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From:realgm
2011 NFL Mock Draft, Version 8.0 (Post-Combine)
Jeff Risdon/RealGM -
1. Carolina Panthers: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama.
The decision to franchise Ryan Kalil instead of Charles Johnson leaves them more open to a DE, but the Panthers only have one DT on the roster right now. Nick Fairley might have a slightly higher ceiling, but the much bigger, more grounded Dareus has a much higher floor. That is important to GM Marty Hurney, as much as the chance to get an impact interior player the team hasn’t had for a long time, if ever.
2. Denver Broncos: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson.
It’s either Bowers or Patrick Peterson, and your guess is probably as good as mine right now. Ignore the QB talk, it’s all smoke and no fire. Coach John Fox coaxed greatness (most of the time) from Julius Peppers, the player Bowers most readily compares with, and Denver needs impact players all over the defense even with Dumervil returning.
3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M.
He projects better as a 3-4 OLB, but he’s fluid enough to play the hybrid spot in George Edward’s defense the way Jason Taylor did in Miami. He and the underappreciated Arthur Moats could be a strong OLB combo for a long time. I’m told they would take Bowers ahead of anyone else.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama.
The Combine’s big winner, and the Bengals are a team noted for being suckers for great workouts. Jones is more physical than A.J. Green (or just about anyone this side of Anquan Boldin), and his two TDs against Patrick Peterson last season give him the standout moment that validates the workouts. Now on the matter of who will be throwing the ball to Jones…?
5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri.
Of all the picks in the top-10, this is the one I have the most confidence. By many accounts, Gabbert aced the grease-boards in interviews. Some point to his lack of experience, but he has double the starts of Mark Sanchez and the same amount as Sam Bradford, without the injury history. The Cardinals have to go QB and not risk being left out of the free agent/trade market.
6. Cleveland Browns: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn.
I’ve had AJ Green slotted here for several editions, and he’s still a distinct possibility. But too many signs are pointing defense, and Fairley is the kind of impact performer the Browns sorely lack on that side of the ball. His ability to play all over the line is a real positive.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU.
This is a good example of the strength of the defensive talent at the top of this draft--Peterson is as well-regarded as any DB in the last five drafts, yet he slides to #7 because teams place such a high priority on rushing the passer (and the passers themselves). The Niners would happily lap him up, though they too could get sucked in by the allure of pass rushers like Aldon Smith or Robert Quinn.
8. Tennessee Titans: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn.
This is probably the worst-case draft scenario for Newton, but it’s not unrealistic considering the myriad questions and all the unknowns surrounding the one-year wonder. I like that he wouldn’t have to play right away but could earn it over Kerry Collins.
9. Dallas Cowboys: JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin.
One of the big winners of the off-season workout circuit, Watt fills a huge need at RDE for the Cowboys. Jerry Jones is another owner/GM given to infatuation with great workout numbers, though many of us liked Watt before he blew up in Indy.
10. Washington Redskins: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia.
When all the defenders rise, someone has to fall…Green is incredibly gifted (he’s the #1 rated player on my board) but the focus on defense really hurts the WRs and RBs in terms of draft stock. The Skins get the #1 WR they desperately need, though it’s still hard for me to see Mike Shanahan passing on Jake Locker.
11. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, OLB, North Carolina.
The move to the 3-4 requires the Texans to add those two OLBs. They’re hopeful Connor Barwin can return from injury to handle one side, but they desperately need the impact pass rusher that makes 3-4 defenses work. Quinn was fantastic in 2009 and looked good at the Combine. I do not believe the talk of a corner; it’s extremely out of character to use back-to-back 1sts on the same position.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska.
Why no QB, you might ask? Two reasons: I still think they’re going to aggressively go after a veteran once that can be accomplished, and their defensive letdown in 2010 is a major priority for Leslie Frazier & Co. In a pass-happy division, the Vikings must improve their ability to cover, and Amukamara has very natural cover skills that fit their scheme nicely. I do believe they’ll go after a QB later as well.
13. Detroit Lions: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami FL.
The Lions have made little secret of their desire to upgrade the secondary. Scouts are all over the map on the speedy Harris, but too many close to the Lions keep trumpeting him. It’s at this timely point I provide the friendly reminder that I’m trying to predict what the teams would do, not what I would do, with the given pick.
14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois.
Coach Spagnuolo comes from the Jim Johnson coaching tree, which has its foundation on disruptive interior line play that allows freedom for more exotic zone blitzes. Liuget only had one great year at Illinois, but he dominated in 2010 and it was more a case of him getting in better shape than anything fluky. He’s the kind of player that teams will like more than draftniks, a la Tyson Alualu last year. Sleeper Pick: Justin Houston.
15. Miami Dolphins: Anthony Castonzo, T, Boston College.
This is extremely low for the first tackle to come off the board, but the Dolphins won’t mind a bit. Castonzo’s ability to start right away at either RT or guard are appealing to Miami and earn him the nod as the first lineman, even though both Tyron Smith and Nate Solder have higher ceilings.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois.
Wilson was another of the Combine’s big winners, displaying very impressive athleticism for an interior LB. The Jaguars happen to need one of those, and Wilson has the downhill style and sound tackling that appeal to Jack Del Rio, a former LB himself. Sleeper Pick: Jake Locker.
17. New England Patriots (from OAK): Cameron Jordan, DE, California.
The star of the Senior Bowl week is a great fit as a 5-technique, a spot where the Patriots need some help. His personality and intelligence make him a natural fit for the Patriots as well. I still think this is the year the Patriots shock everyone and package picks to move up.
18. San Diego Chargers: Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri.
It’s hard to find pressing needs for a team that finished #1 in both offense and defense, but what team can’t use more pass rushing help? Smith is the rawest of the top-tier pass prospects, but the Chargers are well-equipped to handle the growing pains.
19. New York Giants: Tyron Smith, T, USC.
Last year the Giants used their mid-first-round pick on an athlete with great potential but little experience playing the position. Jason Pierre-Paul proved a quick study and a keeper at DE, and GM Jerry Reese goes to that well again with converted TE Smith. His rapid weight gain (he played at USC no higher than 285, but tipped in at 307) answers questions about anchor strength but opens some others…
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa.
Clayborn is the least sexy of the upper echelon defensive ends in this draft. He’s also the best against the run and setting the edge, but his powerful inside moves also make him a nice changeup from the bevy of speed guys. Tampa has not hidden its desire to upgrade the pass rush. Sleeper Pick: Justin Houston.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA.
Ayers didn’t have a great Combine, and his 2010 wasn’t as dynamic as his 2009, but he’s a playmaker between the lines against both the run and pass. The Chiefs need playmakers like that in the defensive front.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, T, Colorado.
When GM Bill Polian talks, it’s wise to listen to him. Polian openly complained about the offensive line after the season, and that means changes are coming. Solder is huge but not a finished product, although his ability to play either tackle spot gives the Colts some desired flexibility. Sleeper Pick: Danny Watkins.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado.
The Eagles have a pressing need for a corner with Ellis Hobbs’ future uncertain at best. Smith doesn’t make a lot of plays on the ball, but balls seldom went his direction because his cover skills are that good. I think the Eagles would take any of the above offensive linemen as a priority.
24. New Orleans Saints: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue.
One of my favorite player tags this year comes from an AFC West scout who called Kerrigan “the whirlwind of scruff and tough”. That sounds like an asset the Saints can use on a defense that values attacking the ball.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington.
I’m more playing the “this guy beat my All Pro team” angle for Coach Pete Carroll than the “hometown hero” angle with this pick. Matt Hasselbeck’s chronic uncertainty front-burners finding a franchise QB. If Locker ever learns to complete more than 54% of his passes, he fits the bill.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State.
Addressing the defensive front is important for Ozzie Newsome & Co., and Heyward is the kind of player that screams “Baltimore Raven”. He’s versatile, he’s physical, he’s smart, he’s capable of dominating. If this in fact happens, it’s probably my favorite pick of the first round.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia.
Upgrading the pass rush opposite, and eventually replacing, Jon Abraham is critical. Houston has the ability to contribute right away as a pass rusher. His style of play reminds me of Mattias Kiwanuka, and if he becomes the impact player Kiwanuka was when healthy, the Falcons will be very happy.
28. New England Patriots: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama.
The Saban-Belichick connection pays dividends for the former Heisman winner, who lacks breakaway speed but has great burst and toughness. He’s also football smart and has experience in a shared backfield, an underappreciated trait for backs in the modern NFL of RB-by-committee. Sleeper Pick: Aaron Williams
29. Chicago Bears: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh.
The Bears are better at WR than most people think, but they don’t have the big, physical presence that makes a strong red zone target. Baldwin has incredible size for the position, and he’s flashed moments of greatness.
30. New York Jets: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State.
Paea sure seems like a marriage made in heaven for Rex Ryan; a surly brute with awesome physical strength and good-natured confidence paired with a coach that cherishes those attributes. The Jets also happen to desperately need DL help.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Gabe Carimi, T, Wisconsin.
Carimi is the best run-blocking tackle in this draft class, and he plays with the edge and presence of the prototypical Steeler. The line overhaul continues with precedency. Sleeper Pick: Rahim Moore.
32. Green Bay Packers: Jabaal Sheard, OLB, Pittsburgh.
What do you get the Super Bowl champs, a team with almost unprecedented depth across the board? How about the best available pass rusher, which appears to be the de facto theme of the 2011 draft. Sleeper pick: Leonard Hankerson, who appeared in this slot in the last edition.
Round 2
33. New England Patriots (from CAR): Mike Pouncey, C/G, Florida
34. Buffalo Bills: Danny Watkins, G/T, Baylor
35. Cincinnati Bengals: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
36. Denver Broncos: Aaron Williams, CB/S, Texas
37. Cleveland Browns: Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami FL
38. Arizona Cardinals: Derek Sherrod, T, Mississippi State
39. Tennessee Titans: Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
40. Dallas Cowboys: Quinton Carter, S, Oklahoma
41. Washington Redskins: Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
42. Houston Texans: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
43. Minnesota Vikings: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
44. Detroit Lions: Titus Young, WR, Boise State
45. San Francisco 49ers: Dontay Moch, LB, Nevada
46. Denver Broncos (from MIA): Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
47. St. Louis Rams: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
48. Oakland Raiders: Stefen Wisniewksi, C, Penn State
49. Jacksonville Jaguars: Davon House, CB, New Mexico State
50. San Diego Chargers: Jerrell Jernigan, WR, Troy
51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ben Ijalana, T/G, Villanova
52. New York Giants: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
53. Indianapolis Colts: Rodney Hudson, C/G, Florida State
54. Philadelphia Eagles: Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
55. Kansas City Chiefs: Greg Jones, LB, Michigan State
56. New Orleans Saints: Mason Foster, LB, Washington
57. Seattle Seahawks: Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois
58. Baltimore Ravens: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
59. Atlanta Falcons: Jason Pinkston, T, Pittsburgh
60. New England Patriots: Johnny Patrick, CB Louisville
61. San Diego Chargers (from NYJ): Will Rackley, T, Lehigh
62. Chicago Bears: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
63. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
64. Green Bay Packers: Kenrick Ellis, DT, Hampton
Round 3
65. Carolina Panthers: Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
66. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Sash, S, Iowa
67. Denver Broncos: Luke Stocker, TE, Tennessee
68. Buffalo Bills: Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky
69. Arizona Cardinals: Curtis Marsh, CB, Utah State
70. Cleveland Browns: Marcus Cannon, G/T, TCU
71. Dallas Cowboys: James Carpenter, T, Alabama
72. New Orleans Saints (from WAS): Sam Acho, DE, Texas
73. Houston Texans: Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
74. New England Patriots (from MIN): Ryan Jones, CB, Northwest Missouri State
75. Detroit Lions: Colin McCarthy, LB, Miami FL
76. San Francisco 49ers: Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
77. Tennessee Titans: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
78. St. Louis Rams: Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson
79. Miami Dolphins: Virgil Green, TE, Nevada
80. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kelvin Sheppard, LB, LSU
81. Oakland Raiders: Chimdi Chekwa, CB, Ohio State
82. San Diego Chargers: Shareece Wright, CB, USC
83. New York Giants: DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson
84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: K.J. Wright, LB, Mississippi State
85. Philadelphia Eagles: Clint Boling, G/T, Georgia
86. Kansas City Chiefs: Edmund Gates, WR, Abilene Christian
87. Indianapolis Colts: Christian Ballard, DT/DE, Iowa
88. New Orleans Saints: Shane Vereen, RB, California
89. San Diego Chargers (from SEA): Darvin Adams, WR, Auburn
90. Baltimore Ravens: Brooks Reid, OLB, Arizona
91. Atlanta Falcons: Niles Paul, WR, Nebraska
92. New England Patriots: Ahmad Black, S, Florida
93. Chicago Bears: Orlando Franklin, G/T, Miami FL
94. New York Jets: Cecil Shorts III, WR, Mount Union
95. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenrick Burney, CB/S, North Carolina
96. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Todman, RB, UConn
Round 4
97. Carolina Panthers: Rob Housler, TE, Florida Atlantic
98. Seattle Seahawks (from NE via DEN): Derek Newton, T, Arkansas State
99. Buffalo Bills: D.J. Williams, TE/FB, Arkansas
100. Cincinnati Bengals: Lawrence Wilson, LB, UConn
101. Cleveland Browns: Pernell McPhee, DE/DT, Mississippi State
102. Arizona Cardinals: Jordan Cameron, TE, California
103. Philadelphia Eagles (from WAS): Cortez Allen, CB, Citadel
104. Houston Texans: Jeremy Kerley, WR/KR, TCU
105. Minnesota Vikings: Tim Barnes, C, Missouri
106. Detroit Lions: Ross Homan, LB, Ohio State
107. San Francisco 49ers: Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa
108. Tennessee Titans: Joseph Barksdale, T, LSU
109. Dallas Cowboys: Korey Lindsey, CB, Southern Illinois
110. Miami Dolphins: Delone Carter, RB, Syracuse
111. St. Louis Rams: Denarius Moore, WR, Tennessee
112. Oakland Raiders: Jerrell Powe, DT, Ole Miss
113. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tandon Doss, WR, Indiana
114. San Francisco 49ers (from SD): Sione Fua, DT, Stanford
115. Tampa Bay Bucs: Jaiquawn Jarrett, S, Temple
116. New York Giants: Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada
117. Kansas City Chiefs: Rashad Carmichael, CB, Virginia Tech
118. Indianapolis Colts: Josh Thomas, CB, Buffalo
119. Philadelphia Eagles: Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington
120. Jacksonville Jaguars (from NO): Allen Bailey, DE, Miami FL
121. Buffalo Bills (from SEA): Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware
122. Baltimore Ravens: John Moffitt, G/C, Wisconsin
123. Atlanta Falcons: Jalil Brown, CB, Colorado
124. New England Patriots: Demarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
125. New York Jets: Terrell McClain, DT/DE, Central Florida
126. Chicago Bears: Lawrence Guy, DT, Arizona State
127. Pittsburgh Steelers: Martin Parker, DT, Richmond
128. Green Bay Packers: Ray Dominguez, G, Arkansas
