2011 NFL Draft: Picks 11-32
If you missed out, I did the top-10 here with a piece solely on Gabbert saved for later. Let the suspense build. Without further adeu, picks 11-32.
11. Houston Texans–JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin (pictured above with Commisioner Goodell)
Houston has just gotten one of the best players in the draft. Watt can crush offensive lineman. A major help at shutting down the run and getting at the QB, even from the new 34, Watt will be a long-time fixture. The only problem seems to be that they have 3 starting DE’s and no proven NT. Too much talent–a great situation.
12. MN Vikings–Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
I was not very high on Ponder and even went as far as to call him a back-up due to his floating passes. Let’s hope it works out for the Vikings. Ponder is a great leader and will no doubt put in the work on and off the field (film room) to win. Look for RB Adrian Peterson to lead fantasy football again this year.
13. Detriot Lions–Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn (pictured)
The Lions are slowly becoming one of my favorite teams due to their drafting. Stafford is a top-8 QB when healthy (key words there). WR Calvin Johnson is top-3, TE Brandon Pettigrew might be top-3 TE at both aspects (blocking and receiving), and then Suh–I think you know that rookie pro bowl DT phenom. Now, they take a guy that could’ve gone first overall and place him next Suh….scary!
14. St. Louis Rams–Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
I love it. Chris Long is no Hall of Famer but he has really come along and if you can get pressure from the other end, then you can free Long up, at least on occasion. This could get really interesting as their DT play had more production due to the acquisition of DT Fred Robbins last season (NY Giants).
15. Miami Dolphins–Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
This could be a great pick. The ceiling is that his twin brother made the Pro-Bowl as a rookie center for the Steelers last season. The problem is that he is a guard who may be asked to play center. There is no tellin how many times he made the “not top-10” plays on sportscenter as a center. He couldn’t snap well. He’s a great guard, make no mistake about it. Let’s just hope Miami plays him at center when he plays the Jags.
16. Washington Redskins–Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
A great guy, great football player at Purdue and another project. Any time that you take a college DE and ask them to stand up in the NFL, it becomes a little risky. More than likely this will work out due to Kerrigan’s work ethic. If it pans out, Washington could’ve just gotten great at rush-backer with Brian Orakpo on the other side.
17. New England Patriots–Nate Solder, LT, Colorado
One of the top left tackles in the draft, Solder should come in smiling. He enters a great situation: protecting Tom Brady. That is an honor of the highest sorts for a lineman. Solder should work out here and if he doesn’t then the Pats can just play Sebastian Vollmer. Vollmer will likely play right tackle, but he is great in a pinch.
18. San Diego Chargers–Corey Liuget, DL, Illinois (pictured)
Liuget is disruptive and will most likely play end in San Diego’s 34 defense. I was not as high on Liguet as others were. San Diego tends to target positions and certain players in that certain position in the first round rather than take the best available talent. If they wanted this position, I would’ve thrown up DT Muhammed Wilkerson that went to the Jets. It will be interesting to see who works better.
19. New York Giants–Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
I still don’t understand why it took so long for this guy to come off the board. Search the internet. Some people had Amukamara rated above Patrick Peterson (a little crazy). I’ll admit I didn’t study the corners too much. I may have seen 5 minutes on Amukamara this off-season, plus a game last season. He seemed great to me and it made sense that he was Mayocks’ #7 player overall (pretty sure that’s right). Regardless, Giants got a good talent…or so it seems. Any time a player drops this much, it makes me wonder what I don’t know….like with Gabbert.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers–Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
They got my guy! I’ll admit, I’m in love with what Adrian Clayborn brings to a football team: Great pass rush, strength against the run, and most of all–heart. No, I’m not referencing Captain American. Clayborn is that “heart of the team” type guy. It’s rare to have a good guy that also displays that much heart and backs it up on the field. Think former Jag Mike Peterson. It’s too bad we dont’ have him, but he’ll be fun to watch on the 1 o clock game when the Jaguars have one of THREE primetime games!