2011 NFL Mock Draft: 12/30/10
By Editorial Staff
As we head into another weekend of NFL football we are getting a clearer picture of where some teams will be selecting in the 2011 NFL Draft. Here at NFL Mocks we love to bring you updated Mock Drafts because it gives you a look at what your team could possibly add in the offseason. Below is the most recent mock by Site Director and Lead Scout Jon Dove. Be sure to check our our Big Board, Team Needs, and Scouting Reports. You can also check out DCSports Report’s mock draft database to compare this mock to others out on the web.
1. Carolina (2-13)- Andrew Luck- QB- Stanford
– There are a lot of people in the NFL anxiously awaiting Luck’s decision and the Panthers are on the top of that list. However, the Panthers might be relieved if Luck decides to return to Stanford. This would allow them to move forward with Jimmy Clausen and address another of their many needs. With that being said I am not sure anyone is going to be happy to miss out on a prospect like Luck.
2. Denver (4-11)- Patrick Peterson- CB- LSU
– This pick is going to depend a lot on the coaching staff brought in but I doubt they will go any direction other than defense. At this point I am assuming they will remain a 3-4 defense and therefore address the cornerback position. Peterson is an exceptional athlete that will remind a lot of people of Champ Bailey in his younger years.
3. Cincinnati (4-11)- AJ Green- WR- Georgia
– The more and more I think about this pick the better I feel about AJ Green going to the Bengals. The problem right now with mocking the Bengals is that they have invested a lot of picks at along the defensive line so I don’t see them going with a Da’Quan Bowers. Green is going to be a game breaker and spell the end of the Ochocinco era in Cincinnati.
4. Buffalo (4-11)- Da’Quan Bowers- DE- Clemson
– I make this selection with the hope that the Bills go forward with a 4-3 defensive alignment. Bowers has shown that he can rush the passer as well as hold strong against the run. I feel it would be a mistake to ask him to play outside linebacker although he has the athletic ability to do so.
5. Arizona (5-10)- Ryan Mallett- QB- Arkansas
.
– The Cardinals need to address their quarterback situation and I am not among those that believe in John Skelton. I also feel that they will have a hard time finding a long term solution in the free agent/trade market. Mallett is a strong armed quarterback that will help utilize the ability of Larry Fitzgerald. There is not a player available at the other positions of need (OL and LB) that I would draft in this position. You could see them go in the direction of Prince Amukamara.
6. San Francisco (5-10)- Prince Amukamara- CB- Nebraska
– This 49ers football team is in desperate need of a quarterback; but are they desperate enough to fall in love with potential? At this point in the Mock the top two rated quarterbacks available are Jake Locker and Cam Newton both of whom are project quarterbacks. So will the 49ers take the risk and invest in another top 10 quarterback? I don’t feel they will and right now they get lucky with Amukamara sitting on the board as a safe pick.
.
7. Dallas (5-10)- Marcel Dareus- DL- Alamaba
– Dareus is a better fit for the Cowboys than someone like Nick Fairly and that is why he is drafted in this position. Dareus’s versatility will make him an attractive prospect come draft time. He could move right in and start for the Cowboys as a 5 technique and also fill in for Jay Ratliff in a pinch.
.
8. Houston (5-10)- Nick Fairly- DT- Auburn
– Fairly will be a great addition to this Texans defense who need a lot of help in the front 7. Fairly’s ability to penetrate the pocket will help draw double teams away from Mario Williams as well as shorten the coverage time in the secondary. I feel the same with Fairly as I do with Bowers in that it would be a waste of his talents to ask him to be a 2 gap defender.
.
9. Detroit (5-10)- Akeem Ayers- LB- UCLA
– Congratulations goes out to the Lions on their improved season but those last couple of wins cost them a shot at one of the top cornerbacks. They now are going to have to decide if they want to add more talent to the defensive line or bring in someone like Ayers. The linebacking core for the Lions is almost as weak as their secondary and Ayers could come in and start from day 1. He is a versatile linebacker that could be utilized in many different ways.
.
10. Cleveland (5-10)- Julio Jones- WR- Alabama
– There is going to be a good battle between Jones and Justin Blackmon for the 2nd receiver spot. For now I still have Jones rated higher and feel he would fit nicely in Holmgren’s west coast system. He will be a nice target for Colt McCoy as he continues to develop.
.
11. Seattle (6-9)- Robert Quinn- DE- UNC
– Seattle needs to get better in a few areas and creating pressure on the quarterback is one of those areas. Quinn is a pass rushing force that will be able to come in and help this defense from day one. Quinn’s overall ability will be too much for Carrol to pass up on.
.
12. Tennessee (6-9)- Drake Nevis- DT- LSU
– This could be a bit high for Nevis but his ability to wreak havoc in the backfield will be something Tennessee falls in love with come April. Can you imagine a defensive line featuring Pro Bowler Jason Babin, Derrik Morgan, and Nevis?
.
13. Washington (6-9)- Jake Locker- QB- Washington
– Rumor has it Mike Shanahan was in love with Locker last year and now he gets his chance to draft him again. This could also be a landing spot for Cam Newton but we still have Locker rated higher. I have little doubt that the Redskins will address the quarterback position at this April’s draft.
.
14. Minnesota (6-9)- Gabe Carimi- OT- Wisconsin
– It looks like Leslie Fraser will be back next season and hopefully he has a plan. The Vikings are in need of a quarterback, but will they see enough out of Joe Webb to keep them away from Cam Newton? If you watched a Vikings game this season you would quickly notice the poor play of the offensive line. Carimi will be able to come in and contribute early in his career.
.
15. New England (from Oakland 7-8)- Von Miller- OLB- Texas A&M
– New England will be looking to bring in some help along the defensive front. Miller should excel as a pass rushing outside linebacker in the Patriots 3-4 scheme.