Augie Tieri’s 2011 NFL Mock Draft
By Editorial Staff
AUGIE TIERI’S 2011 NFL MOCK DRAFT
1st Three Round Projections
ROUND 1: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
With no pick in the 2nd round the Panthers have to make a big splash with their first overall pick. Before it was the popular pick, which it now seems to be, I had Cam Newton projected as the Panthers’ number 1 overall selection as far back as early February. Newton bounced back nicely from a weak showing at the combine with a solid performance at his pro day. He is a game changer, and has showed the ability to take above average teams and lead them to the mountain top; and that is exactly what the Panthers are looking for.
Other Possibilities: Marcell Dareus, Blaine Gabbert, Nick Farley
ROUND 2: (Traded to Patriots)
ROUND 3: Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson
ROUND 1: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
The re-signing of Champ Bailey now frees up the Broncos to address other positions of need. With John Fox taking over, and the Broncos making the switch to the 4-3, look for Elvis Dumervil to move back to DE. The main concern and issue that the Broncos have had defensively over the years is their inability to stop the run. This pick is going to come down to either Nick Fairley or Marcell Dareus, but when it came down to it, Fairley’s best performance came on the biggest stage and that is just what new player personnel director John Elway loves
Other Possibilities: Da’Quan Bowers, Marcell Dareus, Julio Jones
ROUND 2: Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois
ROUND 2: Robert Sands, S, West Virginia (via Miami)
ROUND 3: Randall Cobb, WR/RB, Kentucky
ROUND 1: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Defensive tackle Kyle Williams led the Bills last year in sacks with a whopping total of 5.5. That just isn’t going to cut it. The Bills haven’t had a legitimate pass rushing threat since Bruce Smith, and Aaron Maybin is turning out to be a bust so this is undoubtedly the right selection.
Other Possibilities: Cam Newton, Marcell Dareus, Blaine Gabbert
ROUND 2: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
ROUND 3: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
ROUND 1: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
With the almost certain departure of both Chad Johnson and Terrell Owens, and now possibly even Carson Palmer, the Bengals are going to have to address some serious concerns in the passing game. After putting on a show at the combine, if Jones can put some of his injury concerns behind him, expect him to leap over A.J. Green in the pecking order.
Other Possibilities: A.J. Green, Blaine Gabbert, Marcell Dareus
ROUND 2: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida St.
ROUND 3: Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
ROUND 1: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
It was only three seasons ago that the Cardinals were a mere play away from winning the Super Bowl. Many of the pieces are still in place, and in a weak division, it won’t take much for them to get back to the playoffs. The glaring hole is at QB, which more than likely will be resolved in free agency as the Cardinals look for a veteran QB much like they did when they obtained Kurt Warner years ago. Next, they will have to bolster an offensive line that ranked toward the bottom of the league in sacks allowed. I expect them to trade back with the Cowboys and select Smith, who may have sprung ahead of Nate Solder on many draft boards after putting up a solid 29 reps at the combine, and should wow scouts at his pro day
Other Possibilities: Von Miller, Blaine Gabbert, Marcell Dareus
ROUND 2: Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona
ROUND 3: Benjaman Ijalana, OL, Villanova
ROUND 1: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
This has nothing to do with A.J. Green, and everything to do with the rising stock of Julio Jones. No way Green drops any further. Browns need an explosive playmaker on offense, and it would be a blessing if Green falls to them.
Other Possibilities: Da’Quan Bowers, Marcell Dareus, Julio Jones
ROUND 2: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
ROUND 3: Kelvin Sheppard, MLB, LSU
ROUND 1: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
Gabbert has the NFL prototypical build for a franchise quarterback, and the combination of athleticism, throwing ability, character, and intelligence the scouts drool over. New 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh has the patience and motivation to turn Gabbert into a legitimate pro quarterback.
Other Possibilities: Prince Amukamara, Von Miller, Da’Quan Bowers
ROUND 2: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
ROUND 3: Drake Nevis, DT/DE, LSU
ROUND 1: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
If they miss out on Gabbert or Newton, the Titans will still be lucky to have Bowers fall into their lap. Continued speculation about the health of Bowers’ knee could just allow this to happen.
Other Possibilities: Blaine Gabbert, Marcell Dareus, Robert Quinn
ROUND 2: Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada
ROUND 3: Quan Sturdivant, MLB, UNC
ROUND 1: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU (via trade)
I fully expect the Cowboys to trade up to take Peterson. They have coveted him for some time, and will reach up to grab him if he makes it out of the top 4. Look for the Cowboys to address the OT position later in the draft.
Other Possibilities: Nate Solder, Prince Amukamara, Jimmy Smith
ROUND 2: Marcus Cannon, OT, TCU
ROUND 3: DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson
ROUND 1: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
Nothing demonstrated the Redskins desperate need for help on their interior defensive line than the fact that Albert Haynesworth actually played this year. Dareus burst onto the scene this year and made an immediate impact for the Crimson Tide. The Redskins can only hope he will do the same for the crimson and gold.
Other Possibilities: Blaine Gabbert, Nate Solder, A.J. Green
ROUND 2: Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
ROUND 3: (Traded to Saints)
ROUND 1: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
The Texans had one of the worst defensive secondaries in all of football last year. The offense amassed huge numbers but was always coming from behind because of the big plays they would give up on the other end. Amukamara has a proven resume at the collegiate level, and can make an immediate impact in the Texans secondary
Other Possibilities: Jimmy Smith, Cameron Jordan, J.J. Watt
ROUND 2: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
ROUND 3: Sam Acho, OLB, Texas
ROUND 1: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
Lost in the Brett Favre saga last year was the fact that the Vikings pass rush was virtually non-existant. Quinn will make up for lost ground due to his season long suspension last year by lighting it up at the combine.
Other Possibilities: Jimmy Smith, Nate Solder, Prince Amukamara
ROUND 2: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
ROUND 3: (Traded to Patriots)
ROUND 1: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
The Lions showed significant improvement last season and should get even better this season. They have to protect their young, promising, but often injured QB, and buy him some time to allow star receiver, Calvin Johnson to get down the field and continue to make big plays. Solder is a work in progress, but has all the tools necessary to develop into a franchise left tackle for years to come.
Other Possibilities: J.J. Watt, Jimmy Smith, Ryan Kerrigan
ROUND 2: Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, Ohio St.
ROUND 3: Colin McCarthy, MLB, Miami
ROUND 1: J.J. Watt, DE/DT, Wisconsin
It will be too early to address the WR position, so look for the Steve Spagnauolo to develop his next version of Justin Tuck in J.J. Watt.
Other Possibilities: Robert Quinn, Aldon Smith, Torrey Smith
ROUND 2: Quinton Carter, S, Oklahoma
ROUND 3: Luke Stocker, TE, Tennessee
ROUND 1: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
More than likely, the Dolphins will end up with D’Angelo Williams in free agency which will free them up to address other needs. This is a move that Bill Parcells probably would not have made, but a team that is partially owned by celebrities will be desperately seeking a big armed quarterback to revitilize the passing game that hasn’t been feared since the days of Dan Marino.
Other Possibilities: Mark Ingram, Mikel Leshoure
ROUND 2: (Traded to Denver)
ROUND 3: John Moffitt, G, Wisconsin
ROUND 1: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
The Jags are yet another team that struggled to stop the pass last year. In a league that is becoming more and more pass dominant, the Jaguars must improve their pass rush in order to assist their young secondary. The Jags have shown Kerrigan a lot of attention so far and would be more than pleased if he fell to them in the 1st round.
Other Possibilities: Aldon Smith, Rahim Moore
ROUND 2: Orlando Franklin, OL, Miami
ROUND 3: Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville
ROUND 1: (Traded to Patriots)
ROUND 2: Marvin Austin, DT, UNC
ROUND 3: Chykie Brown, CB, Texas
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
ROUND 1: Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California
The Chargers need to revitilize their defensive front. Jordan wreaked absolute havoc at the Senior Bowl, and should bolster an already strong defense.
Other Possibilities: Muhammed Wilkerson, Mike Pouncey, Justin Houston
ROUND 2: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
ROUND 2: Clint Boling, OL, Georgia (via Jets)
ROUND 3: Ahmad Black, S, Florida
ROUND 3: Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma St (via Seahawks)
ROUND 1: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
The Giants’ running game has slowed down significantly since winning the Super Bowl in ’07. Once regarded as having one of the best offensive lines in football, age and injuries have caught up to them. Castonzo is a chiseled 6’7” 305lbs with room to grow. Very capable of being the Giants next franchise left tackle.
Other Possibilities: Gabe Carini, Derek Sherrod, Martez Wilson
ROUND 2: Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
ROUND 3: Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas St.
ROUND 1: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
The Buccaneers finished dead last in sacks last season. Smith will provide some pressure off the edge that is vital for a defensive scheme that is predicated on getting pressure from the front four
Other Possibilities: Ryan Kerrigan, Adrian Clayborn, Mike Pouncey
ROUND 2: Ras-I Dowling, CB/S, Virginia
ROUND 3: Ross Homan, MLB, Ohio St.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
ROUND 1: Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor
It’s been a while since I’ve seen the Chiefs picking this late so they must be doing something right the past couple of years in the draft. The Chiefs have been lacking a true NT since they made the transition to a 3-4 defense. Taylor fits the mold perfectly
Other Possibilities: Justin Houston, Mike Pouncey, Adrian Clayborn
ROUND 2: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
ROUND 3: Anthony Allen, RB, Georgia Tech
ROUND 1: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Peyton Manning looked like a very different QB at times this year as it appeared that he tried to force the ball more, due to a lack of a threat in the running game. With Joseph Addai due to walk in free agency, it is time for the Colts to revive their rushing attack by drafting the most proven and productive running back in this draft.
Other Possibilities: Mikel LeShoure, Corey Liuget, Mike Pouncey
ROUND 2: Rodney Hudson, G, Florida St.
ROUND 3: Tyler Sash, S, Iowa
ROUND 1: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
Teams picked on Dimitri Patterson last year and it cost the Eagles down the stretch. The Eagles are traditionally an aggressive blitzing team, so they need to have corners that can play man to man behind it. Harris is more than capable, polished, and a leader.
Other Possiblilities: Aaron Williams, Derek Sherrod, Gabe Carini
ROUND 2: Jason Pinkston, OT, Pittsburgh
ROUND 3: Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama
ROUND 1: Mikel LeShoure, RB, Illinois
The Saints had a carousel of RB’s last season when Pierre Thomas went down and it ended up hurting them significantly down the stretch. LeShoure is very similar to Thomas, with a ton more upside.
ROUND 2: Christian Ballard, DE/DT, Iowa
ROUND 3: Will Rackley, OL, Lehigh (via Washington)
ROUND 3: Mason Foster, OLB, Washington
ROUND 1: Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida
Marshawn Lynch’s run against the Saints in the playoffs was one of the greatest runs I have ever seen but it was indicative of the issues the Seahawks had in their running game all season long. He broke nearly 9 tackles on the play and needed to break about 4 of them near the line of scrimmage. Pouncey has the versatility to step right in and sure up the interior line and be the perfect compliment to last years first round pick Russell Okung.
ROUND 2: Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
ROUND 3: (Traded to Chargers)
BALTIMORE RAVENS
ROUND 1: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
The Ravens recieving core is flooded with posession guys, but lack the deep threat needed to keep opposing defenses from being aggressive. Smith has blazing speed, and is more polished than his former teammate Darius Heyward-Bey, whom he draws comparisons to
ROUND 2: Davon House, CB, New Mexico St.
ROUND 3: Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU
ATLANTA FALCONS:
ROUND 1: Titus Young, WR, Boise St.
Look to for the Falcons to add another weapon at WR opposite Roddy White. Young is a polished route runner and should be productive right away with Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez demanding attention.
Other Possibilities: Aldon Smith, Torrey Smith
ROUND 2: Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh
ROUND 3: Jordan Todman, RB, UConn
ROUND 1: Justin Houston, OLB,Georgia (via Oakland)
Despite having a solid year all together, there were a number of times that the Pats young secondary was exposed. An improved pass rush would take a significant amount of heat off of them, as Houston can get after the quarterback, but still possesses the skill and athleticism to drop back in coverage when necessary
Other Possibilities: Leonard Hankerson, Titus Young, Akeem Ayers
ROUND 1: Muhammed Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple
Wilkerson has been rapidly moving up draftboards and is just the kind of obscure talent that the Patriots love. Shares a lot of similarities to former Pats DE Richard Seymour
Other Possibilities: Leonard Hankerson, Titus Young
ROUND 2: Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami (via Carolina)
ROUND 2: Danny Watkins, OL, Baylor
ROUND 3: Casey Matthews, OLB, Oregon (via Minnesota)
ROUND 3: Rashad Carmichael, CB, Virginia Tech
ROUND 1: Gabe Carini, OT, Wisconsin
Is there a team in this draft that needs more help at offensive tackle than the Chicago Bears? Ask Jay Cutler if he likes this pick
ROUND 2: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St.
ROUND 3: Demarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
ROUND 1: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
The Jets have never shyed away from a player with character issues, as long as he had enough talent. Smith may have “talked” his way to the back end of the first round, but “talking” and “bravado” seems to fit the Jets personna perfectly…so will Smith.
ROUND 2: (Traded to Chargers)
ROUND 3: Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
ROUND 1: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi St.
It was clearly exhibited on the biggest stage that the Steelers could not protect Ben Rothlisberger. Sherrod is versitile, and possess the athleticism to be an effective blindside protector.
ROUND 2: Chimdi Chekwa, CB, Ohio St.
ROUND 3: Austin Pettis, WR, Boise St.
ROUND 1: Stefon Wisniewski, C/G, Penn St.
If you had to dig through Green Bay’s roster to find a single weakness, it would probably be their offensive line. Aaron Rodgers had a tremendous season and the Pack have to make it a priority to protect their elite investment. Wisniewski has the pedigree and the flexibility to play both guard and center.
ROUND 2: Daniel Bailey, DE/DT, Miami
ROUND 3: Edmund Gates, WR, Abilene Christian