Ken Haddad's Blog

If The NFL Draft Was Today... 2011 Mock Draft

2011 NFL MOCK DRAFT

1. Carolina Panthers – QB Andrew Luck (Stanford)
The Panthers are currently the worst team in the league, and if Jimmy Clausen doesn’t show improvement in the last few games of the season, the Panthers will be forced into picking Luck. Luck is a great QB prospect. He has a big arm, and a high football IQ. The Panthers could use a franchise QB, as they begin to rebuild.

2. Cincinnati Bengals – DT Marcell Dareus (Alabama)
The Bengals, possibly the biggest disappointment of the year, should go defense with the second pick. Carson Palmer and the offense could use a few extra weapons, but those can be found in later rounds, or free agency. Dareus can play in the middle, and on the end. He is one of the quickest and most aggressive defensive linemen in the draft.

3. Detroit Lions – CB Patrick Peterson (LSU)
Hailed as one of the best cover corners since Charles Woodson, Peterson would be a perfect fit for a lacking Detroit secondary. The Lions continue to improve in spots, but the pass coverage is still the weakest spot on the field. Peterson could give them the shutdown corner they so desperately need.

4. Buffalo Bills – DE Da’Quan Bowers (Clemson)
Buffalo has something most teams in this spot do not have, that being a quarterback. Fitzpatrick has shown some heart this year. A weak spot for the Bills is the run defense. They are last in the league. Pick up a strong, defensive end here, and get to the ball quicker.

5. Arizona Cardinals – QB Ryan Mallet (Arkanasas)
Arizona started this season with Matt Leinhart, and then moved to Derek Anderson, then to Max Hall, then back to Derek Anderson. The job of filling Kurt Warner’s shoes is the job of Ryan Mallet’s. The 6’6’’ quarterback has a super human arm, and a passion for the game we have not seen. I hope that passion isn’t his downfall.

6. San Francisco 49ers – CB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska)
The Niners two main corners, Nate Clements and Shawntae Spencer have been extremely inconsistent. The number 2 ranked corner in the draft would be a perfect pick for the Niners and their struggling secondary. Amukamara is a great cover corner, and is one of the fastest players in the draft.

7. Cleveland Browns – WR AJ Green (Georgia)
The highest rated receiver in the draft, and since Calvin Johnson, AJ Green can bring a big play threat to the Browns lacking offense. The Browns uncovered a solid running game and a decent defensive effort this year, but are still missing that big play receiver they thought they had in Braylon Edwards. They get it here, with AJ Green.

8. Dallas Cowboys – DE Robert Quinn (North Carolina)
The Cowboys lack luster performance, accompanied with injuries has forced them into a top 10 pick that no one expected them to have. Robert Quinn will help the Cowboys get to the QB. Something they struggled with this year. Quinn is quick off the line, and has the ability to get to the QB.

9. Denver Broncos – DE/DT Nick Fairley (Auburn)
The Broncos could get a steal here with Fairley. The defensive lineman can fill a gaping hole in the Broncos run defense. Fairley is one of the most explosive linemen in the draft. He has almost 8 sacks this year for Auburn, and should continue that in the NFL.

10. Minnesota Vikings – QB Jake Locker
Jake Locker didn’t have the Heisman season that so many people expected him to have this year, but it hasn’t hurt his draft stock. Locker can still throw the ball with the best of them, and the Vikings need someone to throw the ball after Favre leaves (whenever that might be). He’d likely be competing with Tavaris Jackson for the starting spot.

11. St. Louis Rams – DT/DE Allen Bailey (Miami, FL)
St. Louis has been a pleasant surprise this year, at least for having a rookie QB in Sam Bradford. The Rams are 5th in the NFL in sacks, so why not continue building the line. Allen Bailey has made huge strives this year in Miami, and can play the middle or the end.

12. Houston Texans – DE Cameron Heyword (Ohio State)
Heyword could be a steal here, for a horrible Texans defense. The best philosophy is to build from the line out, and so with the Texans, it is no different. Add an explosive pass rusher, to take Zach Diles spot, and add some more pieces later in the draft. Heyword is necessary have at this spot.

13. New England Patriots – RB Mark Ingram (Alabama)
The former Heisman Trophy winning running back will fill a hole at running back for the Pats. Ingram is definitely a NE type player. Quiet, hard working, and productive. Ingram is a strong back, and the highest rated back, in a weak running back class. NE can put together a good punch with Benjarvis Green-Ellis and Ingram in the backfield.

14. Seattle Seahawks – CB Janoris Jenkins (Florida)
Seattle has been a surprise team this year, in a weak division. They should continue building the defense with Janoris Jenkins. Jenkins adds a level of protection to the secondary that they need. He is also the best player available at this pick, probably too good to pass up.

15. San Diego Chargers – DE/DT Adrian Clayborn (Iowa)
The Chargers have one of the best defense’s and one of the best offenses in the NFL. So then comes the question, what area do you help? That answer is always the defensive line. Adrian Clayborn is one of the best in a deep class of linemen. Clayborn can add depth to the pass rush, and improve the already explosive Chargers defense.

16. Washington Redskins – WR Julio Jones (Alabama)
Julio Jones is one of the most dynamic players in this draft class. He can give the Skins a return threat, and give them a big play threat. Julio Jones has great hands and great speed, something Mike Shannahan would love to have, for whomever the QB is next year.

17. Tennessee Titans – DT Stephen Paea (Oregon State)
The Titans could be tempted to get a QB at this point. Vince Young might not be the guy next year, which begs the question, who will be? I still expect the Titans to draft defense, because Jeff Fisher sure does love defense. They also need help at the defensive tackle position, still trying to fill the shoes of Albert Haynesworth.

18. Miami Dolphins – LB Akeem Ayers (UCLA)
Ayers is a steal to me, here at the 18th pick. Ayers can add serious depth to the Dolphins linebacking core. The Dolphins have had trouble getting to the QB this season, and Ayers can help improve that. Ayers could move up into the top 15 with a good combine.

19. Kansas City Chiefs – CB Brandon Harris (Miami, FL)
Kansas City has had success this year, especially scoring the ball, with the emergence of Dwayne Bowe. Which is why I expect them to pick defense here, and Brandon Harris is a great value pick at the 19th slot. Harris is expected to be a great NFL cover corner, and KC has had some trouble defending the big play. Harris and his speed will help close that gap.

20. New York Giants – DE/OLB Von Miller (Texas A&M)
The Giants have been solid on both sides of the ball. The defense could use a versatile player like Von Miller. He can play the line, or the OLB position. Miller has shown in several games this year the ability to get to the QB, and stop the run. He is the best coverage LB in the draft this year. The Giants might get a steal here.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars – DE Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue)
Jacksonville has been a fun team to watch this year, but that does not always translate to wins. David Garrard and MJD will provide points for years, but the defense needs to step it up to make the Jag’s contenders. Ryan Kerrigan can fill the hole left by Aaron Capman, who has torn ACL’s in consecutive seasons.

22. Indianapolis Colts – OT Anthony Castonzo (Boston College)
The obvious weakness for the Colts is the running game. It is not exactly because of a lack of skill at running back, but more so a lack of run blocking, and pass protection. The line gets no push, resulting in Peyton Manning making a record amount of passes this year. The Colts get a productive and efficient tackle in Castonzo. Look for them to pick up another tackle in free agency. He is the highest rated OT in the draft.

23. Chicago Bears – OT Derek Sherrod (Mississippi State)
The Bears have allowed a league high in sacks this year. It is almost amazing Jay Cutler is still healthy. Last year, the signed Julius Peppers, this year, they build the offensive line. Derek Sherrod is a solid tackle, who will most definitely help pass protection for the Bears.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – OT Nate Solder (Colorado)
The Bucs make it three tackles in a row. The Bucs need to establish the offensive line, if they want to continue to build a successful team. Josh Freeman has been efficient this year, but would be much better with a running game. It all starts on the line. The Bucs fill a hole with the 6’9’’ Solder.

25. Green Bay Packers – CB Aaron Williams (Texas)
One bright spot in the Longhorns horrible season has been the play of Aaron Williams. He is by far the best corner on their team, and one of the best in the country. The Packers get Williams, and play him across from Charles Woodson. If Williams pans out, they might have one of the best secondaries in the NFL.

26. Baltimore Ravens – OLB Travis Lewis (Oklahoma)
Lewis is the best available player at this pick. The Ravens defense took a drop on the defensive side this year, and Travis Lewis can help bring them back to par. He will add depth to the Ravens aging linebackers. (I hope Ray Lewis doesn’t read this)

27. Philadelphia Eagles – LB Bruce Carter (North Carolina)
The Eagles have a high-powered offense, and a solid defense. Bruce Carter is a steal this late in the first round. He has speed, strength, and a high football IQ. He has shown improvement every year at NC, and is expected to make it translate to the NFL. He adds a final weapon to the Eagles front seven.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers – G Mike Pouncey (Florida)
The Steelers have a weak spot on the line, at the guard position. Pouncey can fill that void. In addition, his brother is a starting lineman for the Steelers. Must run in the family.

29. New Orleans Saints – DE/OLB Justin Houston (Georgia)
Justin Houston has 11 sacks this year for Georgia. The Saints have collectively had 19 sacks this season. Houston will fill a pass rushing void for the Saints. He is fast and athletic, and will make a difference.

30. Atlanta Falcons – WR Jonathon Baldwin (Pittsburgh)
Atlanta fills their need for a receiver across from Roddy White. Yes, sorry, Malcom Floyd is not the answer. Baldwin is 6’5’’, and has amazing speed. He should be able to give the Falcons another long ball threat.

31. New York Jets – DE Cameron Jordan (California)
The Jets already dominant defense can add depth at the 31st pick with Cameron Jordan. This could potentially be a steal for the Jets, as Cameron Jordan is starting to climb the draft boards. If he is still available here, the Jets will have no choice.

32. New England Patriots – CB Brandon Burton (Utah)
The 6’1’’ corner from Utah can help New England shore up their secondary. Already young, and often injured, the Patriots need depth, considering they are one of the worst pass defense’s in the league. Thank God for Tom Brady.

ROUND 2

33. New England Patriots – C/G Stefan Wisniewski (Penn State)
New England continues doing what they do best, which is drafting. The Patriots shore up the offensive line with this Penn State guard, who might not slide this far. But if he does, the Pats should surly take him.

34. Cincinnati Bengals – OT Matt Reynolds (BYU)
The Bengals have many needs, including the offensive line. Reynolds is big and strong, and exactly what the Bengals need to improve their running game and pass protection.

35. Detroit Lions – LB Greg Jones (Michigan State)

The Lions have a weak line-backing core. Julian Peterson is the only solidified starter. Greg Jones could come in and immediately start. He could be a steal for the Lions here.

36. Buffalo Bills – QB Cam Newton (Auburn)
Even though Cam Newton is expected to be taken in the last first round, I think he will slide down to Buffalo. The Bills should take Newton here in case Fitzpatrick does not work out. Newton is dynamic and could end up being one of the best QB’s in the draft.

37. Dallas Cowboys – FS Rahim Moore (UCLA)
The defense of the Cowboys keeps improving with their first round pick, and their second round pick of Rahim Moore. The secondary needs a hard-hitting Free Safety, and they get it here with Moore.

38. Arizona Cardinals – OT Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin)
Arizona needs to protect the sometimes injury prone Ryan Mallet. They help make that happen by drafting 6’7’’ 330 pound Gabe Carimi. He has tremendous upside, and should be able to solidify the middle of the line for the Cards.

39. Denver Broncos – WR Malcom Floyd (Notre Dame)
Josh McDaniels loves to take offense, but since there isn’t any running backs that would fit for him right now, he’ll take Malcom Floyd. Floyd is a dynamic threat, whom can play the slot, or even the long ball. Floyd might also be considered for punt returns.

40. Minnesota Vikings – NT Jerrell Powe (Ole Miss)
The Vikings need to keep Favre/Jackson/Locker healthy, or nothing will work. The hard hits Favre has taken this year is an indication of a need for help on the line. Jerrell Powe will add depth to the line, and help the pass protection improve.

41. Cleveland Browns – TE Kyle Rudolph (Notre Dame)
Cleveland adds to their offensive arsenal, which now includes AJ Green. The highest rated TE in the draft, Rudolph can run block, and stretch the field. He was one of Notre Dame’s favorite targets the last couple of years, and Colt McCoy would love to have him on his team.

42. San Francisco 49ers – FS Deunta Williams (North Carolina)
The Niners continue to fix their secondary with this pick. The addition of Prince and Deunta to the gaping secondary will do wonders. Williams is a hard-hitting safety, and is known to make big plays.

43. Houston Texans – DT Drake Nevis (LSU)
Houston continues building the defensive line. Nevis is having a great year at LSU this year. He will add depth to a pass rush that is one of the worst in the NFL.

44. St. Louis Rams –WR Ryan Broyles (Oklahoma)
St. Louis could use a dynamic receiver like Broyles. He can be a threat at the receiver position, or as a kick returner. The Rams need an explosive weapon on offense, to help Sam Bradford.

45. Seattle Seahawks – OT Demarcus Love (Arkansas)
Demarcus Love will solidify the offensive line for the Seahawks. Hasselbeck has come alive this year, and he needs to stay upright for this team to remain contentious.

46. San Diego Chargers – CB Ras-I Dowling (Virginia)
San Diego keeps adding weapons to their defense. Dowling has the potential to be a great cover corner. We’ll see if he gets a chance to show it.

47. Washington Redskins – RB Noel Devine (West Virginia)
The Redskins add a lightning back to the Portis/Torain backfield. In addition, with Portis nearing the end of his career, Devine could get a heavier workload. He is also a threat on kick returns.

48. Tennessee Titans – WR Terrance Toliver (LSU)
The 6’5’’ receiver from LSU can give the Titans a much-needed deep ball threat. Toliver can stretch the field for Vince Young or whoever is throwing the ball. He could be a steal this late in the draft.

49. Denver Broncos – RB Mikel Leshoure (Illinois)
McDaniels gets his trademark running back here. Leshoure is too good to pass up here. He will add depth to a crowded Broncos backfield.

50. Oakland Raiders – RB Shane Vereen (California)
Vereen will add some lightning to Darren Mcfadden’s thunder. That is, if his thunder can last. Vereen is a top 3 back in this draft, but that’s not saying much in this class of backs.

51. New York Giants – C Kris O’Dowd (USC)
Eli Manning could use some more help in protection. The Giants aging offensive line could use some young blood. Kris O’Dowd has great upside, and should be able to fill the spot.

52. Jacksonville Jaguars – CB Jimmy Smith (Colorado)
The Jags continue adding to their defense, which has allowed a ton of points this year. Jimmy Smith could be a reliable corner in the future. He could be a project, but the Jaguars are OK with that.

53. Indianapolis Colts – DE/OLB Jeremy Beal (Oklahoma)
The Colts need to rebuild their lines. Adding Castonzo in the first round helps the offensive side, they get help on the defensive side with this pick. He is a run stopping machine.

54. Kansas City Chiefs – WR DeVier Posey (Ohio State)
Kansas City doesn’t exactly have a pro-bowl QB, but if they give him enough weapons, he might look like one. Pioli takes Posey here, trying to save face.

55. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – WR Lenord Hankerson (Miami, FL)
Tampa adds a big play receiver in Hankerson. He’s tall, fast, and smart. Hankerson has the potential to be a number one threat for Freeman.
56. Green Bay Packers – RB DeMarco Murray (Oklahoma)
Green Bay might be tired of injury prone Ryan Grant, and Bradon Jackson is not the answer. Packers hope to find a number one back with Murray. Murray has the most upside out of any back in the draft.

57. Baltimore Ravens – OT Joseph Barksdale (LSU)
The Ravens add to the offensive line, in an effort to protect Joe Flacco better. Barksdale will also help the running game, which hasn’t been as good in 2010, compared to 2009.

58. Philadelphia Eagles – DT Jurrell Casey (USC)
The Eagles draft a proven pass rusher in Casey, who will surely add depth to an already solid defensive line in Philadelphia.

59. Pittsburgh Steelers – DE Lawrence Guy (Arizona State)
The Steelers need help on both lines, and Lawrence Guy will help the defense. Guy, who is by far the best player on Arizona State’s defense, will add a pass rusher that the Steelers could use.

60. Chicago Bears – WR Chris Owusu (Standford)
The Bears are still in search of a number one receiver. Knox and Hester are good, but not enough for Cutler. Owusu has potential, and could be the answer. He’s the best receiver left on the board.

61. New Orleans Saints – RB Daniel Thomas (Kansas State)
The Saints have had trouble keeping running backs healthy, and productive. They pick up Thomas here, possibly to replace another Thomas. (Pierre)

62. Atlanta Falcons – DE Jabaal Sheard (Pittsburgh)
Atlanta continues building their young and explosive defense. The Falcons have had good drafts the past few years, and hope to continue it. Sheard will help the Falcons get to the QB next season.

63. New England Patriots – ILB Quan Sturdivant (North Carolina)
In a heavy North Carolina class, Sturdivant goes to the Patriots. The ILB will help the aging Pats add some young talent to the defense.

64. New York Jets – WR Austin Pettis (Boise State)
The Jets add another WR to their offensive arsenal. With Sanchez coming into his own, the Jets want to make sure he has weapons. Pettis can also return kicks.

Cont…

ROUND 3

65. Carolina Panthers – TE Lance Kendricks (Wisconsin)
Carolina needs to add weapons around Andrew Luck. A blocking Tight End will help the running game, and pass protection. It doesn’t hurt that he can also catch the ball.

66. Detroit Lions – S DeAndre McDaniel (Clemson)

The Lions need a safety to play with Louis Delmas. Spivey was converted from a corner this year when C.C. Brown went down, but the Lions need an upgrade. McDaniel gives it to them.

67. Cincinnati Bengals – SS Mark Barron (Alabama)
The Bengals also need an upgrade at the safety position. He might be fighting for a starting spot, but if he gets it, he’ll be a great fit.

68. Buffalo Bills – OT Benjamin Ijalana (Villanova)
Buffalo has to protect their quarterback. And if that QB is Cam Newton, this OT will help open up lanes for him. Either way, the Bills need help on the line.

69. Dallas Cowboys – G Rodney Hudson (Florida State)
Dallas needs to get as much help on both sides of the line as they can. The offensive line is likely to lose a starter or two to free agency, so Hudson could get a spot.

70. Denver Broncos – CB Rashad Carmichael (Virginia Tech)
Carmichael is a perfect fit for the Broncos. It’s also a good fit because the Broncos defense has not been good this season. Carmichael will help shore up a weak secondary.

71. Minnesota Vikings – G Marcus Cannon (TCU)
The Vikings continue to rebuild the offensive line with Marcus Cannon. They must fix the line to win ball games.

72. Cleveland Browns – FS Will Hill (Florida)
Will Hill can help Cleveland defend the deep ball. Their secondary will take all the help they can get.

73. San Francisco 49ers – QB Christian Ponder (Florida State)
Ponder is mature and efficient. He could be a good find for the Niners in the 3rd round. He is a top 5 QB in a strong QB class.

74. Arizona Cardinals – OLB Steven Friday (Virginia Tech)
Steven Friday helps a weak group of linebackers for Arizona. They need to rebuild the defense, and they can help that process here.

75. St. Lous Rams – OLB Mason Foster (Washington)
The Rams need to keep adding young defensive talent. They have a young QB, and a young team overall. However, young is what’s working, so why change?

76. Houston Texans – DE Sam Acho (Texas)
The Texans continue rebuilding the line. Sam Acho is big and strong, and will help the pass rush.

77. San Diego Chargers – DE Marvin Austin (North Carolina)
Some have Austin much higher on their boards, which could make this a steal.

78. Washington Redskins – C Alex Linnenkohl (Oregon State)
The Redskins keep building the offensive line. The backs need a push.

79. Tennessee Titans – QB Ricky Stanzi (Iowa)
Stanzi had a rough start to the 2010 season, but has really come along. Not to mention a great 2009 season. Stanzi will serve as the “Vince Young Backup Plan”.

80. Miami Dolphins – QB Nathan Enderle (Idaho)
Miami needs a QB to fill a back up position. Enderle might be that guy.

81. Oakland Raiders – G John Moffitt (Wisconsin)
Wisconsin is known for putting great linemen into the NFL. Moffitt is a safe pick for Al Davis.

82. San Diego Chargers – WR Titus Young (Boise State)
The Chargers always find quality receivers in late round. Phillip Rivers can make anyone look good.

83. Jacksonville Jaguars – FS Blake Gideon (Texas)
Jacksonville takes Gideon, shoring up the secondary. The Jags really need Gideon to pan out.

84. Indianapolis Colts – SS Jeron Johnson (Boise State)
The Colts might be on their last straw with Bob Sanders. Jeron Johnson is a great value at #84.

85. Kansas City Chiefs – RB LaMichael James (Oregon)
Kansas City needs a dynamic player on their offense. Oregon has scored a record amount of points this year, and LaMichael James is the main reason why.

86. New York Giants – DT Christian Ballard (Iowa)
The Giants are successful because of defense. They should continue stock piling young defensive talent.

87. Green Bay Packers – OT Danny Watkins (Baylor)
The Packers have had trouble protecting Aaron Rodgers this year, and establishing a running game. They get some help with Watkins.

88. Baltimore Ravens – ILB Chris Marve (Vanderbilt)
Chris Marve will keep adding depth to the Ravens already decent defense. They do need some young talent.

89. Philadelphia Eagles – CB Jalil Brown (Colorado)
The Eagles need more depth at corner, especially with Ellis Hobbs and his reoccurring neck injuries.

90. Pittsburgh Steelers – CB Davon House (New Mexico State)
Pittsburgh needs to add depth to the secondary. Troy can’t do everything.

91. Chicago Bears – OT Darius Morris (Temple)
Chicago keeps building that horrible offensive line. Leading the league in sacks allowed was not in the game plan.

92. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – OLB Ross Homan (Ohio State)
The Bucs add a much-needed explosive linebacker who is used to winning.

93. New Orleans Saints – OLB Adrian Robinson (Temple)
Robinson will add depth to the Saints already stellar line-backing core.

94. Atlanta Falcons – TE D.J. Williams (Arkansas)
Tony Gonzalez might retire this offseason. Williams is a potential replacement.

95. San Diego Chargers – RB Ryan Williams (Virginia Tech)
San Diego picks up another weapon for the already explosive offense.

96. New England Patriots – DE Dontay Moch (Nevada)
The Pats keep rebuilding one of the worst defenses in the league.

97. Carolina Panthers – RB Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State)
The Panthers need to build more around their QB. Adding Rodgers could give them another weapon with Williams in the back field.

98. Cincinnati Bengals –CB Chimdi Chekwa (Ohio State)
The Bengals need a corner to cover the long ball. Chewka has a good upside, and could move up after the combine.

Enter the 5th Dimension

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