2011 NFL Mock GM Draft

The 2011 NFL Draft is here and it should be one of the most exciting in recent memory.  Unless free-agency opens in the next 48 hours from the lockout being lifted, no team has been able to trade for or sign players yet.  Teams can't risk getting certain players in free agency or via trade will be a certainty so I suspect there will be a record number of trades in the first round as teams jockey for position.  For this mock draft I played GM for each team and chose who I would take in their position (without projecting any trades).  Don't expect Thursday night to play out like this, but for football fans it will definitely be exciting.  ( I will be tweeting throughout the draft @NFLRedzoneblog )

#1 Carolina Panthers – Marcell Dareus DT (Alabama)

Whether the rumours about Cam Newton being the pick here are true is irrelevant.  They have one pick in the first two rounds and cannot afford to miss here.  Ron Rivera has waited a long time for his first head coaching gig and would essentially be risking his job on Newton.  Dareus is a safe pick who will make an immediate impact.

#2 Denver Broncos – Patrick Peterson CB (LSU)

I would upgrade the defense with this pick and pairing Peterson with Champ Bailey would create a very dangerous secondary.  He is the consensus best player in the draft and will improve John Fox’s defense from day one.  

#3 Buffalo Bills – Von Miller OLB (Texas A&M)

Usually the hybrid player is difficult to evaluate because they didn’t play the position in college.  Miller actually did play the OLB position in the 3-4 and produced consistently in his last 2 seasons at A&M.  The Bills need a pass rusher desperately and can find a developmental QB in the second round.  I was a Miller skeptic but he has really impressed at the combine and in the lead up to the draft.

#4 Cincinnati Bengals – Ryan Mallett QB (Arkansas)

Mallett has the best arm in the draft, the height to see over the offensive line and  more experience playing from under centre.  Having never met the guy I don’t know what to take from his ‘character concerns’, but from everything I’ve read they seem to be wildly overblown.  Don’t be surprised if he is the best QB to come out of this draft class.

#5 Arizona Cardinals – AJ Green WR (Georgia)

The Cardinals will take a long, hard look at both Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert but ultimately should take Green.  Pairing him with Fitzgerald would allow Steve Breaston to move back into the slot.  The Cards would go back to having the best receiving corps in the country and can find their QB in the second round or via trade.

#6 Cleveland Browns – Robert Quinn DE (North Carolina)

The Browns are moving to a 4-3 defense and will need players to fill out their front 7.  The only other players I would consider here are Julio Jones and Nick Fairley.  I like Jones but I think it’s easier to grab a receiver in the second round than an impact DE.  Fairley would also be a nice fit here but I see Quinn as the more impactful of the two.  

#7 San Francisco 49ers – Blaine Gabbert QB (Missouri)

To me this is a no-brainer.  The 49ers have a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball.  All they are missing is a top tier quarterback.  I feel for Alex Smith because I honestly believe had he been able to sit for a few years instead of being thrown into the fire he would’ve been a better quarterback, but the reality is it’s time to move on.  Harbaugh is good with quarterbacks and Gabbert has the physical and mental skillset to flourish under his tutelage.  

#8 Tennessee Titans – Cam Newton QB (Auburn)

This makes sense on a few different levels.  The Titans have a major void at quarterback and the offensive unit is used to playing with a mobile quarterback in Vince Young.  Newton and Chris Johnson would be a very dangerous threat out of the backfield and unless the Titans are prepared to trade back up into the first round to grab a quarterback later, they need to make this pick.  At #8, the finances are a lot easier to handle than in the top 5.  

#9 Dallas Cowboys – Tyron Smith OT (USC)

I would not be surprised if the Cowboys ended up trading this pick, but this mock has no trades.  The ‘Boys need help on the offensive line if they want to keep Tony Romo healthy this year.  Smith is very athletic and powerful.  He is the top tackle in this year’s class and getting him at #9 is good value.  Prince Amukamara almost was the pick but OT is a bigger need. 

#10 Washington Redskins – Julio Jones WR (Alabama)

With no quarterback worthy of this pick, the ‘Skins fill their void at WR.  Jones tore up the combine and has really impressed leading up to the draft.  He has had some issues with dropped balls but he is definitely worthy of a top ten pick.  Shanahan will be looking to add a QB in the draft and getting Jones will help that player’s development, whoever it may be.

#11 Houston Texans – Aldon Smith DE/OLB (Missouri)

I had a really tough time deciding between Smith and Amukamara here.  I honestly think they will both turn out to be great players but the Texans have young talented players in the secondary that need time to develop.  Getting Smith will increase the pressure put on opposing QB’s which will help the pass defense immensely.  A front seven that includes Mario Williams, Brian Cushing, Demeco Ryans, Antonio Smith and Aldon Smith will be a force for years to come.

#12 Minnesota Vikings – Prince Amukamara CB (Nebraska)
The Lions will be fuming when the Vikings snatch Prince right before their eyes.  The Vikings need a lot of help in the secondary and Prince could be the #1 corner they covet.  Nick Fairley would be nice here, but they Vikes already have a 3 tech in Kevin Williams.

#13 Detroit Lions – Nick Fairley DT (Auburn)

Last year I said the Lions needed to pick a tackle and if they take Castonzo here it's a great move.  It's just that the prospect of having Nick Fairley paired with Ndamukong Suh is too good to pass up.  You can bet Fairley is upset about his draft stock falling and with last years defensive rookie of the year lining up right next to him he will have a great role model to learn from.  Suh is already one of the top 3 DT's in the league and if Fairley pans out, the Lions could have something special.

#14 St. Louis Rams – Da'Quan Bowers DE (Clemson)

Steve Spagnuolo won a Super Bowl with a pair of great defensive ends.  With the foundation in place on offence I would take a chance on a guy who was talked about as a potential #1 overall no less than 6 weeks ago.  Chris Long showed great improvement last season and would benefit from having Bowers on the other side.  

#15 Miami Dolphins – Cameron Jordan DE (California)

The Dolphins are in a tough spot at #15.  They need a quarterback and running back badly.  No quarterback left is worth the selection and it’s a little high for Mark Ingram.  I know the Dolphins took Jared Odrick last year and he should develop into a solid starter, but pairing him with Jordan is too good to pass up.  Improving their D-line will aid the development of Koa Misi and allow Cameron Wake to continue wreaking havoc.

#16 Jacksonville Jaguars – Ryan Kerrigan DE (Purdue)

The Jags have been plagued by first round busts in the last handful of years.  They have a need at QB, WR, DE, CB and S.  The best player to match those needs at #16 is Kerrigan.  He is a great pass rusher and would complete the re-tool of the defensive line.

#17 New England Patriots – JJ Watt DE (Wisconsin)

The Patriots could go with Watt or Kerrigan here, but they are weaker at DE.  Jermaine Cunningham is still a project at OLB and they can address the need with a pick later in the draft.  The Patriots have missed Richard Seymour since they traded him to the Raiders, so it’s fitting that they will use the pick they got in that trade to address the need.  Watt doesn’t have the pass rushing ability of Seymour but he is stout against the run and will be an anchor on the Pats D-line for years to come.

#18 San Diego Chargers – Marvin Austin DT (North Carolina)

The Chargers have a lot of needs on the defensive front and at WR.  No receiver is worth the 18th overall pick but Austin can play every position on the Chargers defensive line.  He fits much better in a 4-3 defence but he can start at DE and then move inside on 3rd down.  Austin is one of the most impressive physical specimens in this class.  The Chargers will have to keep him motivated and make sure they have a plan in place to keep him out of trouble off the field.

#19 New York Giants – Nate Solder OT (Colorado)

Solder is a bit of project so going to a team that can develop him will be helpful.  The Giants are the perfect fit in that sense and need to inject some youth into their offensive line.  Solder could turn out to be the best tackle in this draft and is good value at #19.

#20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jimmy Smith CB (Colorado)

Going into this offseason the Bucs had every reason to feel great about where they were heading.  Now, thanks in large part to Aqib Talib’s arrest, there is cause for concern.  During the season I wrote about Talib and how he had developed into one of the NFL’s top corners.  It has been reported that the Bucs will release him once the lockout is over.  The Bucs would’ve liked to add a pass rusher but corner is more important and Jimmy Smith is a talented player with good value at #20.

#21 Kansas City Chiefs – Phil Taylor NT (Baylor)

The Chiefs could go a few different ways with this pick.  Akeem Ayers and Mike Pouncey would both fill areas of weakness for Kansas City, but in a 3-4 defense there isn’t a more important position than NT.  Phil Taylor is the best in the draft and after him there is a big drop off in talent.  There are quality guards and OLB hybrids to be found in the 2^nd round.

#22 Indianapolis Colts – Mike Pouncey G/C (Florida)

Pouncey’s stock rises based on how successful his brother was in his first season with the Steelers.  Mike is not as good as his brother but he is close.  The Colts need help everywhere on the offensive line and although they would prefer a tackle, Pouncey will help the run game which will help Peyton restore some balance to the offensive attack.

#23 Philadelphia Eagles – Ras-I Dowling CB (Virginia)

Dowling was a consensus top 15 pick before he got injured in the 2010 NCAA season.  The Eagles found out the hard way what it’s like to play the Packers without depth at defensive back.  They need a guy to play across from Asante Samuel and Dowling can be that player.

#24 New Orleans Saints – Corey Liuget DT (Illinois)

Liuget is widely regarded as a top 20 selection and when he slides to the Saints, they will grab him.  He tested extremely well at the combine and has good tape to back it up.  The Saints don’t have a ton of holes so they take the BPA.

#25 Seattle Seahawks – Jake Locker QB (Washington)

The Seahawks biggest need is at QB and Locker is worth taking a chance on this late in the first round.  His accuracy has been called into question but he is a fierce competitor and if the Seahawks give him the chance to develop, he could become the franchise QB Seattle desperately needs.  He is also used to playing in the NorthWest weather which is something to consider.

#26 Baltimore Ravens – Bruce Carter LB (North Carolina)

Last year I thought the Ravens should take a linebacker to learn from Ray Lewis.  I think Bruce Carter can be that guy.  His knee injury dropped his stock but players bounce back a lot better from ACL tears than they used to.  Carter is versatile and could be an immediate impact player.

#27 Atlanta Falcons – Cameron Heyward DE (Ohio State)

The Falcons need someone to play opposite John Abraham.  Heyward is probably better suited as a 3-4 end but he can play end on first down and then they can move him inside on passing downs.  He doesn’t have elite pass rushing skills from the end position but he is a powerful player with a great motor.  

#28 New England Patriots – Anthony Castonzo OT (Boston College)

The Patriots are thrilled that Castonzo has slid to them at #28.  He played his college ball nearby and is probably worth a top 20 pick.  Once you get passed #20 though only Indy and Philly have significant need at OT and both of them can get better players.  Even if Matt Light is back, he is aging.  Castonzo can be brought along to replace him in a year or two.  

#29 Chicago Bears – Gabe Carimi OT (Wisconsin)

The Bears need all kinds of help on the offensive line and Carimi can step in and play right tackle from day 1.  Carimi grades out as a late first or early second round pick so there is good value here for the Bears, especially considering it is their biggest weakness.

#30 New York Jets – Akeem Ayers OLB (UCLA)

Ayers lackluster performance at the NFL combine almost dropped him out of first round consideration.  He came back and ran better times at his pro day but there are still questions about his ability to take on blocks at the point of attack.  The Jets need a player to get after the quarterback and Ayers is worth taking a chance on here.

#31 Pittsburgh Steelers – Danny Watkins OG (Baylor)

A true road grader, Watkins is the prototypical linemen for the Steelers.  He is 26 years old but he is ready to contribute.  Pairing him with last year’s first round pick Maurkice Pouncey could create a lethal tandem that will pave the way for Rashard Mendenhall.

#32 Green Bay Packers – Derrick Sherrod OT (Mississippi State)

The worst thing that can happen to a Super Bowl Championship team is that they fall in love with themselves.  Can Chad Clifton really have a repeat of last season?  The Packers still have some issues along the offensive line and keeping Rodgers healthy is priority #1.

2nd Round

#33 New England Patriots - Mark Ingram RB (Alabama)

#34 Buffalo Bills - Andy Dalton QB (TCU)

#35 Cincinnati Bengals - Rahim Moore S (UCLA)

#36 Denver Broncos - Ryan Williams RB (Virginia Tech)

#37 Cleveland Browns - Aaron Williams CB (Texas)

#38 Arizona Cardinals - Christian Ponder QB (FSU)

#39 Tennessee Titans - Adrian Clayborn DE (Iowa)

#40 Dallas Cowboys - Muhammad Wilkerson DE/DT (Temple)

#41 Washington Redskins - Mikel LeShoure RB (Illinois)

#42 Houston Texans - Stephen Paea DT (Oregon St.)

#43 Minnesota Vikings - Stefen Wisniewski OG (PSU)

#44 Detroit Lions - Ben Ijalana OT (Villanova)

#45 San Francisco - Justin Houston OLB (Georgia)

#46 Denver Broncos - Martez Wilson ILB (Illinois)

#47 St. Louis Rams - Leonard Hankerson WR (Miami)

#48 Oakland Raiders - Rodney Hudson G/C (FSU)

#49 Jacksonville Jaguars - Brandon Harris CB (Miami)

#50 San Diego Chargers - Torrey Smith WR (Maryland)

#51 Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Allen Bailey DE (Miami)

#52 New York Giants - Greg Jones LB (Michigan St.)

#53 Indianapolis Colts - Marcus Cannon OG (TCU)

#54 Philadelphia Eagles - Will Rackley OT (Lehigh)

#55 Kansas City Chiefs - Jon Baldwin WR (Pittsburgh)

#56 New Orleans Saints - Randall Cobb WR (Kentucky)

#57 Seattle Seahawks - Greg Little WR (North Carolina)

#58 Baltimore Ravens - Chris Carter OLB (Fresno St.)

#59 Atlanta Falcons - Jerrel Jernigan WR (Troy)

#60 New England Patriots - Brooks Reed OLB (Arizona)

#61 Chicago Bears - Christian Ballard DE (Iowa)

#62 San Diego Chargers - Titus Young WR (Boise St.)

#63 Pittsburgh Steelers - Curtis Brown CB (Texas)

#64 Green Bay Packers - Sam Acho OLB (Texas)

Palmer vs Brown: The Bungles Fiasco

Mike Brown, president of the Cincinnati Bengals, has created his own version of the Cuban Missile Crisis with his hardline stance regarding Carson Palmer’s future with his team.  Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few months you know that Palmer requested a trade from the Bengals indicating that a change of scenery would be best for both him and the Bengals.  Mike Brown responded by saying he would not trade the former first overall pick.  Carson cemented his stance by issuing a statement saying he would retire if the Bengals didn’t trade him.  Mike Brown then stated he wished Palmer ‘all the best’ in his retirement.  Both parties are involved in a standoff and neither seems to be willing to blink.  

Up until 2005, Palmer’s career was on a great trajectory.  He had led the Bengals to the playoffs and was emerging as one of the top five signal callers in the league.  The only explanation I have for what happened next is that he must have really pissed off the football gods.  

Starting with the 2005 playoffs, Palmer has had the good fortune of:

     - Getting his knee completely blown out and undergoing extensive surgery 

     - Suffering an injury to his throwing elbow that made him miss the majority of the 08 season

     - Being forced to play Commissioner Gordon to Batman (T.O.) and Robin (OchoCinco)

     - Having to deal with the constant boos and jeers from the Bengals ‘faithful’ without anyone in the    organization coming to his defense

Unlike most players who request a trade, Palmer has given everything he’s had to the Bengals organization for the last 7 years.  He never complained and always approached his job with a workman-like attitude.

The reality is the Bengals could receive at least a 2^nd round pick for Palmer.  Cincinnati can use all the help it can get as their roster is falling apart.  If you look at this from a pure business perspective, Mike Brown has an asset in Palmer.  The return on investment can be draft picks, or nothing if he maintains his stance of not trading him.  Brown believes it will benefit him in the long run by sending a signal to other future players that he will not yield to trade requests.  That’s great and all, but it’s also going to ensure that free agents have less incentive to sign in Cinci (if that’s even possible).

I also think Brown is drastically underestimating the power Carson has.    The reality is the Bengals need to take Carson’s retirement threat seriously and as such, will have to pick a quarterback early in this year’s draft.  If they choose one at #4 overall, the contract will be fairly steep.  If that’s the case, Palmer could show up to camp, get paid his $12 million for the year, and really put the Bengals in a salary cap bind.  There’s no rule that says Palmer has to be a model citizen to collect his money.  He could act disinterested and only work the bare minimum.  If nothing else, that would create a pretty tough environment for a rookie quarterback to learn and develop.  

The reality is, Palmer is too much of a class act to go through with the aforementioned threats. He will stick to his word and retire well before his time.  It’s a shame the Mike Brown and the Bengals don’t have the same amount of class.