2011 NFL Mock Draft

#1 Panthers-QB Blaine Gabbert
Adam Schefter is never wrong… Ever. Last year he said in February that Sam Bradford would be the #1 pick, and this year he says don’t be surprised if the Panthers take the quarterback they prefer out of Newton and Gabbert. Well, I think they prefer Gabbert. I personally wouldn’t draft either one of them, but between them Gabbert doesn’t have the immaturity and intelligence concerns that Newton has. They’re both big with strong arms but wildly inaccurate and come from the spread in college. Character/intelligence is really the only things that are different between these two guys so why wouldn’t Carolina go with the guy that is better in those departments?

#2 Broncos-DE Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson
This pick has to happen. If it doesn’t I bet you the Broncos pick Robert Quinn just to take a defensive end. John Elway is running this team now and he will be thinking like a quarterback. What drives quarterbacks insane more than anything else? An incredible pass rusher that is disrupting their timing the entire game. Add in the fact that John Fox loves athletic defensive ends (he drafted Julius Peppers in his first year in Carolina and traded away a future first round pick for Everette Brown) and that Dq’Quan Bowers is a physical freak of nature and this is nearly a lock. Oh also the Broncos were dead last in the NFL in sacks last year with 23, they need pass rushing help.

More after the jump


#3 Bills-QB Cam Newton, Auburn
A lot of people think Fitzpatrick has a future in the NFL, but the Bills are picking 3rd. You could say that the team around him is terrible, but good quarterbacks win games. Also, new regimes mean new quarterbacks and last year Gailey never hand selected his guy, he just inherited Fitzpatrick. Well, due to Newton’s athleticism, intangibles and the fact he ran spread in college just like Chan Gailey runs up in Buffalo, I think Gailey picks his future quarterback here.

#4 Bengals-WR A.J. Green, Georgia
A Bengals inside was quoted saying this will be an offensive draft for the Bengals. I feel A.J. Green is a lock if both quarterbacks are gone. Green is the best player in the draft and will help out whoever is the next quarterback for the Bengals. Also, Terrell Owens will not be back next season and it is very likely that Chad Johnson will also not return, thus leaving the Bengals with a huge need at the receiver position.

#5 Cardinals-OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M
I’m incredibly sick of people mocking a quarterback to the Cardinals. Even if Gabbert or Newton is on the board Ken Wisenhunt will not draft either of them. Wisenhunt doesn’t want to sit around and wait for a young quarterback to develop for him to be competitive. Wisenhunt is only two years removed from a Super Bowl and comes from a winning tradition in Pittsburgh. My prediction: Arizona trades their second round pick for Kevin Kolb. Now for the actual pick: Von Miller has dominated every aspect of life since the end of the season. He was hampered by an injury for most of the year then tore it up at the end of the season. After that he went to the Senior Bowl where he was the best player on either side of the ball on either team. Next up, the combine, where he added 8 pounds of muscle and tested through the roof athletically and in all the drills. He plays a premium position of a pass rusher, and the Cardinals are desperate for pass rushers.

#6 Browns-DT Marcell Dareus, Alabama
The Browns released Shaun Rogers and need to re-tool their defensive line. Dareus had an unbelievable combine workout and has reclaimed the #1 DT spot from Nick Fairley. Dareus is 28 pounds heavier than Fairley and had a faster 10-yard split, and a close 40 time as well. Dareus is a monster at 319 pounds and provides scheme flexibility as he could play in a 4-3 or be a NT in a 3-4.

#7 49ers-CB Patrick Peterson, LSU
Peterson is the 2nd best player in this draft and falls to #7, can you say steal. If Peterson is available here this is a no brainer as the 9ers are desperate for corner help. Peterson is an absolute stud. He has the size of a safety and the speed of a corner at 6’2” 220 pounds with a 4.32 40 yard dash. Not only does he completely eliminate one side of the field in pass coverage, but he can come up and tackle in run support and is also a fantastic kick returner.

#8 Titans-Nick Fairley, Auburn
The Titans never really replaced Albert Haynesworth’s presence in the middle of their defensive line. At one point in time everyone in the world had Fairley locked into the #1 pick until he was measured at the combined and everyone found out he is much smaller than he was listed at Auburn. In addition he has some character issues and his stock has slipped. Still, there is no denying his talent and he will end up going in the top ten picks. This is a good fit for him here to the Titans.

#9 Cowboys-CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
There really is not much of a differential between Peterson and Amukamara. Peterson is better, but barely. Yes, Amukamara is that good. The Cowboys defense was simply an embarrassment last season, especially in the secondary where they need four new starters. Mike Jenkins shouldn’t be in the NFL and Terrence Newman’s legs are gone, thus his career is over. Amukamara is a top five prospect in this draft and a shutdown corner. If it were any other year Amukamara would be the first corner chosen and go higher than #9. The Cowboys are getting a steal.

#10 Redskins-WR Julio Jones, Alabama
Say what you want about Donovan McNabb, but who the hell is he throwing to? Well, whether it’s McNabb or Rex Grossman or a rookie next season, Julio Jones will improve that situation. If Mike Shanahan has balls he will draft Jake Locker here. Last year Shanahan wanted to take Locker with the 4th pick before Locker decided to go back to school. There is also talk that Shanahan will try to move up into the end of the first round to obtain Locker. (By the way there seems to be a few teams that might be trying to out maneuver each other for Locker at the end of the first round: Redskins, Vikings, 49ers, Titans). Julio Jones has drawn a lot of comparisons to Brandon Marshall in regards to their size, athleticism and playing style. Shanahan might see Jones as Marshall without the headaches and groom him into his next stud receiver.

#11 Lions (F/HOU)-OT Tyron Smith, USC
In every draft there are reaches and trades, yet no one ever mocks them. Well, I think this is where the first trade will happen. I think the Lions are fearful that the best tackle in the draft will fall into enemy hands 1 pick before theirs. Therefore, they leap from the Vikings and the Texans move down. I think Detroit has finally learned their lesson about not taking a left tackle to protect Stafford’s blindside. Stafford has all the talent in the world but no protection and his career is in serious jeopardy now, because if he injuries his right shoulder again he is done. This is what happens when you draft Brandon Pettigrew over Michael Oher and (yes I’m saying it) Ndamukong Suh over Russell Okung. I don’t care how good Suh is you win games with QBs not DTs and for your QB to win you games he must actually be on the field. And no Stafford was not injury prone before he got to Detroit, he never missed a single game at Georgia, he became injury prone from getting rocked every play behind Detroit’s garbage line. Also, forget football for a second and let’s talk business/economics. You draft Stafford and gave him $72 million with $42 million guaranteed; doesn’t it only make sense to invest in someone to protect your enormous financial investment? This must be a left tackle.

#12 Vikings-OT Nate Solder, Colorado
The reason I think the Lions are afraid of Smith falling into enemy hands is because I really think the Vikings are going to take an offensive tackle. Coaches tend to draft the side of the ball that isn’t their specialty during the early years of their tenure. The reason is coaches are cocky and believe they can just coach up anyone on their side of the ball. Also, Leslie Fraizer (the defensive specialist) has already said he wants to find his own Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco in this draft. Well, unless he has the balls to take Jake Locker here then he will be waiting to find his quarterback. However, if he does plan on finding a new quarterback someone has to protect him, and Minnesota’s line is in shambles. Solder would allow McKinnie to move to right tackle, moving Loadholt to right guard, which upgrades the entire line. Also, Fraizer must be smart enough to know he has to protect his best player, Adrian Peterson.

#13 Texans-CB Jimmy Smith, Colorado
The Texans’ defense is atrocious. Now they’re moving to Wade Phillips’ 3-4? So, Houston, you didn’t think your defense was bad enough so you bring in the clueless Wade Phillips and his 3-4 scheme which is trapping your best player, Mario Williams, in a 3 man line and limiting his pass rushing ability? How do people get paid millions to make these moronic decisions while I’m here typing this on my computer? Anyway, the Texans tend to go need over value in the draft and boy do they need a corner. In a division with Peyton Manning, you better have a ton of talented corners if you want to win the division.

#14 Rams-DE Robert Quinn, UNC
The Rams dream scenario must be for Julio Jones to fall so they can give Bradford a real receiver. Anyway, there is still plenty of needs elsewhere, including the defensive line. They really need someone opposite Chris Long to take some attention away from him. Robert Quinn was suspended this past season because the NCAA is a bunch of douchebags. However, he has the talent of a top five pick but slips here out of circumstance. The Rams are getting a huge steal here and it is a case where value and need are perfectly combined.

#15 Dolphins-DE/OLB Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
I’m so sick of seeing a QB or Mark Ingram to the Dolphins. Why would Sparano draft a QB when the owner said if he doesn’t make the playoffs he is getting fired? Why would Sparano draft a running back when you can get a running back anywhere and needs the most complete team to make the playoffs or he is fired? I predict that the Dolphins sign Vince Young. Sparano is in win right now mode, and why not try Young in the wildcat? Meanwhile, to beat the Patriots and Jets (aka to win the Division and make the playoffs) you must be able to put pressure on Brady and Sanchez. The Dolphins have Cameron Wake but you can never have too many talented pass rushers. Kerrigan showed at the combine that he does indeed have the athleticism to make the move OLB in a 3-4 scheme.

#16 Jaguars-DE Aldon Smith, Missouri
Just like Sparano, Del Rio must make the playoffs this season. Therefore, the Jaguars will not be taking a quarterback. Well, to win in the AFC South guess what? You have to be able to put pressure on Peyton Manning, and the Jaguars are one of the worst pass rushing teams. Aldon Smith was injured as a redshirt sophomore and put up below average numbers, but his redshirt freshman year tape shows you why he is going to go in the top half of the first round. He has drawn a ton of comparisons to Jason Pierre-Paul, who just went #15 to the Giants last season.

#17 Patriots (F/OAK)-DE Cameron Jordan, California
The chances are Belichick will trade down about 7 times before he actually makes a selection. I’m sure he will trade down I just can’t figure out with who yet. Anyway, the Patriots have a big need for defensive end help/depth. Luckily Jordan is the best player available on the board. Jordan dominated during the season and at the Senior Bowl, and he just tested fantastically at the combine. He has the size to play in a 3-4 scheme, and provides pass rush help for the pass rush deprived Patriots.

#18 Chargers-DE J.J. Watt, Wisconsin
J.J. Watt finished in the top 5 in every athletic drill for defensive lineman at the combine. He is a 6’6” 292 pound defensive end that is that athletic. He offers scheme versatility as he could play either a 4-3 or 3-4, and stuffs the run as well as provides a pass rush. The Chargers need an upgrade on the defensive line, specifically at end. Jacques Cesaire is declining and also a free agent. He needs to be replaced.

#19 Giants-TE Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame
And my first reach/shocker pick. It happens every year so why not try to mock it? I look at the Giants and one position that stands out that needs help that never gets mentioned is tight end. Kevin Boss is solid I guess, but imagine that offense with a real pass catching threat at the tight end position. I just don’t understand how teams would line up to stop Nicks, Smith, Manningham and Rudolph.

#20 Buccaneers-DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
The Buccaneers have proven they don’t care about character concerns, so that shouldn’t be a problem for Adrian Clayborn here. Clayborn was once thought to be a top ten pick but falls because he didn’t play up to expectations this past season. However, I do believe that Tampa will roll the dice with him. The Buccaneers simply need to add pass rushers (especially in a division with Matt Ryan and Drew Brees). Last year the used their first two picks on defensive tackles (McCoy, Price) and now those guys need a compliment on the outside of the defensive line.

#21 Chiefs-WR Jonathan Baldwin, Pitt
Finally, the Chiefs played a real playoff team and Matt Cassel was exposed as the scrub that he is. The moment Cassel faced a real defense (Baltimore) he had his worst game of the season and threw three interceptions. However, the Chiefs aren’t going to change quarterbacks so they will just blame his lack of receivers. The crap they trotted onto the field opposite Dwayne Bowe is embarrassing. Jonathan Baldwin will change all that. Though Baldwin didn’t put up numbers this past season it wasn’t his fault, his quarterback was 5’6” and couldn’t complete a single pass. At the combine Baldwin showed his athleticism and that he belongs this high in the draft.

#22 Colts-OT Anthony Castonzo, BC
Since last years’ draft Bill Polian has said he made a mistake selecting Jerry Hughes over Roger Saffold as he needed to protect Peyton Manning. Well, Saffold turned into a good protector for Bradford in St. Louis, and Peyton Manning was constantly pressured this season. Bill Polian is too good at his job to make this mistake again. Castonzo is the next in a long line of great lineman that Boston College has sent to the pros, and is better in pass protection that run blocking. Sounds like he would fit well on the Colts.

#23 Eagles-OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
Andy Reid has loves big lineman. It’s prolly cuz they’re the only people in the world that make him look somewhat smaller. It seems every year Reid spends at least one of his first two picks on the trenches, and his offensive line is the heaviest in the NFL. Well, Winston Justice was embarrassed and benched multiple times this year, one coming on national television against the Packers. Gabe Carimi weighs in at 323 pounds so he fits the weight requirement.

#24 Saints-DE Justin Houston, Georgia
Last year the Saints openly admitted they were going to take Jerry Hughes until the Colts picked him one spot ahead of them. Well, if at first you don’t succeed try, try again. In a division with Matt Ryan and Josh Freeman the Saints need talented pass rushers, as no one had more than 6 sacks for the Saints this year. Houston was looking a lot like Jerry Hughes earlier on in the process but then bulked up to 270 pounds at the combine. This may be bad for his draft stock as he doesn’t really fit a 3-4 mold anymore, but it is good for the Saints as he is now better suited for their 4-3.

#25 Seahawks-QB Jake Locker, Washington
I know I said there might be a bidding war to move up and get Jake Locker late in the first round, but I still haven’t figured out that trade either. In the meantime, the Seahawks simply cannot afford to pass on their local hero. Locker went to high school in Washington, stayed home to go to college at Washington, and won them a bowl game. There are knocks on Locker but a lot of that can be blamed on his teammates and there is a ton to like about him. If anyone knows how good Locker is it is Pete Carroll who coached against Locker for 3 years in the Pac-10. Carroll must admit that Whitehurst was a bad trade and just move on and find a new successor for Matt Hasslebeck.

#26 Ravens-CB Brandon Harris, Miami
The Ravens need help at corner and they certainly love their Miami boys (Reed, Lewis, Starks). Brandon Harris was a lock down corner the entire season but didn’t do all that well against Michael Floyd in their bowl game. Still he is a first rounder and has great talent to go along with great physical tools. And you know that Reed and Lewis will take him under their wing as part of the Hurricane brotherhood.

#27 Falcons-WR Torrey Smith, Maryland
The Falcons defense sucks but the value doesn’t add up here. However, Matt Ryan could really use another receiver to throw to. Torrey Smith is a raw speedster that is physically gifted. However, he has been labeled a body catcher and at the combine his hands were measured and they’re tiny. This would explain the body catches. Well he still wowed scouts in drills and workouts so he seems to be worth the risk at this juncture.

#28 Patriots-DE/OLB Brooks Reed, Arizona
Belichick tends to draft unconventionally, really sticking to his own board and not caring how much later he could have taken a prospect. This just seems like a Belichick pick to me. The Patriots are desperate for a pass rushing outside linebacker and Brooks Reed was incredible at the Senior Bowl. He then went on to the and tore it up there as well posting good workout numbers including an insane 30 reps for a linebacker. I have to imagine Belichick believes he can coach this kid up.

#29 Bears-OT Derek Sherrod, Mississippi St
Say what you want about Jay Cutler but the Bears have the worst line in the NFL and its not even close. He was sacked a league high 56 times this year and probably hit another 50 times. If he wasn’t getting sacked or getting rocked, he was running for his life scrambling around avoiding defenders. It also doesn’t help that he has a bunch of mediocre, midget receivers running around trying to catch for him. The Bears #1 priority this off-season is not even debatable they HAVE to invest in getting Jay Cutler some protection.

#30 Jets-OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA
Akeem Ayers used to be projected as a top 15 pick til he stunk up the combine. However, the Jets may take a chance on him here. The Jets need pass rush help and Ayers can do that for them. Also, Ayers is very versatile as he could play multiple positions, and this is something I think Rex Ryan will really like about him.

#31 Steelers-OG Mike Pouncey, Florida
Every year it seems as if the Steelers offensive line stinks, they we all project them to take a lineman, and then it never happens. Until last year when they took the other Pouncey brother and that worked out wonderfully. Well, why not try it again. The Steelers still need offensive line help and the Pouncey brothers played next to each other at Florida, why not reunite them?

#32 Packers-WR Titus Young, Boise St
The Packers really don’t have many needs so they can fool around with this pick. Donald Driver is really getting up there so bringing someone in to replace him soon would be a good idea. Titus Young was called the DeSean Jackson of this draft before running a 4.43 at the combine. A 4.43 is still really fast but Jackson blazed a 4.32. Still, Young had a fantastic Senior Bowl and is definitely a deep threat, and just another toy for Aaron Rodgers to play with.



#33 Patriots-OL Ben Ijalana, Villanova
Stephen Neal retired and I don’t think Matt Light will be brought back. The Patriots must protect Brady, and Ijalana’s versatility will allow for Belichick to put the five best lineman he has on the field.

#34 Bills-DT Phil Taylor, Baylor
The Bills 3-4 defense is desperate for a NT.

#35 Bengals-QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
The Bengals are another team that doesn’t care about character concerns so they will have no problem pulling the trigger on Mallett here. Some believe Mallett is a first rounder, others think he shouldn’t be drafted due to his incredible character and intelligence concerns. All I know is Carson Palmer vowed to never step foot back in Paul Brown Stadium, so someone new is going to have to pass to A.J. Green.

#36 Browns-WR Leonard Hankerson, Miami
The Browns must surround Colt McCoy with talented receivers.

#37 Broncos-S Rahim Moore, UCLA
The Broncos defense is a mess and getting the best safety in the draft here is very fortunate.

#38 Eagles (F/ARI)-DT Marvin Austin, UNC
Like I said I believe the Cardinals will trade for Kevin Kolb. Of course if there is no new CBA then the joke is on me. Anyway, Reid loves the trenches and is another coach that doesn’t care about character concerns (see Peters, Jason, Vick, Michael, and his degenerate sons.)

#39 Titans-QB Christian Ponder, Florida St
New regimes mean new quarterbacks and Jeff Fisher is out.

#40 Cowboys-DL Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple
The Cowboys have a serious need at defensive end and Wilkerson has the stature to fit their 3-4 scheme.

#41 Redskins-QB Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
What do John Elway, Jake Plummer, Jay Cutler and Donovan McNabb all have in common? Answer: They’re all mobile with a rocket launcher for a right arm. Think Shanahan knows what he wants in a quarterback?

#42 Texans-DT Stephen Paea, Oregon St
The Texans are going to need a NT for their new (moronic) 3-4 defense. Stephen Paea is a little undersized for that job but put up an ABSURD 49 reps at the combine.

#43 Vikings-QB Ricky Stanzi, Iowa
Like Leslie Fraizer said, he wants to find his Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco.

#44 Lions-CB Aaron Williams, Texas
This is simply entirely need based. The Lions’ secondary is a joke.

#45 49ers-QB Pat Devlin, Delaware
New regimes mean new quarterbacks and Harbaugh might just fall in love with this super accurate quarterback.

#46 Broncos (F/MIA)-DT Christian Ballard, Iowa
The Broncos defense is a joke, but if they add Ballard to Bowers and Dumerville their defensive line will actually become a strength.

#47 Rams-WR Jerrel Jernigan, Troy
Like I said earlier, the Rams want nothing more this off-season than to add Bradford with a real deep threat.

#48 Raiders-CB Ras-I Dowling, Virginia
Asomugha is leaving and Al Davis loves his 40 times. Dowling ran a 4.40 but pulled up with 5 yards left cuz he tweaked his hamstring. Let’s just project him down to a 4.35 for the sake of argument.

#49 Jaguars-CB Brandon Burton, Utah
A pass rusher and a corner, the perfect way to beat Peyton Manning.

#50 Chargers-OT DeMarcus Love, Arkansas
The Chargers have needed help at tackle for years and I doubt Mr. Smith lets this continue on.

#51 Buccaneers-OG Marcus Cannon, TCU
Besides putting pressure on Matt Ryan and Drew Brees, the other best way to beat them is to pound the rock and keep them off the field. Enter the 350-pound Cannon to open up holes for Blount.

#52 Giants-RB Mark Ingram, Alabama
And Ingram finally comes off the board. I really do believe he will fall out of the first round but this is too much value for the Giants to pass up.

#53 Colts-DT Drake Nevis, LSU
Bill Polian needs to fix this defensive tackle problem once and for all. Nevis is the undersized penetrating defensive tackle the Colts love.

#54 Eagles-OG Danny Watkins, Baylor
Kind of a theme here, with the massive lineman strategy of Reid. Three trench visits in the first three picks, two on offense, is a lot, but the Eagles offensive line is truly in that bad a shape.

#55 Chiefs-OT Orlando Franklin, Miami
Another excuse for Matt Cassel could be his lack of protection. Pioli will address this need.

#56 Saints-OLB Bruce Carter UNC
It has literally been years that the Saints have needed an upgrade at outside linebacker. Well Bruce Carter is an absolute steal as you could make the case he is a top 30 player.

#57 Seahawks-CB Curtis Brown, Texas
Another pick that is simply based off need, the Seahawks pass defense is also a joke.

#58 Ravens-DE Allen Bailey, Miami
Boy the Ravens do love those Miami boys, but don’t think that defensive end isn’t a position that could be upgraded.

#59 Falcons-DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio St
I hate Heyward and think he will bust, others agree with me, others think he should go in the top 15, others think he belongs here. Well, I guess the Falcons might as well roll the dice at this point in the draft.

#60 Patriots-CB Johnny Patrick, Louisville
I fully believe Asomugha will take less money to join the Patriots for a chance at a ring. Funny thing is without a CBA there is no free agency, so if that doesn’t happen before the draft the Patriots need a backup plan.

#61 Chargers (F/NYJ)-ILB Martez Wilson, Illinois
A major steal here, Wilson is the best ILB and it’s not even close, and the Chargers have needed an upgrade at ILB for years.

#62 Bears-C/G Stefen Wisniewski, Penn St
Like I said earlier, the Bears need to spend their most valuable resources this season on protecting Jay Cutler.

#63 Steelers-OG John Moffitt, Wisconsin
Double dip at guard? Big Ben can’t keep getting rocked every single game.

#64 Packers-DE/OLB Dontay Moch, Nevada
The Packers don’t have too many needs so they are in position to swing for the fences here.