2011 NFL Mock Draft - Round One

 

Updated: August 1st, 2010

1 Buffalo Jake Locker Quarterback Washington
The Buffalo Bills head into the 2010 NFL season with no legitimate starting quarterback, an offensive line still filled with holes, and a receiving core that is also a rather large question mark. In taking a change-of-pace running back who has never carried the full load with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2010 Draft, the Bills have set themselves up well to contend for one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2011 Draft. The argument between Jake Locker and Andrew Luck will likely go down to the day both are drafted (assuming Luck enters, he is a junior), as to which one of the future stars should go first overall. My opinion is that Locker is the best suited to lead an offense in the NFL, as he has the makings of being a John Elway/Steve Young-type of player if all goes according to plan. For a Bills team that hasn't had success since Jim Kelly retired in 1996, this franchise could surely use a lift from a player like Locker.
2 Kansas City Andrew Luck Quarterback Stanford
Kansas City's current starting quarterback Matt Cassel is entering a make-or-break season for his career. After inking a deal in 2009 worth $63 million over six years, it was reported that the numbers may be far higher than initially anticipated. Cassell has a base salary of $11.25 million in 2010, a salary far higher than his production should suggest that he be receiving. He's due to receive a raise in 2011 to $12.25 million, with an option bonus on the first day of the 2011 league year of an additional $7.5 million. If Cassel struggles once again in 2010 and the Chiefs decide that he isn't their guy to lead the franchise into the future, then all signs could point to Kansas City using their first round pick on one of the top quarterbacks available. With Charlie Weis the new offensive coordinator with the Chiefs, some expect him to turn Cassel around; if not, a quarterback should be considered with their high first-rounder. Luck is a one-year starter whose skillset fits the NFL better than almost any other quarterback in college football. A game-managing signal caller in his first year as a starter last year at Stanford, many are expecting Luck to make great strides this year while taking the weight of the team off of Toby Gerhart's shoulders and placing them on his own.
3 St. Louis A.J. Green Wide Receiver Georgia
Having taken Sam Bradford with the first overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Rams are another team that has set themselves to contend for the first overall pick again in 2011. With a wide receiving core that is abysmal and an offensive line that leaves a lot to be desired, the Rams will likely focus on the offensive side of the ball in the 2011 draft. A.J. Green is one of the top wide receiver prospects in the country in 2010 and will be the near-consensus top prospect if he opts to enter the 2011 draft as a junior. Green is a pro-style receiver who offers all of the tools that a scout looks for in a future star receiver in the NFL. With no one to throw to in St. Louis, this pick would be a great one to kick-start the development of Sam Bradford in 2011.
4 Jacksonville Ryan Mallett Quarterback Arkansas
The Jacksonville Jaguars need to have a playoff-type of season in order for incumbent starting quarterback David Garrard to keep his job in 2011. If Jacksonville ends up with the No. 4 pick as I project them to here, then all signs will point towards them taking one of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming draft. Ryan Mallett is everything that NFL scouts love in a pro-style quarterback. With one of the strongest arms to enter the draft in the last decade as well as the height (6-6) to see clearly down the field, Mallett has been on the NFL's radar since he committed to Michigan out of high school. If he decides to enter the draft, then his services will be coveted by quite a few teams.
5 Cleveland Julio Jones Wide Receiver Alabama
The Browns stocked up on talent in the 2010 draft, landing a couple of defensive backs who they hope will produce early as well as a running back in Montario Hardesty who could compete for the starting job right off the bat. With Jake Delhomme/Seneca Wallace/Colt McCoy entrenched as the team's quarterbacks, the team will likely want to turn to their receiving core where Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie lead the way alongside Josh Cribbs. Adding a player with the talent of Julio Jones will make this entire offense better, as it would draw coverage away from the other receivers and give their running game a breather from eight-man fronts. Jones would enter the role that Braylon Edwards held before he was dealt to New York.
6 Carolina Robert Quinn Defensive End North Carolina
Having lost 10.5 sacks of their below-average total of 31 sacks in 2009 when Julius Peppers signed with the Chicago Bears, the Carolina Panthers should be in the market to add another pass rusher in the 2011 Draft. Robert Quinn is a talented defensive end prospect who excels at getting after the quarterback and making plays in the backfield. Playing at North Carolina, he figures to be a fan favorite if he were to be drafted by the Panthers. Quinn has the talent to play immediately at the next level and would provide the Panthers' defense with a nice upgrade after losing one of the top pass rushers in the league to free agency.
7 New England (from Oakland) Michael Floyd Wide Receiver Notre Dame
The New England Patriots acquired this pick from the Oakland Raiders in the trade that sent defensive end Richard Seymour to Oakland. The Patriots receiving core is centered around Randy Moss and Wes Welker. All signs point to Moss leaving the Pats after his contract expires after this season, while Welker is coming off of ACL surgery and it remains to be seen how he will return from the injury. New England added three talented receivers in the 2010 draft in Taylor Price, Rob Gronkowski, and Aaron Hernandez, however their youth movement in the receiving core figures to continue into the 2011 draft. Michael Floyd is a very talented receiver who has consistently produced over the last two years for the Fighting Irish. Outside of a few injuries that have kept him off the field, there are nearly no weaknesses in Floyd's game, which is why he's considered one of the Top 10 prospects for the 2011 draft. Floyd is a down-field weapon who is a threat to beat a defense deep at any time. He'd be a fine replacement for Moss if the superstar opts to leave via free agency in 2011.
8 Tampa Bay Marcel Dareus Defensive End Alabama
After overhauling their defensive line with tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price in the 2010 Draft, the Buccaneers will likely focus on the defensive end position in the 2011 draft. Having recorded just 28 sacks in 2009, the Buccaneers could stand to add another pass rusher to their front seven to help get pressure on the quarterback. Marcel Dareus is a defensive end-tackle hybrid who could play either position, and as he showed in the 2009 National Championship game, he's more than capable of wreaking havoc in the backfield. If the junior decides to enter the 2011 draft, he figures to be one of the top defensive linemen drafted, likely among the Top 10-15 picks.
9 Detroit Patrick Peterson Cornerback LSU
The Detroit Lions are on a roll the last two years. After adding Matthew Stafford in 2009, they brought in a terrific draft class in 2010 that featured defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and highlight-reel running back Jahvid Best, who should bring back some memories of the days of Barry Sanders in Detroit. With a young, talented roster, the Lions are in position to make progress in 2010, while also still landing another draft pick that should help to make their roster even better. Patrick Peterson is the consensus top cornerback eligible for the 2011 NFL Draft and should be a lock for the Top 10 if he decides to declare. Detroit owns one of the worst secondaries in the NFL statistically and could stand to upgrade at the cornerback position. Peterson has the tools to step in immediately and produce for the team that drafts him.
10 Arizona Bruce Carter Linebacker North Carolina
In 2009, three of the top four tacklers on the Arizona Cardinals' defense were all players in the secondary. The other player, Karlos Dansby, left via free agency in the offseason, leaving a major hole from a production standpoint as well as a hole in the linebacker core. The Cardinals drafted Daryl Washington in 2010 to attempt to replace him, however I think that Arizona would be best off upgrading even further by adding linebacker Bruce Carter to their roster. A very productive linebacker from North Carolina, Carter is the near-consensus top linebacker in the country and will have many teams looking at him when he enters the 2011 draft. Carter would be a great player to attempt to replace Dansby.
11 Chicago Jared Crick Defensive Tackle Nebraska
At the defensive tackle position for the Chicago Bears, Tommie Harris is deteriorating with injuries while the team has a nice prospect in Jarron Gilbert. Other than them, the tackle position is held down by Marcus Harrison and Anthony Adams. After adding Julius Peppers to rush the passer this offseason, the Bears should be on the lookout to add a defensive tackle to complement him on the interior of the line. Jared Crick is a very talente defensived lineman whose high-motor and high-instincts are sure to win over plenty of scouts in the NFL. Adding Crick to their defensive line to play alongside Peppers and hopefully Gilbert in the future would give the Bears a bright future up front on defense.
12 Pittsburgh Adrian Clayborn Defensive End Iowa
In the Steelers' 3-4 defense, defensive ends Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel have been relied on for years. However, both are over 30-years old and in 2009 the Steelers acknowledged the fact that they are aging by drafting Ziggy Hood in the first round. Adding another defensive end prospect in the mold of Adrian Clayborn would assure Pittsburgh that their defensive line won't drop off when they opt to retire. Clayborn is an active defender who projects as a perfect fit as a 3-4 defensive end at the next level. A high-motor player who is as disruptive as any defensive end in the country, Clayborn would be a perfect fit in Pittsburgh for what the Steelers like to do on defense.
13 Miami DeAndre McDaniel Safety Clemson
In 2009 the Dolphins signed Gibril Wilson and immediately inserted him into the starting lineup. After recording 93 tackles, he was let go and Miami chose to draft Reshad Jones in the 2010 draft to attempt to find a future star at the safety position. With Yeremiah Bell entrenched as the team's strong safety, the Dolphins will likely be on the lookout once again in 2011 for a free safety. DeAndre McDaniel is an extremely talented safety prospect who covers like a free safety and defends the run like a strong safety. His instincts are very high and his production would suggest the opinion that he is the top safety prospect in the 2011 draft. Inserting McDaniel into the starting lineup in Miami would give the Dolphins that safety of the future to complete their youth movement in their secondary (Vontae Davis, Sean Smith at cornerback).
14 Seattle Greg Romeus Defensive End Pittsburgh
In 2009, the Seattle Seahawks managed to produce just 28 sacks over the course of the regular season. With defensive end Lawrence Jackson not living up to his draft status as a first round pick, the Seahawks will likely be in the market for a pass rusher at the defensive end position in 2011. With 19 sacks in his first three years in college, Romeus has been consistent and reliable as a pass rusher for the Panthers. With his production in college, it's expected that he'll be coveted as one of the top pass rushers in the 2011 draft. Adding Romeus to a defensive line that craves for a pass rusher would continue the successful overhaul that head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider have already begun to do.
15 Tennessee Travis Lewis Linebacker Oklahoma

This offseason the Titans released the aging Keith Bulluck. While they plan on plugging the talented Gerald McRath into his starting spot, I still believe that the Titans could stand to upgrade their linebacker core. David Thornton recorded only 59 tackles in 11 starts last season, leaving room for improvement. Adding a talented linebacker like Travis Lewis who projects as a first round pick if he opts to declare for the 2011 draft would be further improvement as the Titans try to upgrade their defense.
16 Washington Ryan Williams Running Back Virginia Tech
Between Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, and Willie Parker, the Redskins own three running backs who will provide a great fix for a year or two, however they don't have a long-term answer at the running back position. After rushing for 1,655 yards and 21 touchdowns last season, Williams has set himself to be taken high in the 2011 draft if he can produce again in 2010. While the Hokies return Darren Evans, and he is expected to eat into Williams production, Williams should still have the opportunity to showcase his talents this season to teams at the next level. Coming from Virginia Tech, he'd likely be a fan favorite in the D.C. area and would be a welcome addition to take some of the weight off of Donovan McNabb's shoulders.
17 Denver Rahim Moore Safety UCLA
At the age of 36, entering his 16th season in the NFL, it's clear that Brian Dawkins may only have a few years left in his career. Because of this, the Broncos will want to start to look for a future replacement for him at the free safety position. Rahim Moore is a very talented defender who led the country in interceptions with 10 last season as a sophomore. With expectations heightened for the 2010 season, some expect him to declare for the 2011 draft if he has another great season for the Bruins. Adding the ballhawk from UCLA would give the Broncos a formidable secondary to build around for the future.
18 Cincinnati Cameron Heyward Defensive Tackle Ohio State
At the defensive tackle position in Cincinnati, Domata Peko is entrenched as one of the team's starters. Next to him is a combination of Tank Johnson and Pat Sims. I believe that Cincinnati could stand to upgrade this combination by adding a talented player in Cameron Heyward. In addition to being a fan favorite in Ohio, he would provide them with a high-upside player to develop into a future starter on their defense. Heyward would give them a terrific player to rotate in on the defensive line early in his career before eventually developing into a starter for the team.
19 San Francisco Jonathan Baldwin Wide Receiver Pittsburgh

I believe that the 49ers' receiving core still leaves something to be desired even after drafting Michael Crabtree in 2009. Josh Morgan is a player who I feel the 49ers value higher than others think they should. In 15 starts last season he caught just 52 passes for 527 yards and three touchdowns. By further upgrading their receiving core, they would open up more running lanes for Frank Gore while also drawing coverage away from Crabtree and talented tight end Vernon Davis. Jonathan Baldwin is an underrated player who has the talent to develop into an elite receiver in the NFL. Pairing him with Crabtree on the outside with Davis inside would give San Francisco one of the most talented receiving cores in the league.
20 Atlanta Prince Amukamara Cornerback Nebraska

Even after adding Dunta Robinson in the offseason, the Atlanta Falcons cornerback core leaves a lot to be desired. Opposite Grimes, the Falcons have Brent Grimes, Chevis Jackson, and Christopher Owens. Adding one of the top senior prospects in the country in Prince Amukamara would give the Falcons a very talented secondary capable of matching up with the best offenses in the NFL. While cornerback doesn't appear to be a clear need now, this would be more of a luxury pick to continue to upgrade and solidify their secondary for the future. Adding a defensive end in the mold of Greg Romeus could also be an option if he is there when they pick next April.
21 New York Giants Greg Jones Linebacker Michigan State
After releasing linebacker Antonio Pierce this past offseason the Giants signed Keith Bulluck as a one-year stop-gap before they can find their long-term answer at the middle linebacker position in 2011. Greg Jones is an athletic linebacker with excellent instincts who projects as a terrific fit as a middle linebacker in the Giants' 4-3 defense. This would be an ideal fit for both parties, as Jones would give the Giants a player to build around in their linebacker core for years to come.
22 Houston Marvin Austin Defensive Tackle North Carolina
At the defensive tackle position, the Houston Texans offer two underachievers in Amobi Okoye and Shaun Cody. With just 40 sacks and two sacks between the two of them last season, the Texans could stand to upgrade at the tackle position. Marvin Austin is a very talented tackle prospect in the same mold as Warren Sapp and Brian Price from 2010. He has the tools and the skills to start immediately and develop into a future Pro Bowl player. With their offense set, the Texans spent the 2010 draft addressing the defense in the first round (Kareem Jackson). I'd expect to see more of the same in 2011.
23 Dallas Anthony Castonzo Offensive Tackle Boston College
Releasing Flozell Adams in 2010 opened the door for Doug Free to start at left tackle for the Cowboys this season. There is plenty of uncertainty as to how Free will perform in his first full season as the starter. If he struggles, I'd expect to see Dallas look at offensive tackle early in the 2011 draft. Anthony Castonzo is a big tackle prospect who has the size and athleticism to immediately produce for a team at the next level. He'd be an ideal candidate to play left tackle for the Cowboys for the next five-to-ten years.
24 San Diego Rodney Hudson Offensive Guard Florida State
With Marcus McNeil holding out and with no end in sight, the Chargers offensive line appears to be in a state of flux. At right tackle Jeromy Clary leaves something to be desired and inside the team has Kris Dielman and Louis Vasquez at offensive guard. In my opinion, continuing to upgrade their offensive line by adding the top guard prospect in the draft in Rodney Hudson would give them another talented offensive lineman to fill the hole that McNeill has currently. If they were to draft a tackle, Miami's Orlando Franklin is a player that I think they would consider here.
25 Minnesota Christian Ponder Quarterback Florida State
The Brett Favre saga continues to go on-and-on year-after-year, and thus the Vikings still don't have a quarterback-of-the-future. After blowing the 2010 draft, the Vikings will need to find success in 2011 in order to find some young talent to develop for the future. One player who would be a great fit as a quarterback-of-the-future prospect is Florida State's Christian Ponder. A pro-style quarterback with great size along with the arm needed to make an throws an NFL quarterback needs to make, Ponder projects as a first-round pick next April and should draw plenty of interest from team's in the mid-to-late first round.
26 Indianapolis Kris O'Dowd Center USC
Entering his 12th season in the league, center Jeff Saturday is 35-years old and has dealt with injuries the past couple of years that has shown that his career is on the final leg of his lengthy stay in the NFL. With no future replacement for Saturday on the roster, it's expected that the Colts will be looking for an interior offensive lineman to eventually replace him. Kris O'Dowd is an experience starter for USC who has been the epitome of consistent and reliable over the course of his career. He has the tools to enter a starting lineup for the next five-to-ten years and be the leader of the offensive line, something that the Colts should be looking for in the near future.
27 Philadelphia Aaron Williams Cornerback Texas
After trading Sheldon Brown to the Cleveland Browns this offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles have a hole at the cornerback position opposite Asante Samuel. With Joselio Hanson and Ellis Hobbs expected to play opposite Samuel, the Eagles will likely be targeting a cornerback in the 2011 draft. Aaron Williams is a very talented defensive back who is entering his first season as a full-time starter for the Longhorns. He has the potential and upside to be a future shut-down cornerback in the NFL and will be highly-coveted if he opts to declare for the 2011 draft.
28 New England Mark Ingram Running Back Alabama
Since drafting Laurence Maroney in 2006, the Patriots have yet to have a consistent ball carrier to rely on in the run game. With two first round picks in the 2011 draft, it'd make sense for them to address their running game by adding some fresh legs to their backfield. Assuming Mark Ingram enters the 2011 draft, it's expected that he'll be coveted by several teams in the mid-to-late first round. He would provide the Patriots with a reliable, consistent threat at the running back position who they can lean on when they need to pound the rock to win a game.
29 New Orleans Allen Bailey Defensive Tackle Miami (FL)
This offseason the Saints let defensive end Charles Grant leave, leaving a hole at the end position in their defense. They have Jimmy Wilkerson and Alex Brown to help hill that void, however I believe that New Orleans should begin looking for a future at the position rather than one-to-two year stop gap. Allen Bailey is a defensive end prospect who also has the size and athleticism to move inside and play tackle as well. He'd be a great fit in their defense with the pressure that they like to bring and would give them a talented player to add to their defensive line.
30 New York Jets Mark Herzlich Linebacker Boston College
Coming back from Ewing's sarcoma, Mark Herzlich is going to be under a spotlight in 2010. He has the talented and tools to be a Top 10, if not Top 5 pick in the draft, however it remains to be seen if he'll be able to return to form this season. The New York Jets lack a dominant pass rusher, which is something that would make their defense even better than it already is. Herzlich has the pass rushing ability to play outside linebacker for them in the 3-4 as well as the size and instincts to be a leader at inside linebacker. With how smart he is, he'd be a terrific fit in the Jets defense.
31 Green Bay Gabe Carimi Offensive Tackle Wisconsin
Landing Bryan Bulaga in the 2010 draft gives the Green Bay Packers one player to build around on their offensive line for the future. Looking to 2011, Green Bay should be on the lookout to add another tackle as well as continue to upgrade the interior of their offensive line. Gabe Carimi is a bit of a poor-man's Joe Thomas who offers the combination of size and athleticism to start for a team for the next five-to-ten years at left tackle. Drafting Carimi and moving Bulaga to right tackle would help bring the Packers back to the golden days of when they owned the trenches and were able to run the ball at will.
32 Baltimore Ras-I Dowling Cornerback Virginia
Entering training camp in 2010, the Ravens secondary was dangerously thin, and that was before cornerback Dominique Foxworth tore his ACL and was lost for the season. The Ravens need cornerback help as bad as any team in the league right now. Ras-I Dowling is a senior prospect who is highly-regard among scouts. He has first-round talent and would bring the Ravens some much-needed help in their secondary.



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