Round 1 Grades – NFL Draft 2011

1. CAROLINA PANTHERS:  Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

The real grade should be “incomplete” because this is a complete boom or bust pick. Carolina gambling again which is why they were in this position to be begin with. Grade: B

2. DENVER BRONCOS: VON MILLER, OLB, Texas A&M

The Broncos got the most dynamic playmaker in the draft. Mike Fox will put Miller on one side and Dumervil on the other and look out AFC West QB’s. Grade: A+

3. BUFFALO BILLS: MARCELL DAREUS DT, ALABAMA

Great player and better pick because they stayed away from Gabbert. The Bills needed a big time difference maker on D and they got one in Dareus. Grade A.

Read all 32 teams draft grades here: First Round Grades

Twas the night before the draft

Here are 5 myths (rumors) we’d like to address.

Myth 1: Carolina will draft Cam Newton with 1st pick

Rage reaction: If ESPN’s sport science with Marcell Dareus didn’t solidify him as an absolute beast in your mind then nothing will. You can view that video here: Sport Science - Marcell Dareus. He can play virtually anywhere along the defensive line. He is a human black hole that eats space around him. His quick first step and strong hand punch make him a nightmare match-up for any offensive coordinator. This is the best defensive line draft in terms of talent and depth that we have ever seen and he tops the list. Still not sold on Marcell going number one? Plug yourself into the GM chair for Carolina – Cam Newton left the University of Florida rather than face suspension or expulsion because of three instances of academic cheating and one instance of theft of a laptop to which he was suspended from the football team. Plus, he has only one season of success as a starter and the rumors about his father’s dealings with agents make him very suspect.

read rest here: twas night before Draft

Top 5 biggest 1st round bust - NFL Draft

1.  Ryan Leaf - Top pick overall who was 0-1 in playoffs and is more known for infamous outburst after playoff loss: "Just don't f---ing talk to me, all right!". Another on-camera incident involved Leaf confronting a heckling Charger fan during a practice session. Two coaches had to restrain Leaf and escort him off the field.  He finished his rookie year with QB rating of 39.  Leaf also allegedly lied about a hand injury in order to get out of practice so that he could play golf instead.  Leaf finished his career with 14 touchdowns and 36 interceptions.

2.  JaMarcus Russell - Another first overall pick who was basically a child in man's body.  Raiders signed him to a contract worth $61 million with $32 million guaranteed. In three seasons with the Raiders, Russell finished 7-18 as a starter before his release on May 6, 2010 after ballooning up to 290 lbs.  On September 26, 2010, Russell had moved to Houston, Texas, and was working out with former NBA standout and head coach John Lucas and was also consulting with him as a 'life coach.'  In April 2011, Lucas, who had become frustrated with Russell's lack of work ethic, reportedly severed all ties with the quarterback and asked him to leave the Houston area.

View Full Article here: Modern Draft Bust

Video Highlights 1st round - 2011 NFL Draft

See rest of video here: Video Highlights 1st round

Cam Heyward son of “Ironhead”

Cam Heyward (Ohio State) 6’5” 294 lbs DE

Cam Heyward Highlight Video

The son of the late Craig "Ironhead" Heyward who terrorized linebackers for years by brutally using his head as a battering ram.  While Cam plays on the other side of the ball, they have a similar mentality says Cam "We were both guys who just loved to pound".

Cam Heyward hallmark is his performances in big games and is projected to go late in round 1 of the NFL draft.  Some scouts have him going in the top 20.  Could be great value pick if he slides after undergoing an ulnar collateral ligament surgery – commonly known as Tommy John surgery – on Jan. 12.

If Heyward is chosen, he'll finish off a first round that should cause Big Ten offensive linemen to pat themselves on the back for surviving last year.

Read rest here: Son of Ironhead

2011 NFL DRAFT ORDER

2011 NFL Draft Order
Rounds 1-7
Pick	Overall	Team
Round 1
1	1	Carolina
2	2	Denver
3	3	Buffalo
4	4	Cincinnati
5	5	Arizona
6	6	Cleveland
7	7	San Francisco
8	8	Tennessee
9	9	Dallas

 

View full seven rounds here: Draft Order 2011

Big Nasty Defensive Tackles win Championships

"Too Beast or not too Beast"

Often, we hear the QB position is the most important to a team and the high percentage of "franchise tags" for QBs would support this.

But for my money, give me a disruptive force against the core of a offensive line - the middle.  You know the same location a QB starts the play and often the same location a running game tries to establish its toughness.

This is the era of disruptive DTs.  Attacking the underbelly of an offense line is good business in NFL (7 of the last 11 super bowl winners possessed dominant NT playing in 3-4 defense).  The smart teams have figured it out by drafting pressure DT who can play NT or DE in 3-4 alignment. They possess the strength/size to hold down NT role while having the athletic ability to slide over to DE to marauder opposing QBs. The line between DE and DT in 3-4 have narrowed considerably.  Even Bill Belichick moved the immovable NT Vince Wilfork to DE in spot situations in 2011.

Read full story here: Monster DT win Championships

Five Guys Who Should Just Shut Up!

We are a draft site but this has nothing to do with the draft. I’ll leave it up to the Bleacher Report to make up rumors about where Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert is going. With no free agency to speak of and all the lockout discussion on hold, everything has just been feeding more speculation than normal. I mean seriously, when some GM speculates their team may have an interest in this player or that payer, how do you take them seriously?

With that in mind, and being uninspired to speculate on the draft with a month to go, I thought I’d opine on five NFL folks, in no particular order of preference, I would like to permanently cease from speaking.

1. Jerry Jones. Is there another owner in sports who puts himself more in the limelight than Jerrah? He has been nothing but a media hog since he first took over the Cowboys. This past season was not one of his finest. Two years ago he builds the Taj Mahal of sports stadiums, thinking he’d be the first team to win a Super Bowl in the host city in 2011, then the roof collapses on his practice facility, then his 2011 team collapses faster than the roof, then he oversells seating at the Super Bowl nearly causing a riot and to top it off he storms out of the labor negotiations making him even more of an ogre.

Read rest here: 5 guys who talk too much

Mocking the GM’s – Who They Should Draft

The purpose of this mock draft is not to predict who each team will pick, but who they should pick. If you’re looking for who the likely choice will be, check out the site for Carl’s latest Mock. He’s plugged into and drilled down on all the rumors coming from all the teams’ camps.

1. CAROLINA PANTHERS: PATRICK PETERSON, CB, LSU

They can’t afford to get this pick wrong and neither QB is worthy, or more importantly, a sure thing. I believe they should go with Peterson. Dareus would be another good choice. They can add competition at QB later in the draft.

2. DENVER BRONCOS: MARCELL DAREUS DT, ALABAMA

Mike Fox is going D, so if Peterson is taken by the Panthers he will be happy to settle for “Dareus” and put his stamp on this defense.

3. BUFFALO BILLS: VON MILLER, OLB, Texas A&M

Another team who should forget about a QB in round 1. The Bills D needs help and more importantly it needs playmakers. Miller is the best defensive playmaker in the draft. He’ll be the Bills best pass rusher since Bruce Smith.

4. CINCINNATI BENGALS: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

The Bengals need a complete makeover, especially the entire offense. Regardless of who they pick the Bengals are in for a rough season and Newton emerging might be the only thing that keeps Marvin Lewis employed after another pathetic showing. If they end up with the #1 pick next season, Andrew Luck will probably opt for a 5^th college season! So if Cam bombs they’re in the same place they’d be anyway!

Full article here: GM Mock Draft

Is Nate Solder the best OL in Draft?

Von Miller thinks so….

Question: Who is the best opposing player you’ve faced in your college career?

Von Miller: “Nate Solder.  He’s a beast!  When you’re that big and you’re that quick, it’s real scary for guys like me.  He can match you on every step.  And I went against other guys: Jason Smith, Trent Williams and Russell Okung.  All of those guys are great.  But Nate Solder’s excellent.”

read rest here:  Who is top OL in Draft?

Top 5 Bad Boys of the 2011 NFL Draft

By: Carl Hammill

NFL DRAFT RAGE

 

Here are some draftees that we would recommend avoiding if you are a GM who is faint of heart.  While we understand that past actions are not always a precursor to future behavior, the draft is littered with prospects with all the talent in the world who washed out because they never were able to appreciate the amazing opportunity that they stepped into.

Jimmy Smith CB Colorado 

   

Smith (6’2” 211 lbs) is a talented CB who is probably a top 15 talent but due to character issues will fall toward the bottom of the first round.  Smith failed a drug

 test and had two arrests for possession of alcohol as a minor while in college.  Smith skipped the senior bowl and followed that up with skipping his workouts two weeks prior to NFL combine.  His interviews with NFL teams went so poorly that many teams completely removed him from their draft boards.  Do you sense a trend?

Draft Rage Recommendation: Avoid. 

Cam Newton QB Auburn

Newton is a huge QB (6’6” 250 lbs) who is ultra talented with a rare combination of size, mobility and has cannon for an arm.  He is also the biggest enigma in this draft.  Newton was arrested after being found with a stolen laptop from a University of Florida (UF) student. He painted over the laptop and wrote "CAM NEWTON" on it, an attempt to show that it was his. He was subsequently suspended temporarily by the team after this incident. Cam Newton left the University of Florida after the fall semester in 2008 rather than face suspension or expulsion in part because of three instances of academic cheating.  Complete boom or bust.

Draft Rage Recommendation: Only if you have a strong stomach & job security. 

Titus Young WR Boise State

Young ran a blistering 4.39 40 on his pro day.  Few other WR^’s in this draft can take the top off a defense like Young.  However, in 2007 he was suspended for the first quarter of the Hawaii Bowl. In 2008 he was suspended for 10 games due to off-the-field issues. He has also been flagged multiple times for excessive post touchdown celebration. Consistency, unfortunately not the consistency you’re looking for.

 

Draft Rage Recommendation: Only if he brings his barber with him.

Jabaal Sheard DE Pitt

Pitt is on a role here.  Sheard (6’4’ 260 lbs) started all 13 games for Pitt as Defensive End.  He was charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct following an alleged altercation outside La Fond Galleries.  Sheard picked up Parker and threw the 27-year-old through a glass door of a gallery.  Sheard then jumped on the bleeding Parker, who was on the ground inside the art store, and continued punching him before police subdued the two with pepper spray.  What’s an assault or two?

 

Draft Rage Recommendation: Why would you bring him into your locker room? 

 

Jonathan Baldwin WR Pitt

Another first round talent makes this list.  Baldwin (6’5” 230 lbs) is big receiver who can make acrobatic catches. Comparisons to Plexico keep rolling in. Baldwin was charged with misdemeanor indecent assault, summary harassment and summary disorderly conduct stemming from an alleged incident involving a female student on a bus in 2009.  A judge later dismissed the charges but the football program punished him internally.  Reminds me of another former troubled Panther Star Antonio Bryant, great talent, stupid guy. 

 

Draft Rage Recommendation: Worth the shot in the mid rounds.

 

Newton's Law

By: Steve Kleppin

NFL Draft Rage

 

Newton’s Law of Gravity 

We’re about a week out from the 2011 NFL draft and you may be asking what in the hell does Sir Isaac Newton have to do with the draft?  Nothing, but we could use some physics to explain how Mel Kiper’s hair seems to defy gravity.  And after reading the opening sentence, I am willing to bet that many of you probably thought that Sir Isaac Newton was either: a) Cam’s dad; b) Some 70’s funk singer; or c) some old English dude.  If you went with “c” you’d at least be in the ballpark. Sir Isaac was undoubtedly one of the most important figures in our understanding of physics.   I know you’re all saying who cares & where is the Cam Newton connection?   There is none, aside from their last name and the fact they’re both fascinating stories. 

 

Cam is a fascinating story for a lot of reasons. 

 

1. He is a freakish athlete, especially considering his measurables.
2. He came out of nowhere to lead the Auburn Tigers to a National Championship. 
3. The claims of his father’s dealings with college recruiters are just plain whacky.
4. He’s had his own off the filed disciplinary issues.
5. The history and damage caused by selecting a QB #1 when they don’t pan out.
6. The uncertainty atop this draft board.

 

There are a lot of rumblings pointing to Cam being selected very early, possibly #1 overall.  Again, it’s not a question of talent.  Look no further than Ryan Leaf, Alex Smith or JaMarcus Russell to see what happens when you spend the #1 overall pick on a QB & they either stink or have “issues”.  If you look at the draft order, most of the teams in the top half have some QB questions, while the lower half is pretty set.  Hmmmmmm   So assuming Cam goes in the top 15 or so, let’s look at 10 teams that could or should select a QB early.

 

1. Carolina.  This draft does not have a clear cut #1 overall, thank you Mr. Luck, which puts tremendous pressure on Carolina to get this pick right.  In my first Mock I thought they would avoid Cam and go the more conservative route.  If they draft Cam and he bombs, kiss three more years’ goodbye and we’ll see which QB the Panthers will be targeting with the #1 overall pick in 2014. 

 

1. Denver.  Not a consideration because I don’t think John Fox would take Cam Newton and they have their own whacky first round QB pick from last year to sort out. 

 

1. Buffalo.   To-Fitzpatrick, or to-not-Fitzpatrick, that is the question!  I like Fitzpatrick but Chan Bailey and company have been coy on this topic.  If they are enamored with Cam’s potential and he bombs this would sink Chan’s NFL head coaching career and put Buffalo with the #1 overall pick in 2014. 

 

1. Cincinnati.  Another team in need of new leadership at the helm.  They also have a history of taking players with checkered pasts.  Even though ownership likes Marvin Lewis and gave him a contract extension they can’t have too many more losing seasons, which looks very likely this coming season, so if I’m Lewis why not roll the dice and see if Cam can get you to the promise land. 

 

1. Arizona.  The Cards do need a new signal caller and Larry Fitzgerald has already told them who and who not to brig in.  I don’t see Whisenhunt taking on this big of a project, especially utilizing the 5^th pick in the draft to get him.  They may select a QB early, but not Newton and probably not one in round 1.  Wonder what Larry Fitzgerald would say?   Wonder if they consulted him first?   

 

1. Cleveland.  Very unlikely.  They are sending out smoke screens but the Browns hierarchy likes what they saw from Colt McCoy and thinks with some added strength and seasoning he can put them back into contention. 

 

1. San Francisco.  Yes they need a QB.  Remember the Alex Smith experiment?  The guy who plays great the last 3 games of every season to make you think he has a future & then proceeds to suck for the first 13 the following season.  I can’t see Jim Harbaugh rolling that big a dice in his first year.  Look for them to address QB in round 2.   

 

1. Tennessee.  The Titans need a QB.  I would be surprised if they take one this high.  Vince Young was the third overall selection in the 2006 draft and considering how that turned out I don’t see them gambling on Newton, there are just too many questions.  Maybe Gabbert, but that is for another article. 

 

1. Dallas.  Hard to take these rumors seriously.  Because of Jerry’s desire to make headlines on draft day people like to speculate but they sink or swim with Romo for the near future.

 

1. Washington.  This will be an interesting spot to watch.  I can’t see Shanahan taking Newton but I can see Snyder overruling everybody and going with the splash.  If Newton is available and the Skins pass, then you know Snyder has finally wisened up.  I wouldn’t bet on that though.  If he’s available at 10 grab your snack & grab a seat.

 

1. Houston.  Set.

 

1. Minnesota.  They are in need of a QB, and what would make Vikes fans forget the Favre years like adding a QB with their first pick?  Would Leslie Frazier want to take this on his shoulders after waiting so long to get a head job?  I would say they probably pass if he was available, and when a top talent starts to slide to this point, they usually keep sliding.  ESPN loves that and usually tracks the poor guy around the house while he starts to get weepy. 

 

1. Detroit.  Set.

 

1. St. Louis.  Set.

 

1. Miami.  Another interesting spot.  Like Alex Smith, Chad Henne shows enough at the right spots to tease you but I think the Fish have seen enough.  Given the relationship between the Dolphins ownership and management I think they should take a flyer on Newton if he’s there.  He’ll either make you look like geniuses and ensconce you in south Florida or he’ll just put the final nail in the coffin. 

 

1. Jacksonville.  Another potential suitor.  And at #16 this would be a good value pick for the Jags.  David Garrard is clearly not the long-term answer, but Newton could sit for a year or two behind Garrard and refine his skills for the next level.  I don’t see Cam slipping past the Jags.  

Race to the Edge - Quinn v. Miller

Photo finish heading into Draft

Debated, over analyzed, and self promoted (see Miller) this duo are vying for the spot as top pass rusher heading into 2011 NFL Draft.  But who has the edge? They both had terrific campaigns in 2009 (see table below).  Things got trickier in 2010 as Quinn was suspended and Miller played with an ankle sprain which limited his playmaking ability.  Let’s get into the numbers to see who rules the QB sack kingdom. 

 

The Physics

Name	Height	Weight (lbs)	40 time	225 lb reps	Vertical Jump	Shuttle
Robert Quinn	6’4”	265	4.60	24	34	4.31
Von Miller	6’3’	246	4.42	21	37	4.06

 

The Production

2009	Games	Sacks	Forced Fumble	Tackles (loss)	Tackles
Robert Quinn	12	11 (Soph)	6	19	52
Von Miller	12	17 (Jr)	4	21	44

Von Miller seems to have the edge in production, speed (40 time & shuttle) and explosiveness (vertical jump).  Robert Quinn has size and strength advantage and is younger (Quinn will turn 21 in May – Miller is 22).  It would have been interesting to see what Quinn would have done his Junior year.  What really stands out is the shuttle time by Miller (4.06) as we haven’t seen an edge rusher post that kind of number since DeMarcus Ware ran a 4.07 at combine in 2005.

We like Robert Quinn and feel he is a better fit for the Cardinals 4-3 defense and will be selected #5 overall.  However, Von Miller is the better athlete and is superior to Quinn in speed and explosiveness, and has similar size to other NFL edge rushers who have enjoyed considerable success (Clay Matthews, Trent Cole and Robert Mathis).  It wouldn’t shock us if Denver decides to go with Von Miller over Patrick Peterson at #2.

 

Where they Project: 

Robert Quinn: Raw athlete whose lateral movement and short-area burstwould make a transition to 3-4 rush linebacker possible.  Ideally he would play DE in 4-3. What is rare about Quinn is his burst off the edge at 265 pounds.  We see a player that is driven to succeed.  Many point out his brain tumor surgery as an area of concern.  We disagree wholeheartedly.  We think that overcoming such a huge obstacle (Quinn was told by doctors he would never play sports again) gives Quinn an advantage.  Lance Armstrong once wrote that winning became easy when compared to life and death outcomes.

Von Miller: With Miller standing up his junior year and rushing the QB from the hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker position called the "joker” we feel he is perfect fit for 3-4 OLB.  Miller is capable of playing DE in a 4-3 as his size is very similar to Trent Cole of the Philadelphia Eagles who play a 4-3 defense.  But we think Miller can be a better player standing up and getting after it.

 

2011 NFL Mock Draft - 4/15/2011

 

Video Highlights (First 10 picks) at bottom of page or here:  2011 NFL Draft Highlights 

 

1. CAROLINA PANTHERS:   MARCELL DAREUS, DT, ALABAMA

   Ndamukong Suh was so effective in his rookie season teams will try to find this year’s version.  It starts with power and Dareus has it. Possesses an explosive initial punch that he combines with surprising burst of speed into the backfield.  A low center of gravity guy allows him to anchor as NT/DT but also can flash pass rushing ability as DE in 3-4.

2.  DENVER BRONCOS:    PATRICK PETERSON, CB, LSU

   The cleanest player in the draft meaning he has virtually no weakness in his game.  Big enough to play press coverage as CB but also athletic and fast enough to play in the slot on passing downs similar to what Charles Woodson does for GB.  Throw in his game breaking ability on special teams and you have an elite talent from day one.

3.  BUFFALO BILLS:   BLAINE GABBERT, QB, MISSOURI

   Great pro day for Gabbert as he was making throws (especially deep throws) that were giving scouts flashbacks to Matt Ryan and Sam Bradford’s pro-day. Great size at 6-foot-5 and completion percentage was an impressive 63% last year.  Gabbert ran shotgun formation 98% of the time so expect an initial adjustment period.

4.  CINCINNATI BENGALS:   JULIO JONES, WR, ALABAMA

   New offensive coordinator Jay Gruden runs a west coast offense.  Jones has leapfrogged A.J Green with his stunning combine performance and clearly is the better blocker which is essential for WCO.  Jones will have fans at Paul Brown Stadium forgetting about Ocho (who is trying out for MLS) and TO quickly.

5.  ARIZONA CARDINALS:   ROBERT QUINN, DE, NORTH CAROLINA

 Based on ability Quinn should be the first player selected.  But a year off and post-brain surgery will cause a few teams to pause, but not the Cardinals.  Nobody is more impressive on video than Quinn.  Dallas and the Texans are a better fit but the Cardinals will jump at the chance to take the best pass rusher in this draft.

6.  CLEVELAND BROWNS:    A.J. GREEN, WR, GEORGIA

  Cleveland has big needs at DE and WR.  They will settle on a sleek receiver with long arms and huge hands in A.J. Green.  General Manager Tom Heckert runs the Browns' draft like a chess master and will gamble on DL depth in this draft sliding to him in second round.

7.  SAN FRANCISCO 49ER'S:   CAM NEWTON, QB, AUBURN

   The biggest weakness on this team is QB.  Cam Newton is the biggest enigma in this draft.  So what happens when these two realities converge…you have a potentially explosive outcome.  We mean that in a good way as Newton is huge QB (6’6” 250lbs) who is extremely difficult to bring down and has cannon of an arm. Dan Reeves compares Newton to Michael Vick with a better arm. 

8.  TENNESSEE TITANS:   VON MILLER, OLB, TEXAS A&M

   I think this could be the first trade in the draft.  Von Miller is still on the board but the Titans run a 4-3 and Miller is better in a 3-4. Maybe the Titans feel Miller is talented enough to play in any formation and take the explosive pass rusher.  I can also see Dallas moving up a spot to keep the rival Redskins from leapfrogging them to get their targeted player Nick Fairley.

9.  DALLAS COWBOYS:   NICK FAIRLEY, DT, AUBURN

   Jerry hasn’t forgotten how effective Leon “Big Cat” Lett was (when he wasn’t horn doggin the ball on way to the endzone).  Fairley starts day one as Rob Ryan’s new toy.  He is big, athletic and dominated similar to what Ndamukong Suh did at Nebraska.  Ryan can flip Jay Ratliff and Nick Fairley from DT or DE.  Teams will no longer be able to max-protect DeMarcus Ware side of the ball.  If Anthony Spencer hints at having a rebound year – this defense is top 5 when factoring in maniacal defensive guru Rob Ryan. 

10.  WASHINGTON REDSKINS:   J.J. WATT, DE, WISCONSIN

   Not sure the Redskins are deserving of such a high quality player.  Watt is really the anti-Synder prototype.  He isn’t flashy.  He doesn’t have a bloated attitude and he certainly isn’t past his prime.  The skins land a leader here.  The best 5 tool player the draft.  Ideal 3-4 DE who will work every play and make Synder look logical for a moment.  As they say....even a broken clock is right twice a day!  Of course this happens only because Synder was unable to draft ahead of Dallas to select Fairley who would help wash away the memories of potentially the biggest FA bust in NFL history in Albert Haynesworth.

 

11. HOUSTON TEXANS:   DA’QUAN BOWERS DE, CLEMSON

 With ramped up rumors that Bowers might need knee microfracture surgery, one NFL team recently stated that his knee looked great.  So place your bets.  And let’s not get carried away with Bowers dropping too far as he once was projected as the number one pick overall.  Farm-content sites like bleacher report had him going number 1 a few hundred times.  If you have watched Reggie White you will see the similarities.  This team is a competent defense away from being a major playoff contender and Bowers is a steal here.

12.  MINNESOTA VIKINGS:   PRINCE AMUKAMARA, CB, NEBRASKA

With Leslie Frazier as Minnesota’s head coach look for them to go defense with their first pick.  An aging secondary is a concern for Frazier.  Antoine Winfield, Frank Walker, and Lito Shepard will each be 10+ year veterans next season. Amukamara is good fit for Vikings as he can play press coverage and a good tackler who isn’t afraid of contact (he is converted RB).  However his zero interceptions last year is an area of concern.

13.  DETROIT LIONS:  TYRON SMITH, OT, SOUTHERN CAL.

    The Lions would love nothing more than having Prince Amukamara slip to them and reunite him with Ndamukong Suh.  However Prince will be gone by this pick.  Aldon Smith is intriguing as it addresses an aging defensive line and puts two players together with dynamic ability to get to the QB.  But Strafford has been injured his first two seasons of his career and the Lions must bring in more talent to protect their franchise player.

14. ST. LOUIS RAMS:   ALDON SMITH, OLB, MISSOURI

    The Rams need a defensive pass rusher to start opposite Chris Long.  Smith has a long, lean frame with room to add bulk and shows natural pass-rush skills.  Only 20 years old with big upside, the Rams jump at the chance to add a DE who brings an explosive burst.  However his slow shuttle time and lack of “bend” limits his role to a 4-3 DE exclusively.

15.  MIAMI DOLPHINS:   MARK INGRAM, RB, ALABAMA

   This is the consensus, safe pick.  They do have a need at running back with the potential departure of Williams and Brown but Sporano is on loose footing in Miami and will need to bring in someone who can immediately help this team.  Ingram has the potential to be the consistent big-play threat the Dolphins offense lacks. 

16.  JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS:   CAMERON JORDAN, DE, CAL.

    The Jags have bigger needs such as linebacker and need a young QB to develop, but Jordan's total package is too hard to pass up.  Why the slide?  Boatload of talent along DL in this draft.  Jordan is a top 10 pick in any other draft.

17.  NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS:  RYAN KERRIGAN, DE, PURDUE

   How do the Pats always have two #1 picks?  They're smart, that's why.  They treat it like a business and don’t make it personal.  Kerrigan is an excellent pass rusher with a nose for creating turnovers.  Kerrigan is a team leader and co-captain who reminds scouts of Aaron Kampman. He seems custom made for the Patriots who need a few more pieces on their young defense.

18.  SAN DIEGO CHARGERS:   JUSTIN HOUSTON, OLB, GEORGIA

    The Chargers have a very good D, but need to generate more pressure on the passer.  Houston should be able to handle that task with gusto.  Houston posted ridiculous numbers at Georgia as he finished with 18.5 tackles for loss to go along with 10 sacks and an almost unheard of 44 quarterback hurries. Perfect fit for as an OLB  in their 3-4 defense.

19.  NEW YORK GIANTS:   AKEEM AYERS, OLB, UCLA

    The Giants have been looking for linebackers for the last five years and will be pleasantly surprised to find the ultra-athletic and versatile Ayers still there at #19.  The Giants have a bevy of talent along their defensive line and a solid secondary.  Ayers could be the missing link in the middle. 

20.  TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS:  ADRIAN CLAYBORN, DE, IOWA

    The up and coming Bucs lack anyone who can consistently pressure the QB.  Clayborn has medical condition called Erb’s palsy, a nerve damage condition suffered at birth.  So far the only damage has been to opposing QB when Clayborn is on the field.  Clayborn generated significant attention during Iowa’s pro day.

21.  KANSAS CITY CHIEFS:  MIKE POUNCEY, OG, FLORIDA

    The chiefs try to cash in by taking Mike Pouncey the twin brother of NFL All-Pro Maurkice Pouncey of the Steelers.  Mike doesn’t have the same ceiling as Maurkice so he will be slightly overrated for this draft.  He is still quality lineman who will be given a shot at center as current starter Casey Wiegmann is expected to retire.

22.  INDIANAPOLIS COLTS:   DEREK SHERROD, OT MISSISSIPPI ST.

    Huge need at offensive tackle for the  Colts and they take the most NFL ready tackle in Derek Sherrod.  Started 47 of 50 games in college and showed some of the best recognition skills of any offensive lineman at the combine.  With the team built to win now Sherrod is perfect fit as he will start day one.

23.  PHILADELPHIA EAGLES:   JIMMY SMITH, CB, COLORADO

The Eagles have two major needs to address that were major sore spots last year which resulted in them giving up a franchise record 31 touchdown passes.  The first is a CB to take the spot of Eric Hobbs who retired due to a major neck injury.  The second is a pass rusher who can actually apply pressure to QBs, who had plenty of time in 2010 to pick apart the secondary, especially in the red zone.  Jimmy Smith is the most talented player on the board and can be an instant starter.  Reid will have to put on his social worker hat again and try to keep Smith on the right path (smith failed four drug test during his college career).

 

24.  NEW ORLEANS SAINTS:   NATE SOLDER, OT, COLORADO

   With Jon Stinchcomb’s play dropping off dramatically and Jerome Bushrod a FA the Saints take the best OT on the board.  Solder has a 747’s  wingspan at 81 inches and is still filling in at 6’8” 319 lbs.  A converted TE, Solder has the athleticism that Sean Payton looks for in his players.  Concerns over Solder ability to maintain weight drops him in the draft to this spot.  Solder dropped 12 pounds from the combine to his pro day weighing in at 307 lbs.

25.  SEATTLE SEAHAWKS:   JAKE LOCKER, QB, WASHINGTON

   Regardless of whether they keep both Hasselback and Whitehurst, neither is the long-term answer at QB.  They can both be adequate starters while the future QB is groomed. In a surprise, the Seahawks select local product Locker who was once thought of the same way people now view Andrew Luck.

26.  BALTIMORE RAVENS:  ANTHONY CASTONZO, OT, BC

    Boston College has a long tradition of sending offensive lineman to the NFL. Castonzo has huge size and is an intelligent player. He majored in biochemistry and had second highest wonderlic test score.  Jared Gaither, the starting left tackle in 2008 and 2009, missed all of last season with a back injury and has questionable work ethic. Michael Oher is better on the right side, so Castonzo is good fit for the left side where he played better at in collage. 

27.  ATLANTA FALCONS:   CAMERON HEYWARD, DE, OHIO STATE

   With All-Pro defensive end John Abraham turning 33 and in the final year of his contract – Flacons look to add some youth and pressure on the edge. Cameron is the son of the late Craig “Ironhead” Heyward.  “Ironhead” terrorized linebackers for years by brutally using his head as a battering ram.  In Cameron’s own words on how he would tackle his dad: “I’d take him on, full head. He would too, he would lower his head too. I’m going to go right at him. I’m not going for the ankles, I’m going to take him down right away.”

28.  NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS:   AARON WILLIAMS, CB, TEXAS

    The Pats addressed their defensive line with their first #1, now they fill a need in the secondary with the selection of Williams.  Williams has good size at 6’ 204 lbs, plays aggressive and ran a 40 time of 4.44.  He is climbing the draft boards and makes it into the first round.  Could also project as a safety.

29.  CHICAGO BEARS:   GABE CARIMI, OT WISCONSIN

   Jay Cutler was sacked more than any other QB in NFL last year.  Chicago could use upgrades at four offensive line spots.  Center Olin Kreutz the only stalwart on this line, is 34 years old this year.  Mike Tice will start the overhaul with this pick.  Carimi is big with a nasty mean streak and built to play in sub freezing conditions in December.  Carimi is being projected as RT as he doesn’t possess the footwork of LT.  Carimi doesn’t slide his feet correctly against edge rushers and is better at handling power rushers on the right side.  

30. NEW YORK JETS:   COREY LIUGET, DT, ILLINOIS

  With Rex Ryan running variations of the 3-4, 4-3, and 4-6 hybrid defensive fronts…flexibility is king.  Liuget has experience at the five-technique, nose tackle (3-4 alignment) and can generate a pass rush from the three-technique (4-3 alignment).  Look for the Jets to go OLB in the second round now that the Vernon Gholston experiment is finally over.

31.  PITTSBURGH STEELERS:   BRANDON HARRIS, CB, MIAMI (FL)

   We typically don’t see a Steelers defense lacking talent as they usually draft unconventional players they can feed into the system.  However, outside of Ike Taylor (30 years old) the rest of the cornerbacks couldn’t start for many teams.  The Steelers are forced to draft for need and take Harris here.  Harris was the most natural, free-moving cornerback in drills at the combine. This talented CB excels in man coverage as opposing QBs stopped throwing to his size of field in 2010 while at Miami.

32. GREEN BAY PACKERS:  MUHAMMAD  WILKERSON, DE, TEMPLE

 The Pack get a talented DE who drops due to limited quality competition playing in the MAC division.  At 6-4, 315 lbs Wilkerson can play the three-technique in Packers 4-3 defensive alignment.  He needs to improve upper body strength and will take time to develop as he is far from a finished product being a converted TE.

 

Highlights of Top 10 draft picks from our Mock Draft 4/15/11