Final Mock Draft, 2011
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
DE, Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
Hands down the best defensive end in the draft. Drops because arms are “too short” and various other reasons that aren’t worth paying attention to. Here’s what you need to know. The guy is awesome. He was considered a top-10 pick last year. He stayed in school (Gene-trait). He is cleared medically. There is no concern. The End.
17. New England Patriots
DE, JJ Watt, Wisconsin
Great fit. Where are the O-linemen?
18. San Diego Chargers
DE, Cameron Jordan, California
Work that 34 defense with a great talent.
19. NY Giants
OG, Mike Pouncey, Florida
The line is getting old and Pouncey is a great value here. Look for Steelers to trade to about here if Pouncey is still available.
20. Tampa Bay Bucs
DE, Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
It’s a well-known fact that the Bucs could use some help rushing the passer. Kerrigan is a fine prospect that will do just that, and then some. Kerrigan in one word: disruptor.
21. KC Chiefs
NT, Phil Taylor, Baylor
Their young and almost stellar defense needs a centerpiece. Nose tackle is what Phil Taylor was born to be. Who knows? Maybe he helps Tyson Jackson.
22. Indy Colts
LT, Nate Solder, Boston College
No explanation necessary. Talent value is around here-ish.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
DT, Marvin Austin, UNC
Top-15 talent but he got in trouble. Regardless, the Eagles get someone not named “Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado” and begin to have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. Along with one of the best defensive line coaches in Jim Washburn, formerly of the Titans.
24. Nawlins Saints
RB, Mark Ingram, Alabama
Face it, they beat up Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush is a distractor. They need a real runningback. Coincedentally, Ingram reminds me of Duece.
25. Seattle Seahawks
OT, Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
Contrary to popular belief, the Seahawks do not need a QB in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. That means they will probably trade up to get one after trading picks for their backup QB. However, I’m holding out hope that they traded picks last year with reason and that they stand to improve their line so as to not endanger Matt Hasselbeck’s life as well as help their new stalwart—RB Marshawn Lynch.
26. Baltimore Ravens
WR, Leonard Hankerson, Miami
I’m probaly wrong, but I let myself vote on this one and it makes sense. Value and Need both make sense in my world.
27. Atlanta Falcons
DE, Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson
Yes, he was still available. I don’t like him. We’re going off my scouting for this mock. Bowers was not only a one-hit wonder, his sacks were comparable to garabage time. The reason he is going this high is because he has a great motor that will make plays but he is no Pro-Bowl pass-rusher.
28. New England Patriots
LT, Derek Sherrod, Miss State
Bill Belicheck is laughing. He just got the best LT in the draft. I know that he won’t go much higher than this on a good day, that’s why he is this far down the charts.
29. Chicago Bears
DT, Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple
I love this guy. Great DT and should probably go top-20 or higher. The reason he falls is that he played lesser competition in college.
30. New York Jets
Rush-Backer (OLB in 34) Akeem Ayers, UCLA
Ayers is at his best rushing the passer. They know to let him do that, primarily. His LB experience will help in other areas of this position.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers
DT, Corey Liuget, Illinoiss
Obvoisly more talented than some players taken above here, but that happens in the draft. Liguet fell because teams had “needs”.
32. Green Bay Packers
Rush Backer, Aldon Smith, Missouri
Yeah, he really fell in my mock. I must admit, I originally had him going to San Diego at 18. Things happen. It’s the Draft….
Go Ahead, rip it up. I took risks in this on purpose. I want to win the prize.
There isn’t one, but the metaphorical crown that you get when you win the mock draft at Black and Teal.