2011 Mock Draft

On the eve of the draft, we're going to throw our hat out into the ring and put together a mock draft. You really shouldn't put much stock in anyone's mock draft. Generally speaking, if someone can predict 1/3 of the picks correctly, they're a genius. It's almost impossible to predict trades, but trades are part of the reality of the draft, so we're going to include them in our mock.

Cam Newton (QB-Auburn)

Pressure to win right away is too much to pass on a quarterback. He might not be the best player in the draft, but Clausen didn't have a good year last year.

Marcell Dareus (DT-Alabama)

Denver is switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 and needs the personnel along the D-line. They were 31st in rush defense last season.

Von Miller (LB-Texas A&M)

Somewhat of a trendy pick now, but Buffalo needs playmakers that will put butts in the seats. Last year they took CJ Spiller for that reason. This year they get a playmaker on defense.

AJ Green (WR-Georgia)

Considered by many the best prospect in the draft, the Bengals take the guy they think is the best player on the board.

Patrick Peterson (CB-LSU)

For the 3rd consecutive year, the player considered the "best player in the draft" falls to #5. Arizona lucks out and gets the best player available.

Robert Quinn (DE-North Carolina)

The Browns need almost an entirely new front 7 as they switch to a 4-3 defense. Quinn gives them a pass rusher to build around.

Blaine Gabbert (QB-Missouri)

Jim Harbaugh cut his teeth at Stanford developing quarterbacks. He needs a franchise signal-caller to build around in San Francisco.

Jake Locker (QB-Washington)

A bit of a reach here, but with Vince Young on his way out of town, the Titans need a quarterback.

[TRADE: Dallas trades with New England]

Cameron Jordan (DE-California)

The Patriots still need playmakers in their front 7 and they've shown that they are willing to wheel and deal on draft day.

[TRADE: Washington trades with St Louis]

Julio Jones (WR-Alabama)

Sam Bradford finally gets a big-time target to throw to.

Prince Amukamara (CB-Nebraska)

 Houston was dead last in the league in pass defense and need to improve their secondary.

Ryan Mallett (QB-Arkansas)

Under Ziggy Wilf, the Vikings have overlooked character issues and brought in guys based on talent. Mallett is a 1st round talent with a 7th round attitude.

Da'Quan Bowers (DE-Clemson)

In almost an ideal scenario for the Lions, a guy that was being discussed as a Top 5 prospect falls to them.

[Trade: St Louis trades with Washington]

Nick Fairley (DT-Auburn)

The Albert Haynesworth experiment failed, but the Redskins are also known for doing asinine things during the draft.

[TRADE: Miami trades with San Diego]

Aldon Smith (DE-Missouri)

A great scenario for San Diego, one of the few teams in the draft with a lot of ammo to trade up, they are able to fill the need vacated by Roid Rage Merriman.

JJ Watt (DE-Wisconsin)

For the 3rd time in 4 years, the Jags use their first round pick on a defensive lineman, which they need after finishing 31st in the league in sacks.

[Trade: New England trades with Dallas]

Tyron Smith (OT-USC)

An ideal scenario for the Cowboys. They trade down and still land the top tackle in the draft.

[TRADE: San Diego trades with Miami]

Mark Ingram (RB-Alabama)

An ideal situation for the Phins: they are able to trade down and get a 3rd round pick and still land Ingram. With both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams set to hit free agency, the Dolphins land the top RB in the draft.

[TRADE: New York trades with Pittsburgh]

Mike Pouncey (G-Florida)

Boom.

Jimmy Smith (CB-Colorado)

With Aqib Talib's trouble with the law, signs are pointing to Tampa parting ways with Talib so they look for a corner in the draft.

Phil Taylor (NT-Baylor)

Scott Pioli has shown he doesn't have a problem reaching for players that fit what the team needs. Taylor plugs the middle of their 3-4 defense.

Anthony Costanzo (OT-Boston College)

The Colts line has gone downhill in recent years, and finally they do something to protect Peyton.

Gabe Carimi (OT-Wisconsin)

The run on tackles happens in the early 20s of the draft and Philly gets some more protection for Mike Vick.

Ryan Kerrigan (DE-Purdue)

The Saints defense had a lot of troubles tackling last season, and this came to a head in their playoff loss to Seattle where Marshawn Lynch just ran over their whole defense. Kerrigan gives them depth along the D-line.

Corey Liuget (DT-Illinois)

Seattle was 21st in rush defense last year and Liuget gives them a player in the middle of the defense that could start right away.

Muhammad Wilkerson (DT-Temple)

The Ravens add another big body to their defensive front to pair with Haloti Ngata for a truly scary combo.

Jabaal Sheard (DE-Pittsburgh)

An ideal situation for the Falcons where they are able to land a pass rusher and get someone who has been a fast riser over the last few weeks.

Derek Sherrod (OT-Mississippi State)

The Patriots address their defensive front with Cameron Jordan early then grab Sherrod at the bottom of the first round.

Nate Solder (OT-Colorado)

Jay Cutler gets sacked way too much. Period.

Akeem Ayers (OLB-UCLA)

The Jets finally get the chance to add a pass rusher to make up for their miss on Vernon Gholston.

Danny Watkins (G-Baylor)

The Giants add another big body up front to help protect Eli.

Mason Foster (LB-Wisconsin)

The Packers add a tackling machine to the middle of their already dangerous defense.