Matt's Mock

Matt's 2011 NFL Mock Draft
(Updated 2/21/11)

1. Carolina Panthers - A.J. Green, Wide Receiver, Georgia

The Panthers have needs virtually at every position. I think the Panthers will end up going with who they feel is the best player. I know the old adage is to not take Wide Receiver number one, but in today’s game the passing game dominates. A.J. Green has the mold to be the next Calvin Johnson Jr or Larry Fitzgerald. The Panthers drafted Jimmy Clausen last year, who doesn’t appear to be the answer, however to be fair he has only had a season, and his teammates were awful. Steve Smith is only getting older and hasn’t had a good season in a while, it’s time to pass the torch. Besides, the Panthers can look to the future, they may be in the same spot next year, and if they have any luck, Luck will come out.

2. Denver Broncos - Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, LSU

The Broncos defense was awful last year so that will be a priority in this year’s draft. Peterson is a highly rated player who could upgrade a weak secondary. Baily is rumored to want to move to safety to help prolong his career, and Peterson could help the Broncos be able and willing to do this. Peterson is also molded much like Baily, so he just seems like a player the Broncos would want.

3. Buffalo Bills - Cam Newton, Quarterback, Auburn

Honestly I think this is an awful pick, but one’s the Bills, who are known for questionable draft choices will make. Sorry Bill fans. Newton would energize the fan base, as he just signed the biggest rookie endorsement deal in history, so that is a plus. Other than that Newton seems to be a wonderful athlete, but no quarterback. He is much like Tebow was last year, people either loved him or hated him. I think the Bills will pull a Denver and fall in love with the QB and make him the first quarterback off the board. Look for the Bills to focus on their defense for the rest of the draft.

4. Cincinnati Bengals - Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End, Clemson

The Bengals may consider Gabbert or Newton since their Franchise QB Carson Palmer wants to be traded, but with Bowers falling to this spot their hands are almost tied. Bowers is considered one of the best prospects, with many arguing him as best player. He is a physical freak and will upgrade the Bengals pass rush instantly. He is also a perfect fit for a 43 defense that the Bengals run. The Bengals will probably focus on the offensive side of the ball for the rest of the draft.

5. Arizona Cardinals - Von Miller, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Texas A&M

Miller is a great prospect. He is a tremendous pass rusher, and showed he is adequate in coverage during the senior bowl and practices. He fills one of Cardinals biggest needs, in upgrading a pass rush. I do think it is possible that the Cardinals trade down from this spot to a team who wants Miller bad, in order to pick up a few extra selections, so they can afford to trade for Kevin Kolb or Matt Flynn. So look for a possible trade here, but otherwise look for Miller to be off the board and have a very impactful rookie season.

6. Cleveland Browns - Nick Fairley, Defensive Tackle, Auburn

Fairly is a beast of a man, and many have him as the top player in their draft. The Browns are switching to a 43 this year, and Fairly has the size and quickness to be an ideal nose in a 43 defense. He is probably the best player on the Browns board, and they should be happy to land such a highly touted player at the six spot.

7. San Fransisco 49ers - Marcell Dareus, Defensive Tackle, Alabama

Dareus is the best player on the board at this spot which is why the 49ers go ahead and take him. The 49ers still need a defensive end, so he fills that need, although they have many more holes as well. Darues can play the run as well as the pass, and should help upgrade their defense. Gabbert could be considered here, but doesn’t seem to be the right fit or Jim Harbaugh.

8. Tennessee Titans - Blaine Gabbert, Quarterback, Missouri

The Titans cut ways with both head coach Jeff Fisher and QB Vince Young this offseason. Now with a new regime comes a new signal caller. Gabbert is the best in the draft, and they are able to get him with the eight pick thanks to the Bills taking Newton 3rd. Gabbert is a good fit for the Titans because he can be a game manger early on until he gets a better grip of the offense and more experience, then the Titans can open it up.

9. Dallas Cowboys - Prince Amukamara, Cornerback, Nebraska

The Cowboys defense was one of the worst in the NFL last year. Their secondary was absolutely terrible. They were thrashed by almost everyone. Terrance Newman is on the decline and their safeties have much to be desired. Amukamara is a heck of a player, who covered Julio Jones better then Peterson did in their matchup. Prince is a physical player, something Dallas needs. Amukamara could also be a heck of a safety if he ends up being too slow for corner, so Dallas gets a need filled regardless.

10. Washington Redskins - Robert Quinn, Defensive End, North Carolina

The Redskins switched to a 34 last year and its debut in our nation’s capital was not what Redskins fans would have hoped. Quinn is considered by some the best pass rusher in this draft, so to be able to nab him at the 10th pick is great. He can line up opposite Orkapo and that gives the Redskins a sick combo on the outside.

11. Houston Texans - Aldon Smith, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Missouri

Aldon Smith is a great prospect, who burst onto the college scene recording 11 sacks his redshirt freshman season. The Texans need an outside backer in their switch to the 34, although Mario Williams does not fit the 34 defense either, so they could take Cameron Jordan as well at this spot. Look for the Texans to keep bolstering their defense throughout the draft. This is another team that could look to trade down to help more prospects for their porous defense. They may also be coveting Jordan, Hayward, Phil Taylor, or Muhammad Wilkerson, as they are better fits for the 34 defense, and are expected to be taken later in the first round.

12. Minnesota Vikings - J.J. Watt, Defensive End, Wisconsin

J.J. Watt has seen his draft stock skyrocket, with Mel Kiper having him as high as sixth. Watt is a flexible player who can fit into any scheme. The Vikings need someone to play opposite Allen and Watt is the guy to do this. He can dominate a game and is a high effort guy. Watt and Allen makes a great duo. The Vikings could look at Julio Jones here as Sidney Rice is a free agent as well, but with no QB to be able to get him the ball what’s the point? Take the defense and hope they are good enough that even with no QB you can have a competitive team.
*Previous Pick - Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue*

13. Detroit Lions - Gabe Carimi, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin

I know most people don’t have Carmi as their top rated tackle, so this may be a shocker. But I feel like because Carmi is the best run blocker of the tackles he is the most NFL ready of them all, which the Lions need desperately. Carmi is an upgrade in pass protection, helping to protect Matthew Stafford, but is also major upgrade in the running game. He is a start now player, and with the strides the Lions made last year they need to keep it up by adding guys who can make an instant impact.

14. St. Louis Rams - Julio Jones, Wide Receiver, Alabama

Jones falls to the ideal spot for him, becoming last year’s first overall pick Sam Bradford, favorite target. The Rams have lacked a top flight Wide Out for a long time, and Jones can help change that. The Rams offense gets a ton better with this pick, helping to balance out an offense that has an up and coming star in Bradford, and a workhorse running back in Steven Jackson. Look for the Rams to focus on the defensive side of the ball throughout the rest of this draft.

15. Miami Dolphins - Ryan Mallett, Quarterback, Arkansas

The Dolphins will likely trade down from this spot because they do not have a second round draft choice. I could see them targeting a few different players here, but they need a QB and because they don’t have a second round they need to reach for Mallet here. Mallet has a very strong arm and I think could end up being a solid quarterback at the next level. But many people question his mobility, accuracy and mechanics.
*Previous Pick - Cameron Jordan, DE, California*

16) Jaguars: Jimmy Smith CB Colorado

The Jags secondary is absolutely awful. Smith is a very talented corner who could step in and help this secondary. The other players on the board at this point just don’t seem to be the right for the Jags, so Smith is the best player for them to take that fits their scheme. Mathis, although still a solid player is getting up there in age, so a replacement to him would be nice.

17. New England Patriots - Cameron Jordan, Defensive End, California

The Patriots defense is their biggest area of concern. Jordan has fallen to the 17th pick despite being a very talented prospect. He is an ideal fit in a 34 scheme and will certainly help shore up their run defense. He is simply too talented to pass up here, and fits one of their needs. Adding a pass rusher later will be one of the Patriots priorities.
*Previous Pick - Nate Solder, OT, Colorado*

18. San Diego Chargers - Jonathan Baldwin, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh

Yes I know this is a shocker pick, but I think Baldwins stock will raise a bit higher after the combine. Besides that the Chargers had a top rated offense and defense, despite their record. Baldwin has a build similar to that of franchise tagged Vincent Jackson. Jackson clearly wants out of San Diego, and Baldwin could allow him to have his wish. GM A.J. Smith also seems to love tall Wide Receivers, as does QB Philip Rivers.

19. New York Giants - Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama

The Giants have some needs on both side of the ball, but I think with Heisman winner and the best running back on the board left at their spot they pull the trigger. When the Giants won the superbowl they had a great duo at the running back spot, and with Brandon Jacobs being ineffective ever since they need a second back still. Ingram is the perfect fit as he is a physical runner who rarely fumbles the football, something Ahmad Bradshaw could learn from.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Ryan Kerrigan, Defensive End, Purdue

The Buccaneers desperately need a defensive end, and Kerrigan is a great fit for them. He is a big strong guy who seems to work hard and never give up on a play. Kerrigan slipped thanks for a few other good prospects slipping because of reaches by other teams (thank you Bills and Dolphins). Kerrigan will have an immediate impact as the Bucs try to make the playoffs this year, after falling just short last year.
*Previous Pick - J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

21. Kansas City Chiefs - Nate Solder, Offensive Tackle, Colorado

The Chiefs were a surprise playoff team last year, and did so being able to pound the rock with Jamal Charles and Thomas Jones. Helping to retool this oline is Solder, who is a steal at this point in the draft. The Chiefs will continue to improve and pound the ball this season. Look for them to bolster their defense and take a stab at a wide out to play opposite Dwayne Bowe.
*Previous Pick - Tyron Smith, OT, USC

22. Indianapolis Colts - Corey Liuget, Defensive Tackle/Defensive End, Illinois

The Colts were shredded by the Jets in the playoffs this year. Peyton Manning can make up for a lot of sins and holes, but he can’t help the defense. If the Colts want to compete for a Lombardi trophy again they need to stop the run. Their defensive line is undersized and that’s a big reason why teams are able to gash the Colts. Liuget has good size and will give the Colts a physical presence against the run. Look for the Colts to keep up the trend of taking bigger defensive players as well as taking some players on the Oline to help protect Manning.

23. Philadelphia Eagles - Tyron Smith, Offensive Tackle, USC

The Eagles clearly need a tackle. Starting tackle Wiston Justice was embarrassed and benched against Green Bay in their first round home playoff loss. Smith is the best prospect on the board and will give the Eagles offensive line that surrendered 52 sacks last year a big boost.
*Previous Pick - Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College*

24. New Orleans Saints - Adrian Clayborn, Defensive End, Iowa

The Saints need help along their defensive line. Clayborn was once considered a top ten pick but hype has since tapered. Clayborn is a good fit for the Saints 43 defense and is a well-balanced player. He can upgrade the pass rush and is a upgrade against the run as well.

25. Seattle Seahawks - Jake Locker, Quarterback, Washington

This is a great team for Locker to be drafted to. Not only does he get to stay home, but he also can afford to sit on the bench for a year or two under Matt Hasselback, before he has to start. Locker has all the tools to be a great player, but his accuracy is a key issue. However with the Seahawks having the luxury to able to sit him and coach him up for at least one year this is an ideal fit.

26. Baltimore Ravens - Titus Young, Wide Receiver, Boise State

When you look at the Ravens they have some holes on the defense that they need to address and then on the offensive side of the ball they need a Wide Receiver. When you watch the Ravens offense one word comes to mind SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOW! Young adds some speed to their roster and can stretch the field vertically which should help Ray Rice, Joe Flacco, and even Anquan Bolden. The Ravens will probably look on the defensive side of the ball later in this draft.

27. Atlanta Falcons - Torrey Smith, Wide Receiver, Maryland

The Falcons season ended in embarrassment at home, against Green Bay. Their defense looked awful and their offense slow. They have no receiver who can stretch the field vertically and draw coverage off of Roddy White. With all the premier pass rushers off the board at this point who fit the 43 style, the Falcons will look to add speed to their offense and a down field threat. Smith has blazing speed and fits this bill.

28. New England Patriots - Akeem Ayers, Outside Linebacker, UCLA

Ayers falls into the Patriots lap here. They need an outside linebacker who can rush the passer, and Ayers is a guy who can do that. The Patriots could still trade down from this spot, but I would think with Ayers on the board they wouldn’t, because he is a perfect fit for them. They also have the first pick in the second round to add another defensive player to restock their defense

29. Chicago Bears - Mike Pouncey, Guard/Center, Florida

The Bears need help along their offensive line, even though they improved late in the year. The Bears window for winning a championship is closing fast, so I could see them going on the defensive side of the ball here, as there defense is aging and they need to retool. Trading down is another possibility here to add more picks, since they mortgaged quite a bit to land Jay Cutler and haven’t been able to restock the defense that they have always been known for. Upgrading the offensive line could help Jay Cutler look like the QB they thought they were getting when they traded for him.

30. New York Jets - Justin Houstin, Outside Linebacker, Georgia

Although the Jets harassed Tom Brady in their playoff win, they were torched by the Steelers. The Jets need a pass rusher, especially when you have to play Brady twice a year. The Jets are a team that want to take the best defensive player on the board, and I think Houston is that guy, even though they need help along the Dline more then they need an outside linebacker. Houston has a chance to be a special player, and you know that Rex Ryan is a mastermind that will find a way to use him along with the rest of their talent.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers - Brandon Harris, Cornerback, Miami

The Steelers defense had another outstanding year, but came up short against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Rodgers was able to find the weakness in their defense, and their shortcomings in the secondary were quite apparent. Harris can help shore this spot up. He is also a physical player which fits the Steelers style well. He is a very fluent athlete and I think will end up being the best corner in this draft.

32. Green Bay Packers - Anthony Castonzo, Offensive Tackle, Boston College

The Packers are one of the teams with very few true needs. I honestly don’t think they will stay here with this pick. I see them trading down with a team looking to take a player they had rated highly on their board that took a tumble. The Packers could add some depth at corner, need to add some offensive line help to protect Rodgers, and could use some depth along the defensive line and outside line backer. For now I believe the Packers top priority is to protect Rodgers, some in comes Castonzo who is a good fit and can sit behind Clifton for a year, allowing last year’s first round pick Brain Bulaga to permanently move to the right side. Look for the Packers to add a speedy WR later in the draft, as well adding more depth on their defense.

*Previous Pick - Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State*

Matt's 2011 NFL Mock Draft(Updated 2/21/11)