2011 NFL mock draft 3.0
Wouldn't it be interesting if the Carolina Panthers wound up passing on Cam Newton? It probably won't happen, but if it does, lots of mock drafts will be ruined.
I've never been one for including trades in mock drafts simply because doing so throws everything out of whack. But in next week's version, I'll list some trade possibilities.
In this version, I've updated team needs and added some other possible selections for teams when it's their time to select.
1.) Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton/QB/Auburn
Second mock selection: Cam Newton/QB/Auburn
First mock selection: Cam Newton/QB/Auburn
Analysis: I find it interesting that they have been visiting with a few of the top cornerbacks for this draft. Still, they'll look toward Newton's upside for the future.
Needs: DT, QB, DE, CB, WR
Other possibilities: Marcell Dareus/DT/Alabama, Patrick Peterson/CB/LSU
2.) Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus/DT/Alabama
Second mock selection: Marcell Dareus/DT/Alabama
First mock selection: Marcell Dareus/DT/Alabama
Analysis: He could be an instant starter for them. Don't be surprised if they select a quarterback or tight end on the second day.
Needs: DT, DE, TE, RT, MLB, CB
Other possibilities: Patrick Peterson/CB/LSU
3.) Buffalo Bills: Von Miller/OLB/Texas A&M
Second mock selection: Von Miller/OLB/Texas A&M
First mock selection: Von Miller/OLB/Texas A&M
Analysis: It's hard to see them going in any other direction here. However, if Newton dropped, it could get interesting for the Bills. They do need a developmental quarterback.
Needs: OLB, RT, DE, LT, QB, ILB
Other possibilities: Patrick Peterson/CB/LSU
4.) Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green/WR/Georgia
Second mock selection: A.J. Green/WR/Georgia
First mock selection: Patrick Peterson/CB/LSU
Analysis: Green is easily one of the top-five players in this draft, and he could be an instant NFL starter if the Bengals don't bring back veteran Chad Ochocinco, who is on the final year of his contract.
Needs: WR, G, C, SS, CB, QB, DE
Other possibilities: Da'Quan Bowers/DE/Clemson, Patrick Peterson/CB/LSU
5.) Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson/CB/LSU
Second mock selection: Patrick Peterson/CB/LSU
First mock selection: Prince Amukamara/CB/Nebraska
Analysis: The bottom line is the Cardinals must improve on defensive to have a legitimate of challenging for the NFC West crown. Peterson would really help the back end of their defense. They could get a developmental quarterback later on should they feel John Skelton isn't the long-term answer.
Needs: OLB, QB, C, G, RT, CB, DE, ILB
Other possibilities: Blaine Gabbert/QB/Missouri
6.) Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn/DE-OLB/North Carolina
Second mock selection: Da'Quan Bowers/DE/Clemson
First mock selection: A.J. Green/WR/Georgia
Analysis: An NFL scouting source tells me that Quinn, not Bowers, is the top edge rusher available for this draft. And that's taking into account Quinn hasn't played since the 2009 season. Good pass rushers are hard to find, so he could make an impact right away.
Needs: WR, DE, DT, RT, CB, G, OLB, S
Other possibilities: Julio Jones/WR/Alabama
7.) San Francisco 49ers: Prince Amukamara/CB/Nebraska
Second mock selection: Prince Amukamara/CB/Nebraska
First mock selection: Robert Quinn/DE-OLB/North Carolina
Analysis: You could make a case for the biggest needs for the 49ers being quarterback, outside linebacker and cornerback. They'll go with the best available player here with Amukamara. With veteran cornerback Nate Clements turning 32 later this year and scheduled to earn $9 million in 2012, this could be his last season with the team.
Needs: QB, OLB, CB, WR, C, OT, DE
Other Possibilities: Blaine Gabbert/QB/Missouri
8.) Tennessee Titans: Blaine Gabbert/QB/Missouri
Second mock selection: Blaine Gabbert/QB/Missouri
First mock selection: Blaine Gabbert/QB/Missouri
Analysis: One high-ranking personnel source said the reason why the Titans are going to consider selecting defensive tackle Nick Fairley here is because they don't have anyone on their roster close to his talent despite their obvious solid depth on the interior of their defensive line. So, they would basically be looking at going with the best player available here regardless of position if they selected Fairley. However, they also need a developmental quarterback, so I'll go with Gabbert here.
Needs: QB, DE, MLB
Other possibilities: Da'Quan Bowers/DE/Clemson, Nick Fairley/DT/Auburn
9.) Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith/OT/USC
Second mock selection: Tyron Smith/OT/USC
First mock selection: Cameron Jordan/DE/California
Analysis: The Cowboys could use upgrades at both offensive tackle spots. Smith could compete for either job right away. It doesn't matter than he only played right tackle at USC. He has the athleticism to play left tackle.
Needs: G, FS, SS, DE, OT, CB
Other possibilities: Cameron Jordan/DE/California, J.J. Watt/DE/Wisconsin
10.) Washington Redskins: Julio Jones/WR/Alabama
Second mock selection: Julio Jones/WR/Alabama
First mock selection: Julio Jones/WR/Alabama
Analysis: This is simply a major need pick. What they would really like to do is trade way down in order to select a quarterback.
Needs: WR, QB, RT, G, OLB, CB, DE
Other possibilities: Cameron Jordan/DE/California, J.J. Watt/DE/Wisconsin
11.) Houston Texans: Aldon Smith/DE-OLB/Missouri
Second mock selection: Robert Quinn/DE-OLB/North Carolina
First mock selection: Aldon Smith/DE-OLB/Missouri
Analysis: Smith is more of a developmental player, so he'll need to be brought along slowly. However, he has a big upside.
Needs: OLB, NT, CB, SS, FS, DE, WR
Other possibilities: Aldon Smith/DE-OLB/Missouri, Cameron Jordan/DE/California
12.) Minnesota Vikings: Da'Quan Bowers/DE/Clemson
Second mock selection: Aldon Smith/DE-OLB/Missouri
First mock selection: Da'Quan Bowers/DE/Clemson, Nick Fairley/DT/Auburn
Analysis: They could get their developmental quarterback a little later. Bowers would be an excellent value at this point in the draft. Plus, defensive end is also a need position.
Needs: QB, DT, DE, WR, OLB, C, G, FS, SS
Other possibilities: Cameron Jordan/DE/California
13.) Detroit Lions: J.J. Watt/DE/Wisconsin
Second mock selection: Ryan Kerrigan/DE/Purdue
First mock selection: Tyron Smith/OT/USC
Analysis: The Lions really need a developmental defensive end to be added to the mix going forward. And Watt could be moved inside during nickel situations.
Needs: CB, DE, OLB, LT
Other possibilities: Cameron Jordan/DE/California
14.) St. Louis Rams: Nick Fairley/DT/Auburn
Second mock selection: Cameron Jordan/DE/California
First mock selection: Nick Fairley/DT/Auburn
Analysis: The Rams are really thin at defensive tackle, so Fairley could come right in and challenge for serious playing time. They could fill their wide receiver need later in the draft and also in free agency.
Needs: WR, DE, DT, RB, S, CB, OLB
Other possibilities: Cameron Jordan/DE/California
15.) Miami Dolphins: Mike Pouncey/G-C/Florida
Second mock selection: Mike Pouncey/G-C/Florida
First mock selection: Mark Ingram/RB/Alabama
Analysis: The Dolphins must improve the interior of their offensive line. Pouncey could compete for starting jobs at guard or center in his first season. They could add a running back later on as the draft progresses.
Needs: RB, WR (speed), G, C, QB, OLB
Other possibilities: Mark Ingram/RB/Alabama
16.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan/DE/Purdue
Second mock selection: J.J. Watt/DE/Wisconsin
First mock selection: Ryan Kerrigan/DE/Purdue
Analysis: The Jaguars posted an anemic 26 sacks last season, so Kerrigan would fill a major need.
Needs: DE, WR, FS, SS, OLB, CB
Other possibilities: Cameron Jordan/DE/California
17.) New England Patriots (from Oakland Raiders): Anthony Costanzo/OT/Boston College
Second mock selection: Anthony Costanzo/OT/Boston College
First mock selection: Anthony Costanzo/OT/Boston College
Analysis: The Patriots would have the option of keeping Sebastian Voller on the right side after selecting Costanzo here. Jordan is also a consideration here because he would also fill a need.
Needs: OLB, OT, G, DE, WR, RB
Other possibilities: Cameron Jordan/DE/California
18.) San Diego Chargers: Cameron Jordan/DE/California
Second mock selection: Cameron Heyward/DE/Ohio St.
First mock selection: J.J. Watt/DE/Wisconsin
Analysis: Jordan would fill a big need, but he also would be a great value.
Needs: DE, WR, ILB, RT, CB
Other possibilities: Muhammad Wilkerson/DT/Temple, Akeem Ayers/DE-OLB/UCLA
19.) New York Giants: Derek Sherrod/OT/Mississippi State
Second mock selection: Nick Fairley/DT/Auburn
First mock selection: Derek Sherrod/OT/Mississippi St.
Analysis: The Giants are clearly looking for a developmental left tackle. Sherrod would fill that area of need. And with that move, they can move David Diehl inside to guard.
Needs: LT, WR, MLB, G, DT, WR
Other possibilities: Gabe Carimi/OT/Wisconsin
20.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn/DE/Iowa
Second mock selection: Adrian Clayborn/DE/Iowa
First mock selection: Adrian Clayborn/DE/Iowa
Analysis: I really don't see any other choices here other than possibly Ayers that make sense based on Tampa Bay's need for a pass rusher.
Needs: DE, WR, S, LB, CB, G
Other possibilities: Akeem Ayers/DE-OLB/UCLA
21.) Kansas City Chiefs: Gabe Carimi/OT/Wisconsin
Second mock selection: Gabe Carimi/OT/Wisconsin
First mock selection: Gabe Carimi/OT/Wisconsin
Analysis: Here's your starting right tackle for the next several years. Ayers is an intriguing possibility here because of their need for a young pass rusher.
Needs: RT, WR, OLB, NT, DE, CB
Other possibilities: Nate Solder/OT/Colorado, Derek Sherrod/OT/Mississippi St., Akeem Ayers/DE-OLB/UCLA
22.) Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder/OT/Colorado
Second mock selection: Nate Solder/OT/Colorado
First mock selection: Nate Solder/OT/Colorado
Analysis: The selection of Solder simply fills a need. If Charlie Johnson is re-signed, he could move inside to guard.
Needs: LT, S, DT, DE, CB
Other possibilities: Muhammad Wilkerson/DT/Temple, Derek Sherrod/OT/Mississippi State
23.) Philadelphia Eagles: Brooks Reed/DE-OLB/Arizona
First mock selection: Jimmy Smith/CB/Colorado
Second mock selection: Jimmy Smith/CB/Colorado
Analysis: The selection of Reed here probably will be a surprise to some because the team has shown no interest in him. The Eagles, if you recall correctly, kept their interest in defensive end Brandon Graham a secret before last year's draft. Reed is well respected by the scouting community, which is a big reason why he could go higher than most fans think. Reed could fill the “joker” role.
Needs: CB, RG, OLB, SS, DE
Other possibilities: Akeem Ayers/DE-OLB/UCLA, Jimmy Smith/CB/Colorado
24.) New Orleans Saints: Corey Liuget/DT/Illinois
Second mock selection: Muhammad Wilkerson/DT/Temple
First mock selection: Muhammad Wilkerson/DT/Temple
Analysis: The Saints are really in need of interior defensive linemen. Liuget could get into the rotation at defensive tackle right away. Ayers is also a strong consideration here because of their need for a developmental pass rusher.
Needs: DT, DE, OLB, C, SS, TE
Other possibilities: Akeem Ayers/DE-OLB/UCLA, Muhammad Wilkerson/DT/Temple
25.) Seattle Seahawks: Jimmy Smith/CB/Colorado
Second mock selection: Derek Sherrod/OT/Mississippi St.
First mock selection: Mike Pouncey/G-C/Florida
Analysis: Here's a great value with a player who could come in and challenge for a starting job right away. Smith would be the steal of the draft if he actually falls this far.
Needs: G, RT, C, QB, WR, CB, DE, DT, OLB
Other Possibilities: Akeem Ayers/DE-OLB/UCLA
26.) Baltimore Ravens: Akeem Ayers/DE-OLB/UCLA
Second mock selection: Akeem Ayers/DE-OLB/UCLA
First mock selection: Cameron Heyward/DE/Ohio St.
Analysis: With no good values left to select here at cornerback, the Ravens will fill the need for a developmental pass rusher here with Ayers.
Needs: CB, WR, OT, G, OLB, DE, SS
Other possibilities: Phil Taylor/DT/Baylor
27.) Atlanta Falcons: Jabaal Sheard/DE/Pittsburgh
Second mock selection: Jabaal Sheard/DE/Pittsburgh
First mock selection: Akeem Ayers/DE-OLB/UCLA
Analysis: Few teams have a greater need for a pass rusher than the Falcons. Sheard could get snaps right away.
Needs: DE, OLB, WR, CB, TE
Other possibilities: Kyle Rudolph/TE/Notre Dame
28.) New England Patriots: Mark Ingram/RB/Alabama
Second mock selection: Mark Ingram/RB/Alabama
First mock selection: Phil Taylor/DT/Baylor
Analysis: Head coach Bill Belichick has only selected a running back in the first round once since he took over in 2000, but Ingram is too good of value to pass up at this point in the draft. They could also pass and get their badly needed rusher later in the draft.
Needs: OLB, OT, G, DE, WR, RB
Other possibilities: Cameron Heyward/DE/Ohio State
29.) Chicago Bears: Phil Taylor/DT/Baylor
Second mock selection: Corey Liuget/DT/Illinois
First mock selection: Corey Liuget/DT/Illinois
Analysis: With Liuget off the board already, the Bears would turn to Taylor, who has a big upside.
Needs: G, OT, DT, DE, SLB, C
Other possibilities: Danny Watkins/G/Baylor, Marvin Austin/DT/North Carolina
30.) New York Jets: Muhammad Wilkerson/DT/Temple
Second mock selection: Phil Taylor/DT/Baylor
First mock selection: Brooks Reed/DE-OLB/Arizona
Analysis: The Jets have so many needs that it's not very easy to pinpoint just one player. However, they could really use some athleticism on their defensive line, so Wilkerson was the choice.
Needs: DE, NT, WR, OLB, CB, FS, OT
Other possibilities: Brandon Harris/CB/Miami.
31.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Williams/CB/Texas
Second mock selection: Aaron Williams/CB/Texas
First mock selection: Aaron Williams/CB/Texas
Analysis: By selecting Williams here, the Steelers would fill a huge need. They could get a developmental offensive lineman as the draft progresses.
Needs: RT, CB, RG, DE, OLB
Other possibilities: Marvin Austin/DT/North Carolina
32.) Green Bay Packers: Cameron Heyward/DE/Ohio State
Second mock selection: Brooks Reed/DE-OLB/Arizona
First mock selection: Justin Houston/OLB/Georgia
Analysis: The Packers really need depth at defensive end, so the decision to select Heyward here isn't a hard one.
Needs: OLB, DE, G
Other possibilities: Marvin Austin/DT/North Carolina, Justin Houston/OLB/Georgia