Southside Tirant
04-28-2010, 04:35 PM
It's never to early to start next years Mock Draft! So here's a few posted already:
Matt McGuire's
1- St. Louis Rams: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
Robert Quinn has the most upside of any defensive lineman in the country, and he'd have to be the favorite to go No. 1 overall here to the Rams. They lack a pass rush and Quinn brings plenty of that to Chapel Hill. The 6-5, 260-pound beast had 19 tackles for losses, 11 sacks, three pass breakups, 12 quarterback hurries, and SIX forced fumbles! This was elite production worthy of a No. 1 pick. Chris Long simply isn't a force off the edge and would be moved to left defensive end in this scenario.
2- Cleveland Browns: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Locker doesn't come with the perceived intangible concerns that Jimmy Clausen did in 2010, which was part of the reason he fell to the second round. When the Browns only win 2-4 games next year, Mike Holmgren will realize he simply can't win games with a terrible passing game. Locker has to be the pick here. Colt McCoy just doesn't have the upside or talent to warrant passing up on Locker.
3- Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Peterson, CB, Louisiana State
Peterson starts out as the No. 1 overall player on my 2011 NFL Draft Big Board. He is a freakishly athletic corner with tremendous ball skills, instincts and technique. The Chiefs probably just take the top player on their board like they did in 2010 and won't put as much emphasis on positional value.
4- Buffalo Bills: Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama
I think if the Bills are dumb enough to pass up on Jimmy Clausen in Round 2 for Torrell Troup, a developmental nose tackle, then they just think they can win without a good quarterback. Plus, Ryan Mallett just isn't top-five material at this point and has a lot of work to do in the mechanics department before he is considered a highly rated player. Dareus is a big-time performer with a high upside and great motor who really played great down the stretch for Alabama last year.
5-Seattle Seahawks: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Seattle needs to get younger and more talented at receiver, and if they truly believe in Charlie Whitehurst then they will be forced to build around him (and pray to the quarterback gods). Green can really go up and pluck the ball at its apex. He's a smooth athlete after the catch and a solid route runner.
6- Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
Baldwin is one of my most favorite players for the 2011 NFL Draft. I love his size, physicality and consistent hands, but you can't overlook his athleticism either. The Jaguars are desperate for a No. 1 target, but we are all at the mercy of Gene Smith's big board. Nobody knows it, and with the Tyson Alualu pick all draftniks and experts are throwing darts when it comes to Jacksonville.
7- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh
Tampa Bay really made a splash on their defensive line in the 2010 NFL Draft by upgrading their weakest position with Gerald McCoy and Brian Price. You have to remember Tampa ranked last in rush defense last year and struggled to generate any push from the middle. Now, they will look to add that elite right bookend that Gaines Adams was supposed to be. However, the pick here could also be a highly rated defensive back, offensive tackle or even Heisman winner Mark Ingram.
8- Denver Broncos: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
Heyward is a perfect fit for the Broncos 3-4 defense, and I think he would have been a top-15 pick a year ago. He is extremely powerful at the point of attack with heavy hands and great lower body strength. However, he is lacking in the pass rush department and thus the 3-4 hides his ability to run the arc with speed.
9- Detroit Lions: Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
Cornerback should be one of the top needs for Detroit in the next draft unless someone really steps up their play. I've always been a major Ras-I Dowling fan because I love his size and playmaking ability. He's a real competitor who simply isn't afraid to make a big hit.
10- Arizona Cardinals: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
I think this would be considered a slight reach at this point because of where Mallett is at in the development department. However, when Arizona struggles next season with mediocre quarterback play, their coaching staff will realize they need a legitimate signal caller under center.
11- Chicago Bears: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Jay Cutler is simply desperate for weapons and I think Chicago has to walk away in the first round of next year's draft with a big-time receiver or a premier left tackle. No quarterback can win by himself, yet that seems to be what Cutler is being bashed for by the national media and fans.
12- New England Patriots: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Miller is a freakishly quick pass rusher and reminds me of Elvis Dumervil except with a better 40 time. I was told by a member of the staff at Texas A&M that Miller clocked in a sub 4.50 40 time on campus. This is simply amazing even if he is only 240 pounds. Miller is a beast - he had 21.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks and four forced fumbles! If you didn't watch him in game action, you missed out.
13-Washington Redskins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
The Heisman trophy winner is the consensus No. 1 back for the 2011 NFL Draft, and he should be. Ingram reminds me of a bigger version of Maurice Jones-Drew. Clinton Portis' days in Washington are probably numbered with his massive contract.
14- New York Giants: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
This pick probably comes as a bit of a surprise to Giants fans, but New York's offense simply lacks a big, playmaking receiver. Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith are good players, but neither projects as a No. 1 target. Floyd does and would give this offense a different dimension in the red zone.
15- Philadelphia Eagles: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
The projected starter opposite Asante Samuel right now is a battle between Ellis Hobbs, Marlin Jackson and Joselio Hanson. Williams could step into Philadelphia right away and be a starter. He is a great athlete who shows terrific man coverage skills - perfect for this defense.
16- Pittsburgh Steelers: DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson
DeAndre McDaniel comes with a bit of baggage off the field, but he's a very talented and highly productive safety prospect. The Steelers could really use him at free safety and upgrade Ryan Clark.
17-Cincinnati Bengals: Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
Without a doubt my top-rated defensive tackle for the 2011 NFL Draft is USC's Jurrell Casey, but Austin is what the Bengals look for. They love high-upside players and bulk on the interior of their defensive line. Austin has a questionable motor, but that didn't stop Cincinnati from taking Carlos Dunlap in Round 2 or Michael Johnson in Round 3.
18-Tennessee Titans: Kris O'Dowd, C, USC
We don't even know if Kevin Mawae will re-sign with the Titans, but O'Dowd probably would be an upgrade over interior lineman Leroy Harris. O'Dowd is a big center who is very fluid getting to the second level. He has a ton of experience, but has some durability problems.
19- New England Patriots: Deunta Williams, S, North Carolina
The Patriots have had safety problems for years and it remains to be seen whether Pat Chung will live up to his second-round selection.
20-Atlanta Falcons: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
With Brent Grimes, Chevis Jackson and Chris Owens battling for the No. 2 corner spot, it's pretty obvious that this will likely be one of Atlanta's top needs in the 2011 NFL Draft. Brown has been overshadowed by Earl Thomas and Aaron Williams, but he's a very good football player and will likely be taken in the first two rounds in 2011.
21- San Francisco 49ers: Don'ta Hightower, ILB, Alabama
Takeo Spikes will be 34 years old in 2011, and the 49ers could hit the jackpot with Hightower here. I think Hightower is a better prospect than Rolando McClain from a talent standpoint, but he is battling a serious knee injury from last season. If he comes back 100-percent healthy, some team could get a steal.
22- Carolina Panthers: Jurrell Casey, DT, USC
The Panthers' No. 1 need next year has got to be defensive tackle, and Casey is one of my more favorite prospects for next year's draft class. He is very quick with active hands and the motor of an Energizer bunny. USC keeps cranking out talented defensive linemen.
23- Houston Texans: Joe Barksdale, T, Louisiana State
Barksdale is my No. 1 tackle for the 2011 NFL Draft, but he is very underrated right now by most. His game is a little finesse, but he is an elite technician with great footwork and nice lateral agility. Duane Brown hasn't lived up to the hype and don't be shocked to see Houston go back to left tackle in 2011.
24- Miami Dolphins: Jerrell Powe, NT, Mississippi
The Miami Dolphins passed up on a couple of nose tackles in the 2010 NFL Draft, and they have to be looking to upgrade their 0-technique in the next offseason.
25-Green Bay Packers: Chris Galippo, ILB, USC
Galippo needs to step up and produce at a higher level next season, but he's an extremely talented linebacker and a perfect fit for a 3-4 defense.
26-Dallas Cowboys: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
Bailey has a great skill set, but he's highly inconsistent with a questionable motor. The Cowboys are looking to upgrade at defensive end and could make use a skill set like his.
27- San Diego Chargers: Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
Crick was overshadowed last season, and rightfully so, by a pretty good defensive tackle (I'm not even going to announce his name - I shouldn't have to at this point). We will see if he can take his game to another level without so many double teams next season. The Chargers are looking for help on the defensive line.
28- Baltimore Ravens: Nate Potter, T, Boise State
If the Ravens have Jared Gaither on the trading block and nobody has any takers, then he has some serious intangible problems in the locker room (just guessing). If he's on the trading block this year, offensive tackle will be a need.
29-Minnesota Vikings: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
Minnesota might feel smart for passing up on a particular quarterback in the 2010 NFL Draft, but when they do the retire-unretire-retire-unretire dance with Brett Favre in 2011, they'll be ready to take a quarterback with Brad Childress' job in jeopardy.
30- New York Jets: Jack Crawford, DE/OLB, Penn State
I love Crawford on tape. He has an amazing burst, athleticism and natural pass rush ability. He has a 6-5 frame that he can grow into and can put on some muscle. I won't be shocked if he goes in the top 10 next season. The Jets are looking for talent all across the board as they only got one "sure" prospect in the 2010 NFL Draft in Kyle Wilson.
31- New Orleans Saints: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Claybord looks like a left end for a 4-3 defense at the next level. His toughness and strength could be utilized by the Saints defense, but it also wouldn't shock me if they looked to upgrade the offense in the next draft after heavily emphasizing defense the last couple of years.
32- Indianapolis Colts: Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
Carter has great range and playmaking ability, and should be a star for the loaded Tar Heels defense next season.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2011matt.php
Matt McGuire's
1- St. Louis Rams: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
Robert Quinn has the most upside of any defensive lineman in the country, and he'd have to be the favorite to go No. 1 overall here to the Rams. They lack a pass rush and Quinn brings plenty of that to Chapel Hill. The 6-5, 260-pound beast had 19 tackles for losses, 11 sacks, three pass breakups, 12 quarterback hurries, and SIX forced fumbles! This was elite production worthy of a No. 1 pick. Chris Long simply isn't a force off the edge and would be moved to left defensive end in this scenario.
2- Cleveland Browns: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Locker doesn't come with the perceived intangible concerns that Jimmy Clausen did in 2010, which was part of the reason he fell to the second round. When the Browns only win 2-4 games next year, Mike Holmgren will realize he simply can't win games with a terrible passing game. Locker has to be the pick here. Colt McCoy just doesn't have the upside or talent to warrant passing up on Locker.
3- Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Peterson, CB, Louisiana State
Peterson starts out as the No. 1 overall player on my 2011 NFL Draft Big Board. He is a freakishly athletic corner with tremendous ball skills, instincts and technique. The Chiefs probably just take the top player on their board like they did in 2010 and won't put as much emphasis on positional value.
4- Buffalo Bills: Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama
I think if the Bills are dumb enough to pass up on Jimmy Clausen in Round 2 for Torrell Troup, a developmental nose tackle, then they just think they can win without a good quarterback. Plus, Ryan Mallett just isn't top-five material at this point and has a lot of work to do in the mechanics department before he is considered a highly rated player. Dareus is a big-time performer with a high upside and great motor who really played great down the stretch for Alabama last year.
5-Seattle Seahawks: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Seattle needs to get younger and more talented at receiver, and if they truly believe in Charlie Whitehurst then they will be forced to build around him (and pray to the quarterback gods). Green can really go up and pluck the ball at its apex. He's a smooth athlete after the catch and a solid route runner.
6- Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
Baldwin is one of my most favorite players for the 2011 NFL Draft. I love his size, physicality and consistent hands, but you can't overlook his athleticism either. The Jaguars are desperate for a No. 1 target, but we are all at the mercy of Gene Smith's big board. Nobody knows it, and with the Tyson Alualu pick all draftniks and experts are throwing darts when it comes to Jacksonville.
7- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh
Tampa Bay really made a splash on their defensive line in the 2010 NFL Draft by upgrading their weakest position with Gerald McCoy and Brian Price. You have to remember Tampa ranked last in rush defense last year and struggled to generate any push from the middle. Now, they will look to add that elite right bookend that Gaines Adams was supposed to be. However, the pick here could also be a highly rated defensive back, offensive tackle or even Heisman winner Mark Ingram.
8- Denver Broncos: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
Heyward is a perfect fit for the Broncos 3-4 defense, and I think he would have been a top-15 pick a year ago. He is extremely powerful at the point of attack with heavy hands and great lower body strength. However, he is lacking in the pass rush department and thus the 3-4 hides his ability to run the arc with speed.
9- Detroit Lions: Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
Cornerback should be one of the top needs for Detroit in the next draft unless someone really steps up their play. I've always been a major Ras-I Dowling fan because I love his size and playmaking ability. He's a real competitor who simply isn't afraid to make a big hit.
10- Arizona Cardinals: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
I think this would be considered a slight reach at this point because of where Mallett is at in the development department. However, when Arizona struggles next season with mediocre quarterback play, their coaching staff will realize they need a legitimate signal caller under center.
11- Chicago Bears: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Jay Cutler is simply desperate for weapons and I think Chicago has to walk away in the first round of next year's draft with a big-time receiver or a premier left tackle. No quarterback can win by himself, yet that seems to be what Cutler is being bashed for by the national media and fans.
12- New England Patriots: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Miller is a freakishly quick pass rusher and reminds me of Elvis Dumervil except with a better 40 time. I was told by a member of the staff at Texas A&M that Miller clocked in a sub 4.50 40 time on campus. This is simply amazing even if he is only 240 pounds. Miller is a beast - he had 21.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks and four forced fumbles! If you didn't watch him in game action, you missed out.
13-Washington Redskins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
The Heisman trophy winner is the consensus No. 1 back for the 2011 NFL Draft, and he should be. Ingram reminds me of a bigger version of Maurice Jones-Drew. Clinton Portis' days in Washington are probably numbered with his massive contract.
14- New York Giants: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
This pick probably comes as a bit of a surprise to Giants fans, but New York's offense simply lacks a big, playmaking receiver. Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith are good players, but neither projects as a No. 1 target. Floyd does and would give this offense a different dimension in the red zone.
15- Philadelphia Eagles: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
The projected starter opposite Asante Samuel right now is a battle between Ellis Hobbs, Marlin Jackson and Joselio Hanson. Williams could step into Philadelphia right away and be a starter. He is a great athlete who shows terrific man coverage skills - perfect for this defense.
16- Pittsburgh Steelers: DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson
DeAndre McDaniel comes with a bit of baggage off the field, but he's a very talented and highly productive safety prospect. The Steelers could really use him at free safety and upgrade Ryan Clark.
17-Cincinnati Bengals: Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
Without a doubt my top-rated defensive tackle for the 2011 NFL Draft is USC's Jurrell Casey, but Austin is what the Bengals look for. They love high-upside players and bulk on the interior of their defensive line. Austin has a questionable motor, but that didn't stop Cincinnati from taking Carlos Dunlap in Round 2 or Michael Johnson in Round 3.
18-Tennessee Titans: Kris O'Dowd, C, USC
We don't even know if Kevin Mawae will re-sign with the Titans, but O'Dowd probably would be an upgrade over interior lineman Leroy Harris. O'Dowd is a big center who is very fluid getting to the second level. He has a ton of experience, but has some durability problems.
19- New England Patriots: Deunta Williams, S, North Carolina
The Patriots have had safety problems for years and it remains to be seen whether Pat Chung will live up to his second-round selection.
20-Atlanta Falcons: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
With Brent Grimes, Chevis Jackson and Chris Owens battling for the No. 2 corner spot, it's pretty obvious that this will likely be one of Atlanta's top needs in the 2011 NFL Draft. Brown has been overshadowed by Earl Thomas and Aaron Williams, but he's a very good football player and will likely be taken in the first two rounds in 2011.
21- San Francisco 49ers: Don'ta Hightower, ILB, Alabama
Takeo Spikes will be 34 years old in 2011, and the 49ers could hit the jackpot with Hightower here. I think Hightower is a better prospect than Rolando McClain from a talent standpoint, but he is battling a serious knee injury from last season. If he comes back 100-percent healthy, some team could get a steal.
22- Carolina Panthers: Jurrell Casey, DT, USC
The Panthers' No. 1 need next year has got to be defensive tackle, and Casey is one of my more favorite prospects for next year's draft class. He is very quick with active hands and the motor of an Energizer bunny. USC keeps cranking out talented defensive linemen.
23- Houston Texans: Joe Barksdale, T, Louisiana State
Barksdale is my No. 1 tackle for the 2011 NFL Draft, but he is very underrated right now by most. His game is a little finesse, but he is an elite technician with great footwork and nice lateral agility. Duane Brown hasn't lived up to the hype and don't be shocked to see Houston go back to left tackle in 2011.
24- Miami Dolphins: Jerrell Powe, NT, Mississippi
The Miami Dolphins passed up on a couple of nose tackles in the 2010 NFL Draft, and they have to be looking to upgrade their 0-technique in the next offseason.
25-Green Bay Packers: Chris Galippo, ILB, USC
Galippo needs to step up and produce at a higher level next season, but he's an extremely talented linebacker and a perfect fit for a 3-4 defense.
26-Dallas Cowboys: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
Bailey has a great skill set, but he's highly inconsistent with a questionable motor. The Cowboys are looking to upgrade at defensive end and could make use a skill set like his.
27- San Diego Chargers: Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
Crick was overshadowed last season, and rightfully so, by a pretty good defensive tackle (I'm not even going to announce his name - I shouldn't have to at this point). We will see if he can take his game to another level without so many double teams next season. The Chargers are looking for help on the defensive line.
28- Baltimore Ravens: Nate Potter, T, Boise State
If the Ravens have Jared Gaither on the trading block and nobody has any takers, then he has some serious intangible problems in the locker room (just guessing). If he's on the trading block this year, offensive tackle will be a need.
29-Minnesota Vikings: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
Minnesota might feel smart for passing up on a particular quarterback in the 2010 NFL Draft, but when they do the retire-unretire-retire-unretire dance with Brett Favre in 2011, they'll be ready to take a quarterback with Brad Childress' job in jeopardy.
30- New York Jets: Jack Crawford, DE/OLB, Penn State
I love Crawford on tape. He has an amazing burst, athleticism and natural pass rush ability. He has a 6-5 frame that he can grow into and can put on some muscle. I won't be shocked if he goes in the top 10 next season. The Jets are looking for talent all across the board as they only got one "sure" prospect in the 2010 NFL Draft in Kyle Wilson.
31- New Orleans Saints: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Claybord looks like a left end for a 4-3 defense at the next level. His toughness and strength could be utilized by the Saints defense, but it also wouldn't shock me if they looked to upgrade the offense in the next draft after heavily emphasizing defense the last couple of years.
32- Indianapolis Colts: Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
Carter has great range and playmaking ability, and should be a star for the loaded Tar Heels defense next season.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2011matt.php