NFL Mock Draft 2011

FINAL MOCK (4/28/11)

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ROUND 1|ROUND 2|ROUND 3|ROUND 4|ROUND 5|ROUND 6|ROUND 7

nflcar3

1|Cam Newton|QB

I'm not buying any of the talk about Newton slipping past No. 1. We hear the same things every year, and with Jimmy Clausen clearly not the answer in Carolina, the Panthers will happily gamble on Newton's upside.
nflden9

2|Von Miller|OLB

I like Marcell Dareus, but John Fox had a lot of success the last time he drafted an ace pass rusher. I'm thinking he'll follow suit here and ease the load on Denver's secondary with the best player in the draft.
nflbuf7

3|Marcell Dareus|DT

Buffalo doesn't have to worry about making a decision on Newton. They'll finally add a stalwart piece on the D-line who can play next to and spell Kyle Williams. Dareus is a heck of a consolation prize.
nflcin5

4|AJ Green|WR

Cincinnati and Ochocinco aren't friends anymore, and Green's a better player anyway... right now. No matter who plays QB, he'll have an incredible talent out wide who plays at full speed 100% of the time.
nflari7

5|Patrick Peterson|CB

Ken Whisenhunt needs to win now, and although it'd be tempting to grab Gabbert here, I think the Cards will opt to add one of the most pro-ready corners in NFL Draft history. It's not like they don't need one.
nflcle6

6|Julio Jones|WR

Tough call for Cleveland, and although the Browns have virtually nothing in their front seven, I think Jones is too talented to overlook. Forget his receiving, his physicality and blocking will fit perfectly in the AFC North.
nflsf9

7|Robert Quinn|OLB

The Niners have plenty of needs, and with Gabbert on the board, he could be the pick. However, I don't see Harbaugh giving up on Alex Smith already, and they could certainly use a freak pass rusher like Quinn.

8|Nick Fairley|DT

It almost seems too perfect to actually happen, but I can't get past Fairley here. He'll bring a nasty attitude back to the middle of Tennessee's defense, and he can pressure Manning and Schaub consistently.
nfldal4

9|Tyron Smith|OT

Again, this pick has been mocked so often that it seems unlikely, especially considering Jerry Jones' history of passing on O-linemen in Round 1. However, Smith has enough flash to catch his eye.
nflwas6

10|Blaine Gabbert|QB

Maybe they trade up to get him, maybe he actually falls this far. Either way, I don't see how Mike Shanahan passes up the opportunity to add Gabbert to his offense. He's very similar to Jay Cutler.
nflhou6

11|P. Amukamara|CB

As hard as it is to spend consecutive first-round picks on the same position, the Texans can't afford to pass on a talent like Amukamara. Their secondary is in shambles, and that's no way to beat Peyton.
nflmin8

12|Jake Locker|QB

Once again, this could be Minnesota's pick even if they aren't selecting 12th. Of course, if they stay put, Locker still makes too much sense for a franchise that's closer to starting over than some think.
nfldet8

13|A. Castonzo|OT

It'd be awfully hard for Detroit to pass on Da'Quan Bowers here, but they have to finally address the offensive line. Castonzo is a smart player who can start out on the right side if needed and seems like a Schwartz pick.
nflstl6

14|Cameron Jordan|DE

Lots of love for Corey Liuget at this pick, but I know the Rams are looking for a defensive end somewhat early. Jordan can slide inside when needed, too, making him a perfect fit for St. Louis' defense.
nflmia7

15|Ryan Mallett|QB

Mallett could end up here in a different slot. I don't see 15th overall as a huge reach, however, and I'm willing to bet Miami agrees if it means moving on from Chad Henne and regaining a passing attack.
nfljax7

16|Da'Quan Bowers|DE

The Jags won't reach for the fifth QB here, and I don't see any DBs that fit their mold. That leaves defensive end, and getting a guy who was once thought of as the top pick makes a lot of sense.
nflne7

17|Nate Solder|OT

I know the Pats cancelled their visit with Solder, but they're crazy anyway and could still go in this direction. Solder is too athletic to fall much further, and New England has major questions up front.
nflsd7

18|JJ Watt|DE

Watt could slip much further than this, as crazy as that sounds. He's a 5-tech, and that's not nearly as important as a 4-3 DE. Still, the Chargers are desperate for help up front, and he's athletic enough to entice them.
nflnyg7

19|Corey Liuget|DT

No one else seems to think Liuget will fall this far, but this class is stacked with wide-ranging stocks, and a recent-rising DT could slip through the cracks. The Giants won't let him get by at 19 if he does.
nfltb7

20|Aldon Smith|DE

Smith is another prospect who many have coming off the board much earlier, but he's a young player with some injury questions and projects as a much better 4-3 DE than 3-4 OLB in my mind.
nflkc7

21|Mike Pouncey|OL

I know the Chiefs are high on Jon Asamoah, but the interior of this offensive line is aging and Pouncey is a great fit with the ability to slide to center later in his career. Scott Pioli needs his Logan Mankins.
nflind8

22|James Carpenter|OT

The Colts are going to take an offensive lineman. There's just no way they can let Peyton take another beating. Carpenter looks a lot more like Roger Saffold than the other first-round OTs still on the board.

23|Jimmy Smith|CB

Another standard mock pick here. The Eagles need some help at corner, and getting a talent like Smith all the way down at 23 is really a no-brainer. He'll push for a starting job from Day 1, and he'll likely earn it.
nflno6

24|Akeem Ayers|OLB

The Saints need better pass rushers, but I don't think Ryan Kerrigan fits their mold there. Ayers is getting overlooked because of his times, but he's an elite football player who fills a long-standing need at OLB.
nflseattleos4

25|C. Kaepernick|QB

I went back and forth here, and although I wouldn't do it, I think Kaepernick gets the nod. Pete Carroll wants to build for the future, and he needs a passer in place. The upside is there, but it might take a few years.
nflbal7

26|Derek Sherrod|OT

Baltimore could really use a cornerback, but with Michael Oher possibly sliding to the right side, they'll need an answer on the left. I'm higher on Sherrod than some, and I think he can be a Day 1 blindside protector.
nflatl7

27|Ryan Kerrigan|OLB

A dream scenario for Atlanta. Kerrigan is slated to go much higher, but just because his combine was surprisingly swift doesn't mean he's a lock for the top 15. He could slide, and the Falcons would pounce.
nflne7

28|Cam Heyward|DE

Another defensive end who could come off the board a good bit earlier, Heyward fits the mold of long, strong New England 5-techs. It's been too long since the Pats used a first-rounder to bolster their D-line.
nflchi2

29|Gabe Carimi|OT

Mike Tice apparently loves Carimi, and for good reason. I still think he's the tackle most likely to slide on Thursday, but Chicago can't be picky. They have to do a better job of protecting Jay Cutler.
nflnyj6

30|Adrian Clayborn|DE

The Jets had to blitz entirely too much in 2010, so I think they'll be looking to amp up the pass rush from the D-line. Clayborn has the anchor to play the run, and he can get after the QB better than most 5-techs.
nflpit9

31|Aaron Williams|S

I've had Williams in the first round for a long time, and he finds a final home near the end of it. He can certainly help out at corner early, but he also carries the added bonus of replacing Ryan Clark down the line.
nflgb6

32|Mark Ingram|RB

Maybe Green Bay doesn't take him, and maybe he never falls this far (he shouldn't), but Mark Ingram will go in the first round. If he slips to 32, he could add yet another dimension to the Packers offense.

Top 100 (4/28/11)

ROUND 1|ROUND 2|ROUND 3|ROUND 4|ROUND 5|ROUND 6|ROUND 7

4/28/11

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{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }

JohnnyB May 30, 2010 at 11:38 AM

Why would the Saints draft a Safety in the 1st in 2011? Yeah, they’ll probably get rid of Sharper next year, but Jenkins taking his place. Harper is the other starter and his replacement is Chip Vaughn who was impressing the coaches before he went on IR. The Saints will need a sub behind Jenkins, but they’re probably not drafting him in the 1st.

Arjun Chandrasekhar August 8, 2010 at 4:26 PM

I like Andrew Luck a lot (just needs to get a little more accurate), but I’m not sure how you can have him ranked above Jake Locker. Locker’s a special player, potentially Steve Young 2.0. Maybe I’m overrating him, but I feel like at this point he’s significantly farther along than Luck.

Mike October 6, 2010 at 2:53 PM

Andrew Luck will NOT declare. He has already spoken out about this issue and how he wants to earn his degree before he enters the NFL. Sure you can say he may change his mind when he hears he could potentially be a top 5 pick. But you don’t leave a school like Stanford without your degree. Luck is a smart kid. He knows he has to plan for life after football.

Mike J October 7, 2010 at 11:11 AM

I tend to think Tampa will go DE in his rich class. The O-line is indeed disappointing, however.

KD November 11, 2010 at 2:24 AM

The biggest problem with your mock is that no one from the NFC West is picking 21st or higher. Sure the division stinks, but whoever wins that division is going to be picking 21st overall at least regardless of record.

Hunter Ansley November 11, 2010 at 11:25 AM

Thank you for pointing out my biggest problem. I’ve been wondering. I definitely hear what you’re saying about the division winner getting into the playoffs and drafting 21 or higher. However, since the actual order is so far from set, I use a basic power-ranking/overall-record NFL Draft order. Once the playoffs are set, it’ll change.

Thanks for the comment,

Hunter

JVB November 14, 2010 at 6:31 AM

The Eagles will never invest a 1st round pick in an OLB, they just don’t value the position highly enough.

HeHateMe November 16, 2010 at 10:09 AM

I do not see the Vikings going for a DE in the first round no matter how talented.

I see them going for AJ Green, Derek Sherrod, or Bruce Carter. Maybe they consider a CB like Brandon Harris. Griffen has now had two knee surgeries and him regaining his speed is a question. He may have to move to safety.

Here is a really crazy thought. The Vikings trade Adrian Peterson to the Cowboys for the #3 pick and choose Mallet and then pick Mark Ingram at #9. They would have Ingram and Gerhart as the running backs.

I know it is sacrilege to trade Purple Jesus but you never know and they would be looking good at RB still and have a possible franchise QB. Im ean how many years do RBs last?

Go ahead and call me crazy!

Chris Lee November 16, 2010 at 9:05 PM

As a Bengals fan, I was all for Clayborn all season. He will dominate at DE and, as an added “He is definitely Bengals material” bonus, he got arrested for assaulting a cab driver. Mike Brown probably started drawing up a contract the very next day. But with that said, T.O. and Ocho cannot co-exist on the same team. One needs to go. Bye bye T.O. That means will will need a new guy at WR to emerge to play alongside Ocho and I am looking at A.J. Green as the Bengals #1, especially with Dunlap starting to emerge as somewhat dominant. I am for Green now but would not be dissatisfied with Clayborn.

nycsportzfan December 1, 2010 at 5:24 AM

Akeem Ayers is raw? What are u talking about? The kids been playing LB most likely his whole life, and at least since high school.. Hes played in 12games with 3starts in 08 and last yr started all 13games and this yr all the games, mind u at SLB.. How is that raw? He gets plenty of diffrent looks in the defense he plays in, rushing the passer and also dropping into coverege.. Hes anything but raw… Its a solid mock, i just don’t like when someone says something about a player just to make there page look better.. If u don’t know, don’t say it…

nycsportzfan December 1, 2010 at 5:36 AM

i have a hard time seeing JJ Watt dropping to the mid 20′s, even if it means someone trades up to get him, like maybe dallas, getting 2first rder’s, as i like your idea of them snatching a Olinemen, and then maybe they trade into the mid 1st or so, and snatch watt who could still be on the board with guys like Quinn, Dareus, and fairley all gone to teams.. JJ Watt has that something u can’t teach, which is ferocity and a motor that never tires.. If i’m a 3/4 team looking for a end , JJ Watt is my first choice, plain and simple..

I totally agree on Derek Sherrod going 1st off the board for the olineman.. I have been saying watch out for Derek Sherrod well before his stock has gotten so high.. People thought i was crazy with guys like Carimi and Costanzo and Solder out there, but now it seems most everyone agrees, that Sherrod is the guy, and the rest follow him.. Imite go as far as to put D.Love 2nd after Sherrod, but i’m not totally sure about that.. I would rather have my giants draft Love over Costanzo though..

I know how important the oline is to the bears, but could they really pass up on Michael Floyd if hes on the board? I mean, they need a big physical wr to team with johnny knox and earl bennett badly.. I could see them snatching Floyd and going with someone like Jason Pinkston or Ben Ijalana in rd 2, or maybe even Nate Solder..

nycsportzfan December 1, 2010 at 5:42 AM

Here is a really crazy thought. The Vikings trade Adrian Peterson to the Cowboys for the #3 pick and choose Mallet and then pick Mark Ingram at #9. They would have Ingram and Gerhart as the running backs.
——————————

why would they want ingram and gerhart? Very similar styles and body types and neither is a dominant pass catcher… I would think if your deal went through, the vikes would grab one of the elite QB’s at 3.. I mean, u have to come away with Luck, or Mallett if your picking num 3overall and u have tavaris jackson and joe webb as your QBs on roster, don’t u?? Not to mention, your starting a new regime out as coach, and he’ll most likely want his own QB to groom, even if it is Leslie Frazier, as he’ll be starting fresh next yr… Then u snatch nick fairly up at 9 and go after a noel devine or somone like that to pair with gerhart… Maybe even kendall hunter in rd 3…

jay December 1, 2010 at 8:14 AM

I don’t think Blackmon is eligible . He’s a sophmore. If he is a redshirt sophmore then he could be eligible but everywhere I have looked states he is a sophmore.

Hunter Ansley December 1, 2010 at 12:12 PM

He’s a redshirt sophomore. I’m very certain. Here’s a good link … http://www.okstate.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/blackmon_justin00.html

Thanks for the comment,

Hunter

Brian December 1, 2010 at 2:10 PM

just so u know Jolly of the Packers (if reinstated would be in the last year of his contract) the reason for that is due to him being suspended for the year without pay if reinstated he would be a GB packer for the last year of his contract

Tony December 1, 2010 at 3:31 PM

The Patriots have 6 picks in the first three rounds? How the heck does that keep on happening?! And why in the world did Carolina trade their second rounder in 2011 for NE’s third last year? Let’s see, the Pats traded pick #89 in 2010 (Armanti Edwards) for what will probably be pick #33 in 2011. They may not always select the best players, but man, they know how to work the draft like no other.

Robbie December 2, 2010 at 3:18 PM

The Texans will not draft a WR with their first pick when their secondary is the worst in the NFL. I would target CB/DT/DE for their spot as it stands right now.

The Guru December 3, 2010 at 1:06 AM

Won’t need a 5-tech… They’re gonna pay Ngata his money… Ray-Ray probably will retire when we win the super bowl, but if he sticks around..we won’t have to pay him too much. Our money players moving forward will be Flacco, Rice, Ngata.. Suggs already got a lot of his money. A corner or RT at that position if you’re thinking need. But the Ravens usually go best on the board… so it could be a pass rusher or LB or WR (moving forward we got Boldin, Mason and youngsters Reed and Smith under contract)

gino December 4, 2010 at 8:37 PM

I love your mock. People don’t have either Mallett or Cam Newton high enough. QB’s could indeed go 1-2-3. Good job. Also, a bold pick putting the Miami CB in front of Amakamura. Didn’t anyone see Amakamura get positively abused by Blackmon in the Oklahoma State game? I thought that would move him way down, but it didn’t. Blackmon beat him deep 3 or 4 times. He looked helpless.

Jason December 5, 2010 at 8:39 PM

no shot jags go DE. with Kampman hopefully healthy an the young guys already in jacksonville, likely the secondary or qb position gets adressed round 1

Viks4life December 19, 2010 at 6:31 PM

HeHateMe you are an idiot that’s all I can say for you even speaking that bullshit out of you mouth . Adrian Peterson will not be traded ever .

Michael February 20, 2011 at 2:34 AM

O.k. just got thru the first round; good job, except for one thing. You said why would the Lions reqach for an O tackel since they have not in two years. Come one you are overthinking that a little bit. This is not dumber and dumb and dumberer this is a good round you have. The reason is Matt Stafford is their franchise player oh yeah they have three; Stafford, Suh, and the Calvin. Suh can stand on his own but Stafford is coming off shoulder surgery. That is why they would pikc one and it is not reaching either. They should of took mchael Oher but they went for Pettigrew result Stafford gets hurt two years in a row. Lions will not win a championship without Stafford under center and if he keeps taking hits his shoulder will get like Chad Pennington’s. So lets use a littlle bit of common sense and not make statements like I don’t know why they would reach for a tackle now. That reason is pretty damn big and hard to miss; come on get your head in the game dude. Camrini or Costonzo is not a reach there. Like you said Tyron Smith is a little unknown especailly since he played right tackle; but either Costonzo or Camrini would both be safe with Camrini being the safest of the two. Not sure if Matt Barkley is left handed maybe that is why he played on the right. But a solid round nontheless. You are right about Quinn being underrated but I would take it a step further and call him the best defensive player in the draft for sure; defeinately the best pass rusher. Maybe he fits the 3-4 you just never know; I view him as a 4-3 end as being the sure thing and I see Denver at number two or Carolina at one picking him if they are smart. Bowers is not better than Quinn and he is coming off knee surgery which is another red falg on Bowers; could be why he did not produce for two years could have an injury history; either way Bowers is a sirloin and Quinn is filet Mignon. To me Darius could be a hall of famer as a 3-4 end. That is his best position. Fairley is not that far off Suh and he is a d tackle; could be a 3-4 end but he is best suited as a tackle. If Carolina does not take Newton the I think they should go with Quinn or Fairley; Fairley came accross as extremely smart in interviews; fast talker with good pronunciation. So Fairley is a pretty safe pick for sure. But after watching film I could argue for Quinn as well although I have not seen any interviews to evaluate character. If Quinn and Bowers were both on the board and a team picked Bowers then they do not know much about football. Liek I said the media does not know much about football they are the ones putting Bowers where he is not coaches. As far as quarterbacks defeinately believe Newton is the best of the group but if Mallett can fix the hitch in the delivery he has a marino like arm; just not the Marino quick release. Not saying he could ever fix that but if he did he could have a high ceiling. I actually like Jake Locker alot more than most but I have to say what is up with all the hating on Joe Webb that guy has a chance to be a special player ala Michael Vick. Seriously if Joe Webb was White how many people would say the Vikings have to get a quarterback; just saying and I am white. Think about it he was drafted as a receiver if he was whithe that never would of happened. That was the best move Childress ever made getting that guy at quarterback where he belonged. Getting Favre was a good move too; they almost got to the super bowl two years ago for all you Favre haters who do not want to remember that. Alos you will not find a receiver who fits the west coast more than Julio Jones he will not get past the Browns that is if theya re smart; unless Quinn is on the board then they would have a hard decision; me personally would take Quinn in that situation. Even though Darius is much better in a 4-3 the Browns would be hard pressed to pass him up for Jones either. I see Green going to Denver; Thomas is coming off achillees; he just got it as well.

Hunter Ansley February 20, 2011 at 2:39 AM

Thanks for the comment and for your thoughts. I think an OT like Solder would make sense there, but he’s not available in my mock. I happen to think that both Carimi and Costanzo (and Tyron Smith for that matter) would be reaches there, and the Lions haven’t really reached for anyone under the current leadership. Could it happen? Absolutely, but I think Jordan is an excellent player and represents great value at 13. I do agree that protecting Stafford has to be a priority, but the Lions can get a similar OT in Round 2. They can’t get a guy like Jordan anywhere but in the first.

Thanks again,

Hunter

Alan February 20, 2011 at 5:54 PM

I wouldn’t rule out Robert Quinn to Buffalo completely, but I don’t necssarily think he’s their most likely pick. It depends on where the Bills project him. If they intend as they have claimed to keep the 3-4 as a base defense, Quinn fits best as a rush linebacker. The thing is, Arthur Moats began to flash some pass rushing ability at the end of last season, plus, Buddy Nix is apparently quite enamored with Shawn Maerriman and is pretty convinced he’s going to be able to put his injuries behind him and become a candidate for comeback player of the year. That means rush linebacker is not a huge need. If they Bills pick Quinn, it most likely means sending Moats back to the bench. It’s also possible the Bills think Quinn has enough of a frame to add 20 pounds and stay at DE in a 3-4. It depends on what the Bills think Quinn is capable of doing. Is he enough better than other players they might pick that they can ignore a more obvious need elsewhere, or can he add the bulk to stay at DE in a 3-4? That’s the question that must be answered.

I have more problems with Mallet to the Bills in the second round, but that’s for another post if I choose to make it.

SMR March 5, 2011 at 10:54 AM

Serious?? Were you drinking while doing this?? You might have 3 right..Not even close on most….

Tony March 5, 2011 at 11:58 AM

The Browns choose 6 not 5. How can you put together a mock and not even have it in the right order?

Mike J March 5, 2011 at 12:02 PM

Tampa may well go this route. They are considering “tweener” pass-rushers this year.Not sure they’d pass up Smith or Kerrigan, however.

Michael March 5, 2011 at 11:05 PM

Why would Atlanta take Hankerson over Titas Young. Jenkins is a Hankerson clone. At least you are not foaming at the mouth over Bowers like the other people who don’t know what they are talking about; and that is even without his injury. Quinn is twice the prospect as Bowers. I do agree that Camrini is more than just a right tackle and to me he is probably the safest bet of any of the tackles not to bust. You are doing such a good job lets get some more rounds in there fella. Darius is great but to me his hall of fame potential is only as a 3-4 end. I see him as the next Bruce Smith in that scheme. Honestly in a 4-3 Fairley is the better player. But Darius in a 3-4 as an end tops them both. Buffalo at 3 would be the place for Darius to get paid and reach his potential at the same time because of scheme. I also think Phil Taylor may go to the Chiefs because they want to get the most out of the money they already spend at end. If he lasts till the Jets pick though he won’t get past them. The Jets also could be desperate for and outside backer that can rush the passer like maybe a Justin Houston or even a Donte Moch if they traded out of the first. Ryan Mallett is going to Cincy at 4 people are just idiots when it comes to Mallett. I see you do not have him in the first either it is time to think for yourself and not let the media put ideas in your head. Who cares what people say you got to put yourself out there with your picks not just follow status quo. Also big deal you did not put Ingram at 15 and instead 16 thats so brave. Truth is Ingram is not even a first round prospect the media just has to have a running back in round one. Ingram has top notch character but not that high of a ceiling he is already a completed product. He is a second round kind of player. There are about 42 first round talents in this draft and he is not one of them. Think about it everyone puts him at 15 because they don’t think for themselves and do not know what they are talking about. You really think the Dolphins would pass on Mallett if he was there considering the owner is running the show and wants a Marinoesque offense. Come on think for yourself; everyone else doing mocks should read my comments; that is what seperates talent evaluators and zombies following the leader.

Doug March 20, 2011 at 8:19 AM

Once again, great mock, Hunter.

ugk612 April 10, 2011 at 10:42 AM

Gabbert does not fall to #12, no possible way.

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