With the 2011 Senior Bowl in the books, several participants that had strong weeks are moving up in the latest 2011 NFL Mock Draft.
Jan 31, 2011 - The 2011 Senior Bowl is behind us, with the supposedly less-talented South squad - coached by Chan Gailey and the Buffalo Bills - defeating the Cincinnati Bengals' North contingent 24-10 this past Saturday. More important than the outcome of the game, however, was the week's worth of practices in which several strong performances caused a bit of a shake-up in how the 2011 NFL Draft is perceived.
Here's our first shot at a post-Senior Bowl 2011 NFL Mock Draft. The NFL Draft order is set, with the exception of the two Super Bowl XLV participants. We've listed Green Bay as pick 31 based solely on regular season record.
1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn. Fairley is still the slight early front-runner to be the first player off the board this April, as he would be a great fit in Ron Rivera's defense. His character concerns - however minor - are all that stand in the way of his being the first defensive lineman selected this April after a dominant junior season.
2. Denver Broncos: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina. With Denver moving back to a 4-3 defense under John Fox, there's a great chance that they look to complement Elvis Dumervil at end. Nobody's talking about Quinn right now - with good reason, considering how his 2010 went - but rest assured that they will be following the Combine.
3. Buffalo Bills: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU. There are several different directions that Buffalo could go here, but almost all of them are on the defensive side of the football. Peterson might be the only junior to get positive reviews from the Senior Bowl, and he'd fit a growing need for a Bills team that has seen its DB depth depleted of late.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia. Terrell Owens is on his way out of Cincy, and given that Chad Johnson Ochocinco Johnson is fed up with Marvin Lewis, it's safe to assume he's soon to follow T.O. Green is not only the best player available here, but fills a need - and could help keep the disgruntled Carson Palmer happy.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M. Miller, a 3-4 rush linebacker at A&M, played outside linebacker in a 4-3 at the Senior Bowl, and handled the responsibility shift extremely well. He proved that he is versatile and athletic enough to cover; combined with his rush ability, he's an absolutely perfect fit in Arizona's 3-4 under system.
6. Cleveland Browns: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson. Dick Jauron is Cleveland's new defensive coordinator, and early signs are that the Browns will be moving back to the 4-3. If Bowers is available to them, he'd have to be the pick, as Cleveland isn't equipped with personnel that could handle end in that system, aside from free agent Matt Roth.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska. The Boston Celtics drafted Larry Bird as a draft-eligible junior, signing him a year later. Does anyone doubt that Jim Harbaugh wishes he could do the same with Andrew Luck? With no QB a lock here, the Niners would do well to add Amukamara to help replace the fading Nate Clements.
8. Tennessee Titans: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama. This is the hot spot for the first quarterback off the board, but if Dareus were available to the Titans, they'd give him serious consideration. Tennessee needs better players along its defensive line (aside from free agent Jason Babin), and Dareus has elite potential.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Cameron Jordan, DE, California. With the top two corners off the board, Dallas can simply take the best defender available. There's little doubt that that's Jordan here, who drew rave reviews from the Senior Bowl after dominating a surprisingly good group of blockers in 1-on-1 drills during three straight practices last week.
10. Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama. This would be an intriguing scenario for Mike Shanahan, who would have his pick of the quarterback crop here. They'd still give serious consideration to Jones, one of the draft's most under-appreciated prospects that some believe will be a better pro than Georgia's Green.
11. Houston Texans: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri. When Wade Phillips was with Dallas, he coached the league's best outside linebacker in DeMarcus Ware, a former No. 11 overall pick that nobody saw coming and many questioned. Smith is in the same mold - a raw, freakishly athletic player that Phillips would love for his 3-4 defense.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri. It's not overly likely that the Vikings will have their pick of the litter at quarterback, but this scenario brings forth an interesting debate: Gabbert or Cam Newton? We'll go with Gabbert for now, as he's got fewer question marks (but perhaps less upside).
13. Detroit Lions: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue. A lot of mock drafts have the Lions filling needs, but that's not necessarily this regime's modus operandi. Kerrigan had a great career at Purdue and a superb showing in Mobile, and he'd look outstanding on a defensive line that already features Ndamukong Suh.
14. St. Louis Rams: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State. With the top two receivers off the board, the Rams may look to trade down - that's the clear biggest need. Paea, however, would be a great fit in Steve Spagnuolo's defense, but teams will need to make sure that his surgically repaired meniscus won't keep him out of training camp.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama. This may be the one pick that has never changed throughout the various SBNation.com mock drafts. Ingram-to-Miami seems like a very natural fit, particularly with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams scheduled for free agency. It is imperative that Miami improve its general rushing offense.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jake Locker, QB, Washington. It was an up-and-down week for Locker at Mobile, as the Washington signal-caller got mixed reviews, to say the least. He's still in play for Jacksonville, who might consider him if all of the draft's best senior defensive linemen are off the board.
17. New England Patriots: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA. Versatility is the name of Ayers' game, as he has a lot of experience dropping into coverage. Many scouts believe he has the athleticism and size to rush the passer as a 3-4 outside linebacker, as well. Bill Belichick would find a way to use him alongside Jerod Mayo.
18. San Diego Chargers: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin. San Diego really needs a right tackle, and they could use some reinforcements at defensive end, as well. There is a surprising amount of depth at both positions this year, so they'll take the best player on their board - and in our estimation, that player is Watt.
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College. At some point, the Giants will need to have a long-term replacement in place for left tackle David Diehl. (No, William Beatty doesn't count.) Castonzo comes from Coughlin's BC pipeline and might be the most NFL-ready blocker available this season.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa. Clayborn's draft stock is falling a bit after a so-so senior season, and especially after he pulled out of the Senior Bowl. Questions abound regarding his character, but Tampa's need is so dire that they'd pull the trigger - as they've done before with perceived character risks.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado. The Chiefs really need a starter at right tackle, and Solder was reportedly the most dominant offensive tackle at the Senior Bowl last week. He has the size and talent to play left tackle, too, if the Chiefs ever feel the need to upgrade Branden Albert's current position.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State. The run on tackles continues, and Sherrod quietly had one of the better weeks for a blocker in Mobile, showing more power than many believed he had. His athleticism and quick feet make him a natural fit on the left side in Indy's pass-happy offense.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin. A large portion of Philly's late-season collapse can be attributed to poor line play, so reinforcements will be a priority. Carimi acquitted himself extremely well at guard at the Senior Bowl, and Andy Reid loves taking gigantic, versatile linemen. Carimi is a perfect fit here.
24. New Orleans Saints: Justin Houston, DE, Georgia. The Saints need to fortify their RB situation, but there is enough depth at the position this year - and they've got enough to work with already on the roster - that they don't need to address it in round one. Houston, a potentially elite pass rusher, would fit well into Gregg Williams' defense.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn. Cam Newton will probably not be available this deep into round one. That's putting it mildly. Without projecting trades, however, he slides to a QB-needy Seahawks team that would likely sprint the card bearing his name to the podium.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (FL). The secondary was Baltimore's biggest weakness in 2010, even after Josh Wilson did an admirable job filling in for the injured Domonique Foxworth and the ineffective Fabian Washington. Harris would be the latest Ravens defender from "The U," and is a natural fit here.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland. For whatever reason, NFL teams have not been able to stop Roddy White over the past two seasons despite the fact that White is the only starting-caliber receiver the Falcons employ. That needs to change, and Smith - a big playmaker - would look great on the opposite side of the field.
28. New England Patriots: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State. Like Paea before him, Heyward missed the Senior Bowl because of Tommy John surgery. He's a classic 'tweener, but New England would be an ideal landing spot, as he'd fit into the role that Richard Seymour vacated two years ago.
29. Chicago Bears: Tyron Smith, OT, USC. If the Bears are ever going to be something more than NFC also-rans, they will need to put as much talent around Jay Cutler as they can find. Smith may not be NFL-ready, but he's a sturdy run and pass blocker with more upside than any offensive lineman in this draft class.
30. New York Jets: Jon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh. With Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards scheduled for free agency, it's unlikely that the Jets will be able to bring both back. If a talented receiver is available to them at the end of round one, they'll pull the trigger - and Baldwin's physical tools are exceptional.
31. Green Bay Packers: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas. Green Bay stumbled across two very good young cornerbacks this year, with Tramon Williams emerging as one of the league's best corners and Sam Shields showing great promise as an undrafted free agent. Eventually, they'll need to add another DB to replace the aging Charles Woodson.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor. There are several directions the Steelers could take with this pick - the offensive line being the chief need area - but Taylor would be a great fit here. He had a fantastic week at the Senior Bowl, and Pittsburgh's two nose guards, Casey Hampton and Chris Hoke, are in their mid-30s.
84 comments
Comments
Carolina
I still think the best move is AJ Green. He’s the best player in the draft, and since Luck isn’t coming out and there’s a good chance that they don’t get him next year regardless of what they do at 1/1 they may as well give Claussen a chance to start and equip him with the tools to succeed. If he doesn’t work the next QB gets a top ten WR to play with. I don’t think that this is all that hard of a decision for the Panthers. Doing strictly what the fans want is a good way to kill a franchise fast. Imagine if the Packers kept on bringing back Brett Favre and finally didn’t cut bait with him, you have to do what’s best for the franchise regardless of what the fans think.
by Omar Little on Jan 31, 2011 10:56 AM EST reply actions
I completely agree with the A.J. Green to Carolina logic. It’s what I’d do. I just don’t think a Ron Rivera team will draft a receiver first overall.
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@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 12:03 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He has to see the other needs and the overall picture of the team.
The Jets are the only team that can contend for a Super Bowl with a mediocre QB. All the other SB contenders in the past have had at the very least a good QB. He needs to get that straightened first and foremost, since there’s no QB worth taking at 1/1 he may as well try to work with the guy that he has, and see if he can be a part of the future of the team or give the next guy a good weapon. He’s a smart guy, I think he’ll come around to the right decision. When you go 2-14 you need everything, everyone’s on notice, BPA all the way. Hell maybe a WR starved team may even trade a late 1st or mid 2nd for Steve Smith too and he can take a guy that falls later.
by Omar Little on Jan 31, 2011 12:39 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry, I don't see Carolina picking in the One Spot.
Rivera will likely trade down for multiple picks. This team has more holes than Myrtle Beach.
I’d look for him to trade away the #1 overall for a late 1st and late 2nd/early 3rd.picks. Maybe even an early 2nd and2-3 late round picks.
There is just too much to do there and not enough talent available.
Just win dammit!
by Suffering from Chicago Sports on Feb 2, 2011 2:52 PM EST up reply actions
Dallas
While I do like Cam Jordon, if it falls the way you have it, i hope we can find someone who wants to trade up for a QB and drop back to get one of the top RT and pick up an additional 2nd or 3rd
He who laughs last, thinks slowest
by BigBad Joe on Jan 31, 2011 11:30 AM EST reply actions
Yeah, it’s not a perfect fit. Dallas will almost certainly look to trade down if Amukamara and the top pass rushers are off the board.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
I think they're more likely to trade up than down.
If Peterson falls out of the top five they’ll move up to get him. Jerry has a “get his guy” philosophy and the Dallas secondary is about as bad as it gets.
by Omar Little on Jan 31, 2011 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
This is a good point.
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@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
Robert Quinn?
Wha? I don’t even know what to say about that one…
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by Sayre Bedinger on Jan 31, 2011 11:46 AM EST reply actions
Well, I wish you did, because then I’d know how to respond. :)
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@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
Robert Quinn? Are you kidding me?
Overall I loved the mock, but I can’t see Denver picking Quinn at 2. Also, I don’t want the Steelers picking Taylor at 32, I need for him to fall to Broncos at 36.
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by hcubed on Jan 31, 2011 12:00 PM EST reply actions
Why can’t you see Quinn at two? He is an outstanding football player. He will show very well in off-season workouts. There are questions about Bowers and Miller that leave the door open for Quinn to sneak in. I’d argue that no NFL coach is in better position to investigate Quinn off the field than John Fox, who was entrenched in the Carolinas for a decade. No one denies that Quinn’s talent is outstanding.
I’m not saying that it’ll happen, just that I think the door is very much open. Kid can play.
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@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
Best mock I’ve seen this season. First one I’ve seen that didn’t have A.J. going to Cleveland. Your pick makes sense, and it seems safe.
College basketball just became more interesting...
by allovertheplace on Jan 31, 2011 12:12 PM EST reply actions
Peterson @ 3 again?
Sorry but i’ll take scrubs at CB in Buffalo until they can get their offensive lines, defensive front 7 and QB straightened out.
Draft Linemen
by J2 on Jan 31, 2011 12:17 PM EST reply actions
Buffalo has more than one pick in this draft, and there’s solid depth along the lines this year. QB is another matter entirely; don’t see a guy that Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey love that early.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
I understand that – and you know my retort.
Impact linemen I believe do much more for your team – they make your CB, S better – they make your RB, WR, QBs better.
I think Fairley or Dareus are going to much more for a football team than a Peterson or Green will. Especially considering the issues that the Bills face – which is stopping the run. What good is a top flight CB if you get run on the whole game and the Sanchez of the world don’t have to do anything but handoff? (yes, I know more than one pick – but my point is if they don’t take impact linemen then what good does a CB or WR do for you…?)
Never use two drops of the formula. It would cause a reaction on the molecular level that is completely unpredictable.
by J2 on Jan 31, 2011 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
and no I don’t think Peterson is the next Revis or I would be much more in his corner
Never use two drops of the formula. It would cause a reaction on the molecular level that is completely unpredictable.
by J2 on Jan 31, 2011 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t necessarily disagree, but two things: you can justifiably reverse your argument (a good secondary makes life easier for the pass rush – it’s not as sound an argument, but not without basis), and more importantly, I don’t think the Bills draft with that philosophy. That much should be very obvious by now.
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@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
Peterson is the convergence of BPA and need for the Bills
It is very likely the pick. The Quinn pick is a bit of a reach at this point, but what is the latest saying….“Your either ahead of the wave or behind it”?
For my own personal sanity, I am officially banning myself from reading/saying anything about Cam Newton.... starting the day after the Bowl game until the start of the combine.
by Joe P. on Jan 31, 2011 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
I dont see Robert Quinn going to Denver, and I will speak my mind unlike Sayre
This is the highest pick in Broncos history. They have a lot of needs on their D, and if they dont improve them, they’re screwed. Dumerville will undoubtedly help the rush, and Ayers should translate very well to the LE spot. The only DE I could see them going for this high would be Bowers, and although I’m not huge on it, I could see Fox wanting to get the next Peppers, and have an everydown DE (unlike Doom).
I realize he’s a freak of an athlete, and is a very good pass rusher. But this kid has had so many issues and is far from certain. Here, I think Denver would go safe and go PP
by DBroncs1414 on Jan 31, 2011 12:43 PM EST reply actions
Not Bowers?
I am of the opinion that AJ Green will go 1/1, and I don’t think the Broncos will go for a corner. There’s too many good DL prospects for them to take a corner.
by Omar Little on Jan 31, 2011 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
I think Denver is more likely to go PP then not if Fairley is gone
by DBroncs1414 on Jan 31, 2011 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
Correct. One of those needs is to bookend Dumerville; forgive me for not thinking that Robert Ayers will be satisfactory in a new role.
Da’Quan Bowers isn’t even close to what Julius Peppers was as a prospect. He’s a good football player, but I think people see his weight and his sack numbers and automatically make that comparison. Athletically, I think Quinn is closer to Peppers than Bowers is. (And no, I’m not saying that because both were Tarheels. :) )
He has two issues. One, the whole “hasn’t played football in a year” thing – people will need to make sure he’s in playing shape, on top of the game mentally, etc. Two – the benign brain tumor that he had removed in HS; teams will need to make sure he checks out medically. These are significant hurdles, but not remotely insurmountable.
Ha, well, I had PP at 2 in earlier mocks and got yelled at by other Broncos fans. :)
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@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
Well I don't know why you are so against Ayers
he actually played pretty well in the 3-4 this year (not great) and I expect him to be much improved moving to the 4-3. I agree, a DE could be drafted very high, but I dont think it would be a huge indictment on Ayers.
I personally disagree about Bowers. He’s a beast and you’re right he’s not as athletic as Peppers but still he would fit that “DE opposite of Doom” role better then Quinn.
O, yeah I’ve heard that one before “just missed a year of football, he’s not a problem”. Remind you of Dez much? And before you hop on me and say that would be great, reportedly he was repeatedly late to meetings and was far from a team player. Some teams may not mind taking problems like that on, but starting from essentially scratch on D I dont see Denver taking on a highly possible problem player.
And I think I was one of the people who was against PP at 2, but I believe that was because you had Carolina take Fairley. To me, and probably most Broncos fans, it has come down to Fairley or PP at 2.
by DBroncs1414 on Jan 31, 2011 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
*didn't have Carolina take Fairley
by DBroncs1414 on Jan 31, 2011 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not really “against” Ayers… he’s a better fit in a 40 front as an end than a 30 front as a linebacker. Thought it was bizarre that Denver took him and tried to fit him into that system; he just wasn’t a fit. I think he’ll be an adequate end in a 4-3, but at some point, I think Denver will want to upgrade. He’s better in a rotation.
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@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
Rest of the comment got cut off…
I like Da’Quan Bowers just fine. He’s a Top 5 talent, and very much in the mix for Denver. I think arguments that he complements Dumervil better than Quinn would are probably accurate, as well.
As far as the Dez Bryant comparison – I think a guy can live in the spotlight without being a so-called diva, and I’m not going to paint Quinn in that light because he made two stupid decisions (going to the party, and then lying to investigators).
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
I brought up Dez because everyone was so sure we'd draft him
and every Denver fan said no, and we were right. I just dont see Denver drafting Quinn at 2, I dont think Denver will take such a risky pick there
by DBroncs1414 on Jan 31, 2011 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
We'll see on Ayers
remember too he has yet to start with Doom. I think if they can finally start together they will make a great tandem. I understand its far from a sure thing, but I have a feeling they’ll work very well together
by DBroncs1414 on Jan 31, 2011 1:23 PM EST up reply actions
Somebody played well in the Broncos defense this year?
The Doctor Jones fanclub: Active for more games than Jones himself.
Paul McCartney Can't Play Piano
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by UZ on Feb 1, 2011 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
Champ Bailey plays well every year…
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@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Feb 1, 2011 1:59 PM EST up reply actions
Mallett is way better than Locker…Locker proved in the Senior Bowl that he is highly overrated..Mallett will dominate in the NFL in 5 years.. If a team got him after the first round it would be a steal
by Rebelnotblackbear on Jan 31, 2011 1:03 PM EST reply actions
I'd say consistent dirty play is a pretty major character concern.
Sharlon Schoop - honkbalspeler extraordinaire.
Trolls are like cockroach Nazis. Sure, you CAN try to reason with them, but they won't listen, and if you respond to them, they invade your Sudetenland.
Or something.
That metaphor got away from me.
by Viliphied on Jan 31, 2011 1:21 PM EST reply actions
That second .gif literally made me dizzy.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
yea I respect the idea
but that thing is so damn annoying its giving me a headache
by DBroncs1414 on Jan 31, 2011 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
that's what the subject line is for
Sharlon Schoop - honkbalspeler extraordinaire.
Trolls are like cockroach Nazis. Sure, you CAN try to reason with them, but they won't listen, and if you respond to them, they invade your Sudetenland.
Or something.
That metaphor got away from me.
by Viliphied on Jan 31, 2011 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
Did he get tossed out of the game for that hit on the Georgia QB?
That is a suspendable offence in the NFL IMO.
Jeez Louise, that is a vicious hit! Personally, I am not for Fairley very early as he has only played one year as a starter, and I am not hearing he has a very good work habits.
by NorthLeft12 on Jan 31, 2011 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
no he didn't
how he wasn’t suspended this season remains an absolute mystery to me. That, by the way, was one of two blatantly late hits against the Georgia QB that game, and he also used his facemask to scrape the QB’s face after tackling him another time. Eventually the Georgia OL had enough of it and went after him, nearly causing an on the field brawl.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xljcMJxJZg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QfSRUk0fuA
Sharlon Schoop - honkbalspeler extraordinaire.
Trolls are like cockroach Nazis. Sure, you CAN try to reason with them, but they won't listen, and if you respond to them, they invade your Sudetenland.
Or something.
That metaphor got away from me.
by Viliphied on Jan 31, 2011 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
You wouldn’t happen to be a fan/alum of another SEC school, would you? :)
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@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
however could you have guessed?
Sharlon Schoop - honkbalspeler extraordinaire.
Trolls are like cockroach Nazis. Sure, you CAN try to reason with them, but they won't listen, and if you respond to them, they invade your Sudetenland.
Or something.
That metaphor got away from me.
by Viliphied on Jan 31, 2011 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
I'd love to see him go against some really nasty O-Linemen
He’s a dirty player for sure, and it’d be fun to see how some veteran centers and guards treat him. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him get a few chop blocks. In fact, I’m looking forward to it.
(NOTE: I hate the SEC in general and particularly dirty players, his style of play is unacceptable)
by Omar Little on Jan 31, 2011 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
Detroit really does not need another speed rusher like Kerrigan.
We have Cliff Avril, who is 24 and just had an outstanding year. Lawrence Jackson was given to us by Seattle and has been outstanding in the limited time he has played. He has earned more playing time, and we carried Willie Young on the roster all year as a developmental edge rusher. Young has looked outstanding in the preseason, making big plays at every opportunity albeit against second and third stringers. He never got a chance to play because of the outstanding play of Jackson and McBride behind KVB and Avril. I don’t see the Lions giving up on Young and Jackson for a guy that does not have that much upside IMO.
Now if you had Cameron Jordan available, that is a totally different scenario.
The one wild card in the Detroit D Line situation is KVB’s long term health. They lost him to a neck injury near the end of 2010, and if that injury is more serious or reoccurs, a big DE like Jordan would be ideal to take over that spot. I think the Lions would drop Turk McBride for a DE like Cameron Jordan.
by NorthLeft12 on Jan 31, 2011 1:21 PM EST reply actions
I think Kerrigan is a bit more than a speed rusher – he’s not a brute or anything, but he plays so hard that I think he’ll hold up really well against the run when he’s polished technically.
And yes, I went DE there not just because Kerrigan was the best player on the board, but because of KVB long-term. I’m aware of Jackson and Avril, but in a division that features Aaron Rodgers, I don’t think Detroit would mind loading up on the defensive line.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks Brian.
I guess I look at Kerrigan’s height and weight numbers [6’ 3 7/8" and 255 pounds] from the Senior Bowl and think that is all he is. Brandon Graham, the 13th pick in 2010, was 6’ 1.5" and 267 and Brian Orakpo, also picked 13th in 2009, was 6’ 3" and 263 and they were mostly quick but got good leverage due to their shorter height and solid frame. Kerrigan looks longer and leaner.
I would prefer a bigger guy, although not Clayborn or Heyward, at DE to back up KVB and replace McBride. But honestly, the Lions have some far bigger holes to fill than building long term depth on the D Line.
by NorthLeft12 on Jan 31, 2011 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
But are the Lions a draft-for-need team? I mean, they passed on Michael Oher for Brandon Pettigrew in ‘09. Ndamukong Suh and Jahvid Best were BPA picks, when you get right down to it. I’m not sold on the fact that the Lions will reach to fill a need.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 7:11 PM EST up reply actions
All things considered.
You have Ayers going at what, 17th? Ayers would probably be a better fit than Kerrigan. It’s BPA to an extent, but you have to remember tight end was a need too – you look right now at Jeff Backus, their current LT. He was graded very highly during the year in the nation’s 4th best pass blocking line, Oher wasn’t as much of a need as some believed.
Four slots isn’t so much a “reach,” unless you’re considering Ayers a reach for the Patriots (which is unusual for them too)
by Mavyrk on Jan 31, 2011 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
Well, I typically just toss fits into New England’s slots, because there’s a fantastic chance that they won’t end up picking in their current slots. They’re like that.
I think Ayers belongs in the 20-30 range.
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 1, 2011 8:00 AM EST up reply actions
This is probably the best mock I've seen ... except for the No.15 pick
Miami’s ground game will only go as far as the interior of its offensive line can take it, so unless the Dolphins trade down, recoup a second-round pick, draft Ingram and then get a center like Wisniewski with its second pick, the Dolphins’ running game is going to be inept, regardless of whether it’s a declining Ronnie Brown, apathetic Ricky Williams or a talented, barreling power runner like Mark Ingram in the backfield. And I really like Mark Ingram, but drafting him at No.15 would be like installing a new engine on a car with a broken axle.
Mike Pouncey in 2011!
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 31, 2011 1:32 PM EST reply actions
Other than that, I think your picks are solid, and the commentary is especially well done
And I think it’s likely these QB prospects will start to slide as other players (particularly guys on defense) start to blow up their offseason workouts.
Mike Pouncey in 2011!
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 31, 2011 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks for the kind words. I hear you on the whole interior line thing, but a) I don’t project trades in these mocks, and b) there isn’t an interior lineman worth taking unless you’re into moving a guy like Carimi – who held up well at OG in practices at the Senior Bowl – inside.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, I know you can't project trades. I just think Ingram is a player who belongs in the 20-32 section of round one
Carimi’s an option, I suppose (and he’s from the Big Ten—every Dolphins first-round pick since 2007 has been from that conference), but he’s too good of a RT prospect to move him inside, and I think Mike Pouncey is the guy if Miami trades down. QB is also an option, but I am not wild about Blaine Gabbert or Cam Newton, and Jake Locker looked ridiculously unprepared this week. Surprisingly, I like Ryan Mallett, and I think he may actually be the most accurate QB of the four first-round-caliber prospects. Still, I’d rather load up on the offensive line and then rebuild the backfield with guys like DeAngelo Williams and/or Darren Sproles.
Mike Pouncey in 2011!
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 31, 2011 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
Count me among those who don’t think a lot of Pouncey. He played soft this season. Didn’t like him much at all; see him as a second, maybe even third-round guy.
Mallett is one of the most inaccurate throwers I’ve ever seen. His numbers just look good because of Bobby Petrino’s offense. His footwork and mechanics are terrible, and lead to a lot of errant throws.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
I never once thought Pouncey played soft this year. And considering he was once thought to be a guard-only prospect, he displayed good postional versatility this season
And I’m not sure where your “inaccurate thrower” opinion of Mallett comes from. I was under the impression was a total heel (I still think he is, btw), but even I was a little impressed with the throws he made this year. In terms of overall throwing ability, he’s no worse than the other three (and none of the other prospects are flashing a lightning-quick release, either). However, this brings up a good point: this QB class is severely inflated right now.
Mike Pouncey in 2011!
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 31, 2011 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
Mallett is infuriating to evaluate. He’ll make an absolutely breathtaking throw – a throw only a few guys can make – and then he’ll miss someone open by several yards. Particularly on throws down the middle of the field, from what I’ve seen, he struggles. It’s all technical – these are things that can be corrected – but he’s not remotely ready for the NFL, particularly when you consider his apparent attitude issues.
I’m in a very small group of people that isn’t high on Pouncey, and I’ll readily admit that. He’ll make a good pro. I just don’t think he’s worth a first-round pick, as many believe he is.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 7:13 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, some team will probably be unable to resist his arm strength and size, I am sure
I don’t think any of the first-round QBs are even close to starting, actually. And I can respect the stance on Pouncey, but he could certainly intrigue a team that places a lot of value on position-diverse offensive linemen (see: Miami).
Mike Pouncey in 2011!
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 31, 2011 7:40 PM EST up reply actions
Re: Pouncey – and obviously, the Steelers will be in play, as well. A good O-Line is about chemistry, and having twin brothers playing alongside each other is about as ironclad, chemistry-wise, as you can get.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 7:44 PM EST up reply actions
Sherrod to KC??
I don’t see it happening, Pioli is a firm beleiver in finding O-Lineman in the later rounds, I expect to see Justin Houston go to KC in this spot unless by some act of God Julio Jones or Aldon Smith is there at #21………………….
"Not only did ViolentMike suck the best dick all season, but he also had the best butthole and won the inaugural season of the Gayest Fantasy Football League ever held"
by Dragon101 on Jan 31, 2011 3:26 PM EST reply actions
Haha Sherrod = Solder.....my bad
"Not only did ViolentMike suck the best dick all season, but he also had the best butthole and won the inaugural season of the Gayest Fantasy Football League ever held"
by Dragon101 on Jan 31, 2011 3:26 PM EST up reply actions
The only other spots I considered for KC were WR and OLB.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 3:30 PM EST up reply actions
You don't think Houston could make the trasistion to OLB opposite Hali??
I do…………
"Not only did ViolentMike suck the best dick all season, but he also had the best butthole and won the inaugural season of the Gayest Fantasy Football League ever held"
by Dragon101 on Jan 31, 2011 3:47 PM EST up reply actions
Oh no, I definitely do. I like him better as an OLB than I do as a 4-3 DE, in fact.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 7:13 PM EST up reply actions
Regardless......
KC has a lot of holes and as long as they take a OL or OLB in the first round I won’t complain, another 1st round DE and I might have a stroke……..
"Not only did ViolentMike suck the best dick all season, but he also had the best butthole and won the inaugural season of the Gayest Fantasy Football League ever held"
by Dragon101 on Feb 3, 2011 9:41 AM EST up reply actions
Why A.J. Green?
Calling Jerome Simpson our future isn’t a joke amongst Bengals fans anymore, he’s actually played amazingly the three games he was in. He only had two catches against the Browns but 6 for 100+ yards and 2 TD against the Chargers and 12+ for 100+ and a TD against the Ratbirds. That’s not a number one guy? Why would we bury him again after he played so well?
Why do people believe one receiver is going to soothe Palmer when his issues are with the organization and the flashiness of his receivers?
by Doc Scratch on Jan 31, 2011 3:37 PM EST reply actions
All they can do is try to make Palmer happy at this point. Green is the best player available, fills a need – I liked Simpson at the close of the season, but they need more – and some of the other players (Bowers in particular) aren’t as rock-solid as Green is as a prospect. Green is a can’t-miss.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 7:16 PM EST up reply actions
Did you really write this...
“former No. 11 overall pick that nobody saw coming”
and not at least once think, “Wait. If he was picked 11th out of all potential players that year, some people probably saw him coming.” Seriously, that’s just incredibly dumb.
by protocoach on Jan 31, 2011 4:45 PM EST reply actions
Well, I meant “nobody” as in “fans”; perhaps even “casual fans”. Obviously, NFL teams saw him coming, Dallas in particular. I appreciate the benefit of the doubt on my general intelligence level, though.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 7:17 PM EST up reply actions
Finally, a draft with us not picking a QB
Miller at five would be great for the Cards. I hope…
by Jesse Reynolds on Jan 31, 2011 5:05 PM EST reply actions
I don’t think there’s a better player/team fit than Miller and Arizona, to be frank. Absolutely perfect scheme fit at a position of huge need on a team that runs a defense and plays in a division that would highlight his best attributes immediately.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 7:18 PM EST up reply actions
Jets aren't taking a wide receiver in the 1st
especially not Baldwin, he isn’t a first round talent.
Other than that, this looks somewhat like the mock draft I’m preparing, I have Gabbert going in the top 10, but including him only 2 QB’s in the 1st round. I’m not a fan of the QB class and I think as scouts start breaking down even more tape and the combine comes around more of them will fall.
by andrew21 on Jan 31, 2011 5:08 PM EST reply actions
Baldwin is most definitely a first-round talent. His size/speed combo is quite unusual. Baldwin is not a first-round producer; scouts have noticed that he takes plays off, and he had a pretty disappointing junior season.
As for the quarterbacks, I think you’ll say one or maybe two rise – it almost always happens; the last time a QB didn’t go in the top five was 2000 (Chad Pennington) – but in general, that group is nothing but a bunch of question marks.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 7:22 PM EST up reply actions
Eagles
If Philadelphia snagged Carimi, I would dance naked down Broad Street. They were a mess from C to RT last year and comparisons to Jon Runyan only make it better.
by Tracer Bullet on Jan 31, 2011 7:45 PM EST reply actions
Not a fan of Aaron Williams in the 1st.
1st of all, he’s from Texas.
2nd, I don’t think a CB that high is a good idea for this team. The o-line scares me, as Cliffy’s knees could gove out at any time. Daryn Colledge is also a FA at LG and isn’t anything more than average if he stays. We still don’t have a starter at OLB opposite Clay. Jones, Zombo, and Wladen are all good back-ups, but not necessarily great starters. Is he even the 4th best CB? What about Jimmy Smith? Is Williams a first rounder?
I do want a CB, but I was thinking more of a 3rd-5th round guy that we could develop behind Woodson and that could contribute on STs. I just don’t like spending a first-rounder on a guy who might not see the field outside of dime situations.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
Super Bowl here we come!
by Omaha Sun on Jan 31, 2011 9:11 PM EST reply actions
I considered Jimmy Smith. Both are good fits in GB’s system. Williams has better upside.
I didn’t see an OLB I liked there, and briefly considered guys like Ben Ijalana and Kris O’Dowd, but corner was the best value.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2011 9:24 PM EST up reply actions
That's understandable.
We’re in a tough spot. I guess that’s the price of going to the Super Bowl. Russ Lande was on a radio show here and said he now has Smith as the #1 CB because of the limitations of the other 2. I just have only seen Williams in the first round a few times and wasn’t really familiar with him as a draft prospect. He didn’t really impress me when Nebraska played them (although I wasn’t looking for him). The receivers got open a lot, they just dropped the ball.
Oh, and did I mention I don’t like this pick because he’s from Texas?
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
Super Bowl here we come!
by Omaha Sun on Jan 31, 2011 11:06 PM EST up reply actions
Oh yeah. DANG, that’s tough. As a Bills fan, I’d MUCH rather be RIGHT WHERE WE ARE than where YOU GUYS are. Y’all are screwed. :)
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 1, 2011 8:01 AM EST up reply actions
Haha.
Yep. Sucks to be a Packer fan. Who needs rookies anyway? With the talent we have coming off of IR, it will be better than any draft class.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
Super Bowl here we come!
by Omaha Sun on Feb 1, 2011 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
More D Linemen to Detoirt
It’s like people think Millen is still drafting and Defensive linemen are his new WR. What about the Dline do people think needs upgrading? Don’t tell me KVB is getting old because they played lights out the last 4 games and that was without KVB.
by ATL Lion on Feb 1, 2011 10:56 AM EST reply actions
As I said above – don’t see the Lions reaching for a need when they can get a player that’ll help them. Kerrigan’s a good player. It’s not so much about upgrade as it is about building an outstanding area of a defense that’ll help try to beat Aaron Rodgers.
Giants fans rarely complain about the huge emphasis on defensive linemen…
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 1, 2011 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, like the Giants
Their D line has been solid for a long time. So lets follow their plan. Lets see, how many draft picks have they spent on D Linemen in the past 3 years? 1 6th rounder and 1 3rd rounder? Yes, they sure do focus on the Defensive line in the draft.
I don’t see the lions reaching either, but I think that they are in the market for a couple positions—OG, DB, LB—and there is going to be one of them with value at 13. Heck, I could see them grabbing a stout RB or a fast WR before repopulating an already stacked Dline.
What you guys have to remember about our DLine is that we have very young backups that have all played very well when they have seen action. If we were to draft another DE or DT, we would have to cut one of those guys. I think the FO is pretty happy with them so far and I don’t see them essentially throwing away someone they spent a draft pick on last year for another draft pick this year. They aren’t the Broncos ;)
by ATL Lion on Feb 2, 2011 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
Sorry
I forgot about last year when the Giants grabbed a ton of Dlinemen. But they were coming off a low year for them on Dline. One that was marred with lots of injuries to older players. We only HAVE 1 older player.
by ATL Lion on Feb 2, 2011 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
dallas could pick cameron jodan at ten but with no ot off the boared yet and hits a big need for dallas i canot seethem pass on one at 10pick inthe 1rd so if carmeron jordan falls to the 13pick in the draft he will be the lions pick beause they draft bpa in 1rd of the last few drafts.
by kwfords on Feb 1, 2011 1:29 PM EST reply actions
There isn’t an OT worth taking in the Top 10. If Dallas wants an OT, they need to trade down a good 5 slots.
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 1, 2011 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
2nd Round
There is no doubt we go D with the #3 pick, the von miller hype is kinda growing on me, but n e chance one of these QB’s fall to the second round? if so makes me wonder if we would even consider it for our 2nd round pick. hope they dont shine it off the radar like last year till the late rounds, we need some insurance to fitz and the future.
by buffalobills805 on Feb 2, 2011 8:16 PM EST reply actions
QBs fall out of the top 10
Yet you still have Seattle taking a 2nd/3rd round QB in the first? Clearly you need to rethink this… After all, in the entire coaching career of Pistol Pete Carrol he as had all of ZERO rushing QB’s. And even more so Harris is still on your board? HA!
by Sharoten on Feb 8, 2011 2:57 PM EST reply actions
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