which is why the idea that a mock with him at No. 1 “should not be taken seriously” is, frankly, absurd.
Beyond that, I realize that the Panthers have competent athletes and youth at defensive end. But DT rarely goes No. 1 overall for a reason – it’s not a big-impact position unless the athlete is really special. Dareus might be there. I don’t think he is (but he’s close). Quinn and Bowers have a chance to be special difference-makers off the edge.
Positional relevancy matters when you pick at the top of the draft.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
Mayock misses on QB's more than he hits
Mayock also said that Jimmy Clausen would be a good QB. We know how that went in Carolina. In fact, I remember all the great write-ups on Clausen over at Buffalo Rumblin’s Clausen based on what Mike Mayock was saying. The tape or eye in the sky never lies. I look forward to watching NFL Network and Mayock is showing tape of Blaine Gabbert being the dynamic QB that he professes Gabbert to be. I’ve seen the other guy’s tape.
Again, Mayock and Mel Kiper had Clausen being great it’s not going to happen. Blaine Gabbert maybe a franchise QB but their is no way in hell is a # 1 pick in an entire draft…..certainly not this draft. How does a guy not workout (throwing at the Combine) shoot up draft boards? Both guy’s (Newton and Gabbert) played in spreads and only one gets mentioned as a spread QB. Laughable!
If you want “discussion to place”, fine. If you want to be taken seriously, you should consider not placing Gabbert at the top of any mock. Gabbert is not that great of a prospect.
Last thing for me, I dont’ need Mayock to determine for me who has “it” as prospect and who doesn’t. Any one relying on what Mike Mayock is saying to “justify” their opinion is making a mistake when discussing QB’s or any other positon for that matter.
by Ravens One on Mar 2, 2011 8:25 PM EST up reply actions
You might want to look into Mayocks hit / miss rate on QB's over the last 5 to 10 years
He is actually pretty darn good at evaluating QB’s – yeah it looks so far like he whiffed on Clausen – but his hit rate is really good !
I think Poz on Buffalo Rumblings had a pretty good post or comment breaking down Mayocks predictions over the last 10 years – it was impressive in many positions including QB
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by Will G on Mar 3, 2011 5:17 AM EST up reply actions
In the very video I linked, Mayock points out that his big concern is Gabbert’s footwork transitioning from a spread offense. And Newton ran the spread-option, if you want to get really technical about it.
Also, note that the only reason I brought up Mayock was to debate the idea that a mock with Gabbert at the top shouldn’t be taken “seriously” (whatever the hell that means – it’s a mock draft).
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 3, 2011 6:22 AM EST up reply actions
I know it's a mock
Look, I don’t mean to give you a hard time, but some folks come here and they don’t know. They may not be on top of things like you and I (lol). I guess my problem is more with the expperts opinions than your’s. I respect what you do and your knowledge base.
Buffalo rumblin’s is a fine site. I look forward to reading the Poz post/comment.
by Ravens One on Mar 3, 2011 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
.
Is Gabbert deserving of the #1 pick? I don’t know. Is he a good qb? Absolutely. Sure, he has some issues, but nothing that can’t be fixed with good coaching. He made enormous strides over the past two years. People focus on the dumb pick at the Insight Bowl but forget that for about three quarters prior to that, Gabbert was playing the game of his life and was absolutely destroying the Iowa defense. In the Nebraska game, Gabbert was abandoned by his o-line, receivers and backs and yet still managed to move the ball against one of the best defenses in the country. We obviously don’t know how he’ll handle playing at the next level, but guys with bigger issues than his have been successful in the pros.
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by Gaknar on Mar 2, 2011 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
again, i don’t care what mayock said. i disagreed with him last year about mccoy over suh and i’m disagreeing with him here. if i think he’s wrong, i’m not going to throw up my hands and say, "well, mayock is an “expert” so i’m going to throw my opinion of gabbert out the window." i’m not going to apologize for having my own relatively knowledgeable opinion instead of rehashing what some other guy said just because he said it. i’d rather think for myself.
gabbert is a 3-4 year project and even then his success depends on him reaching out to some psychologist that can help him learn not to be some scared little rabbit in the pocket when he feels a little bit of pressure.
re: DE, why use a first overall on that when you are taken care of and the DEs aren’t near the top talent this year. you don’t waste a first overall on some guy that took a year off. you draft for a position of need, esp when they are top talent. fairley is better and more of an impact than dareus. green is the best WR in the draft and one of the most talented players. peterson is most likely the best defensive player in the draft. newton best translates into a very mobile big ben and has an upside through the roof. all of these are much bigger needs than DE and would make a whole lot more sense than going after some DE when the team is fine with who they have there compared to other positions.
you also don’t run away form a pick because their position isn’t chosen there very often or has never been picked there before. you pick the best talent that fits a big need.
by the_raynman on Mar 2, 2011 1:33 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Your opinions are fine. You present them well here. Where I take umbrage is when you decide that a differing opinion isn’t worth listening to because you don’t agree with it. Carolina will consider all of the players you mention, and they will consider Blaine Gabbert. That’s the bottom line.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
I also don't care what Mayock says either
I’m saying this as a Mizzou fan who has seen nearly every game Gabbert started at Mizzou. Yes, there were some games where Gabbert showed happy feet. There were other games where he took the entire team on his back and did everything he could to win the game even when the rest of the team had fallen apart (Nebraska). His biggest problem this year was that Jackson and Kemp weren’t reliable receivers. Once teams figured that out, they keyed in on Moe and Egnew to take away Gabbert’s biggest weapons. On those few games where Kemp and Jackson were on (like against Oklahoma), Mizzou’s offense was nigh unstoppable.
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by Gaknar on Mar 2, 2011 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
You are all over it
We are sharing a brain. Rec’d
by Ravens One on Mar 2, 2011 8:30 PM EST up reply actions
When did a CB last go #1 ??
Financially that would be a horrible decision. #1 pick almost has to be QB , DE or OT – and there are no OT’s worthy this year.
Peterson is a very very good talent, his position dictates he is unlikely to go #1 based on dollars spent at a position. Ever since the Salary Cap we have seen a reluctance to draft DBs in the first 3 picks. I do not expect that to change this year.
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by Will G on Mar 3, 2011 5:24 AM EST up reply actions
Well there goes 50 % of the mocks around
News for you son – a lot of Mocks have Gabbert or Bowers going at #1 to the Panthers, don’t get too shocked if they draft either of those 2 players.
You really think Fairley is still worth the #1 over Bowers or Gabbert ? Had a poor combine – and lets be honest, it was only his bowl game that had people talking #1 – before that game they were not and since the combine they are not any more.
I think this was a pretty good Mock. I don’t see Ponder in Round one and I think Locker is going a bit early too – but otherwise it’s a strong and respectable Mock.
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by Will G on Mar 3, 2011 5:20 AM EST up reply actions
Homer!
by Ravens One on Mar 3, 2011 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
Thats meant to mean something ?
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by Will G on Mar 3, 2011 4:00 PM EST up reply actions
No
You’re a Bills fan and so is Galliford. I’m just having fun, man.
by Ravens One on Mar 3, 2011 5:42 PM EST up reply actions
I know
I was just brushing it off with a smile – in other words it didn’t mean anything to me.
All good mate.
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by Will G on Mar 4, 2011 1:46 AM EST up reply actions
Brian, you're right on the money at #1
It echoes a lot of what we’re hearing here in Carolina- that there is a strong feeling the organization could go quarterback, and while last week the feeling was Newton, he didn’t do enough during the combine to dissuade anyone from his red flags.
As a Carolina Panthers’ fan Gabbert concerns me for a number of reasons, and excites me for just as many, especially after reading about the caliber of QB coach he has worked with in the past (Skip Stitzell who worked with Matt Ryan, Matthew Stafford and Josh Freeman).
My gut: Carolina will hope someone bites on the promise of Cam Newton, they will trade back a few spots hoping to get Gabbert and recoup a 2nd round pick. If they can’t trade, we may well see Gabbert #1.
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by James Dator on Mar 2, 2011 10:52 AM EST reply actions
It would not surprise me if Carolina tried to move out, with no clear-cut No. 1 pick. That might be made easier if (when) there’s a rookie wage scale in place. Even considering that possibility, I think Gabbert (as well as Newton, the ends, and possibly Dareus) are very strong choices for them.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
Concur we are seeing momentum towards Gabbert
If the Panthers should select a QB at #1 it will most likely be Gabbert as concerns about coming from a spread offense will be alleviate once he demonstrates his ability to work under center at his Pro Day, which we are not getting a good feeling he will.
The comments about ‘happy feet’ are always alleviated by the fact the Missouri o-line was one not very good. He had to run for his life in many of the games you watch film on
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by Jaxon on Mar 2, 2011 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
momentum because of the combine? even for someone who avoided throwing? lol
silliness. it’s hype that has been building and unwarranted hype at that.
by the_raynman on Mar 2, 2011 12:55 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Reasonable logic does not equal hype. Carolina needs a QB. Gabbert is a promising QB prospect. “Hype” would be comparing Gabbert to Peyton Manning.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
reasonable logic? lol gabbert isn’t enough of a promising prospect to warrant a top 10 pick, much less a top 5 or first overall.
i seriously don’t like him in the top 15. he doesn’t have near the potential that a cam newton has, he isn’t any less of a project, and will take longer to start than newton. he might be a good guy, but he’s going to be nothing more than a game manager. you don’t go for a game manager with the first overall pick.
by the_raynman on Mar 2, 2011 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
Your opinions on Gabbert are clouding the reasonable logic. You’re not alone where you stand on Gabbert, but there are plenty of people who disagree – obviously I’m one of them. The same logic can be applied to Cam Newton.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
clouding reasonable logic? where are you coming up with this crap? reasonable logic is reaching for a guy like gabbert just because you need a QB? thats reasonably poor logic.
carolina needs a franchise guy, yes, but they don’t need the wrong QB which would be gabbert. we don’t need to reach 15 spots to grab a QB just because we need a a QB. he isn’t someone that you can build a franchise around. he’s someone that you pick up if you already have a franchise guy entrenched in the role and you sit and hope he eventually can take over.
for QB this year, its newton or no one in the draft. i’d rather take a shot on some of the younger FA guys and have them compete with clausen for the job. if it doesn’t work out, take someone from the class next year which will be a whole lot better than this year’s QB class.
reasonable logic isn’t drafting a franchise QB even though he isn’t near the top talent in the draft.
by the_raynman on Mar 2, 2011 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
Teams reach for quarterbacks all the time – and despite your well-documented and very justified opinions about Gabbert’s weaknesses, I seriously doubt Carolina will grade him as low as you do. They may grade Newton higher; either way, I think QB is the pick.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
i agree that QB may be the pick, but newton has more of a chance of being it and the guy that they are looking for.
any looking at yo gabba will be more due diligence than anything.
by the_raynman on Mar 2, 2011 4:35 PM EST up reply actions
Gabbert is plausible to me at #1.
We’ll see if this makes sense in the next few weeks of course, but Gabbert at #1 makes more sense than a DL pick.
Actually I think more QB’s will wind up being picked in the 1st round that is listed here. For instance, take Cincy. What is written above…
Just makes me laugh. Why? When they picked Carson Palmer he was the definition of picking for raw talent over immediate need as he sat on the bench his first year. How soon we forget. Guaranteed Cincy will either pick a QB. The main question is do they feel they can wait for round 2? I say no.
by ursula on Mar 2, 2011 10:57 AM EST reply actions
You make a good argument for Cincinnati taking Newton in this scenario. I think Ryan Mallett is a strong possibility for them, if not in the second, then as a trade-up target.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
If there’s one thing we’ve learned it’s that Cincinnati are willing to take a risk on a player with flags about their character provided they also have enough upside. I too think Cincinnati could be the ultimate landing spot for Cam Newton.
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by James Dator on Mar 2, 2011 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
If he gets past Buffalo, that is. He did here, but Newton remains a very strong possibility at 3.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 11:08 AM EST up reply actions
Brian,
You think Carolina will take Gabbert #1 overall, but if you were there about to hand in your selection who would you take?
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by James Dator on Mar 2, 2011 11:11 AM EST reply actions
You mean if I were Marty Hurney? Cam Newton. I’m not worried about Newton’s attitude at all, and good coaching will turn him into a star.
And I mean, come on. Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, Josh Freeman and Cam Newton in the same division? The NFC South would blow up.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, yes, yes.
RELEASE THE KRAKEN! (Greg Hardy)
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by RjTheMetalhead on Mar 2, 2011 11:25 AM EST reply actions
In the next mock can we have the Eagles take someone other than Carimi simply for the fact that I’m so bored seeing every mock on earth make that same pick?
I just need someone else to talk about!
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by Jason Brewer on Mar 2, 2011 11:36 AM EST reply actions
Ha – sorry, Jason. He’s just such a perfect fit!
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
I know, it’s a perfectly good pick that makes total sense… I would be be perfectly happen if that’s what happened…
I’m just bored! lol. Even Kiper and McShay agree on this one!
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by Jason Brewer on Mar 2, 2011 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
I did briefly consider Jimmy Smith with the Philly pick, for what it’s worth. The idea of pairing him with Asante Samuel is scary from a talent perspective, as well as a character perspective.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
I was just about to start complaining about your stubborn Mark Ingram-to-Miami stance
And then you actually gave us a QB. I am shocked. Thank you.
Ryan Mallett or Christian Ponder in 2011!
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by kmb8488 on Mar 2, 2011 1:11 PM EST reply actions
Honestly did not expect the first Dolphins comment to be a “thank you” from a fan of the team. Thought I’d get a ton of backlash for that pick.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
No way. The Dolphins' FO has mortgaged the QB position for too long
Which is why we can still manage to suck even with Brandon Marshall, Davone Bess and a top 10 defense. Personally, I love the Locker pick at No.15. Christian Ponder would also be cool if Miami chooses to trade down.
Ryan Mallett or Christian Ponder in 2011!
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by kmb8488 on Mar 2, 2011 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
Can't see the Falcons taking Rudolph there
I like the kid a lot and I wouldn’t be upset if the Falcons did, but it’s pretty clear they’re focusing on upgrading that pass rush, and without free agency this is basically their only shot to do so.
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by Dave Choate on Mar 2, 2011 1:42 PM EST reply actions
Aside from Justin Houston, who is really an OLB (but might convert nicely to DE), I didn’t see a pass rusher with even marginal value at pick 27. I will also freely admit that I am very high on Rudolph, and am infatuated with the idea of a team in need of more offensive weaponry pairing him with an existing tight end to mimic New England’s Gronkowski/Hernandez attack.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
And it's good, sound logic
I have a feeling that Allen Bailey will be available at 27, and the Falcons appear to really like him, so that’s what my gut is telling me now. But you’ve made a good argument for Rudolph.
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by Dave Choate on Mar 2, 2011 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
Allen Bailey will almost certainly be available at 27. That would be a very, very risky pick for the Falcons to make, in my humble opinion. He is a lump of clay at this point. Very raw. Athletic enough to make an impact, but not technically proficient enough to do so consistently right away.
If a guy like Kerrigan falls, he’d be a fantastic choice.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
I'd be very comfortable with Kerrigan, but he's rising
I think Bailey just needs a coaching staff that can effectively mold him, and I think the Falcons are definitely that team. It may be a mild reach at 27, but the Falcons have proven they’re willing to do that for the right player.
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by Dave Choate on Mar 2, 2011 3:25 PM EST up reply actions
I agree about the coaching situation. Atlanta does a really nice job there. And that’s hard for me to say sometimes, considering I lived through two seasons of Mike Mularkey.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
Still can't see Ponder in round 1
Seahawks fan here. Would be really disappointed with Ponder in round 1. He’s a nice player, but I truly believe his ceiling is low end starting NFL QB. Nothing more than a game manager.
And I am firmly in the camp of Hawks NEED a QB. Just doesn’t make sense to pass on Jimmy Smith or Mike Pouncey for a guy that nobody thought was more than a round 3 prospect 6 weeks ago. Workouts alone shouldn’t make him jump into round 1.
by MTJ on Mar 2, 2011 3:36 PM EST reply actions
It’s not so much the workouts that are helping Ponder’s cause as it is the fact that he’s finally healthy again. Most saw Ponder as a first or second-round guy entering the 2010 season, but dropped him s bit because he was awful against Oklahoma and was repeatedly banged up.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 2, 2011 3:38 PM EST up reply actions
Lions
They trade up to #2 and grab Peterson, dropping K.Smith, 1st rd pick, and 5th round or something to Denver . Game, set, and match on NFC North next year.
by FrostyK on Mar 2, 2011 7:15 PM EST reply actions
Why does denver do that?
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by 4QB on Mar 2, 2011 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
i'm a bronco fan and would love it if that happened
we can get a bunch of extra picks and get a lot more d-line talent. I’m always a fan of more draft picks due to the probabilistic nature of the draft
by theraccoun on Mar 3, 2011 12:40 AM EST up reply actions
1st (12th in order) and 5th round pick for #2 overall? You sure?
People stop this dance, Say damn this persons fascinatin'
We blowin' dro up in the air, You smell it?
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by 4QB on Mar 3, 2011 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
Yea that’s a terrible deal.
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by BuffaloBlueBlood on Mar 4, 2011 12:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
If no CBA by April’s draft, I’m pretty sure players can’t be involved in draft-day trades.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 3, 2011 6:24 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
CB>OG for the Steelers
I don’t mind Pouncey however if Brandon Harris is still there (which is the case in your mock) then he should be the pick. The Steelers CBs are below average and have been for a whle. While their OGs aren’t that much better I can live with Kemo and Foster another year but the Steelers need an overhaul in their secondary and Harris would be an excellent addition who can play nickel right away.
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by Black&GoldTrain on Mar 2, 2011 10:45 PM EST reply actions
I don’t disagree with this. Willie Gay needs to be upgraded.
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 3, 2011 6:25 AM EST up reply actions
Two things
I don’t think Mike Pouncey goes in rd. 1 and the Steelers must, absolutely must replace McFadden.
by Ravens One on Mar 3, 2011 11:30 AM EST up reply actions
Wow. This is shocking.
I actually just put up a post on MCM related to this. Do any of these alleged draft guru’s even bother looking at college production anymore?
by SuperHorn on Mar 3, 2011 2:32 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
To be clear, this isn't a shot at the writer, but draft evaluation as a whole.
by SuperHorn on Mar 3, 2011 2:34 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, Yes, Yes!
You are preaching to the Quire my friend. I swear to god, I think Mike Mayock is on the the Tom Condon/Blaine Gabbert payroll.
Tell what I think. Oliver Luck was the guy. Once Luck decided to stay in school, someone else had to put ’outfrount". Blaine Gabbert was the logical choice for a number that I will not go into at this moment.
You get rec’d here and over at MCM. I encourage draftniks to go over to MCM and read the Blaine Gabbert post. It’s highly enlightening.
by Ravens One on Mar 3, 2011 6:56 PM EST up reply actions
Andrew Luck even ?
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by Will G on Mar 4, 2011 1:48 AM EST up reply actions
I meant Andrew Luck
Oliver Luck was his farther, a former Houston Oiler.
by Ravens One on Mar 4, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
Blaine Gabbert was the logical choice for a number of reason that I will not go into at this moment.
by Ravens One on Mar 4, 2011 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
MCM???
What is MCM?
by joeklecko on Mar 4, 2011 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
If you don't know, you can't afford it.
by SuperHorn on Mar 4, 2011 5:47 PM EST up reply actions
Lol
by Ravens One on Mar 4, 2011 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
Music City Musical
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by Ravens One on Mar 4, 2011 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
A mirage. Something that didn’t actually happen. :)
/Billsfan
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 7, 2011 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
lol
blaine gabbert No. 1! Crazy.
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by Michael Bean on Mar 3, 2011 11:55 PM EST reply actions
Mike, I still have yet to hear a compelling argument as to why it’s crazy. I’ve never seen a draft class so fluid at the top; right now, I think that, legitimately, there are seven, perhaps even eight, players that the Panthers could consider. Why is it “crazy” to think that hey, maybe there’s a shot that a guy many, many people believe is the best QB goes to a team that, whaddya know, needs a QB?
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 4, 2011 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
Uh. Maybe because a QB in a pass happy system should be able to produce more than 16 TDs?
How is this lost on everyone that supports this kid? Especially in the dumpster fire that was the Big 12 this year.
by SuperHorn on Mar 4, 2011 5:49 PM EST up reply actions
I get that. But that doesn’t address why Gabbert might not go No. 1 in this draft class. There is no clear-cut No. 1 overall pick. Why is it so freaking insane to think that a QB a lot of smart people are high on isn’t a candidate?
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by Brian Galliford on Mar 7, 2011 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
Cameron Heyward UGH
I am not a Cameron Heyward fan. He is too inconsistent and not a dynamic player imo. DE in a 3-4 alignment isn’t an impact player unless he’s a Richard Seymour clone and Heyward isn’t even close to being that.
Further, I think the Jets will re-sign Shaun Ellis for another year or two, and they have a solid DE opposite Ellis in DeVito, and several young prospects at DE they are very high on – Ropati Pitoitua, Jarron Gilbert and Marcus Dixon.
Their prglaring need is at OLB. They especially need one who can get consistent pressure on opposing QBs, but they also need one who can effectively cover TEs and RBs over the middle. Pace is only average, and Bryan Thomas is a one-dimensional player who is good only vs the run. A much better value for the Jets would be to take either Martez Wilson or Akeem Ayers. Both are excellent LBers who would offer great flexibility for Rex. Wilson was a high school DE and Ron Zook said he saw some Simeon Rice in him. He played MLB at Illinois but has the size and speed to play on the outside. Rex could move him around, using him inside or outside. I think Ayers has some of the same flexibility.
Another option for the Jets would be to try to trade down from 30 into the 2nd round and garner and additional pick (3rd or 4th). This draft is rich and deep in front 7 players, and the Jets could be better served by getting several prospects for their front 7.
Just as this is a deep draft for DTs, it’s also a deep draft for DEs, and the Jets could easily add a good DE prospect in the 2nd (if they trade down) or 3rd rounds.
by joeklecko on Mar 4, 2011 1:44 PM EST reply actions
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