2011 NFL MOCK DRAFT v.4 (Rounds 1)
Round 1
#1 Pick: AJ Green, WR, Georgia Team: Carolina
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Here is the shocker of most mock drafts! AJ Green is by far one of the top WR talents to come out of college in a long time (i.e. Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson). So, why a WR? Clausen is not horrible, and given another year with a talented WR could do just the trick to bring his learning curve around. If he doesn’t plan out as the starter, at least another year will give him good experience to be a reliable backup of the future. And, if he sucks so bad, and they flop again, guess who they can make a play for… Andrew Luck. Also, with bringing in some talent at WR, Steve Smith will be more likely to resign, since he wont have as much coverage on him anymore.
Optional Picks:
– Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri: Like any mock draft, someone will consider taking a QB for Carolina. To me Gabbert is more ready and mature for the NFL, than Cam Newton.
– Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama: When I think of rebuilding a franchise, I think defense, both lines, and quarterback. The best player here is Dareus, who could be a future HOF’er.
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: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama Team: Denver
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Denver is one of the biggest winners, because now they have so many needs on defense, and have the picking of any of them. Dareus will fill a huge need on the interior of John Fox’s new 4man defensive front.
Optional Picks:
– Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M: This pick would shock me, but there have been linkings of Denver to Von Miller, and he has been rising up the draft boards for a long time now.
– Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri: New head office, and coaches, usually means new quarterbacks. If they decide to pick a QB, Gabbert will be the pick for Elway and Fox.
Team Needs: DL, OL, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Demaryius Thomas (22nd pick) (Grade: B-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Patrick Peterson (Pick #2)
#3 Pick: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn Team: Buffalo
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Ownership of Buffalo always telegraphs their intentions, so I think they look to take a new direction at QB, and pick Cam Newton. Here is the problem, I believe that Cam Newton is the next Jamarcus Russell, and they should be sticking with their current QB who Chan Gailey likes. The defense needs so much help on this squad it will be a shame to see them take a QB… but, they still do.
Optional Picks:
– Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU: The best player on the board has to get a look, when you consider how horrible this defense is, and the division they play in (Tom Brady anyone?).
– Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M: Top brass has also been linked to this high rising defensive star, and it is well known that coaching staff is horrible dissatisfied with their past first round OLB pick. Drafting Miller, would allow him to come right in, once Shawne Merriman gets hurt, once again.
Team Needs: QB, OL, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: C.J. Spiller (9th pick) (Grade: A-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Nick Fairley (Pick #5)
#4 Pick: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson Team: Cincinnati
Help-MyTeam Analysis: I believe after his next medical workout, that the knee will be cleared, and Cincinnati will fill its DE pass rushing need, since AJ Green is already off the table. Although, he may be seen as a one-year wonder, Cincinnati takes risk on overall potential, and the ceiling is very high for Bowers.
Optional Picks:
– Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri: Anyone else see ownership wanting to draft Carson Palmers replacement? They might not trade Carson, but they definitely want to bring in someone that can take the reigns. I have Gabbert as being the best QB on the table.
– Julio Jones, WR, Alabama: This might be a little high for Jones at this point, but after his ridiculous combine, he could definitely be a pick here, since Cincinnati has so many WR issues to take care of this offseason.
Team Needs: DE, OL, QB
2010 Rd1 pick: Jermaine Gresham (21st pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Da’Quan Bowers (Pick #3)
#5 Pick: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri Team: Arizona
Help-MyTeam Analysis: This is the first time I have Arizona getting a QB, but with Gabbert still on the table, I think they have a hard time passing on him, especially since he is seen as relatively NFL ready from game 1.
Optional Picks:
– Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M: This is the pick I really hope to see for Arizona, because their defense is one step away from clicking, and a pass rush would do just the trick.
– Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU: Pairing Peterson up with Rogers-Cromartie, could potentially be one of the best CB tandems in the NFL in a few years. The best player on the board, must be considered at this point.
Team Needs: QB, OT, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Dan Williams (26th pick) (Grade: C+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Prince Amukamara (Pick #4)
#6 Pick: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama Team: Cleveland
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Cleveland really wanted AJ Green to fall to them here, but honestly, I think he is too good of a talent, and few times above the sixth pick also have WR needs. Cleveland is not in a rough spot though, because I feel Jones is actually a better fit for Cleveland’s offensive schemes.
Optional Picks:
– Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn: The Browns are switching over to a 4-3 offense, where I think Fairley will fit best. He has one of the biggest upside of this draft class, and I think Holmgren takes a serious look at him here.
– Robert Quinn, DE, UNC: When all is said and done, I think Cleveland ends up picking Quinn here, since he has great upside.
Team Needs: OL, DL, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Joe Haden (7th pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: AJ Green (Pick #7)
#7 Pick: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU Team: San Francisco
Help-MyTeam Analysis: How lucky is Niners once again? Crabtree fell to them, now Peterson ends up falling to them! Peterson is arguably the best player in the 2011 NFL Draft, and getting him to fall to #7 would be great for the Niners, especially since it fills a huge need. With this pick, Niners secure one of the top 5 draft classes in 2011.
Optional Picks:
– Robert Quinn, DE, UNC: Here is a sleeper pick, but I think they could use another OLB outside of Willis to spread the offensive line out and create more holes. Quinn could potentially be a ProBowler 3-4 OLB.
– Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M: Von Miller has fallen this far? So Niners get the pick of two of the best players in the draft at #7 pick? This pick will definitely be considered, and could potentially even be valued more by ownership than drafting Peterson.
Team Needs: QB, CB, DL, OLB
2010 Rd1 pick: Anthony Davis (11th pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Ryan Mallett (Pick #8)
#8 Pick: Nick Fairely, DT, Auburn Team: Tennessee
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Tennessee is at an interesting spot here. I see them wanting to trade out of this spot and target someone later, while getting an extra draft pick or two, and I see multiple teams wanting to get into the top 10. If the Titans stay at #8, I think they take Fairley who has impressive upside, but has potential bust ability. If playing like he did this year, Fairley would immediately help the interior of the Titans DL.
Optional Picks:
– Jake Locker, QB, Washington: There has been some rumors linking Locker to Tennessee, as they see him as a more mature version of Vince Young, but the same type of skill sets. Lockers pro-day helped him, and I think he might go in the top 15.
– Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska: The secondary unit needs some help, and Prince Amukamara would definitely help from the beginning of the season.
Team Needs: QB, LB, CB, OL
2010 Rd1 pick: Derrick Morgan (16th pick) (Grade: C)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Janoris Jenkins (Pick #13)
#9 Pick: Tyson Smith, OT, USC Team: Dallas
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Dallas could go a couple ways with this pick, and none of my 3 options would be bad picks for the Cowboys. With that being said, I think Dallas goes with the typical top 10 pick and takes the top tackle available in this draft class.
Optional Picks:
– Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska: The secondary is by far one of the worst units in Dallas, and Jerry Jones has acknowledged this, this offseason, which makes me think he could lean this way.
– JJ Watts, DE, Wisconsin: This would be a huge upgrade over their current DE, and JJ Watts has been considered by some the premiere DE on this draft and a potential top 15 pick.
Team Needs: CB, OL, DE
2010 Rd1 pick: Dez Bryant (24th pick) (Grade: A-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Marcell Dareus (Pick #9)
#10 Pick: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M Team: Washington
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Some mock drafts have Von Miller going as high as #2, so him slipping all the way to #10, I see Washington going an odd route and getting a stud to play opposite of Orakapo.
Optional Picks:
– Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama: If they can trade down a few picks, and grad Ingram, this would be a very attractive option for Snyder.
– Jake Locker, QB, Washington: Last year, Shanahan was linked to Locker and his potential. I definitely think he will take a very close look at drafting Locker, but trading back in the first round to do so.
Team Needs: WR, OL, Defense
2010 Rd1 pick: Trent Williams (4th pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Jake Locker (Pick #11)
#11 Pick: Robert Quinn, OLB, UNC Team: Houston
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Wade Phillips is now running the Texans defense and switching them to the 3-4 defense. Getting a stud OLB will be high on his wish list, and if Robert Quinn is still on the board, it will be a great pick.
Optional Picks:
– Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska: I really don’t think they draft secondary in the first round for a second year in a row, but Prince would definitely help the unit which struggled last year.
– Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri: A sleeper pick for a OLB would be Aldon Smith, who some GM’s believe will be the best pass rusher of the class.
Team Needs: DL, CB, Safety, OLB
2010 Rd1 pick: Kareem Jackson (20th pick) (Grade: B-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Stephen Paea (Pick #10)
#12 Pick: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado Team: Minnesota
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Some still think that Solder is better prospect at LT than Tyron Smith, so Minnesota is able to fill a big need here, even though they are unable to get one of the top2 quarterbacks.
Optional Picks:
– Jake Locker, QB, Washington: Minnesota desperately needs a quarterback, and since they also have a new coach, this is the year. Locker could be a potential pick if they fall in love with him, although I think they go a safer route at QB in the 2nd/3rd rounds.
– Corey Liuget, DT, Illinios: This player has been blasting up the draft boards since he declared early for the draft. The tape is not there, but he has the potential to be a truly dominant force at DT.
Team Needs: QB, OL, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Chris Cook (2nd rounder, first team pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Cam Newton (Pick #12)
#13 Pick: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska Team: Detroit
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Detroit is lucky here, because Amukamara is a top 10 talent yet falls to them, and is a great need this offseason. The secondary will be young, but drafting Prince will give some good cornerstones to build around.
Optional Picks:
– Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA: The Lions definitely need some help at linebacker this offseason, and one guy I see them stretching on is Akeem Ayers. He is a first round draft choice, but I think at #13 it might be a little high. With that being said, he has a great motor, can come in from day one, and high maturity to be a leader.
– Gabe Cirimi, OT, Wisconsin: Protecting Stafford should be very important to Detroit this offseason, since they spent so much money on him. I see Cirimi as being the most NFL ready tackle in the draft, and Detroit wouldn’t go wrong with this safe pick.
Team Needs: DE, CB, LB
2010 Rd1 pick: Ndamukong Suh (2nd pick) (Grade: A)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Robert Quinn (Pick #6)
#14 Pick: Corey Luiget, DT, Illinios Team: St. Louis
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Luiget has been linked to St. Louis ever since most analyst figure that Julio Jones will already be off the board by the #14 pick. I could see St. Louis going after another WR, maybe a Jonathon Baldwin, but would have to trade down or would be losing a ton of value. With that being said, Corey Luiget would be a monster for the DL for St. Louis, but has bust potential.
Optional Picks:
– Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA: LB is need for St. Louis to address this offseason, and with Ayers still on the board, Spagnolo would love a ‘leader’ in his linebacker corp paired with the other ILB young stud Laurinitus.
– Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St: Did anyone else see the NFL Combine, where Paea absolutely destroyed the competition in the bench press? He has a relentless motor, and played well against good competition in the Pac-10. Trading down and drafting Paea, I see as a safer route than drafting Luiget here.
Team Needs: WR, DL CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Sam Bradford (1st pick) (Grade: A)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Justin Blackmon (Pick #15)
#15 Pick: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama Team: Miami
Help-MyTeam Analysis: The lockout has hurt Miami’s chances of resigning both, or either, of their two free agent RB’s. Therefore, they are almost forced into drafting a RB this offseason, and are in position to get the top rated RB here. Ingram is a beast between the tackles, and can also pop out to the outside and hit the edge, all while only fumbling 3 times over his collegiate career… great number considering he treated himself like a bowling ball.
Optional Picks:
– Maukice Pouncey, OL, Florida: If Ingram off the board, then Pouncey is a no brainer here for Miami, who is scheduled to workout the Florida OL. The interior OL needs help, and Pouncey could come in day 1.
– Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas: Miami has never been sold on their QB position since Marino, and still aren’t sold currently. Trading down and stockpiling some picks, and drafting Mallett, might be upper managements solution to the QB situation. One knock on Mallett… he plays with concrete shoes. Drafting a good blocking OL would also be necessary.
Team Needs: RB, OG, QB, S
2010 Rd1 pick: Jared Odrick( 28th pick) (Grade: C-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Mark Ingram (Pick #17)
#16 Pick: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue Team: Jacksonville
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Kerrigan seems to be on everyone’s draft board, from pick 10 through the end of the first round. He has a relentless motor, and very hard to block coming off of the edge.
Optional Picks:
– Jake Locker, QB, Washington: This is going to be a shocker to me, but I think they start to think about drafting Garrad’s future replacement, and this would allow Jacksonville the ability to let Locker sit a year or two and learn the ropes, which he needs to be successful at the next level.
– Justin Houston, LB, Georgia: Jacksonville has a way of reaching on players (i.e. Alualu last year at #10), but this pick wouldn’t be a huge reach, and would definitely help a need in their LB corp.
Team Needs: DL, Safety, LB
2010 Rd1 pick: Tyson Alualu (10th pick) (Grade: B+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Von Miller (Pick #20)
#17 Pick: JJ Watts, DE, Wisconsin Team: Patriots (via, Oakland)
Help-MyTeam Analysis: JJ has been linked to the Patriots for some time now, as he has a high motor and would fill a large need for the Patriots on their DE unit. I think JJ might be a little overrated, watching tape, but I think he still goes somewhere between 15-25.
Optional Picks:
– Gabe Cirimi, OT, Wisconsin: Patriots also need help at OT, and I think Cirimi is the most NFL ready of the bunch, giving Belichick a true mauler to work with.
– Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri: Here is a talented OLB with raw skills that needs some coaching… who better than Belichick to bring the best out of a linebacker?
Team Needs: OT, DL, LB, RB
2010 Rd1 pick: Devin McCoutry (27th pick) (Grade: B+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Ryan Kerrigan (Pick #16)
#18 Pick: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal Team: San Diego
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Jordan I see as being the premiere 3-4, 5 technique DE. With Luis Castillo more than likely getting cut, an upgrade on the DL unit would be a huge help.
Optional Picks:
– Gabe Cirimi, OT, Wisconsin: I am leaning towards liking this pick a little more for San Diego, since they really need an upgrade at RT and have for awhile now. Cirimi could come in from day one and help a struggling run offense.
– Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple: The pure raw talent of this player will give AJ Smith notice, but I think he is still a reach at this point, and AJ might not pull the trigger on a small school talent, like English, this early.
Team Needs: DE, RT, S, OLB
2010 Rd1 pick: Ryan Mathews (12th pick) (Grade: C+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Gabe Cirimi (Pick #21)
#19 Pick: Maukice Pouncey, OL, Florida Team: NY Giants
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Pouncey would love to go to Dallas I hear, but unless Dallas trades back, they will never take a “C” at the 9th overall pick, never. So who do the Giants target… Pouncey who will be highly looked at from #20 on, so getting him here will be wise, especially for the Giants who need lots of help on the interior of their offensive line.
Optional Picks:
– Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College: Like I said, the offensive line is not very good for this unit, and getting Castonzo might have even more value at this point in the first round.
– Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA: The linebacker unit is getting somewhat old, and some valued youth should be brought in. Ayers can play a multitude of different spots in the LB unit, and will be a leader for years to come.
Team Needs:
2010 Rd1 pick:
2011 Rd1 previous pick:
#20 Pick: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA Team: Tampa Bay
Help-MyTeam Analysis: I see DE being the biggest need for Tampa Bay, but with Akeem Ayers sitting here at this spot, I think they take him with the 20th spot. Akeem could play multiple spots on their linebacker corp and would bring great intangibles.
Optional Picks:
– Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio St: Heyward has taken some draft stock hits this offseason due to the fact that his motor is sometimes turned on during film tape. With that being said, if he can go 100% all the time, he is a freak of nature, and potentially one of the best DE in the draft. Huge body, long arms…Julius Peppers anyone?
– Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia: Although I am a fan of Akeem Ayers, I think Houston is just downright nasty of a LB, with a huge body and down speed running after the tackle. He is much more physical specimen than Ayers and think could be the pick here.
Team Needs: DE, OL, LB
2010 Rd1 pick: Gerald McCoy (3rd pick) (Draft: A-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Allen Bailey (Pick #19)
#21 Pick: Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri Team: Kansas City
Help-MyTeam Analysis: The freakish ability of this player surely will excite the coaching staff of the Chiefs, especially if they are able to grab him at this point. Playing opposite of Tamba Hali would give the Chiefs an impressive rush defense.
Optional Picks:
– Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor: This NT has been linked to Kansas City for some time now, and everyone knows that a 3-4 teams wants, and needs, a dominant NT, hence stretching here for this prospect, who I have given a second or maybe even third round grade.
– Gabe Cirimi, OT, Wisconsin: Pioli knows how to build a franchise and that is from both the offensive and defensive lines. For the last couple years they have paid attention to the DL, but now I think they pick up here a NFL ready offensive lineman.
Team Needs: OLB, Center, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Eric Berry (5th pick) (Grade: A-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Akeem Ayers (Pick #23)
#22 Pick: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College Team: Indianapolis
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Protecting Peyton Manning must be a priority of the Colts, especially as his age gets older. Castonzo is a sound technician, and moves well on his feet sliding in pass protection.
Optional Picks:
– Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St: Getting some help on the defensive line should be important for the Colts this offseason. Paea destroyed the bench press at the combine and as seen as being very strong and an unrelentless motor. He will take two blockers therefore freeing up some pass rush ability.
– Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky: Cobb has been rising up some draft boards as the third best WR option, which is why I have him here. I think they would go a different route at WR and get someone a little bigger like maybe a Hankerson.
Team Needs: OL, WR, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Jerry Hughes (31st pick) (Grade: C-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Nate Solder (Pick #18)
#23 Pick: Gabe Cirimi, OT, Wisconsin Team: Philadelphia
Help-MyTeam Analysis: This is a very typical Andy Reid style pick, taking a conservative, hard working blue-collar player on either the defensive or offensive line. In this case, they fill a large need, and bring in a player that can play from day one, and play really mean.
Optional Picks:
– Justin Houston, LB, Georgia: Philly also needs some help at LB, and I think Houston can be a good 4-3 linebacker, especially if he is put into the middle spot.
– Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St: Andy Reid loves to improve his defensive line, and at this point Paea, would be a great pick up.
Team Needs: OL, LB, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Brandon Graham (13th pick) (Grade: B+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Corey Luiget (Pick #27)
#24 Pick: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple Team: New Orleans
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Some analyst have Wilkerson going in the top 15 due to his upside, but I have been a little more conservative with this prospect. If Wilkerson gets all the way to the Saints, he will def have the DE unit, and with them bringing in Shaun Rogers in the offseason, this unit could be top5 next year.
Optional Picks:
– Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St: This would be a safer bet for the Saints, as I see Paea having less bust potential. Still I think Wilkerson fits more into their scheme, and the Saints become excited about the high ceiling of this player.
– Rahim Moore, S, UCLA: Patrick Robinson is not a safety and they really need to draft one this offseason. If they get Rahim Moore here, they have snagged the best safety in a very weak safety class.
Team Needs: L, Safety, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Patrick Robinson (32nd pick) (Grade: B-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Drake Nevis (Pick #30)
#25 Pick: Jake Locker, QB, Washington Team: Seattle
Help-MyTeam Analysis: If there was no holdout and offseason free agency was in play, I think Seattle gets one of the tope FA’s at QB, but since that is not an option, they are locked into picking Locker, no pun intended. Who knows maybe Carroll can work on a system that will be good for Locker. It will be great for selling tickets for Seattle.
Optional Picks:
– Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College: Carroll has been said that he was disappointed to be locked into taking an OT at #6 last years draft. I don’t think he is completely sold on Okung, and could possibly take another OT.
– Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa: The DE’s need an upgrade for Seattle, esp with some free agency issues on the defensive line. Bringing in Clayborn would help the rotation.
Team Needs: DL, OL, QB
2010 Rd1 pick: Russell Okung (6th pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Adrian Clayborn (#14)
#26 Pick: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado Team: Baltimore
Help-MyTeam Analysis: The Ravens desperately need help in the secondary and I think they look here in the first round. Some might be turned off by Smith’s off the field immaturity, but when you have Ray Lewis in house, it isn’t so much an issue.
Optional Picks:
– Rahim Moore, S, UCLA: Taking Rahim Moore here would give the Ravens a player to learn from Ed Reed and eventually take over the HOF’ers spot.
– Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia: Houston reminds me a lot of Raven LB’s which is why I think he gets a good look here.
Team Needs: CB, Safety, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Sergio Kindle (2nd rounder, first team pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Rahim Moore (Pick #29)
#27 Pick: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame Team: Atlanta
Help-MyTeam Analysis: Once again, Rudolph is linked to the Falcons solely for the purpose that this will be Gonzalez’s last year probably before retiring. Finding someone to take over for him, will be crucial to Matt Ryan’s productivity. Although Kyle has some injury concerns, he is still a late first round graded prospect.
Optional Picks:
– Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa: Getting Clayborn to play opposite of Abraham, would give the Falcons a much better pass rush.
– Brandon Harris, CB, Miami: Harris is one of the true shut down corners of this years draft and has great coverage ability. This would be a great draft for Atlanta.
Team Needs: OL, TE, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Sean Witherspoon (19th pick) (Grade: B-)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Kyle Rudolph (Pick #32)
#28 Pick: Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona Team: New England
Help-MyTeam Analysis: This is an interesting pick here for me, because I really wanted to pick a running back. But I think Reed will spark Belichicks attention and think that he can truly transition the player into an OLB with his hand off the ground.
Optional Picks:
– Cameron Hayward, DE, Ohio St: Hayward should be taken here, since they need a DE, but they already picked up JJ Watts, and I don’t see them addressing the position with both first round picks.
– Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinios: Leshoure to be is the second rated RB, but very closely rated to Ryan Williams, so I see them both getting a look here. Patriots would love to get a true, every down back.
Team Needs: CB, DL, LB, RB
2010 Rd1 pick: Devin McCoutry (27th pick) (Grade: B+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Cameron Hayward (Pick #31)
#29 Pick: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St Team: Chicago
Help-MyTeam Analysis: The interior of the Bears defensive line needs some help, and having Paea taking two blockers, next to Peppers, sounds unreal!
Optional Picks:
– Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami: Cutler really needs a big body possession receiver like he had in Brandon Marshall. I think Hankerson or Baldwin get a look here, but I really think the first round is a big stretch for both.
– Derek Sherrod, OT, Miss: The offensive line is down right horrible in Chicago, and Cutler always seems to be getting sacked. Make sure to keep your QB upright, and I think getting an OT would be the best bet here.
Team Needs: WR, OL, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Major Wright (3rd rounder, first team pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Anthony Castonzo (Pick #25)
#30 Pick: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA Team: NY JETS
Help-MyTeam Analysis: We all saw how much Ryan loves his secondary and how much it hurt when the first string safety went out at the end of the season. Jets will address this by snagging the top rated safety in the draft early on.
Optional Picks:
– Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia: The outside linebacker position is getting old, and in flux, and needs some youth. Houston would bring a very physical presence for the unit.
– Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky: So many of the Jets WR’s this offseason have free agency issues, or such, and getting a WR would be a smart bet. I think this would be a stretch to take Cobb in the first round though, even though I think someone will.
Team Needs: WR, OLB, FS
2010 Rd1 pick: Kyle Wilson (29th pick) (Grade: C)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Julio Jones (Pick #28)
#31 Pick: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas Team: Pittsburg
Help-MyTeam Analysis: This is the type of player that fits a team perfectly. Pittsburg needs a CB badly, but doesn’t put much value on drafting them early. This year is different, as they reach on Aaron Williams, since he is a big physical corner that can play well in Pitts scheme.
Optional Picks:
– Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa: The defensive line need some help, and getting the falling Clayborn would be a smart decision. Some are worried about Clayborn’s small arms and being a true DE, but I think he could excel with this unit.
– Cameron Hayward, DE, Ohio St: Another interesting DE prospect who is still on the board is Hayward, who I think can be a dominant DE, if given enough time to get situated.
Team Needs: DE, OT, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Maurkice Pouncey (18th pick) (Grade: B+)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Cameron Jordan (Pick #26)
#32 Pick: Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois Team: Green Bay
Help-MyTeam Analysis: And a second RB gets taken finally in the first round… Green Bay hurt last year from the inability to keep their RB’s healthy and on the field. They obviously were good enough to win the Super Bowl, but I still think they should address RB and get an every down back. Another pick here for RB could be Ryan Williams out of Virginia Tech.
Optional Picks:
– Brandon Harris, CB, Miami: Harris is a true shut down, cover corner, and I think should get some decent looks at the end of the first round, including Green Bay.
– Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia: Could you see Houston played opposite if Mathews?! This could be a very amazing pass rushing duo for years to come.
Team Needs: CB, OL, RB
2010 Rd1 pick: Bryan Buluga (23rd pick) (Grade: B)
2011 Rd1 previous pick: Mike Pouncey (Pick #22)