Fifty-three underclassmen have declared for the 2011 NFL Draft. With the field now official, SB Nation takes its latest stab at a 2011 NFL Mock Draft - with Nick Fairley the first player off the board.
Jan 18, 2011 - The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the 2011 NFL Draft has passed, and with the draft class now clear, concocting a 2011 NFL Mock Draft is now an easier proposition. Here's our latest; please note that picks 29 through 32 are not set in stone, as those four lucky teams are still competing for a Super Bowl ring.
1. Carolina Panthers (2-14): Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn. There are a number of directions that Ron Rivera and the Panthers could take with this pick, and the majority of them would make the league's worst team much better on paper. Among those players, however, none would bring the type of attitude - aggressive or dirty, whatever you want to call it - that Fairley would. Nobody's draft stock is hotter right now.
2. Denver Broncos (4-12): Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson. John Fox has taken over the reins in Denver, and as he begins to assemble his staff, it's expected that the Broncos, at the very least, will begin to migrate toward a more hybrid look featuring 3-4 and 4-3 fronts. Bowers would be an excellent selection if this is the case - he'd boost the team's pass rush while giving the team a crux player to flip-flop between defensive fronts.
3. Buffalo Bills (4-12): Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU. Bills GM Buddy Nix is the proverbial wild card of this year's top five selections; in this scenario, however, his pick would make a great deal of sense. The Bills have many needs, and while others are bigger than defensive back, Peterson is arguably the best player on the board. Given the free agent status of Drayton Florence and the injury history of Terrence McGee, Peterson would be in line for immediate playing time.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (4-12): A.J. Green, WR, Georgia. Green is arguably the best prospect available this year, but because he's a receiver, there's a chance he slides - even past a receiver-needy team like Carolina. Should he survive the top three picks, he'd make a great deal of sense in Cincinnati, where Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco are on the way out, and where Carson Palmer will need his arsenal re-stocked.
5. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina. Ken Whisenhunt almost has to think about a quarterback here. The team could very well pursue a veteran option in an effort to offset the costs of taking a QB here, however; should that be the case, Quinn, arguably the best natural pass rusher available this year, would fill a huge need despite not having played football in a year.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-11): Julio Jones, WR, Alabama. Pat Shurmur has been hired as the Browns' new head coach, and there are strong indications that Dick Jauron could become the team's defensive coordinator. Even if the team begins shifting gradually away from their 3-4 defense, Jones should be the pick here - he's perfect for the West Coast offense, and it's imperative that the team give Colt McCoy more weapons.
7. San Francisco 49ers (6-10): Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama. Like their division rivals, the Cardinals, the 49ers need to think about a quarterback here. Jim Harbaugh, however, is a coach that will immediately look to bring identity to his new team, and getting more physical and active in their 3-4 defense with Dareus is a natural fit. Prince Amukamara would make a great deal of sense here, as well.
8. Tennessee Titans (6-10): Cam Newton, QB, Auburn. First thing's first: Cam Newton is not - repeat, not - Vince Young. He's a different man and a (slightly) different type of player, and he'd also be the perfect compromise between Bud Adams and Jeff Fisher - an elite quarterback prospect on a team that has successfully tailored its offense to a unique passing talent in the past.
9. Dallas Cowboys (6-10): Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska. Should the first eight picks occur in this fashion, Dallas would have a very easy decision to make. Terence Newman will be 33 by the time the 2011 season begins, Mike Jenkins suffered through a rather horrid 2010 season, and Amukamara is the best prospect remaining on the board.
10. Washington Redskins (6-10): Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri. Mike Shanahan appears to have a short-term starter for his team in Rex Grossman - who'd have guessed we'd be reading that sentence a year ago? - but the team still lacks a long-term answer. Gabbert isn't ready to play by any stretch, but he's got the tools and the smarts to eventually be a good player in Shanahan's system.
11. Houston Texans (6-10): Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri. When Wade Phillips was hired as Houston's new defensive coordinator, he spoke highly of the team's heart. Moving to a 3-4, however, will require some personnel tweaking, which makes fixing the league's worst pass defense a more difficult job. The raw, high-upside Smith would help both situations: he's athletic enough to play OLB in a 3-4, and an improved pass rush would help the beleaguered secondary.
12. Minnesota Vikings (6-10): Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue. Leslie Frazier and the Vikings are yet another team in serious need of help at the quarterback position, but with Newton and Gabbert off the board, they're in a no-win (or trade down) situation here. Ray Edwards is an impending free agent, and Kerrigan has dominated the Big 10 for three straight years.
13. Detroit Lions (6-10): Cameron Jordan, DE, California. The Lions are getting close, folks - they won their final four games to close the 2010 season, and their talent base is much better across the board. Further improvements defensively are still necessary, however, and Jordan would further add to the team's enviable defensive line depth while providing a longer-term solution at one end in place of Kyle Vanden Bosch.
14. St. Louis Rams (7-9): Justin Houston, DE, Georgia. As we saw in their season-ending loss to Seattle, the Rams aren't going to do much until they get better weapons for future star quarterback Sam Bradford. They'll get help with a healthy Mark Clayton and Donnie Avery returning to the lineup, however, so reaching for wideout isn't imperative. Houston is a rising pass rusher that would complement Chris Long better than anyone the Rams currently employ - and he'd give Steve Spagnuolo some versatility, as he can drop into coverage, as well.
15. Miami Dolphins (7-9): Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama. Tony Sparano remains Miami's head coach - tenuously - so regardless of who the team's offensive coordinator ends up being, the running game will still be the Dolphins' bread and butter. They'll look at a few offensive line prospects here - Mike Pouncey chief among them - but no player would better help Miami's dwindling rushing attack than the tough, versatile Ingram.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8): Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa. Derrick Harvey has been a rather massive bust for the Jaguars at defensive end, registering just 8.5 sacks in his first three pro seasons. Upgrades are needed, and Clayborn, though he carries some minor character risks, is a well-rounded, veteran player that would fill an underrated need for the Jags.
17. New England Patriots (f/OAK): Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State. Well, then... that happened. The Pats are out of the playoffs, and their roster isn't as bulletproof as we all thought. Still, they don't have any pressing needs, so they can draft the best player on their board. Heyward is, quite simply, a great football player; he's a bit of a 'tweener, but if anyone can figure out how to use him, it's Bill Belichick.
18. San Diego Chargers (9-7): Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College. Despite the fact that they missed the playoffs, the Chargers are loaded with talent and don't have any urgent needs to address. The one position that most closely approaches that territory is right tackle, where Jeromey Clary struggled in 2010. Castonzo isn't the most physical player, but in Norv Turner's pass-happy offense, his smarts and rock-solid technique could make him an instant starter.
19. New York Giants (10-6): Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA. The Giants could use a developmental prospect at left tackle, where David Diehl is fading and William Beatty has been disappointing in limited appearances. There are options at that position here, Derek Sherrod chief among them, but Ayers is too valuable to pass on - he'd offer versatility and coverage ability to a Giants linebacker corps that lacks both.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6): Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin. This young, plucky Bucs squad is going to be a lot of fun to watch in future years, but they still need more talent. Tampa's defensive end position might be the most desperate need area any team has this year, but with all of the top pass rushers off the board, Tampa would do well to settle for a strong run blocker in Carimi, who could start at right tackle right away.
21. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6): Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh. As awesome as Dwayne Bowe is, he can't do everything himself - and we saw what happens when a good team can take Bowe away when the Chiefs were blown out of Arrowhead Stadium in the first round of the playoffs. Baldwin is a tricky evaluation - he takes more plays off than he should - but Kansas City's need is so desperate that they almost have to pull the trigger.
22. Indianapolis Colts (10-6): Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State. It seems as if we're talking about the Colts' need to improve at defensive tackle every year. 2011 is no different, and if the team has a shot to take Oregon State's Stephen Paea, they shouldn't hesitate for a second. Paea is incredibly strong - so much so that 3-4 teams are looking at him as a nose guard - and athletic enough for Indy's defensive system. This is a perfect fit.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6): Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida. In losing their final three games of the season, including a home playoff game to Green Bay, the Eagles surrendered 15 sacks on Michael Vick and Kevin Kolb. That's a rather alarming statistic, and one that Andy Reid won't stand for. Pouncey is the best lineman available here, offers versatility on the interior, and could start at any of those three positions immediately.
24. New Orleans Saints (11-5): Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois. New Orleans doesn't need to take a running back, even though Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas might be on the way out. Christopher Ivory and Lynell Hamilton might be able to handle the rushing duties as a tandem, but Leshoure is too good to pass on here. A big back with break-away speed, he'd offer a dimension to New Orleans' offense that they wholly lacked in 2010.
25. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (FL). With their improbable playoff run now ended at the hands of Chicago, the Seahawks can quietly go back to adding talent to a roster that still has plenty of question marks. Seattle will investigate quarterbacks - Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett would top the list here - but their pass defense is hurting, as well, and Harris is good enough to go ten picks earlier than this slot.
26. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M. The Ravens have a few needs; they could use some youth at receiver, some depth along both lines, and certainly depth in the secondary, as well. Ozzie Newsome is too smart to pass on a value pick, however, and Miller is perhaps the best 3-4 outside linebacker prospect available this year - even though many have forgotten about him.
27. Atlanta Falcons (13-3): Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State. Despite their surprise NFC South championship and securing the top overall seed in the NFC, the Falcons will be watching the NFC Championship game from home. Tom Dimitroff has done a nice job adding talent while drafting almost exclusively for need, and adding a quality offensive line prospect to a still-developing offense would continue that trend.
28. New England Patriots (14-2): Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado. J.J. Watt would be a terrific selection here - the Patriots have a very young defense, and need to continue adding talent to it - but with Cameron Heyward already on board, the Pats can afford to look at another position. The Pats have a budding star at corner in Devin McCourty, but more depth is needed - and competition for Kyle Arrington (beyond Leigh Bodden) wouldn't hurt, either.
29. Green Bay Packers (10-6): J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin. Dom Capers isn't strictly a 3-4 guy - he's more of a blitz guy, when you get right down to it - but the Packers will continue to stack 30 front talent on its roster anyway. Watt is a local product that would play five technique at end for the Packers, and his length, strength and hustle would instantly make him a strong run defender - and a good replacement for free agent-to-be Cullen Jenkins.
30. New York Jets (11-5): Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame. There are other positions that the Jets could address here, and other players that would pique the team's interests. None would do more for Mark Sanchez and the Jets' conservative offensive attack than Rudolph. A well-rounded talent capable of blocking and receiving, Rudolph - paired with Dustin Keller - would give the Jets a pair of tight ends to rival New England's dynamic duo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
31. Chicago Bears (11-5): Tyron Smith, OT, USC. Sure, Chicago's offensive line has settled itself nicely after a disastrous start to the season - and now they're playing well enough to help the Bears host the conference championship game. Still, let's not pretend that they lack talent there. Afforded a little time, Smith could emerge as the clear best offensive lineman to emerge from this draft class.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple. Pittsburgh perpetually has one of the league's best defenses because they relentlessly replenish their talent and depth on that particular unit. Aaron Smith has struggled mightily with injuries over the past two years, and Brett Keisel is no spring chicken. Wilkerson is a long, athletic defensive tackle that would be a nice developmental option at end for the Steelers.
24 comments
Comments
The top ten would be a little bitt different IMO.
I’d go:
Green
Fairley
Bowers
Jones
Gabbert
Quinn
Dareus
Newton
Peterson
Amukamara
by Omar Little on Jan 18, 2011 12:44 PM EST reply actions
While I think there’s perfectly good logic behind projecting Green to Carolina, I don’t think Ron Rivera and the Panthers will love the philosophy behind beginning their re-build with a receiver.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
BPA
They already have Jimmy Claussen, who some regarded as a first round talent. If they give him some weapons maybe he can be a Mark Sanchez type of quarterback – meaning not elite, but good enough to keep a team in games in the right system.
by Omar Little on Jan 19, 2011 12:37 PM EST up reply actions
Somebody is going to be real upset they passed on Mallet.
He’s apparently got character concerns, to which no one can name. He act’s like he’s from the ‘hood so now he’s got character concerns. He may need to work on his throwing on the run and maybe a quicker release, but other than that, he’s pretty damn good. The guy can play football. He’s got a pretty good pocket presence for a 6 foot 7, lanky QB. A lot of the “experts” have been saying a lot since the BCS Bowl game, and I understood he threw a pick to end the game, but the guy was consistant in the SEC over and over. He pretty much picked apart the number 2 defense in the country, in OSU, but his WR’s just couldn’t catch the ball for what ever reason.
You aint been around in awhile, maybe you haven't heard........I don't shine shoes no more
by markdamack on Jan 18, 2011 2:58 PM EST reply actions
The biggest factors working against Mallett, in my opinion:
There’s obviously a lot to like about Mallett, but most of those things are tied to Petrino’s offense and his unbelievable arm strength. There’s a lot more to it than that.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 3:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
These are all fair, and coachable in my opinion
At least you didn’t go back to the character concerns that no one seems to be able to dig up, except for the fact that he forgot his scantron for a test in college and apparently said “Who’s got a scantron for Ryan Mallett” (which he denies, but true or not, isn’t that big of a deal.
A good qb coach, in my opinion, and this kid is on the right track to being a very good pro qb.
You aint been around in awhile, maybe you haven't heard........I don't shine shoes no more
by markdamack on Jan 18, 2011 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
I think he’ll be OK if put in the right situation. Passable. The footwork problem, especially, is correctable. I’ve heard mostly that Mallett’s perceived character flaws are similar to Clausen’s – that he has a sense of entitlement, mostly – but obviously I can’t corroborate, and I don’t put much stock in it unless I hear something more concrete. I have said for months, however, that he won’t be a first-round pick.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
I think he's fairly accurate, what's he 63 or 64 percent.
I do think you can attribute some of that to the offense but defenses keyed in on him his whole career in arkansas because they had no running game to speak of until about half way through this season, and Greg Childs was hurt at the end of the season. He practically carried Arkansas on his back, and i’ll always be appreciative of that, if not blinded by it as well. I won’t say i’m not biased, I am, but I watched him make all the throws and always kept us in games even when the defense was being demolished. I don’t think he get’s enough credit.
You aint been around in awhile, maybe you haven't heard........I don't shine shoes no more
by markdamack on Jan 18, 2011 3:38 PM EST up reply actions
It’s definitely wavered. At one point, people were talking about him as a Top 5 pick, and that was ridiculous. Now people are talking about him as a second-round pick as if that’s some awful achievement; it’s not. He’s been a very good college QB, and there’s plenty to work with. That’s the truth as I see it, and if he’s picked in the right range, he’ll be an excellent addition for an NFL team.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 3:56 PM EST up reply actions
that's where you're wrong
Haley and Pioli will not take any player with character issues, off the field issues. The history is there and they just wIll NOT be taking any player like that. I expect like last year, many team captains to be plucked with their picks. Baldwin is the EXACT OPPOSITE kind of player Pioli and Haley are looking for, no matter how bad the need, they are not willing to taint and corrupt the entire organization and locker room over one player. Not happenin.. Besides, he’s not even one of the better WR’s imo.
by KC Nate on Jan 18, 2011 4:04 PM EST reply actions
That pick came down to Baldwin and Torrey Smith. Seriously considered giving them Torrey Smith. Liked Baldwin’s upside more.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 7:57 PM EST up reply actions
Detroit Lions
Why would they take a guy in the first round that won’t even start. Detroits front four isn’t broke and needs know fixing, the only way i see Detroit going DL is if Quinn, Bowers or Fairley fall to them at 13. Detroit should look to trade down, i like Solder if that happens but if they don’t then i say Harris.
Bobby "Boucher" Carpenter for President...
by SmittyJ on Jan 18, 2011 4:23 PM EST reply actions
I don’t project trades, considered Ayers and Harris both with the pick. Kyle Vanden Bosch will be 33 next November; you can never go wrong adding quality D-Line depth.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 7:58 PM EST up reply actions
Minus the trade then...
but still Detroit won’t draft DL, KVB maybe getting old but we have Jackson, Avril, Turk, Young not mention we can line Suh up anywhere on the line. Solder, Harris, Ayers or Ingram would of been a better choice.
Bobby "Boucher" Carpenter for President...
by SmittyJ on Jan 19, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
I like Bowers
but they better find out why he is so inconsistent and find out how to fix it. If they don’t, I don’t see them risking it and instead going for a safer pick, like a Peterson or Dareus like prospect.
by DBroncs1414 on Jan 18, 2011 5:28 PM EST reply actions
Yecch. Miami's FO is undoubtedly inept, but taking Ingram at No.15 would be make me sad
You should have stuck with the Pouncey pick, IMO. Mark Ingram’s an outstanding talent, but the Dolphins’ run game will continue to suffer, regardless of who’s in the backfield, until the team properly rebuilds its offensive line. Jake Long is arguably the best—and scariest—left tackle in the game right now, so why not build on that cornerstone and finish what they started in the trenches three years ago? And Pouncey is an unbelievable talent at the center position, so this pick has the potential to be both a BPA selection and need-based move. Win-win.
Right tackle Gabe Carimi is the other guy I like for the Dolphins, and Miami may be able to trade down a few spots and still nab him.
Excellent mock, though. I always enjoy reading your stuff when you visit The Phinsider.
Blaine Gabbert in 2011! NO EXCUSES THIS YEAR
I've never won a Matty, so I'll give myself the "Classic Marino BALLS" award. Thanks to all who voted for me.
by kmb8488 on Jan 18, 2011 11:28 PM EST reply actions
I’d have given Miami Carimi before Pouncey. Even with Vernon Carey at right tackle. I’m not particularly high on Pouncey, and like him better for certain systems.
Appreciate the kind words, as well.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 19, 2011 7:57 AM EST up reply actions
the lions will not draft a de in the 1strd beause they need help at olb //cb/rb//ot and they go with bpa in the draft that how they have draft ed the last few years .this is the 1st year the lions our not drafting in the top ten .with that in mind ithink the lions will draft the bpa at rb mark ingram or ot /g derek sherrod i think both players are rankedas bpa with 13pick in the 1strd of this draft for lions
by kwfords on Jan 19, 2011 4:59 AM EST reply actions
Well, if the Lions go BPA in the draft, then I’d argue that Cameron Jordan is BPA. :)
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 19, 2011 7:57 AM EST up reply actions
BPA is all speculation. But then again the whole draft is.
The Lions will not stay at number 13 if a good corner or LB is not there. They will trade back. The Lions are going to make some more noise on draft day.
"I have a lot of work to do. We won six games. I don't care where you've come from, six games is six games and we've got to win more than that."
—GM Martin Mayhew
by Lionsfan8 on Jan 19, 2011 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
Bills Picks
Hey Brian now don’t push that botton on me please.
The Bills needs are plenty however, going after a very good CB is not a pressing need for our team.
If we are smart the Bills will drop down and maybe get more picks if someone needs a special palyer at the three spot.
We have two four’s this year that will be key picks.
Since we are confuse about playing 3/4 or 4/3 We need to get A.Clayborn from Iowa.
Then if lucky T.Sash of Iowa as our SS in the third.
Of course I am hoping we get real lucky and get one of the following OT’s with our second round pick. Castonzo, Carimi, Solder
With the two fours we must get O.Marecic to start at FB, backup ILB and special teams ace. A.Wujciak of Maryland will be another great pick to play backup ILB and special teams ace.
So multiple picks would be a better move this year in order to be ready to get that QB next year. A.Luck or M.Barkley
This is just a start.
Let’s GO Bills!
Reinstatement Yet?
by Dziedzic on Jan 19, 2011 10:26 AM EST reply actions
My cousin was on LeShoure's HS Team
Satrting QB, Centennial HS. I feel a special connection to Mikel, and like to see him succeed.
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CP3 is coming. Quick, hide your Howards!
by OnPointLikeCP3 on Jan 19, 2011 11:05 PM EST reply actions
Mocks
Good stuff Brian. I agree with you on a lot of those picks. Personally I can’t wait for the all star games, the combine, and the pro days so we start to see some separation between a lot of these guys.
If you’re interested, please check out the latest mock hot off the presses on my site SKOHRboard.com and please let me know what you think in the comments!
www.SKOHRboard.com
by SKOHR on Jan 20, 2011 12:33 PM EST reply actions
No way
do the Chargers take an OT at 18. This pick will go to defense, either OLB or DE. The ONLY way that I could see an offensive pick here is if Jackson leaves & Green is available.
Look at AJ Smith’s record drafting olinemen before posting this drivel like this.
If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!
Robert Hunter
by Buck Melanoma on Jan 23, 2011 10:12 AM EST reply actions
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