2011 NFL Mock Draft Part One: Cam Newton’s Early Rise
1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
2nd round: No selections
The Panthers simply need tons of help right now, and while it’s certainly not common for teams to take a defensive lineman first overall, it’s a position of paramount need for Carolina, who hired Ron Rivera as their head coach. Very few players in college performed as well as Fairley did in 2010 when he had 11 sacks and 25 tackles for loss. Essentially, Fairley lived in opposing teams’ backfields. Certainly not set in stone for the Panthers here, but definitely a solid bet at this point in the process.
2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
2nd round: (36)–Cameron Heyward, DT, Ohio State, (46)–Derek Sherrod, OL, Mississippi State
I’ve been trying to justify a reason the Broncos will not pick the touted cornerback from LSU, simply to satisfy the team’s need for a defensive lineman, but literally everything I keep hearing indicates the Broncos are not passing on Peterson. Think about the long line of coincidental hirings–John Fox is a DB’s guy coming from Carolina. Dennis Allen, the Broncos’ new defensive coordinator? He was the DB’s coach in New Orleans. Those are merely coincidental, but I think the “coincidence” will continue with Patrick Peterson on draft day.
3. Buffalo Bills: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
2nd round: (34)–Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois
Ryan Fitzpatrick did a decent job in 2010, but the Buffalo Bills were embarrassing for the most part, and their fans really have no reason to come to games right now. Enter your reason. Heisman trophy winning quarterback Cam Newton goes to the Bills in this mock draft, and likely many to come. I think Newton is a top five pick, I think he is the best QB in the draft, and you look back to last year when the Bills were serious about taking Tim Tebow with their second round pick, and Newton is really a similar type of player, only he’s bigger and doesn’t have the mechanical “issues” Tebow had/has.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
2nd round: (35)–Mikel LeShoure, RB, Illinois
It’s been reported that Chad Johnson and Terrell Owens are both on their way out of Cincinnati, and while the Bengals have a few guys waiting in the wings, they do not have anyone even close to the caliber of A.J. Green, who is one of the best playmakers in all of college football. As a side note, you’ve got to feel for Carson Palmer, who should have a ticket punched out of Town. He’s been with the Bengals since 2003, and every time the team gets even close to being good, they falter and fall back into rebuild mode. Now, his top two receiving targets are likely gone, and Cedric Benson is a free agent. Square one for the Bengals yet again. The classy move would be to let the 31 year old Palmer walk.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
2nd round: (38)–Jake Locker, QB, Washington
The Cardinals are a very good landing spot for Miller. He has the makings of the NFL’s next great pass rusher, and would be a solid fit in Arizona where they have not had a top tier edge rusher since they moved to a 3-4 scheme. Miller absolutely dominated at Texas A&M and had a great showing at the Senior Bowl this year. He will be a solid addition with this pick. I think the Cardinals will look to address the QB position via trade or in the next round.
6. Cleveland Browns: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
2nd round: (37)– Jon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
It looks like the Browns are moving to a 4-3 defense, in which case, I could see them going with either Bowers or Marcell Dareus with this pick. However, they probably aren’t expecting Bowers to fall to this pick, and in this case, he does. Bowers is a complete defensive end who will probably play primarily LE in the NFL, but he played all four spots on the line for the Tigers.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
2nd round: (45)–Christian Ballard, DL, Iowa
Shawntae Spencer and Nate Clements don’t exactly have the brightest futures of any CB tandem in the league, though when healthy, they have been solid. Amukamara has been a shut-down corner in his time at Nebraska, and is one of the more polished prospects at any position in the draft. This would be a solid addition here.
8. Tennessee Titans: Marcell Dareus, DL, Alabama
2nd round: (39)–Rodney Hudson, OL, Florida State
Marcell Dareus showed that he can still be an elite player in Alabama’s win over Michigan State this season, and not only that, he can single-handedly take over a football game. This would be a great pickup for the Titans who have not had an interior force since they lost Albert Haynesworth to free agency.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Cam Jordan, DL, California
2nd round: (40)–Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
Jordan is not a defensive back, which could be something of a bummer to Cowboys fans, but he is a guy who will start immediately at defensive end and will bring some much needed attitude to the Cowboys’ defense. He will be a leader on this team for years to come. He’s got great pass rushing abilities, and is tough as nails.
10. Washington Redskins: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
2nd round: (41)–Titus Young, WR, Boise State
This is something of a wild-card pick here. I am not high on Gabbert, but I know how much Mike Shanahan loves quarterbacks. Gabbert reminds me a lot of Jay Cutler except he’s physically gifted and fit. He’s got a strong arm, believes in his arm, but he’s been unable to really win any big games to this point. He’s a young guy who will fit in Mike Shanahan’s offense perfectly. Donovan McNabb, as I’ve previously written, will likely be cut or traded.
11. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
2nd round: (42)–Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
What a great value pick here for the Tennessee Titans. If they use any hybrid looks this year, Quinn and Mario Williams are going to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. This pick automatically makes their dismal defensive backs look better. Quinn has the ability to be an absolutely dominant hybrid end/linebacker, and will fit in perfectly with Wade Phillips’ defense.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
2nd round: (43)–Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
We’re about to have a small run on Colorado players, so be ready. I am not high on Nate Solder at all, and I’m not so sure the Vikings won’t use this pick to trade for Kevin Kolb. They have needs along the offensive line as well as defensive end, linebacker, and defensive back, but Solder is enticing here because of his massive size and athleticism. I am pretty questionable about this pick, so be on the lookout. Very much subject to change.
13. Detroit Lions: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
2nd round: (44)–Mason Foster, LB, Washington
A month ago, this was not such a popular pick. And no, don’t think I’m just following the trend. I have been singing Jimmy Smith’s praises for a long time now. Think about it–He’s a 6’2″ cornerback with sub 4.4 speed. Combine that with the fact that over the last two years only 11 passes have been completed on him in the pass heavy Big 12. I won’t be shocked if he goes higher than this. This is much needed help for a depleted Lions secondary.
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
2nd round: (47)–Jason Pinkston, OL, Pittsburgh
How great of a fit is Julio Jones to the Rams? Josh McDaniels gets some new toys for his young, up-and-coming offensive unit and Sam Bradford gets a much needed number one wide receiver. I love Jones’ potential in this offensive set.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
2nd round: No selections
Ingram is a powerful running back who will take over for either Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams. The Dolphins could parlay this pick into a quarterback, but at this juncture in the draft, there is nobody worth taking. They could get into the Kevin Kolb sweepstakes, or look to a guy like Kyle Orton as well.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
2nd round: (49)–Quinton Carter, S, Oklahoma
The Jaguars complete their rebuilding of the defensive line with the addition of Ryan Kerrigan, who automatically adds another blue-collar type to their pass rush. Kerrigan is a beast, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. In his career at Purdue, he had 33.5 sacks, and 14 forced fumbles, a Big Ten record. He will have a Clay Matthews type of impact in the NFL, in my opinion.
17. New England Patriots (from Oakland): J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
2nd round: (33)–Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia, (60)–Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
A solid value pick here for the Patriots who finally replace Richard Seymour on the front line, ironically with the very pick they acquired from the Oakland Raiders. Watt isn’t flashy, but he screams Bill Belichick football, and will be a stud in this 3-4 defensive look.
18. San Diego Chargers: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple
2nd round: (50)–Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona, (61)–Tyler Sash, S, Iowa
The Chargers had a surprisingly good pass rush in 2010 despite not having Larry English and Shawne Merriman for an extended period of time. I could see them looking to an outside linebacker here, but Wilkerson is hot on the rise, and the Chargers seem to reach in the first round every year. Wilkerson is a big body who can do it all, and will be starting opposite Luis Castillo.
19. New York Giants: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
2nd round: (52)–Marcus Cannon, OL, TCU
Ayers is an athletic outside linebacker who is a fit for any scheme in the NFL. His coverage skills are surprisingly good for his big body, and he has been a force for UCLA over the past couple of seasons. The Giants are passing on some solid interior linemen here, but Ayers is good value and a fit at OLB.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
2nd round: (51)–Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
Aldon Smith is a long kid who reminds me a lot of Jason Pierre-Paul last year. He’s got the frame to add some muscle and be a force in the pass rushing department, but he’s also got a lot of boom or bust potential. The Buccaneers have a good young nucleus on this defensive line, and he would be a nice addition to it.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Stefen Wisniewski, OL, Penn State
2nd round: (55)–Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami
Just a good value pick for the Chiefs right here. Wisniewski will eventually take over for Casey Wiegmann at center for the Chiefs, who really don’t have a ton of pressing needs. They can afford a pick like this. They can afford a guy like Phil Taylor as well. I think for sure this pick, no matter what direction, will please Chiefs fans. They could use some more help at WR for sure.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Tyron Smith, OL, USC
2nd round: (53)–Corey Liuget, DL, Illinois
Smith is an athletic tackle, and the Colts need to protect their soon to be highest paid player in the NFL, Peyton Manning. Smith is set to skyrocket this offseason. He is an offensive tackle that looks and moves like a big tight end, and he has the frame to add more weight and be a great fit for the Colts’ offense.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
2nd round: (54)–Ahmad Black, S, Florida
Harris is great value for the Eagles here. He is projected as a top 15 pick, but falls a little bit here. The Eagles need a good one to pair up with Asante Samuel, and I think they would be ecstatic to wind up with either Jimmy Smith or Harris at this juncture.
24. New Orleans Saints: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
2nd round: (56)–Greg Jones, LB, Michigan State
Paea missed most of senior bowl week because of an injury, and that could keep him out of the first round. However, the Saints will undoubtedly not be able to get him in the 2nd round, and if they like him enough, they could trade down or just take him here. Paea has a low center of gravity but is stronger than probably any player in this draft, and will pair nicely with Sedrick Ellis on the Saints’ interior.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida
2nd round: (57)–Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego State
The Seahawks have needs all over the place, but Pouncey is probably the best player available here. They could go with a tackle like Anthony Castonzo or Gabe Carimi as well, but I think Pouncey is going to have more of an impact. He can play either guard position and center as well.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
2nd round: (58)–DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson
The Ravens have made it clear that they want to add youth to the receiver position, and what better way to start than adding the young hometown kid? Smith isn’t a great prospect, but he will be a nice fit for the Ravens who can bring him along slowly.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
2nd round: (59)–Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh
The Falcons need a big play receiver as well, but there is better value in the second round with that. Here, the Falcons are getting the best tight end in the draft to take over for Tony Gonzalez whenever he decides to hang up the cleats. If Rudolph needs more time to heal from his injury, the Falcons can provide it with no pressure. This is a low risk, high reward pick for Atlanta.
28. New England Patriots: Gabe Carimi, OL, Wisconsin
The Pats get their second Badger of the draft in Carimi, who is a massive tackle prospect. He can play the right or left side, and he could even play guard but my guess is he will play left tackle in the NFL. Tom Brady is going to need protection, and the power running game needs a boost. Carimi has the potential to be a good one for a long, long time.
29. Chicago Bears: Anthony Castonzo, OL, Boston College
2nd round: (62)–Ben Ijalana, OL, Villanova
Castonzo is a bit of a consolation prize for the Bears. He’s not quite the caliber of a Carimi or Pouncey as an offensive lineman prospect, but he’s a good one nonetheless, and BC guys have a good track record in the NFL. Castonzo is a big body and should start for the Bears from day one.
30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, DL, Baylor
2nd round: No selections
The Jets take a risk on Taylor here, the potential character risk from Baylor. Taylor is massive, and would take over as nose tackle for the aging Kris Jenkins, and would provide a spark to the Jets’ run defense, which is already pretty good. He’s not known for his playmaking ability, but he can drive linemen backwards with his brute strength, and can occupy blockers with the best of them.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Danny Watkins, OL, Baylor
2nd round: (63)–Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
Watkins is already 26 years old, but the Steelers are built to win now, and they can plant him right alongside All Pro center Maurkice Pouncey. Watkins is a hot prospect right now, and a guy who is expected to be a starting guard from day one. He’s still relatively new to the game, but he had a great season and should be a solid pro for 8-10 years.
32. Green Bay Packers: Adrian Clayborn, DL, Iowa
2nd round: (64)–James Carpenter, OL, Alabama
After missing out on all the top offensive line prospects, the Packers go with the next best alternative here. They could take Ben Ijalana or maybe even Derek Sherrod, but Clayborn in Dom Capers’ defense is enticing. Clayborn could play end for the Packers, and will provide even more pop in the pass rush department.
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49: Oakland Raiders: Brandon Burton, CB, Utah