2011 Mock Draft [Updated for 01/10/2011]
01/10/2011 Mock Draft [1-24]
1. Carolina- A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
The Carolina Panthers are a team in flux and despite many feel they would go the quarterback route, I say they are going receiver. This could have been a different story if Andrew Luck decided he was coming out, but instead there is no reason to continue loading up on quarterbacks when offensively you have needs. Steve Smith isn’t getting any younger.
2. Denver-Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
The Broncos were the only team in the NFL worse on defense. They will need to build this unit up from the outside in. The secondary would get torched beyond belief. Champ Bailey is easily in his twilight.
3. Buffalo-Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
I am really taking a chance here. I feel this Buffalo team has the makings of becoming decent, but does not have a quarterback that gives them an identity. Cam Newton could be the guy. Money could be an issue, but you’re going to pick third anyway.
4. Cinncinatti- Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Marvin Lewis gets another year to fester in the Queen’s City so I feel they go D-End. Not much of a shocker here. I would take a receiver, A.J. Green if he falls, Ochocinco isn’t getting any younger. Otherwise, I feel this is a good move.
5.Arizona-Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
The sure thing here looks to be getting a QB. But the defense needs work as well, plus I do think that Ken Wisenhunt may be in the market for a veteran QB after having a tough year with youngsters.
6. Cleveland-Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
I think the Browns are in turmoil and in a funk. I think that Colt McCoy gets another decent shot at showing he can be the guy in Cleveland so the Browns go out and get him a target.
7. San Francisco-Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
We don’t even know who will be the coach, so I say they decide to start off fresh and end the Alex and Troy Smith era. Gabbert’s big arm may come handy with such targets as Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis.
8. Tennessee-Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama
The Titans decided they like Jeff Fisher more than they do Vince Young. That said I can easily see them looking to bolster their defensive line with Dareus. And no, I do not believe Albert Haynesworth is coming home.
9. Dallas-Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
Terrence Newman is getting old. Mike Jenkins is over-rated. And Orlando Scandrick is awful. Easy move here.
10. Washington-Jake Locker, Washington
I may be in the minority, but I think we go QB for the first time since….2007. McNabb will be gone and the Shanahans will have quarterback problems next year. Locker could be in there sooner than you think.
11. Houston-Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
Houston’s defense was awful. They need to restock and re-build around the new 3-4 that Wade Phillips will be installing. I think it is a good move to get someone who can play two positions.
12. Minnesota- Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
Brett Favre is done. Tavaris Jackson sucks and is gone. They have a project in Joe Webb, so why not take another quarterback. The offense should flow through Adrian Peterson anyway so if they go with a young Webb or even Mallett, the learning curve should be favorable.
13. Detroit-Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
Detroit is really on the fringe of being a good team. However, playing the Patriots on Thanksgiving Day showed us where they really stand by going nuts all over the field on them. Having a good stud corner in there should tighten things up and make this defense even better.
14. St. Louis, Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Sam Bradford needs more targets, he needed them badly last Sunday night. I think that this is easy if he is available to them at this point.
15. Miami-Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Ronnie Brown did not have a great year. Ricky Williams could be done, especially after he mouthed out his coach who is now scorned and feeling no love. Miami could use him back there. Brown and Ingram could be a good combo.
16. Jacksonville-Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
The Jaguars had trouble in the secondary and Rashean Mathis needs help.
17. New England-Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California
Ty Warren is set to come back to New England, but Belichick could grab Jordan and give Warren a run for his money.
18.San Diego- Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Perdue
This is easy, with Shawn Merriman no longer in town, the Bolts will need a versatile coming off the corners.
19. New York Giants, Tryon Smith, OT, Southern California
The Giants have a had great run with their current group, but now may be time to move on. If you think Rich Seubert being carted off the field in the season finale wasn’t a concern, then you are delusional.
20. Tampa Bay-Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
The Bucs are on the cusp of being a good team perhaps adding more depth to their offensive line may enhance their game.
21. Kansas City Chiefs, Allen Bailey, DE/DT, Miami
The Chiefs had a great season, there is no denying that but their defensive line showed they could not keep up in a defensive struggle versus the Ravens.
22. Indianapolis Colts, Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
The Colts certainly had people prepared to step up in a season where there were so many injuries. With Dallas Clark going on IR early, it may be time to start grooming another successor.
23. Philadelphia Eagles, Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Everyone wanted to know why Winston Justice was pulled out late versus the Packers in favor of King Dunlap, who didn’t seem to be any better. The Eagles may look to develop more talent that is capable of protect Mike Vick’s blind side, the right.
24. New Orleans Saints, OT, Boston College
Although the Saints only allowed one sack on Drew Brees last Saturday, you could tell this line is not the same. The Seahawks were more than capable of getting into the backfield and disrupting plays. Many people were not happy with the Jamaal Brown trade to Washington, this may be their chance to make up for it.