NFL 2011 Mock draft by Jesse McDonald

It is Wednesday, Feburary 16th. We have yet to enter the NFL combine, But that doesn't stop me form my first official 2011 and first ever mock draft. Carolina picks first, and with every selection I will add some sort of rational and or logical reasoning to each selection:


1. Carolina Panthers selects Nick Fairley, DT out of Auburn.
After his enormous BCS national championship game, he showed how valuable an athletic defensive tackle is. Carolina unfortunately picks Fairley because of Andrew Lucks option back to the Stanford Cardinal. Ron Rivera's regime begins and he will have some quality help for John Beason and Charles Johnson. The Panthers defense last year was 26th in points allowed and their rush defense allowed teams to rush for 123 yards per game and Fairley would certainly help provide some hindrance to their unit.


2. Denver Broncos selects Marcell Dareus DT from Alabama.
Just like last year I strongly believe the two top DTs will end up being the first picks of this draft. Dareus will definitely help remedy the leagues second worst run defense which allow 154 yards per game. John Elway is already on record saying that Denver will be using their pick to help their defense. Whether John Fox brings a 4-3 or maintains the 3-4 system that is in mile high, they will certainly need some help in stopping the run.


3. Buffalo Bills selects A.J. Green WR from Georgia
Chan Gailey seems to have like what Ryan Fitzpatrick is selling. with that in mind hes going to need to sell that notion to the fans that they still have. A freak like Green doesn't come along very often. Fitzpatrick threw for 3,000 yrds this year, Steve Johnson and Lee Evans are good receivers... but why not have a complete offensive arsenal.

4. Cincinnati Bengals pick DE Da' Quan Bowers out of Clemson
Bowers is the best DE in a draft jam packed class, yet his stock slips because of inconsistency in his first two seasons. Either way Marvin Lewis' offense STINKS. Palmer wants out. Ochocinco wants to play with Palmer where ever he goes, and TO stunk. Cinci cant improve their offense at this position in the draft as Buffalo steals their man Green, and no offensive tackle fits the top 5 bill this year. Therefore the choose to help Antwan Odom, Domata Peko and Rob Gaithers on the D line.

5. Arizona Cardinals pick OLB Rob Quinn representing North Carolina
Arizona busted on their free agent acquisitions of Joey Porter and Clark Haggans. Combined they had 10 sacks in a division that simply is, awful. Even though Rob Quinn didn't play the 2010 campaign, he will show everyone that he is not only in play condition but is still and elite OLB. Ken Whisenhunt will not draft a QB for their future with his job security in jeopardy... Instead he will try to bring in a QB like Kolb, Mcnabb or Orton.

6. Cleveland Browns select CB Pat Peterson from LSU

Mike Holmgren is confident that Colt Mccoy can bring his Browns to the playoffs. With Peyton Hillis doing his best rendition of Mike Alstott's A-Train. Cleveland could go either OLB or CB with this pick as their run defense allows around 153 yards per game and their pass D allowed 220 yrds. So I'm giving Pat Shurmur's defense a compatible corner opposite Joe Haden. Peterson is highly respected as the drafts best CB and he would prove abundant for Shurmur's defense that can now leave Haden and Peterson on the proverbial "island" to blitz.

7. San Fransisco 49ers select OLB Von Miller from Texas A&M
I'm sure every Niner's fan wants to see Jim Harbaugh go for a single caller with this spot, but Manny Lawson hasn't been the talent they thought he could have so they will improve the pass rush with Miller. San Fran spent last years first two picks on the O line, so now they augment a poor pass rush. If not OLB they would pick Prince Amukamara, but I don't value Amukamara as highly as I do Miller. Miller will really help create pressure on QBs who averaged last year 231 passing yards on the Niner's.

8. Tennessee Titans select Blaine Gabbert QB out of Mizzou
Mike Munchak is the not so new coach in town. Munchak has played for the Oilers all the way up to them becoming the Titans. Munchaks only job with the NFL playing or coaching came from this organization. Ive read that he will implement a run heavy attack (who wouldn't with Chris Johnson) and will take a QB with a big arm. I don't quite understand the hype around Blaine Gabbert, yet I had the same feelings with Joe Flacco, and hes turned out to be the best QB in ravens history. With Tennessee in full rebuild finding a franchise single caller would be pivotal.

9. Dallas Cowboys select Nate Solder OT representing Colorado
Jason Garrett's "interm" label has been removed, his first round pick should be keeping Tony Romo healthy. Alex Barron STINKS and Marc Colombo is getting beaten by the the faster OLBs in the league. It's essential that the Cowboys upgrade their offensive line so Nate Solder is the obvious pick. Most mocks have Dallas going for an OLB or a DB, which are both concerns, moreover I still believe that they need to protect the guy who can be one of the best QBs in the NFC.


 10. Washington Redskins pick Jake Locker QB from Washington
Shannahan & Son really did a number on Donovan McNabb's career in DC. With all of the accusations regarding his willingness to comprehend the offense to his ability to find his targets, and even his cardiovascular was in question. Either way Deion Sanders put it best "The weapons McNabb has in DC wouldn't even get him arrested at the airport" LOL that's deserves a HOP! The Skins are in need for offensive over hauls all over the place, from the inconsistencies from the Oline to the lack of running game. To Santana Moss being their best receiving option.


11. Houston Texans draft DE from Cal. Cameron Jordan
Wade Phillips is in as Gary Kubiak's DC maybe to take over another job eventually. He brings with him, a 3-4 scheme, although their defense wasnt the worst against the run, they were the worst in the league in pass defense. If they could lay more bodies on opponents QBs, Houston might actually make the playoffs. Cam Jordan had a great Senior Bowl and is a great fit for a 3-4 end, he can create enough havoc that Mario Williams can have another Pro Bowl season.


12. Minnesota Vikings select Prince Amukamara CB from Nebraska
This wouldn't be the first time America would see Prince wearing purple ahahahhaah get it? the artist formerly known as Prince... Anyways, my reasoning for this Antwan Winfield wont be around forever. and Cedric Griffin gets injured often and their second round selection Chris Cook got put on the IR list. They could go for a QB with this but I think they can pick one up in the second round. On another note if Sidney Rice isn't resigned they could go for Julio Jones and make everyone in St. Louis cry.

13. Detroit Lions pick Aldon Smith DE out of Missouri
If Matt Stafford can stay healthy lions are playoff contenders. The NFC East has Jay Cutler, whoever is playing QB for the Vikes, slash they have AP, and Aaron Rodgers. The East has some pretty good weapons and the Lions already have a franchise DT, Aldon Smith in my books is a freak, once he gets into a rhythm he beats linemen all day long. The current NFL is all about a great offense with a defensive line that gets to the QB, and Smith could be that guy to push the lions D into the next echelon.

14. St. Louis Rams draft WR Julio Jones representing Alabama
The Rams get lucky in this draft. Julio gives Bradford a legitimate threat down field. While everyone seems to think that Wide Out is the most necessary need for the rams, I think that they could go for more offensive line help. Yet I'm subscribing to consensus opinion that St. Louis needs a receiver, they had the 12th worst passing attack and Bradford's options were obviously pretty mediocre. The hiring of Josh McDaniels as OC could really help Bradford passing attack.

15. Miami Dolphins select RB from Alabama Mark Ingram.
Tony Sparano won back his job by default. So that means, the Dolphins are in win now mode. They wont select a Cam Newton or Ryan Mallett. Instead they will replace one or both of the running backs that they will lose this off season. Mark Ingram has shown a great deal of capability of being an all purpose back, whether he can display his Hiesman performance of 2009 is questionable. Ingram is the best back in this draft and the Dolphins can't afford to not have a suitable back that can put up good yards. If the Dolphins for some reason don't think Ingram doesn't show enough value, they can pick defensive tackle Giant Corey Liuget who could eat up any rushing attack.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars draft WR Titus Young out of Boise State
Jack Del Rio some how got his job back and cant possibly use this pick on the defensive side of the ball. David Garrard needs a threat outside of Mike Sims-Walker who might not even return in 2011. So with that in mind Titus Young is shaping up to be somewhat like Deshawn Jackson, or at worse Dante Hall who electrified the NFL for years. If the Jags to shock the world and draft a playmaker they'll likely go for Adrain Clayborn a DE from Iowa.

17. New England Via Oakland select DT Corey Liuget representing Illinois
The Pats main reason for their break down versus the Green Mechanical Bird(JETS) was their inability to persistently harass Mark Sanchez. Corey Liuget would be complete their line sine the departure of Richard Seymore to Oakland. Moreover Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork have been baring the grunt of the work load and Liuget is aggressive enough to open up free blitzers.

18.  San Diego Chargers pick OLB/DE Ryan Kerrigan From Purdue
Larry English hasn't shown his presence in any games. Yet Shaun Philips needs compatibility on his opposite. Ryan Kerrigan is that man, he could go much higher then this spot in the draft but I don't see enough speed out of him to go higher. But I'm no expert. Kerrigan but up some of fantastic numbers, since 2007 Kerrigan has amassed 20 sacks and 140 tackles. All the dude does is plays DE/OLB exceptionally well.

19.  New York Giants draft Adrian Clayborn DE from Iowa
I originally had Gothem Blue selecting Mike Pouncey from Florida but if Clayborn slips like this they have to take the best available player. Mathias Kiwanuka is a free agent and while the big blue did well against the run last year allowing 101 yards per game, that's the same stat for their pass defense as well. Then I assumed that New York's offense was therefore lacking, yet they boasted a top ten passing attack and top 6 rushing attack. So I Clayborn for now. but certainly expect the Giants to sell the pick to move back and get a play maker like Rahim Moore at Safety or a versatile back like Jaquizz Rodgers, who is as slippery as a def man wearing silk.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select JJ Watt DE Wisconsin
This is simple, Tampa surprised a lot of teams yet still boasted a bottom 6 defense versus the run allowing 131 yards a game. JJ Watt doesn't only excel at run stuffing. He is capable enough to attack the QBs who reside in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. Either they will choose Watt, or they will go for Akeem Ayers to give the Buccs a contemporary version of the Sapp/Brooks tandem that won Tampa the Super Bowl in 2002.

21. Kansas City Chiefs pick Anthony Costanzo OT Boston College
Todd Haley had a great season and made the playoffs, but his offense wasn't as dominant many people speculated it wold have been. Matt Cassel had a good season but it would be better if they had some receiving help, although more importantly a monster like Costanzo would secure Cassel's back and help Charles Johnson reach another successful year.

22. Indianapolis Colts take OT Derrek Sherrod Mississippi State
Charlie Johnson and Ryan Diem aren't the guys that can give Peyton Manning enough time to get balls safely to his weapons. Sherrod will prove to be stable for the Colts who are still looking for a OT since they busted on Tony Ugoh. I suspect the Indy will look also at Akeem Ayers hes fast enough for their cover zone defense and provides stability to a weak linebacking corps. In the end the Colts have to go offense line to protect their huge investment in Manning.

23.  Philadelphia Eagles select OT/OG Gabe Carimi out of Wisconsin
With Andy Reid committing to Mike Vick, they now need to protect their most valuable asset. With that in mind the only available offensive linemen is Carimi, he had a great year with the badgers and if he works out well he can really help the angry birds line. Winston Justice is much of the bust product that has come out of USC's program and Carimi would fill in Justices void.

24. New Orleans Saints draft RB Mikel Leshoure from Illinois
The saints had trouble running the ball with their extremely over paid running back Reggie Bush. He inconveniently became injured as well as Pierre Thomas, leaving the Saints with only Cory Ivory. They will stretch to fill a spot that seemed very vacant last season. If the Saints don't want to reach for Leshoure they could get a great value pick in  Akeem Ayers at OLB shoring up a already good defense.

25. Seattle Seahawks take QB Ryan Mallett Arkansas.
Seattle shouldn't have made the playoffs this year and definitely shouldnt have beaten the saints. It happened and it wont happen again. Matt Hasselbeck might stay or leave, whatever decision he makes Pete Carroll needs to find a single caller regardless of Hasselbeck or Whitehurst. Mallett is Huge, enormous and gigantic...  yet he could turn out to be the Joey Harrington of this draft, all the tools not enough dedication.

26. Baltimore Ravens select Jimmy Smith CB out of Colorado
Poor Joe Flacco, he had a great game against the Steelers in the divisonal game but his receivers couldn't hold on to the ball when it matter the most. With the prospect of Dominque Foxworth and Laderious Webb not returning they can only be thinking about a corner at this point. If they dont go corner (which is very dubious) they'll pick Johnathon Baldwin. The Ravens were so close to moving on the AFC championship and their only a couple pieces away from being their.

27. Atlanta Falcons pick WR Johnathan Baldwin representing Pitt.
Atlanta got spanked in a game that was suppose to be a shootout. With Roddy White being double constantly the dirty birds need a respectable weapon opposite of him. Tony Gonzalez might retire but I believe that they can address TE in the second round. If the Ravens go for Baldwin the Falcons will just essentially swap picks.

28. New England Patriots selects LB Justin Houston from Georgia
Bill Belichick will probably trade this pick so the Pats can get a offensive linemen. But if they hold on to it they will take Justin Houston LB who is the best available player right now. Houston would probably move to inside linebacker to help the leagues leading tackler.

29. Chicago Bears select OLB Akeem Ayers out of UCLA
Lovie Smith wants slash NEEDS a WR but he gets a great value pick in Ayers who will help an aging LB corps. If Hunter Hillenmeyer doesn't recover well from his concussion Ayers will fill a huge void.
The Bears may reach and pick Randall Cobbs at this juncture, but I doubt it very much. They benefited from a weak NFC North this year but the Lions and Vikes and Super Bowl Champion Packers will make improvements.

30. New York Jets pick Cam Heyward DE from California
The Jets defense changed drastically since Sanchez's rookie year when they use to be able to get relentless pressure on the QB from anywhere. Cam Heyward will help that defensive line restore some of its presence since Shaun Ellis is aging and is going to be prone to injury.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers draft Mike Pouncey OG from Florida
The Steelers get really lucky that Maurkices bro fell so far down. The Steelers need to upgrade their aging and sluggish looking offensive line. Ben Roethilisberger got hit far too many times and often gets flushed out of the pocket, which Steelers fans believe is a good thing. More time for Big Ben is what Pittsburgh needs out of the league most efficient passer.

32. Green Bay Packers select Muhammad Wilkerson DT/DE from Temple
The packers face an off season filled with potential departures. Nick Barnett or AJ Hawk could leave, Johnny Jolly or Cullen Jenkins could sign elsewhere. So with the prospect of there defense dissolving like Arizonas did in 2010 they will draft Wilkerson to soften the blow free agency. This pick is really a toss up between Wilkerson and Drake Nevis.