2011 NFL Mock Draft v.3

2011 NFL MOCK DRAFT v.3

#1 Pick: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford Team: Carolina
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Here is the dilemma, the first pick has to be Andrew Luck, and yet Carolina picked Clausen in the second round last year. It would be one thing if Clausen has really struggled, but I think with time, he can be a good full time quarterback. He needs offensive options though to continue progressing. With all that being said Andrew Luck looks ready to play from Day 1 in the NFL, and that is hard to pass on.
Optional Picks:
– Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn (Interesting pick, but Fairley is a game changer, and would open up so many holes for the linebackers of Carolina to reek havoc on QBs more, he cannot be overlooked);
– AJ Green, WR, Georgia (Like I said, Clausen isn’t horrible. If they trade out of the first spot to someone who really wants Luck, then they should target AJ Green. Who knows if Steve Smith will even be around next year, and he is really been their only option for years now)
Team Needs: QB, WR, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Jimmy Clausen (2nd rounder, first team pick) (Grade: C)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Andrew Luck (Pick #1)

#2 Pick: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU Team: Denver
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Denver keeps rising up the draft ranking, and their pick becomes more and more interesting. With desperate need on defense, I think they target this spot. Defensive line would be an interesting pick at this point, so Fairley should get a look, but with Parrish Cox probably going to jail, CB is high on their draft needs, and Peterson seems a good fit with such big receivers in the AFC West.
Optional Picks:
– Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn (The defensive line in Denver is horrible, and I think bringing in Jamaal Williams has not worked. Getting Fairley would be a very attractive idea, since he literally could play all 3 spots on their defensive line next year);
– Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson (I do not think this is going to be the pick, but after the combine, I think Bowers take the step above Fairley. The problem here is Bowers really isn’t a good fit in a 3-4 scheme, because he is a little too small to be a power DE, or a rushing/covering OLB. With that being said, he is impressive)
Team Needs: DL, OL, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Demaryius Thomas (22nd pick) (Grade: B-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Marcell Dareus (Pick #6)

#3 Pick: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson Team: Cincinnati
Help-MyTeam Analysis: The pass rush of the Bengals defensive line is horrible this year and cannot get to the opposing teams quarterback, getting Bowers would instantly help to fix this. He is a beast and is so big and fast that he can totally overpower offensive linemen. He would be the smart pick here, even though fans will be calling for Carson Palmer’s blood.
Optional Picks:
– Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford (Here is the first team I think could be a serious player to trade up into the first spot for Andrew Luck. With Carson Palmer earning over $12million next year, I think they are business smart and part ways);
– AJ Green, WR, Georgia (OchoCinco is not getting any younger, and T.O. just went under the knife for knee surgery. Getting AJ Green would be a smart idea and continue to improve the offense)
Team Needs: DE, OL, QB
2010 Rd1 pick: Jermaine Gresham (21st pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Da’Quan Bowers (Pick #2)

#4 Pick: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska Team: Arizona
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Here is another pick that could go a few different routes. The Cardinals desperately need an OLB, but at #4 it is way too high to get any that are in the 2011 draft. I think the Cardinals will end up getting one of the FA quarterbacks in the offseason (i.e. Donovan McNabb), so they go a different route. With Peterson off the board, Arizona jumps to get the other top corner.
Optional Picks:
– AJ Green, WR, Georgia (This pick wont be popular or understood right away with a lot of people, but it would help Arizona. Fitzgerald has reported how much he misses having Boldin opposite of him, and getting someone as the #2 would be smart for the offense. Think of Indy, they do everything to help Peyton offense succeed… In this offense, how can they help Fitz succeed? AJ Green);
– Nick Fairley, DL, Auburn (The Cardinals really don’t want to pick a defensive lineman in the first round, but if they cant get their other options, taking the best player available would be Fairley)
– Quarterback (I’ll address this now, because my best friend is a Cardinal fan… Unless they can make a play on Andrew Luck, I see them sticking with who they have now, and getting a FA quarterback (i.e. Donovan McNabb). Donovan would be a good fit here in the desert, since he already has training facilities and travels here often)
Team Needs: QB, OT, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Dan Williams (26th pick) (Grade: C+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Ryan Mallett (Pick #5)

#5 Pick: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn Team: Buffalo
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Lucky, lucky Buffalo, and Im not really sure why Im even saying that. But, they keep winning, and they really need to snag either Andrew Luck or Nick Fairley. I really see Fairley in the Top 3 and Luck number 1, so getting Fairley here at #5 would be very lucky indeed. Fairley could work in a 4-3 or 3-4, so the attractiveness of him is huge.
Optional Picks:
– Cam Newton, QB, Auburn (With Andrew Luck off the board, I see Buffalo still thinking about a quarterback of the future, and Cam Newton is flying up the draft boards)
– AJ Green, WR, Georgia (Some people think that Buffalo could use to draft a WR this year, and although they probably shouldn’t take one with this pick, AJ Green will be tempting to all… and look what they did last year… CJ Spiller)
Team Needs: QB, OL, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: C.J. Spiller (9th pick) (Grade: A-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Nick Fairley (Pick #3)

#6 Pick: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina Team: Detroit
Help-MyTeam Analysis: VanBosch is not getting any younger, and getting some talent opposite of him, and outside of Suh would make this defensive line very, very impressive. The thing is, Detroit really needs a corner with this first pick, but the top two are already off the board.
Optional Picks:
– Cornerback (They must trade up to secure one of the top Corners in the draft, unless they fall in love with Janoris Jenkins, but at #6 it is way to high for him);
– Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M (Getting a new OLB would be a good idea. The problem with this pick, is they are in the middle ground of the top 10 picks, and not really any good value here)
Team Needs: DE, CB, Safety
2010 Rd1 pick: Ndamukong Suh (2nd pick) (Grade: A)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Patrick Peterson (Pick #4)

#7 Pick: AJ Green, WR, Georgia Team: Cleveland
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Colt McCoy never impressed Holmgren in the offseason, but once he started playing he is looking like the answer to the QB answer in Cleveland. How do you help a new quarterback? Draft him the best WR since Megatron entered the draft. AJ Green should go top 5, possible top 3, but ends up dropping to Cleveland.
Optional Picks:
– Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St (Blackmon has come from nowhere this year, and should be declaring for the 2011 NFL Draft once some smart people talk to him. If Holmgren doesn’t fall in love with AJ Green, he takes a real look at Blackmon);
– Marcell Dareus, DL, Alabama (Shaun Rogers is coming into a contract year, and the NT is the most important function of the 3-4 defense. Finding a successor would be smart and Dareus is a big, big man)
Team Needs: OL, DL, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Joe Haden (7th pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: AJ Green (Pick #10)

#8 Pick: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas Team: San Francisco
Help-MyTeam Analysis: San Francisco should be firing Mike Singletary any day now. And you know what that means… a new quarterback. Cam Newton might be attractive but I think the Niners shy away from a mobile quarterback and go for more of a pocket passer.
Optional Picks:
– Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M (Manny Lawson is coming into a contract year and I see someone, not the 49ers, giving him some really big money. I think Von Miller would be a perfect pick for San Franciso, the only problem is, that the value of Von Miller at this high is just not there);
– Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama (Again, another secondary pick that is driven by money and a contract year. Franklin was franchise tagged last year, so this year they need to pay him long term or let someone give him his killer contract. Getting Dareus would be an impressive value pick here)
Team Needs: QB, CB, DL, OLB
2010 Rd1 pick: Anthony Davis (11th pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Jake Locker (Pick #7)

#9 Pick: Marcell Dareus, DL, Alabama Team: Dallas
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Olshansky is has not been a good this year at DE, so this would be a huge need for Dallas to fill. Dareus will be a stuff on their defensive line for years to come, and help Ware get to the quarterback more.
Optional Picks:
– Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida (A shut down corner is needed in this draft because the pass defense in Dallas is horrible. Could they take him here? I highly doubt Jenkins goes in the top 10, but I think they could definitely trade out of the top 10 and grab this guy);
– Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M (Two reasons why I pick this, having someone opposite of Ware would only increase his potential, and Jerry Jones loves Texas boys, and Von Miller is loved in Texas. Fills a semi-need, but they should not go with this area in the first round)
Team Needs: CB, OL, DE
2010 Rd1 pick: Dez Bryant (24th pick) (Grade: A-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Prince Amukamara (Pick #8)

#10 Pick: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St Team: Houston
Help-MyTeam Analysis: The defensive line should be improved this year, and Paea would be so impressive here that it isn’t even funny. Controlling part of the interior line, next to Williams would make the defense very impressive.
Optional Picks:
– Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida (Getting a corner across from Jackson would be the second best way to get this defense better. Like I said earlier, taking Jenkins in the top 10 would be a stretch, unless he runs sub 4.35 in the combine… in which case, Jerry Jones has already snagged him a pick before);
– Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa (Second best way to upgrade the defensive line would be to put a stud opposite of Williams)
Team Needs: DL, CB, Safety
2010 Rd1 pick: Kareem Jackson (20th pick) (Grade: B-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Janoris Jenkins (Pick #12)

#11 Pick: Jake Locker, QB, Washington Team: Washington
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Donovan McNabb has been proved to be the thing holding Shanahan’s offense back. He will be leaving in the offseason. So finding a good signal caller with this pick should be important for the Redskins who like big plays in the offseason. Shanahan professed his admiration for Locker in last years draft, and Locker could definitely do well with a QB guru like Shanahan.
Optional Picks:
– Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa (Getting rid of Haynesworth is not going to be a pretty PR scene, so getting a replacement would take some heat off of the moment. Clayborn is a true power DE that will work in the 3-4 scheme Redskins want to run);
– Gabe Carimi (Since they took Trent Williams last year, they don’t need a LT, but getting a staple RT would be smart. Trading down and getting Carimi would instantly upgrade this offensive line)
Team Needs: WR, OL, Defense
2010 Rd1 pick: Trent Williams (4th pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Allen Bailey (Pick #11)

#12 Pick: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn Team: Minnesota
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Webb is an interesting quarterback, but should stay as a playmaker WR, and Tavaris Jackson is a FA, and Brett Favre WILL retire … Frazier in town, and now he will get a new quarterback to draft. I think Cam Newton will get picked here to put some excitement into the Minnesota program.
Optional Picks:
– Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida (The problem shouldn’t totally be put on the corners, since the safeties should take a lot of blame. But the Vikings could get a good guy here with this pick);
– Nate Solder, OT, Colorado (Nate doesn’t have the best hands or technique yet, but he has the most potential, and Minnesota needs some serious help on the offensive line. Getting him here would not be a stretch by any means)
Team Needs: QB, OL, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Chris Cook (2nd rounder, first team pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Stephen Paea (Pick #13)

#13 Pick: Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida Team: Tennessee
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Tennessee has to address the corner position this year, even though the quarterback position is in confusion. Getting Jenkins here would be good to play opposite of Finnegan.
Optional Picks:
– Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M (Not the most attractive pick, but getting one of the top 2 OLBs in the draft would greatly help the pass rush of the Titans);
– Nate Solder, OT, Colorado (Help on the offensive line is needed in Tennesse and with the top tackle still left on the board at #13, they could definitely go this route and find a corner in the later rounds)
Team Needs: QB, LB, CB, OL
2010 Rd1 pick: Derrick Morgan (16th pick) (Grade: C)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Cam Newton (Pick #9)

#14 Pick: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa Team: Seattle
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Carroll really wants to get Robert Quinn, but with him off the board, they take Clayborn as a true power on the defensive line. They must get the line better this offseason, so taking someone here at the first pick would be wise.
Optional Picks:
– Nate Solder, OT, Colorado (Getting the top tackle prospect at #14 would feel strange in some drafts, but this year is definitely going to be unique. Okung has been ok, but getting another tackle would be good);
– Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue (This is a little more attractive of a pick for Seattle, but I think they fail with seeing the obvious, and go with Clayborn. But, Kerrigan coming off the edge in the 4-3 would be an impressive addition)
Team Needs: DL, OL, QB
2010 Rd1 pick: Russell Okung (6th pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Robert Quinn (Pick #16)

#15 Pick: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St Team: St. Louis
Help-MyTeam Analysis: I am not going to lie, but I really like this pick here. Blackmon has shown he has some unreal hands, and should have a good 40 time. Getting a true #1 receiver for Bradford would help his potential so much it is not even funny. Blackmon or Jones would be a smart pick here, depending on who the franchise falls in love with.
Optional Picks:
– Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (One of these two WRs will probably be taken with this first round pick, since getting Bradford some help on offense will help his progression. We will see who they fall in love with after the combine, Jones or Blackmon);
– Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue (Getting someone opposite of Long would be smart for the defense of the Rams and Frazier knows this)
Team Needs: WR, DL CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Sam Bradford (1st pick) (Grade: A)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Julio Jones (Pick #17)

#16 Pick: Ryan Kerrigan, OLB, Purdue Team: New England (via. Oakland)
Help-MyTeam Analysis: The linebackers of the Patriots has always been Belichicks favorite position and with Kerrigan falling to him here, he snags him. Kerrigan is a force rushing off of the edge, and could help the Patriots defense a lot.
Optional Picks:
– Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama (Fun to see such a beast of a running back in the Patriots offense. Been a long time since they had a big name running back. Could they finally pull the trigger on a Heisman Trophy winner?);
– Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA (The OLB position should be addressed by the Patriots, and Belichick could snag a future team captain with Ayers. He is such a force that is good rushing AND covering)
Team Needs: CB, DL, LB, RB
2010 Rd1 pick: Devin McCoutry (27th pick) (Grade: B+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Mark Ingram (Pick #18)

#17 Pick: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama Team: Miami
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown are free agent this offseason and I don’t think both are back. Getting Ingram would be a smart pick for the Miami franchise to excite the fan base since Cowher probably wont be coming around.
Optional Picks:
– Rahim Moore, OLB, UCLA (Although they have some really good OLB potential, getting one that can truly cover also would be really smart. Getting Ayers wont be popular, but not a horrible pick);
– Mike Pouncey, OG Florida (There should be some new youth in the offensive line, since it has struggled and some might be leaving in free agency. Pouncey is looking like the better version of his older brother and would upgrade this line)
Team Needs: RB, OG, QB, S
2010 Rd1 pick: Jared Odrick( 28th pick) (Grade: C-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Rahim Moore (Pick #19)

#18 Pick: Nate Solder, OL, Colorado Team: Indianapolis
Help-MyTeam Analysis: How can the best offensive tackle in the draft drop to the 18th pick? Well, look above and you will see how it pans out. In the meantime, the Colts cheer to get Peyton Manning some more protection. Getting him another offensive weapon might be the target again, but keeping Peyton safe would be a smarter pick, since the offensive line is horrible.
Optional Picks:
– Allen Bailey, DE, Miami (Mathis might be leaving this year, and Freeney is hurt off and on. Getting another defensive lineman would be a smart pick, and Bailey is a physical speciman);
– Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M (The draft pick last year hasn’t panned out, so maybe they try again with the best pass rushing OLB still on the board)
Team Needs: OL, WR, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Jerry Hughes (31st pick) (Grade: C-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Anthony Castonzo (Pick #14)

#19 Pick: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami Team: Tampa Bay
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Getting a DE next to McCoy would help the line immensely! And the first target of Tampa Bay this offseason if they are smart about it. Getting Bailey would help contain quarterbacks just that much more, and not allow double teams of McCoy.
Optional Picks:
– Jonathan Baldwin, WR Pittsburg (Getting another WR opposite of Mike Williams will help the young quarterback with another stud option. Baldwin stock has dropped some due to his quarterback being a flop this year, but he has great hands and great size);
– Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida (Improving the offensive line would help the young quarterback, and Pouncey is a huge man that could shore up the inside of the offensive line)
Team Needs: DE, OL, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Gerald McCoy (3rd pick) (Draft: A-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Jonathan Baldwin (Pick #20)

#20 Pick: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M Team: Jacksonville
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Getting a new weak side linebacker would be smart for Jacksonville, but not the most flashy pick. Don’t be shocked tho Jacksonville, Von Miller will bring so much more pressure on the opposing quarterbacks that it will help the secondary tons.
Optional Picks:
– Rahim Moore, Safety, UCLA (Getting the top safety in the draft would be an attractive draft pick. Rahim Moore is a ball hawking safety. Not as good prospect as Berry, but maybe more polished at this point in his career);
– Drake Nevis, DT, LSU (Sure they got a few picks here on the defensive line last year, but passing on Nevis might be hard. He is a better option then there picks last year, and getting pressure on Peyton Manning is important for this team)
Team Needs: DL, Safety, LB
2010 Rd1 pick: Tyson Alualu (10th pick) (Grade: B+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Ryan Kerrigan (Pick #21)

#21 Pick: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin Team: San Diego
Help-MyTeam Analysis: This is not what I want to pick here, but feel obliged to. Clary on the RT position is not up to par, and Rivers needs to be kept upright after being given so much money. Carimi is such a good prospect at RT that he should not be overlooked, and at this level of the first round a good pick with other options available. Imagine how much better the running offense might be, with an improved offensive line, with a huge RT that run blocks and pass blocks really well.
Optional Picks:
– Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal (The DE position must be addressed in the first couple rounds of the 2011 draft. He might be available in the second round, so I think they go a different route the first round. Jordan is the best 3-4 DE prospect in the draft, so he gets a definite look);
– Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburg (Malcom Floyd probably gets the franchise tag this offseason, or an extension, so I see them going after a #2 receiver, since Vincent Jackson will be leaving in Free Agency. Baldwin is a big receiver that AJ Smith will probably fall in love with)
Team Needs: DE, WR, OL
2010 Rd1 pick: Ryan Mathews (12th pick) (Grade: C+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Cameron Jordan (Pick #15)

#22 Pick: Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida Team: Green Bay
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Buluga has not been the pick that Green Bay thought he was last year, and I think the interior of the offensive line gets an upgrade again this year. Pouncey is a huge guy that can be dominant on the inside of the line. Keeping Aaron Rodgers off the ground and not getting concussions will be important for this team this year.
Optional Picks:
– Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio St (I think a lot of defensive minded teams look at Heyward at this point on in the draft, but I still don’t think Green Bay is sold on him here. They could use some more defensive line players, but Pouncey is more attractive pick);
– Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA (Not going to lie, I really like this pick here for Green Bay. Getting someone opposite of Mathews would help him so much! And to get another workhorse from California, wow! Ayers can rush, and cover, so noone will be able to double up Mathews anymore)
Team Needs: CB, OL, RB
2010 Rd1 pick: Bryan Buluga (23rd pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Aaron Williams (Pick #26)

#23 Pick: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA Team: Kansas City
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Ayers is a perfect pick here for Tampa Bay and Pioli who really understands how to rebuild a team and defense. Berry is helping the secondary, but getting someone opposite of Tamba Hali is awesome idea!
Optional Picks:
– Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (Who has been opposite of Bowe this year? Noone of any significance, so I think they try to get one of the best WR on the board. This will continue to help the high flying offense);
– Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal (The defensive line is not really a huge strong point of the defensive, so getting a true 3-4 DE would be smart for Pioli. Not an attractive pick, but a smart one)
Team Needs: OLB, Center, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Eric Berry (5th pick) (Grade: A-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Akeem Ayers (Pick #23)

#24 Pick: Tyron Smith, OL, USC Team: NY Giants
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Few weeks ago I never thought this would be the pick here, but the Giants will need some help on the offensive line. Tyron Smith has really help his stock this season as of late, and would help upgrade the current unit.
Optional Picks:
– Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (Again, not a pick I thought would be here, but with the two top OLB off the board, and a lot of DL gone, getting the falling Julio Jones here would be GREAT value!)
– Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (Getting a some new corners on the roster this offseason will be in the plans, but not sure if they go with the pick in the first round. If they do, Brandon Harris or Williams from Texas will get a solid look)
Team Needs: DL, OT, CB, LB
2010 Rd1 pick: Jason Pierre-Paul (15th pick) (Grade: B-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Von Miller (Pick #22)

#25 Pick: Anthony Castonzo, OL, Boston College Team: Chicago
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Chicago’s offensive line has been approving late in the season, but I still think they target a tackle in the draft. Castonzo has been rising on draft boards this year because he is just abusing defensive linemen. He would help keep Cutler off his back, and get Martz’s offense flying.
Optional Picks:
– Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburg (If Chicago doesn’t try to improve the offensive line in the first round, I really think they try to target a legit #1 receiver for Cutler to work with. Baldwin has great hands, and might get a real look here);
– Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (Another pick like the last, to improve the offense for Cutler and Martz, but I think that in the end Baldwin would get pick since his hands are so much better… unless Julio Jones 40 time is unreal at the combine)
Team Needs: WR, OL, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Major Wright (3rd rounder, first team pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Michael Floyd (Pick #27)

#26 Pick: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal Team: Pittsburg
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Not the most attractive pick for some fans, but getting Cameron Jordan here would/will be a steal. He one of the few premier, true 3-4 DE’s in this draft, and would help the line rotation a ton.
Optional Picks:
– Cameron Hewyard, DE, Ohio St (The Steelers have just always built their franchise around the defensive and offensive line, so this is why I see them targeting this here. At the end of the first round will be a lot of good value defensive linemen);
– Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois (Flying up draft boards, he could legitimately be taken higher in the first round, but if he drops here, they will consider getting a NT of the future to groom)
Team Needs: DE, OT, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Maurkice Pouncey (18th pick) (Grade: B+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Mike Pouncey (Pick #28)

#27 Pick: Corey Liuget, DL, Illinios Team: Philadelphia
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Corey Liuget has had a moster of a year, and is a totally disruption on the defensive line of scrimmage. He can speed rush, but is a better bull rusher, so will do really nicely on the inside of the Eagles 4 man line.
Optional Picks:
– Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia (I do not like this pick here, but it fills a need. Houston is the next OLB on the board, but I think after the combine someone else will be higher ranked);
– Orlando Franklin, OG, Miami (Andy Reid loves big lineman, and few are bigger than Franklin. Protecting Michael Vick will be important to the franchise, and getting Franklin as an OG would be smart in protection and the run game)
Team Needs: OL, LB, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Brandon Graham (13th pick) (Grade: B+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Nate Solder (Pick #24)

#28 Pick: Julio Jones, WR, NY Jets Team: NY Jets
Help-MyTeam Analysis: How does Julio Jones fall this far? Well, he just doesn’t have the good hands that everyone hopes for, so although he might be tall and fast, a few other WRs are going to go before him. The NY Jets need a new WR though, since they cant stay healthy, continue performing at a high standard, fail to catch balls, etc. Jones at the end of the first round would be a great value pick, and fill a need for the Jets. Getting Sanchez a more legitimate threat will help not only him, but also the run game.
Optional Picks:
– Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA (After Leonard went down a few weeks ago, we saw how much Rex Ryan relies on his safeties making good plays. Rahim Moore is the top safety in the draft, and could have been rated higher if he played on a better collegiate team);
– Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio St (Heyward was thought to be a top 5 pick coming into this season, but his play was inconsistent. Rex Ryan might think Heyward will fit into their 3-4 scheme, and think he can coach him up)
Team Needs: WR, OLB, FS
2010 Rd1 pick: Kyle Wilson (29th pick) (Grade: C)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: DeVier Posey (Pick #29)

#29 Pick: Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA Team: Baltimore
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Ed Reed is NOT getting any younger, and getting a some new life on the defense would be smart for this team. Rahim Moore has all the measurables, and skills to be a stud safety at the next level. He is not quite the pounder than Ed Reed was in the run game, but Rahim Moore is a solid tackler and ballhawk.
Optional Picks:
– Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (The corners have been so off and on this season, and plagued with injury, that I think they try to target this area in the first couple rounds of the draft. Another name I see them keeping an eye on is Ras-I Dowling from Virginia, who is a very ‘big/powerful’ corner);
– Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio St (The defense outside of Ngati is just not all that impressive this year, and has always been the strong suit for the Ravens. Getting back to basics this offseason, they help the defensive line with this pick)
Team Needs: CB, Safety, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Sergio Kindle (2nd rounder, first team pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: DeAndre McDaniels (Pick #25)

#30 Pick: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU Team: New Orleans
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Anyone else see what Ray Rice just did to the New Orleans defense? They need some help on the inside of the DL, and Nevis would be a good pick here. They are bummed they miss out on Corey Luiget, but Nevis has done well in the SEC Conference, and think he will pan out better than Dorsey ever did for KC.
Optional Picks:
– Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio St (Another pick where I think they could go with the defensive line upgrade. Heyward is bummed because he has fallen so much this year, and he wont be getting near the money he thought he would, but lucky him, he gets drafted by a good team);
– Derek Sherrod, OL, Mississippi St (One of the top tackle prospects, Sherrod will get a look here from the Saints. Drew Brees is not young buck, and getting him protected will be a smart idea. The guards on the offensive line are complete studs, so finding a tackle next to them should be next)
Team Needs: DL, Safety, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Patrick Robinson (32nd pick) (Grade: B-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Corey Liuget (Pick #30)

#31 Pick: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio St Team: New England
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Cameron Heyward was thought to be a Top 5 prospect coming into this season, but he was inconsistent in his play and has dropped stock while others have been improving theirs. Long story short, he drops to the late first round, maybe even into the second round. Heyward will be a good DE in the 3-4 defense though, and Belichick will be happy to get him.
Optional Picks:
– Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech (Trading out of the late first round would not be a shocker for anyone. Getting Ryan Williams, since they didn’t get Ingram, would be a smart idea. The law firm is a good runner, but I think a true every down back should be drafted in this draft);
– Orlando Franklin, OG, Florida St (I was convinced that the Patriots would need an OG early in the draft, but after than kick off return by their guard on Sunday, obviously they have a playmaker, haha. With that being said, Franklin is the top guard available, and would help the run and pass game tons next season)
Team Needs: CB, DL, LB, RB
2010 Rd1 pick: Devin McCoutry (27th pick) (Grade: B+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Cameron Heyward (Pick #31)

#32 Pick: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame Team: Atlanta
Help-MyTeam Analysis: This is one of my favorite picks in the first round. Tony Gonzalez is not getting any younger, and has voiced rumors about retiring next year. Getting his replacement would be a good idea to continue the dominance of Matt Ryan. Kyle is a true pass catching TE that can do it all, and would instantly help the Falcons.
Optional Picks:
– Derek Sherrod, OL, Mississippi St (Protecting their signal caller is important for any smart General Manager. Getting Sherrod would be a smart pick, but I think they wait a round or two until they go after a tackle);
– Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (Harris could have a great combine and get his stock soaring through the roof. But, at this point, I see the TE being a better choice than drafting this corner, even though the defense needs a new corner)
Team Needs: OL, TE, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Sean Witherspoon (19th pick) (Grade: B-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Kyle Rudolph (Pick #32)