2011 NFL Mock Draft | KD

1. Carolina Panthers:
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

The Panthers lost out due to Andrew Luck going back to Stanford... but you don't have to, here is a page dedicated to the top 2012 NFL Draft Prospect: Andrew Luck

Cam Newton is without a doubt a boom or bust Quarterback prospect. While he may be better suited to be picked in the mid first round based on where he is on many people's player rankings, Ron Rivera seems to have no questions about whether Cam can succeed at quarterback in the NFL. If I were in charge of the Panthers I would likely select Dareus at #1 or move down to select Fairley which would give me a solid interior presence for 5-10 years and if I received extra picks (likely in the 2nd round) I would select one of the many 2nd round quarterbacks out there. However, ideal situations like trading back don't always work and if successful Cam Newton will be the best pick of the 1st round this year. The sky is the limit with Cam Newton, but I don't think he'll reach his full potential as an NFL quarterback.

2. Denver Broncos:
Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M

If Marcell Dareus is available here at #2, at this point it seems like a no brainer. Dareus would allow John Fox to get the inside force in his 4-3 defense and with Elvis Dumervil the outside, the Broncos will have the pieces in place to have a daunting pass rush (that is if Dareus and the other rookies get to look at the playbook before week 2 of the regular season because of the lock-out). Although it seems like a no brainer, word out of Denver is they love Von Miller. So Von Miller is the pick here.

3. Buffalo Bills:
Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama

This is a tough pick to figure out. I like Von Miller for the Bills here but I am intrigued by them selecting A.J. Green. My gut now says that they won't go with a Quarterback. I'm going to go with Von Miller here for the Bills. I personally like Robert Quinn more as a prospect. I think he has the size to dominate at the next level. Many people are high on Von Miller, I am not one of those guys however. Two guys in the past remind me of him, Vernon Gholston, and Aaron Maybin. While I think its clear that Von Miller is better in pass coverage than both of those guys, I don't feel he will have an immediate impact on the team that drafts him. Obviously, I could be dead wrong on this and Von Miller could become a force on the Cardinals line but I don't see it happening.

Wait... Dareus is available? Yeah, the Broncos look like they want Von Miller at #2 and Dareus falls into the laps of the Bills.

4. Cincinnati Bengals:
A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

This is the default selection, the Bengals need a wide receiver and A.J is the most dynamic WR prospect in the draft However, I toyed with the idea of putting Nick Fairley or Gabbert here. I don't think the Bengals will go with Peterson, but its a possibility.

5. Arizona Cardinals:
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

The Cardinals pick is probably the toughest for me to judge. I don't think they will select Blaine Gabbert because it appears they want a veteran quarterback. However, with no free agency before the draft (it appears that way right now...) it is tough to determine which ones will be interested in playing for the Cardinals. Therefore, by default I am going to give them the best player on the board: Patrick Peterson.

6. Cleveland Browns:
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

The Browns need to provide Colt McCoy with some help. The receivers they currently have are great #2 and #3 receivers but they lack the playmaking option on the outside. With Peyton Hillis as the force in the offense, Julio Jones blocking ability will prove to be a very useful asset as well. A.J. Green and Robert Quinn are the other possibilites here at #6.

7. San Francisco 49ers:
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

A smart QB for Harbaugh's new system. As a 49er fan I don't like the pick and was hoping to land Peterson or Quinn here @ 7. However, the 49ers don't feel comfortable with their second pick in the draft being in the middle of the 2nd round. Gabbert has the ability to be successful in the offense and was recruited by Harbaugh when he was at Stanford. Ultimately if this choice is made, it means that Harbaugh is confident in Gabbert.

My gut tells me in this situation the 49ers would select Quinn, the Titans would go with Locker, and Gabbert would fall to the Redskins. However, It's hard for me to say that the 49ers would pass up Blaine Gabbert... so my mind wins out over my gut in this selection.

8. Tennessee Titans:
Jake Locker, QB, Washington

This is one of the hottest trends in the draft. The Titans like Locker, its clear. I can't see Locker falling past Minnesota at this point. Jake Locker to the Titans or to a team trading up to #7 are the two likeliest spots for him.

9. Dallas Cowboys:
Tyron Smith, OT, USC

This is an interesting pick for Dallas. Tyron Smith here at #9 fills a need but I would argue is a bit of a reach here. Don't be surprised if they trade back from this selection. I don't expect Dallas to take Prince Amukamara either because corner is not a position of great need for them. If Patrick Peterson was on the board they would take him. I like the idea of the Cowboys selecting J.J. Watt here but with free agency likely to occur after the draft, the Cowboys need to make sure they have someone to sure up their Offensive line, Tyron Smith can be that guy.

10. Washington Redskins:
Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina

Robert Quinn is a prospect that has a bright future in the NFL. Had he played last year for North Carolina he likely could have been selected in the top 3 with all those teams needing a player like Quinn. He is a physical freak with a great motor. Depending on the labor situation he may not get off the start I expect, but look for him to finish the year strong and explode onto the scene his 2nd year in the league. This is a steal for the Redskins, with the 49ers electing to take Gabbert at #7 Quinn falls all the way to #10.

note: don't be surprised if this selection is traded and they select a QB later in the 1st round or if the Skins decide to go Quarterback here at #10.

11. Houston Texans:
J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

With Wade Phillips in town implementing a 3-4 defense, the Texans may want another 5-technique defensive end. J.J. Watt is a perfect fit as a 3-4 defensive end. This is a match made in heaven. If J.J. Watt is off the board look for the Texans to look at either Muhammad Wilkerson or Cameron Jordan.

12. Minnesota Vikings:
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

I don't think Prince will be selected before this selection and I also don't feel that he will get past the Lions. Although Minnesota would love for there to be a quarterback available worth this selection, Prince Amukamara is the best player available and fills a position of need for the Vikings. They are getting old on defense, in the secondary and on their line. Prince Amukamara will make an immediate impact at corner for whatever team selects him.

13. Detroit Lions:
Da'Quan Bowers, DE/OLB, Clemson

Da'Quan Bowers stock has sure fallen since this draft process started. At one time he was a sure fire top 4 and a likely top 2 selection with a possibility of him going #1 to the Panthers. With concerns about his knees there is concern if he will be able to stay healthy over the length of a full NFL season let alone 10+ seasons. The talent is there, when healthy Da'Quan has top 5 skills. If a team feels that his knees are no concern don't be surprised if he goes to a team we don't suspect like the Cowboys, Titans, Redskins, or Texans. In that case he would likely be the best player available (that is if a team has no concerns about his knees). With Suh in the middle and a healthy Bowers... the Lions would have a solid defensive front for a long time.

14. St. Louis Rams:
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

Dream scenario of Julio Jones available at #14... Fail. With the wideouts off the board, the Rams will choose to improve their defensive line. They will go with improving their interior line because their ends without a doubt have more talent. With Chris Long as a great player on one side and James Hall as an average player on the other, they have a decent pair of ends. However, they lack a defensive tackle to clog the run and disrupt the pass. Nick Fairley would be a steal at this point and would impact their defense from day 1.

15. Miami Dolphins:
Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri

No the Dolphins do not have a quarterback, and no the Dolphins don't have a 2nd round pick. They should trade back to get a quarterback and gain some extra selections... however, many people will be trying to do just that. If the Dolphins stay put, expect them to select Aldon Smith who at #15 is a great value selection.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars:
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

It is no secret that the Jaguars had only 3 sacks in their last 5 games of the 2010 NFL season, which is why it is clear to me that they will be selecting a defensive end. I don't see Ryan Kerrigan getting selected any higher than this selection and I don't see him getting past the Jaguars. However, if he were to get past them I couldn't see him falling past the Buccaneers at #20. Ryan Kerrigan is a workhorse and an intelligent football player. Don't expect him to make an immediate impact but in his 2nd or 3rd season he will put up double digit sack numbers for the Jaguars.

17. New England Patriots (f/ OAK):
Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California

I feel that one of Cameron Jordan, J.J. Watt, or Muhammad Wilkerson will go off the board here for the Patriots. I've seen people calling for the Patriots to trade up to try to get Julio Jones or even A.J. Green, but while it is possible it is not expected based on the track record of the Patriots under Belichick. If any trades do occur look for them to trade their 28th overall selection to one of the teams looking for a quarterback such as the Bengals, Bills, Titans, Redskins, 49ers, Dolphins, etc. With Cameron Jordan the Patriots get younger on their D-line and get an ideal 5-technique for their 3-4 end spot.

18. San Diego Chargers:
Muhammad Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple

Like the Patriots, the Chargers have a weakness at the 3-4 defensive end position. That combined with the lock out situation thus the Chargers have no opportunity to sign a free agent to fill this spot. Last year, Jacques Cesaire played this spot for the Chargers and he is a free agent. A weakness, and an opening equal the best 3-4 defensive end available, and his name is Muhammad Wilkerson.

19. New York Giants:
Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

I am intrigued by many mock drafts having Mark Ingram being selected here at #19 and I considered it myself. However, Ingram would be a luxury pick for the Giants and I feel that they will be looking to protect the blindside of Eli rather than sure up an already dominating run game. They can find a back who can run for 1,000+ yards later in the draft or as an un-drafted free agent as they have proven. They go with the athletic tackle out of Boston College here at #19.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia

Justin Houston has been pegged here for a while on our mock draft. After drafting a force on the inside with last years #2 overall selection, the Bucs will target a pass rushing defensive end and like you can see I feel that Justin Houston is the best available at this spot in the draft. While I feel he is the best available pass rusher here at #20, I also feel that this is not the best situation for Justin Houston. He may be better suited to play in a 3-4 defense as a outside linebacker. Nonetheless, he should have a successful career at the next level.

21. Kansas City Chiefs:
Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

Like the Bucs selection, Akeem Ayers has been mocked to the Chiefs by me for quite some time. His 40 time at the combine may have hurt his stock but the fit here with the Chiefs is perfect. His play on the field says otherwise, he is a 1st round talent regardless of where he is picked. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if he fell to the mid second round only because of his 40 time, but thats the NFL draft for you.

22. Indianapolis Colts:
Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

The Colts have one main thing going for them, Peyton Manning. Last season he struggled to stay upright with a line that underperformed. I feel confident in the fact that the Colts will select an offensive lineman. The best one available at this juncture? Nate Solder

23. Philadelphia Eagles:
Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

The Eagles are in an interesting position. They can go many different ways with this pick. In my mind, they should without a doubt go offensive line but many people seem to think they may look at Jimmy Smith, the corner out of Colorado. My hunch is with them and Gabe Carimi. Whether it be Carimi or Solder... the Colts pick will directly influence this selection of an tackle.

24. New Orleans Saints:
Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

The Saints luck out here with Corey Liuget falling to them after Fairley fell to the Rams. This pick will solidify the defensive tackle position for the Saints.

25. Seattle Seahawks:
Mike Pouncey, G, Florida

With Mike Pouncey on the board the Seahawks take another attempt to keep their QB upright. Corey Liuget and a QB like Locker or Mallett are both options as well.

26. Baltimore Ravens:
Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

From what I've been reading Cameron Heyward will not make it past the Baltimore Ravens. He's available. He's selected here at #26.

27. Atlanta Falcons:
Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona

A dynamic pass rusher to help the Falcons reach the Super Bowl. Brooks Reed will be selected in the 1st round without a doubt.

28. New England Patriots:
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

What a steal this would be, but remember that the Patriots are looking to trade this selection.

29. Chicago Bears:
Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

The Bears need a tackle, a defensive one or an offensive one. In Derek Sherrod they get a left tackle to anchor their line for years to come

30. New York Jets:
Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

Phil Taylor is a shifty nose tackle with size. He would be groomed to take over the nose tackle position for the Jets in the future.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers:
Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

The Steelers don't have many holes, and Jimmy Smith is the best player on the board. He would be a steal at this point and could start week 1. He is a top-15 talent with the potential to be a perennial pro-bowler. Don't be surprised if the Raves go WR with this pick as well.

32. Green Bay Packers:
Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky

When you win the Super Bowl, you get to select the best player available... Randall Cobb is that guy. Congrats to the Super Bowl Champs.

Continue to the 2ND ROUND HERE



Last Years Mock Draft Here - Comments Below

1. Carolina Panthers:
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

The Panthers lost out due to Andrew Luck going back to Stanford... but you don't have to, here is a page dedicated to the top 2012 NFL Draft Prospect: Andrew Luck

At this point there is no doubt in my mind that the Carolina Panthers will take Cam Newton. With no 2nd round pick they need to select a quarterback here or wait until the 3rd round. Cam Newton has the biggest upside of any prospect in the draft. While it is clear the Panthers need help at many positions... with Cam Newton and hopefully a 3rd round wide receiver the Panthers have the potential to be a contender in 3 to 4 years.

2. Denver Broncos:
Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama

3. Buffalo Bills:
Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M

4. Cincinnati Bengals:
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

No matter how you look at it, Fairley dominated the SEC last season and will make an impact in the NFL. The Bengals have a need and will look to add a QB in the 2nd round.

There were reports of the Bengals visiting Fairley recently in his home town. While this pick is not entirely likely... this pick would sure shake up the top half of the draft as you can see by Julio Jones falling to the Rams and Jake Locker getting selected before Gabbert.

5. Arizona Cardinals:
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

6. Cleveland Browns:
A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

7. San Francisco 49ers:
Robert Quinn, OLB/DE, North Carolina

8. Tennessee Titans:
Jake Locker, QB, Washington

9. Dallas Cowboys:
Tyron Smith, OT, USC

10. Washington Redskins:
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

11. Houston Texans:
J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

12. Minnesota Vikings:
Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri

13. Detroit Lions:
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

14. St. Louis Rams:
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

15. Miami Dolphins:
Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

This is one of the most difficult selections to predict in the 2011 NFL Draft. With no second round selection and a need for a QB, they will try to trade back from the 15th pick but will find no interested teams. With no takers, the Dolphins will be forced to select their favorite quarterback in the draft in Ryan Mallett.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars:
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

17. New England Patriots (f/ OAK):
Cameron Jordan, DE, California

18. San Diego Chargers:
Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, Ohio State

19. New York Giants:
Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Da'Quan Bowers, DE/OLB, Clemson

With the recent off field troubles for Aqib Talib, many reports point to his departure from Tampa Bay organization. If this is the case, don't be surprised if the Buccaneers go with Jimmy Smith here at #20 to replace Talib's talent in the secondary.

21. Kansas City Chiefs:
Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

22. Indianapolis Colts:
Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

23. Philadelphia Eagles:
Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

24. New Orleans Saints:
Muhammad Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple

25. Seattle Seahawks:
Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

26. Baltimore Ravens:
Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky

27. Atlanta Falcons:
Mike Pouncey, G, Florida

28. New England Patriots:
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

29. Chicago Bears:
Nate Solider, OT, Colorado

30. New York Jets:
Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

31. Pittsburgh Steelers:
Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia

32. Green Bay Packers:
Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona

Last Years Mock Draft Here - Comments Below