2011 NFL Mock Draft v.2

2011 NFL MOCK DRAFT – ROUND 1 (v.2)

#1 Pick: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford Team: Carolina
Help-MyTeam Analysis: NO brainer pick here! Luck is a legitimate franchise signal caller, and with Clausen struggling, Carolina would be stupid not to pull the trigger. One scenario I see, is Clausen getting some support with AJ Green being drafted, by Carolina moving out of the first overall pick.
Optional Picks:
– Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama (If someone falls in love with Luck and trade into the #1 spot, Carolina would be hard to pass up on this stud);
– AJ Green, WR, Georgia (Some of the hit against Clausen is he doesn’t have anyone to throw too, and Green seems to be the best WR prospect since Megatron and Randy Moss).
Team Needs: QB, WR, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Jimmy Clausen (2nd rounder, first team pick) (Grade: C)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Andrew Luck

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#2 Pick: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson Team: Cincinnati
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Although Carlos Dunlap has been improving late in the 2010 season, the pass rush of Cincinnati is horrendous, and adding a true beast like Bowers would be a huge upgrade. Bowers struggled his first two years, but this year has made a living in the backfield of opponents. Huge player, that looks like a freak on paper, AND on the field.
Optional Picks:
– AJ Green, WR, Georgia (With OchoCinco and TO both aging, snagging a potential HOF WR would be smart);
– Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (Here is a sleeper pick, but I really feel Cincy needs a pass rushing DE, and they don’t have a problem with character issues… Quinn is an extremely fast big man)
Team Needs: DE, OL, QB
2010 Rd1 pick: Jermaine Gresham (21st pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Da’Quan Bowers

#3 Pick: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn Team: Buffalo
Help-MyTeam Analysis: I think Buffalo goes with a freak of a big man, in Fairley. Fairley can not only play in a 4-3, but also a 3-4 base defense, since Buffalo cant seem to make up their mind. If not, they could very well trade up to try to go after Andrew Luck, because Buffalo desperately needs a franchise quarterback. I also see Buffalo trading out of this pick, down to the 10-20 round to get one of the top tier OT in this years draft since they passed on that early last year also.
Optional Picks:
– Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford (Trading up for Luck would not be a bad decision);
– Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama (Depending on how the combine pans out, Dareus could be the guy Buffalo likes more than Fairley to upgrade their defensive line)
Team Needs: QB, OL, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: C.J. Spiller (9th pick) (Grade: A-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Nick Fairley

#4 Pick: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU Team: Detroit
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Great pick here for the GM of the Lions, not only does he fill a need in the secondary, but grabs one of the few corners ever to be justified going in the top 5 picks. Big and strong, Peterson will immediately help the Detroit secondary, and can help with kick/punt returns and special teams.
Optional Picks:
– Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska (sleeper pick being that Prince probably shouldn’t be in the top 10, but Detroit needs a top corner SO badly, that if they cant trade out of their pick, and cant get Peterson, they will have to consider Prince);
– Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (VanderBosch is not getting younger, and grabbing Quinn, next to Suh, would give Detroit one of the nastiest DL’s in the league for years to come).
Team Needs: DE, CB, Safety
2010 Rd1 pick: Ndamukong Suh (2nd pick) (Grade: A)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Patrick Peterson

#5 Pick: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas Team: Arizona
Help-MyTeam Analysis: After the recent blow up on camera of Derek Anderson, I think Coach Wisenhunt and the Cardinal GM are at their last strings. They need a franchise quarterback to throw to the insanely talented Fitzgerald, but also someone that can lead a team. Max Hall could be a great story, but I don’t see him as being a “franchise” quarterback, so Arizona should look for one early in this draft.
Optional Picks:
– Jake Locker, QB, Washington (Jake could have been the first overall pick in the 2010 draft had he declared but decided to come back to Washington. If Wisenhunt is not in love with Ryan Mallett and his supposed character/learning issues, then the coach might pull the trigger on the highly talented Locker. One hit against Locker, is he does not look NFL ready, and Arizona needs a signal caller now!)
– Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska (Getting a shut down corner opposite of Rogers-Cromartie, would do WONDERS for the Arizona defense. With that being said, I still think the most important offseason issue will be getting a QB. But, I could see one of Denver’s quarterbacks, or even Donovan McNabb or Vince Young being unloaded and being traded to Arizona. In this case, CB will be the way to go at this point in the draft).
Team Needs: QB, OT, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: QB, OT, CB
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Ryan Mallett

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#6 Pick: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama Team: Denver
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Perfect pick to fall to Denver. The Jaamal Williams experiment has not worked this year, and Denver continues to get run all over against. AFC West all has some powerful runners, so stopping the run will be a major focus this offseason. Denver must upgrade the defensive line, and not by spending dumb money on free-agents like Jarvis Moss. Dareus is a very large man, and can play at a NT in a 3-4 base defense. (Update: Josh McDaniels has been fired as the head coach, and RB coach Studesville will be the interim. Depending on new coaching in the offseason, this pick might end up being a franchise quarterback).
Optional Picks:
– Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska (With Champ Bailey at 32 years of age, and no one across from him of Prince’s caliber, Denver would be smart to lock up one of the top 2 corners of the draft);
– Nate Solder, OL, Colorado (Trading out of this pick, into the 10-20 range and snagging the top tackle in the draft would be a smart move)
Team Needs: DL, OL, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Demaryius Thomas (22nd pick) (Grade: B-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Marcell Dareus

#7 Pick: Jake Locker, QB, Washington Team: San Francisco
Help-MyTeam Analysis: San Francisco, how do I start with this pick? I really thought Troy Smith was a good off-season pickup for SF, but I don’t see him anymore as anything more than a #2 QB. With that being said, Jake Locker could have been the top pick in last years draft, but dropping in this years draft due to lack of team/individual performances. Locker is one freak athlete though, and a much better mobile quarterback than Alex Smith ever was in college. Finding a quarterback of the future is very important for the York ownership.
Optional Picks:
– Cam Newton, QB, Auburn (Am I really putting Newton in the top 10? Well, after the impressive comeback victory he staged over Alabama, the Newton train is in full effect. SF needs a quarterback of the future, since Alex Smith is now a flop, and Troy Smith seems to be nothing more than a good #2)
– Stephan Paea, DT, Oregon State (Franklin was relunctant to sign the franchise tag, so the DL could use a young upgrade. Paea has been a beast in the middle of the defensive line in the PAC-10 this year. He would fit in well quickly)
– Drake Nevis, DT, LSU (Since Im thinking DL could be a very potential option for SF this offseason, Nevis will be right up there in the talks with the best of the defensive linemen left at this point. Nevis is having a very impressive season in the SEC this year with a ton of TFL’s)
Team Needs: QB, CB, DL, OLB
2010 Rd1 pick: Anthony Davis (11th pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Jake Locker

#8 Pick: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska Team: Dallas
Help-MyTeam Analysis: The Cowboys secondary is terrible, and Jerry Jones will be targeting this area of his team early. Prince Amukamara is one of the best shut-down corner prospects in the draft, and maybe a stretch at #8 overall, but Dallas really needs a new corner.
Optional Picks:
– AJ Green, WR, Georgia (Jerry Jones has publicly said he made a mistake passing on Randy Moss… would he do the same again on a near duplicate? Having Green with Dez Bryant and Miles would be the best WR trio in the 2011 season. I can hear Tony Romo loving this pick);
– Nate Solder, OT, Colorado (Dallas desperately needs to protect Tony Romo in the future, getting a blue chip tackle in the draft would be very smart)
Team Needs: CB, OL, DE
2010 Rd1 pick: Dez Bryant (24th pick) (Grade: A-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Prince Amukamara

#9 Pick: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn Team: Tennessee
Help-MyTeam Analysis: I think Tennessee parts ways with Vince Young this offseason, but he will get a chance with another team. After the last few debacles VY has created, coaching is not putting up with it anymore! Cam Newtons draft stock is soaring, and look at it this way, Cam Newton is a better QB in college that Vince Young ever was, just imagine what he could do in Vince’s place at Tennessee! This is not what I figured Tennessee would be doing, but with Cam Newton still on the board, they jump.
Optional Picks:
– Drake Nevis, DT, LSU (Will Tennessee be able to bring Albert Haynesworth back next season? I see it as being a possibility, but even so, Drake Devin would be a great pick for Tennessee. His stock is skyrocketing lately, and has an impressive motor, perfect for a DT/DE in Tennessee’s 4 man front)
– Janoris Jenkins, CB, Miami (Finnegan has gotten some negative publicity as of late, but is a decent corner. Having someone opposite of him, would greatly improve the pass rush in a league where Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub tear apart defenses)
Team Needs: QB, LB, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Derrick Morgan (16th pick) (Grade: C)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Drake Nevis

#10 Pick: AJ Green, WR, Georgia Team: Cleveland
Help-MyTeam Analysis: AJ Green dropping out of the top 5 AND Cleveland getting their biggest need, wow! I can hear President Holmgren just cheering in his office. Colt McCoy wasn’t the solution at Quarterback, but now that he is panning out, finding him a stud offensive weapon will be high on the Browns ‘to-do’ list. Colt will now have a full year to show what he is all about with some more offense options around him.
Optional Picks:
– Nate Solder, OL, Colorado (Continuing to upgrade the OL would be smart since the RG and RT positions could both use help next year. Getting Solder to be the RT, would give the Browns probowl caliber tackles for the next decade)
– Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (Getting Quinn this late is a steal, since he should be a potential top 5 pick if not suspended this season. Quinn would work well in the new 3-4 defense that Cleveland is transitioning to)
Team Needs: OL, DL, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Joe Haden (7th pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: AJ Green

#11 Pick: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami Team: Washington
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Sure, everyone has Washington taking a wide receiver in the upcoming draft, and for good reason. Donovan McNabb desperately needs a #1 WR, but I think there is good depth for WR this draft, and one can be found in the second round. Not taking Ingram could be the biggest mistake though at this point. Ingram could very well be the next Adrian Peterson! But, Washington will be parting ways with Albert Haynesworth, and taking a stud DE to play in the new 3-4 defense, would help immensely.
Optional Picks:
– Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama (Taking Ingram would give Shanahan a franchise RB for years to come! He can run between the tackles and snap it outside, and can you imagine what he could do in Shanahan’s zone blocking schemes);
– Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St. (Upgrading the defensive line would be a good place/value at pick #11, so I have them considering Paea)
Team Needs: WR, OL, Defense
2010 Rd1 pick: Trent Williams (4th pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Mark Ingram

#12 Pick: Janoris Jenkins, CB, Miami Team: Houston
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Houston would love to get another shutdown corner opposite of Kareem Jackson, and Janoris Jenkins might just be that guy. HE should have a good combine, and therefore get more attention closer to draft time, but none the less I still have him ranked the 3rd CB in the draft, and the best one still available at this point.
Optional Picks:
– Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA (Upgrading the weakside linebacker positon would be great for Houston to do, and Ayers brings a ton of versitilty to the linebacking corp. Not only can Ayers rush, but he is above average in coverage and a team captain)
– Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State (Defensive tackles have not been great for Houston this year, and getting Paea would be a smart move. He is an immoveable beast)
Team Needs: DL, CB, Safety
2010 Rd1 pick: Kareem Jackson (20th pick) (Grade: B-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Janoris Jenkins

#13 Pick: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St Team: Minnesota
Help-MyTeam Analysis: With Locker, Newton, Mallett off the board at this point, I see the Vikings trying to upgrade their defensive line. Jared Allen isn’t getting younger, so Robert Quinn could be the pick here, but I think Paea is just a huge nasty big man that will be a stud on Sundays; Vikings fall in love with a true workhorse.
Optional Picks:
– Anthony Castonzo, OL, Boston College (His draft stock has risen as of late, and Minnesota would benefit hugely to upgrade their offensive line for the next quarterback of the Vikings);
– Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (Like I said before, Jared Allen needs an heir, and Quinn is a true freak of nature rushing on off the outside. A potential Top 5 big if not suspended this year)
Team Needs: QB, OL, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Chris Cook (2nd rounder, first team pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Cam Newton

#14 Pick: Anthony Castonzo, OL, Boston Coll. Team: Indianapolis
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Interesting draft, where the first Off Tackle off the board is at #14, but at least Indy finds a franchise tackle, AND at an affordable price. Peyton’s biggest problem this year is the lack of time in the pocket this year. Drafting an offensive weapon might seem like a good idea, but getting back to basics and keeping Peyton upright should be their first priority.
Optional Picks:
– Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama (This could be a tempting pick, since the running game has struggled year after year for the Colts. Could you imagine Peyton and Ingram on the same time… wow, what an offense!)
– Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue (Kerrigan has been living in the backfield this season, and moving his draft grade way up into the first round. With Mathis hitting free agency, and Hughes not really panning out from last years draft, I see the Colts snagging this top defensive guy)
Team Needs: OL, WR, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Jerry Hughes (31st pick) (Grade: C-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Nate Solder

#15 Pick: Cameron Jordan, DL, Cal Team: San Diego
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Chargers need to find a WR, but Jacques Cesaire is a free agent, and he needs to be replaced. Cameron Jordan is one of the top 3-4 DE prospects in the nation. Upgrading the front 7 will be a smart move for AJ Smith and the San Diego Chargers.
Optional Picks:
– Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa (Depending on how the combine goes, I see Jordan and Clayborn as being the top DE being targeted for the Chargers 3-4 defense);
– Nate Solder, OL, Colorado (Right Tackle Clary is hitting free agency and shouldn’t be brought back. McNeill got his extension so finding a tackle to play opposite of him would benefit Rivers who has been on his back way too much this year);
– Justin Blackmon, WR, Ok St (Depending on him declaring, this is a perfect pick for AJ Smith who Loves big WRs. Vincent Jackson is gone, and Floyd might not return, so drafting a #1 receiver for Rivers would be smart, even though he seems to be able to throw to anyone)
Team Needs: DE, WR, OL
2010 Rd1 pick: Ryan Mathews (12th pick) (Grade: C+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Cameron Jordan

#16 Pick: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina Team: Seattle
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Seattle really lucks out on this pick. Their pass rush is horrible this year, so upgrading this area is essential to future success, especially with Sam Bradford showing so much promise in the division. Quinn could have been a top 5 pick, if not suspended this season, so getting him here would be a steal, and fill a huge need.
Optional Picks:
– Nate Solder, OT, Colorado (Upgrading the offensive line would be smart for Pete Carroll. Two tackles could leave in free agency, and Okung is progressing slowely due to injuries);
– Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue (Having Kerrigan rush off the edge would definitely help the Seahawks, but I think they fall in love with Robert Quinn)
Team Needs: DL, OL, QB
2010 Rd1 pick: Russell Okung (6th pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Robert Quinn

#17 Pick: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama Team: St. Louis
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Drafting a #1 receiver for Sam Bradford seems like the smart thing to do in the 2011 draft. Jones’s only knock is that he doesn’t always have the most reliable hands.
Optional Picks:
– Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pitt (I think that in the end, Baldwin gets a higher draft grade after the combine than Julio Jones, and therefore the Rams pick him here);
– Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue (Getting this stud to play opposite of Long, would vastly improve the defense front seven. With that being said, the Rams do not look to the line this high in the draft)
Team Needs: WR, DL CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Sam Bradford (1st pick) (Grade: A)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Jonathan Baldwin

#18 Pick: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama Team: New England (via, Oakland)
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Oh what a different pick for Belichick. He always likes to upgrade the defense, but with Ingram dropping in his lap, and the RBs in such disarray next year, passing on Ingram would not be smart. The top running back, pairs with the top QB, watch out NFL, few more Super Bowl rings are coming to New England.
Optional Picks:
– Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue (The better Oakland plays, the less of a chance Patriots are to grabbing their first choice of Bailey, but Kerrigan is a decent second choice for upgrading the defensive rush);
– Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M (Von can rush better than almost any OLB in the nation, even when being double teamed the whole 2010 season. Getting some rushing youth on the LBs would be great for Belichick defense)
Team Needs: CB, DL, LB, RB
2010 Rd1 pick: Devin McCoutry (27th pick) (Grade: B+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Allen Bailey

#19 Pick: Rahim Moore, SS, UCLA Team: Miami
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Upgrading the safety position would be a smart move for the Dolphins and Rahim Moore is the top on the board. His stock has dropped a little lately, but the character of this guy, and his interviews at the combine will have GMs coming knocking for a new defensive captain for their team. One scenario though, is the Dolphins trying to trade in front of the Patriots to get Mark Ingram.
Optional Picks:
– Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech (With Ingram just being snagged up by New England, I see Miami still trying to upgrade their RB position, where Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams will both be FA next season);
– Rodney Hudson, OG, Fl State (Draft stock of late is sky rocketing, and could be the first OG taken in the draft. Although this is high for an OG to be picked, the interior of Miami’s line could use an upgrade, and keeping in state Hudson, would be a smart pick)
Team Needs: RB, OG, QB, S
2010 Rd1 pick: Jared Odrick( 28th pick) (Grade: C-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Ryan Williams

#20 Pick: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pitt Team: Tampa Bay
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Getting a stud WR is high on the priority list, and Tampa Bay snags a true playmaker in Baldwin. Fitzgerald came from Pitt, how well could Baldwin do? His stock has dropped a little this season, but that is due to poor QB play at Pittsburg.
Optional Picks:
– Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa (Getting a stud next to McCoy rushing off the edge would be awesome for the defensive line)
– Nate Solder, OL, Colorado (Drafting one of the best tackles in the draft will continue to protect their new quarterback)
Team Needs: DE, OL, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Gerald McCoy (3rd pick) (Draft: A-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Adrian Clayborn

#21 Pick: Ryan Kerrigan, DL, Purdue Team: Jacksonville
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Kerrigan has made a habit this year of living in the opponent’s backfield, and wrecking havoc on the QBs. Although, he does not have premiere height/weight for a DE, I think his motor/heart justifies this high of a pick. Jacksonville desperately needs to get a pass rush from it’s defensive line.
Optional Picks:
– Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M (Getting a rush for the Jaguars should be a top priority. Yes they drafted rushing players in last years draft, but they haven’t panned out yet)
– Ahmad Black, Safety, Florida, (Ahmad is a ballhawking safety in the SEC and I think the Jags would want to upgrade their secondary, but here might be a stretch. They did do a stretch pick last year tho… Tyson Alualu)
Team Needs: DL, Safety, LB
2010 Rd1 pick: Tyson Alualu (10th pick) (Grade: B+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Ryan Kerrigan

#22 Pick: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M Team: NY Giants
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Giants need some youth in the linebackers, and Von Miller makes it a habit of getting to the quarterback. His stock as dipped this year, but that is because his protection is dwindling due to constant double/triple teaming.
Optional Picks:
– Aaron Williams, CB, Texas (Upgrading the defensive backfield is one of the most most important part for most teams in the offseason, and the Giants could grab a stud that is moving up the charts);
– Nate Solder, OL, Colorado (Getting one of the top tackles would greatly help an aging and injury prone offensive line. Giving time for Eli Manning to throw would do wonders for the offense)
Team Needs: DL, OT, CB, LB
2010 Rd1 pick: Jason Pierre-Paul (15th pick) (Grade: B-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Jeremy Beal

#23 Pick: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA Team: Kansas City
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Getting Ayers this low in the first round could be a god sent gift for the Chiefs. Not only do they get another team captain for their defense, but also a stud OLB do go beside Tamba Hali who is also going into free agency. Ayers is good at pass coverage and rushing, therefore making him the second ranked OLB on my board.
Optional Picks:
– Mike Pouncey, Center, Florida (Passing on Pouncey might be a hard decision to make, but I think they Chiefs would benefit more by continuing to upgrade their defense. Ayers can do so many things for a team, be hard to pass him up)
– Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Purdue (Dwayne Bowe as of late is doing very well, but the Chiefs need some more production from the WR corp. Baldwin has unreal hands, and should help Cassell out a lot on third downs)
Team Needs: OLB, Center, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Eric Berry (5th pick) (Grade: A-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Mike Pouncey

#24 Pick: Nate Solder, OL, Colorado Team: Philadelphia
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Not completely sold on this pick yet, and it definitely could be Nevis, but with that being said, Andy Reid loves his offensive line man, and getting one of the top tackles at the 24th pick is almost too good to be true.
Optional Picks:
– Derrok Sherrod, OL, Miss St (Philly desperately needs some help on the offensive line, and keeping whoever their quarterback is, upright! Depending on combine, Sherrod might end up being the #2 rated tackle on the board. That or Tyron Smith from USC who is skyrocketing up the big board)
– Drake Nevis, DL, LSU (Upgrading the defensive line should be an important off season action for Andy Reid. Drake Nevis is an interesting prospect for the Eagles and will get a look here)
Team Needs: OL, LB, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Brandon Graham (13th pick) (Grade: B+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Anthony Castonzo

#25 Pick: DeAndre McDaniels, SS, Clemson Team: Baltimore
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Ed Reed… one of the most important safeties to ever play the game… but, he is getting old. Baltimore needs to draft a replacement for Ed Reed, and I think DeAndre McDaniels will get the nod. He is not as fluid in coverage as say Duenta Williams, but he brings the heavy hit stick, like Ed Reed did, which is why I think they choose McDaniels. I really think the Ravens either target a Safety or Corner in the first round this year.
Optional Picks:
– Duenta Williams, SS, North Carolina (If McDaniels continues to slip down the draft, Baltimore might look to a different solution for Ed Reed’s heir)
– Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virgina (Dowlings stock has taken a hit this year, as last year he would have been rated a top 10-15 pick in this years draft. Ravens definitely need a new corner though, so they will be looking for a solution)
Team Needs: CB, Safety, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Sergio Kindle (2nd rounder, first team pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: DeAndre McDaniels

#26 Pick: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas Team: Green Bay
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Woodson is a HOF for sure, but he is getting up in age. Aaron Williams is a ball hawking, hard hitting corner from Texas, that might be rated higher is Texas had done better this year. Either way, he is the top corner left on my board, and therefore I have Green Bay filling a need here.
Optional Picks:
– LaMichael James, RB, Oregon (Here is another one of my sleeper picks. With injuries riddling the running backs of Green Bay this year, they look to draft a change of pace back, while getting a franchise runner of the future)
– Gabe Carimi, OL, Wisconsin (Continueing to upgrade their offensive line would not be a back call to protect Rodgers for years to come, but Green Bay really needs a RB or CB, so they go this route in the first round)
Team Needs: CB, OL, RB
2010 Rd1 pick: Bryan Buluga (23rd pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Aaron Williams

#27 Pick: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame Team: Chicago
Help-MyTeam Analysis: With Julio Jones gone off the board, Chicago looks for another big-bodied receiver for Jay Cutler. Floyd has been hurt throughout his career at Notre Dame, but when on the field, he is an absolute force to try to stop.
Optional Picks:
– Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida (Bummer they cant get Pouncey, because Chicago could use an upgrade in the middle of their offensive line. Cutler is always laying on his back getting sacked, this needs to be fixed this off season)
– Drake Nevis, DL, LSU (Upgrading the Bears defensive line would help greatly, and continue to improve Julius Peppers performances. Nevis would do well on the inside of a 4 man line, with a relentless motor. With this pick, Chicago gets back to a little of where they were with Tank Johnson on the line)
Team Needs: WR, OL, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Major Wright (3rd rounder, first team pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Julio Jones

#28 Pick: Mike Pouncey, Center, Florida Team: Pittsburg
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Oh how the draft gods cheered in Pittsburg. Last mock draft Pouncey was off the board at this pick, so Steelers couldn’t grab him, but this time he drops right into their laps! Getting the Pouncey brothers to play on the same line together for the next decade, is how the Steelers win so many Super Bowls!
Optional Picks:
– JJ Watts, DE, Wisconsin (JJ’s stock is rising huge of late, with a nice performace in the Championship game last weekend. He would do well as a power DE in Pitts 3-4 defense, because he has the size)
– Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (Brandon might be a little small, but he has good speed, and the secondary in Pitt needs an upgrade. Steelers take a look at one of the best corners still on the table. Harris or Ras-I Dowling who is a much bigger corner, but slower)
Team Needs: DE, OT, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Maurkice Pouncey (18th pick) (Grade: B+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Greg Romeus

#29 Pick: DeVier Posey, WR, Ohio St Team: NY Jets
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Almost all of the Jets WR’s are free agents next year, so they look to grab one of the best WR left in the draft with this pick. I see them going with a speed guy, so Posey could be the pick, but if they wanted a big body, they could go with Hankerson from Miami.
Optional Picks:
– Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia (I think this could definitely be the pick for Rex Ryan. We saw against the Patriots, that the OLB are horrendous, and need an upgrade. I think the Jets bring back some of their FA WRs, so its not so much of a need, and continue to upgrade their defense.
– Duenta Williams, SS, North Carolina (Leonard went down hurt, and the lack of depth in the safety position, is a very glaring need now. With some of the top safeties off the board, Rex Ryan looks at one of the last safeties with a first round grade. This could be a sleeper pick, because I think without all the North Carolina scandel this year, Williams ends up passing Rahim Moore has the best Safety in 2010 football.
Team Needs: WR, OLB, FS
2010 Rd1 pick: Kyle Wilson (29th pick) (Grade: C)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: DeVier Posey

#30 Pick: Corey Lingut, DL, Illinios Team: New Orleans
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Corey Lingut is a man among boys right now. His stock is skyrocketing this season with very impressive stats. Not only does he have the production, but he is also a “blue-chipper” and has the adequate size for NFL defensive starting line unit. Putting Corey inside on New Orleans 4 man front would do wonders in stopping the run.
Optional Picks:
– Duenta Williams, SS, North Carolina (They need youth at the safety position, and continue to upgrade it. Williams has dropped a bit in this draft, so I seeing good value at getting him here at 30)
– Ryan Boyles, WR, Oklahoma (With Lance Moore being a free agent this year, Drew Brees gets a young replacement slot receiver)
Team Needs: DL, Safety, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Patrick Robinson (32nd pick) (Grade: B-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Marvin Austin

#31 Pick: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio St Team: New England
Help-MyTeam Analysis: New England and Belichick are super stoked being able to grab one of the top DE in the draft. They need a replacement for the hole that Richard Seymour left, and now that they draft Ingram, getting a DL stud would be smart. And getting Heyward at the end of the first round would seem a huge shock from last year, but Patriots are cheering at their success after their Super Bowl hangover.
Optional Picks:
– Orlando Franklin, OG, (Will Makin be back? Probably not since New England is not prone to paying FA big money. So drafting the top OG in the draft would be a smart bet also, since they just gave Brady a bunch of money)
– Drake Nevis, DT, LSU (Nevis is an interesting character. Sometime he is unblockable, and other times just plane pedestrian. We will see who Belichick falls in love with for his DL upgrade, but I don’t really see Nevis as being a good fit for the 3-4 defense)
Team Needs: CB, DL, LB, RB
2010 Rd1 pick: Devin McCoutry (27th pick) (Grade: B+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Orlando Franklin

#32 Pick: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame Team: Atlanta
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Tony Gonzalez won’t be around forever, and has even mentioned he might be retiring after this year. If so, Matt Ryan will need a top-flight pass catching TE, and it just so happens the #1 rated TE is left on the board. Atlanta fills a need here for the future, and gets a truly impressive young TE.
Optional Picks:
– Tyron Smith, OT, USC (Tyron stock as risen lately, and should be one of the tackles taken in the late first round to second round. Getting another great tackle to block for Matt Ryan would be smart for the organization)
– Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (Sleeper pick, but I think Atlanta might try to target a corner in the upcoming draft, and early. Brandon Harris is a smart player and good in coverage. A little small to handle big receivers, but adequate speed for his size)
Team Needs: OL, TE, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Sean Witherspoon (19th pick) (Grade: B-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Kyle Rudolph