Russ Lande: 2011 Mock Draft

[Tribal Warfare]

Never too early: A first look at the first round of the 2011 NFL draft

The 2010 NFL draft is done, and while the grades and predictions of greatness are still coming in, we've begun looking forward. Using this year's draft order, here's our first stab at next year's first round. The first pick comes from a group of eight worthy candidates.

1. St. Louis Rams: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson.
2. Detroit Lions: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina.
4. Washington Redskins: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College.
6. Seattle Seahawks: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama.
7. Cleveland Browns: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford.
8. New England Patriots (from Oakland Raiders): Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa.
9. Buffalo Bills: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ahmad Black, S, Florida.
11. Chicago Bears: Jake Locker, QB, Washington.
12. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue.
13. San Francisco 49ers: Bruce Carter, LB, North Carolina.
14. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU.
15. New York Giants: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama.
16. Tennessee Titans: Greg Jones, LB, Michigan State.
17. Carolina Panthers: Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jarriel King, OT, South Carolina.
19. Atlanta Falcons: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin.
20. Houston Texans: Mark Herzlich, LB, Boston College.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA.
22. New England Patriots: Chris Galippo, LB, USC.
23. Green Bay Packers: DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Evan Royster, RB, Penn State.
25. Baltimore Ravens: Chris Owusu, WR, Stanford.
26. Arizona Cardinals: D.J. Williams, TE, Arkansas.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina.
28. San Diego Chargers: Marcel Dareus, DE, Alabama.
29. New York Jets: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida.
31. Indianapolis Colts: Kelvin Sheppard, LB, LSU.
32. New Orleans Saints: Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State.

Note: 2010 juniors and draft-eligible sophomores are included.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

That would be great, and what I hoped for in looking at the talent in the 2011 draft. And why I wanted Okung, a center and a RT in the 2010 draft - so we could draft either the QBOTF or WR with All Pro potential in 2011 versus having to address the o-line in 2011.

The way Pioli has drafted, I can see us passing up a potential QBOTF like Mallet, Locker, Gabbert, Luck or a wideout like Green, Floyd or Jones and going with a tackle. Shit, it would only make sense at this point.

If the o-line sucks like they have over the past two seasons, the responsibility is going to be put squarely on the tackles shoulders, especially since we've upgraded the two guard positions with Lilja and Asamoah.

You thought passing on Clausen was bad? Wait until they pick a guy like Costanzo or Barksdale with their first and pass over guys like Gabbert, Green, Locker, Jones, etc.

I'm sorry Sac but you're out of your ****ing mind.

Scott Pioli is NOT going to spend a Top Ten pick on an offensive lineman when game changing impact players are available.

Right now, two very good left tackles are available for a 2nd or even a 3rd (Gaither & Brown). IF Albert shits the bed in training camp and pre-season (which is extremely unlikely), Pioli will be on the horn trading for one of those guys. He's not going to spend $50 million dollars on a left tackle.

As for right tackle, he's very happy with O'Callaghan and has said as such. O'C should improve from last year and he played much better with Wade Smith at his side. I'd expect that to continue, whether it be Brown or Lilja. If not, it'll be addressed with a 4th round pick next year.

In a zone blocking scheme, centers are a dime a dozen. They don't need a Maurkice Pouncey. I wouldn't be surprised if they already have someone in mind to play center, such as Daryl Harris.

You need to chill out with all of this "Gloom and Doom" about the offensive line.

[the Talking Can]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

That would be great, and what I hoped for in looking at the talent in the 2011 draft. And why I wanted Okung, a center and a RT in the 2010 draft - so we could draft either the QBOTF or WR with All Pro potential in 2011 versus having to address the o-line in 2011.

The way Pioli has drafted, I can see us passing up a potential QBOTF like Mallet, Locker, Gabbert, Luck or a wideout like Green, Floyd or Jones and going with a tackle. Shit, it would only make sense at this point.

If the o-line sucks like they have over the past two seasons, the responsibility is going to be put squarely on the tackles shoulders, especially since we've upgraded the two guard positions with Lilja and Asamoah.

You thought passing on Clausen was bad? Wait until they pick a guy like Costanzo or Barksdale with their first and pass over guys like Gabbert, Green, Locker, Jones, etc.

passing on any of those players for an OL would be reeruned....as bad as pioli can be, i think even he understands that....he took the talent of Berry over okung, thank christ...and safety is much less important than QB


you don't pass over QBs for OL....it's mind bendingly stupid to even consider it

but we will, because pioli isn't going to give up on Cassel next year...which means we have to pray he takes a WR over OL...

['Hamas' Jenkins]

We are not drafting a QB in the first round. Pioli will never admit that he made a mistake with Cassel.

If we suck next year, he'll just get him another WR or a LT in the first.

[ChiefsCountry]

Damn next year has too many stud WRs, this should be the year of adding the luxury toys to the team.

[keg in kc]

If we don't draft a QB in the first round, it's probably because that "school" of drafting just doesn't do it, regardless of Cassel's performance in 2010.

But I'll hope we do it (regardless of Cassel's performance in 2010) until the day that we don't.

Drafting Berry at 5 doesn't fit their M.O. either, so maybe...

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I'm sorry Sac but you're out of your ****ing mind.

That's completely possible. I've been feeling a little detached of late.

Scott Pioli is NOT going to spend a Top Ten pick on an offensive lineman when game changing impact players are available.

By passing on Okung, I think this can be carved into the stone tablets that outline Pioli's concepts on drafting. If he passed on Okung, he'll pass on just about everyone at that position, and from his days in NE, they never really drafted OL that high.

Right now, two very good left tackles are available for a 2nd or even a 3rd (Gaither & Brown). IF Albert shits the bed in training camp and pre-season (which is extremely unlikely), Pioli will be on the horn trading for one of those guys. He's not going to spend $50 million dollars on a left tackle.

I agree. And with the drafting of Asamoah, it looks like he's going to roll with Albert regardless.

As for right tackle, he's very happy with O'Callaghan and has said as such. O'C should improve from last year and he played much better with Wade Smith at his side. I'd expect that to continue, whether it be Brown or Lilja. If not, it'll be addressed with a 4th round pick next year.

I think he's high, but it's obviously what he thinks. His selections haven't shown much emphasis on the offensive line so far to date and it looks like he is happy trying to shore it up with UDFA's, veteran FA's and the like.

In a zone blocking scheme, centers are a dime a dozen. They don't need a Maurkice Pouncey. I wouldn't be surprised if they already have someone in mind to play center, such as Daryl Harris.

I agree, but I think that they pissed away a golden opportunity to get a very high quality player that fit in the scheme in Matt Tennant. Depending on what they do with Waters, I wouldn't be surprised to see Lilja at the center position.

You need to chill out with all of this "Gloom and Doom" about the offensive line.

It's not necessarily doom and gloom, but rather a conceptualization on how some people think a good team is built. I wasn't really thrilled about his free agent acquisitions on the offensive line and don't think that anything has really been addressed in terms of getting better edge protection for Cassel, who I think needs good protection due to his tendency to run out a play.

I'm just going on what I've seen out of the unit the past two seasons, which has been some of the worst offensive line play I've ever seen at the NFL level.

[Nightfyre]

My 2011 QB Rankings thusfar (based purely on limited youtube footage):
1) Luck
Luck seems to be able to throw from a multitude of angles. He can get the ball out quickly, on the run, to either side. His throwing motion is compact and he has a lightning fast release when he wants to. He can put touch on the ball or put it on a frozen rope. From the limited footage i've seen, he's far and away the most accurate of these three.

2) Mallett
Mallett needs ONE thing: consistency in his throwing motion. He can and does use a nice compact throwing motion, again with a quick release. However, he can also do a wind up (particularly when he tries to put some mustard on it) that will result in strips at the next level. He is much more accurate from the compact throwing motion. His footwork needs a little work as well, but that is far secondary to straightening out that throwing motion.

3) Locker
Locker has goofy footwork. His throwing motion also seems to take forever. maybe that's just me. He is also substantially less accurate than Luck. A number of times I saw his receiver had to make major adjustments to catch the ball, even when wide open. Locker will also get killed at the next level if he runs like he does at this level.

Just my initial takes, subject to change as I gather more info over the course of the year.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

sigh.

We should just take Locker at 5...............

[Coogs]

McShay jumps in the OT derby...

I am told it's not too early to "mock it up" for the 2011 draft. That's debatable. What's not debatable is the deadline for this project. So here goes:

Notes: Selection order is based solely off of power rankings courtesy of Scouts Inc.'s Jeremy Green and Matt Williamson.


* denotes underclassman





Buffalo Bills


Andrew Luck*, QB, Stanford Only a third-year sophomore this fall but coach Jim Harbaugh has Luck on the fast track mechanically and mentally. Luck has prototypical size (6-foot-4, 235 pounds) and is an underrated athlete. More importantly, he has a smooth over-the-top delivery, a strong arm and great touch as a passer. Better decisions while gaining more game experience could put Luck in position to become the top player taken in the draft -- either in 2011 or 2012.

St. Louis Rams


Marcell Dareus*, DT, Alabama After taking QB Sam Bradford with the top overall pick in 2010, the Rams go back to the well with another first-round defensive lineman in Dareus, who is a remarkable athlete for his size (6-4, 296 pounds).



Kansas City Chiefs


Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College The Chiefs target a bookend starter opposite OT Branden Albert. Castonzo has the long arms, lateral agility and balance to emerge as a top-shelf left tackle prospect next year.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers


Adrian Clayborn, DE, IowaThe Bucs continue to overhaul their defensive line via the draft. Clayborn could team up with the young defensive tackle tandem of Gerald McCoy (pick No. 3 this year) and Brian Price (pick No. 35) to give Tampa Bay one of the youngest, most talented defensive fronts in the NFL.


Cleveland Browns


Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio StateHeyward is a local product with the size, power and quickness to give the Browns' base 3-4 defensive front more scheme flexibility.

[Chris Meck]

Nobody was more vocal than I about fixing the offensive (uh-fensive) line. That being said, we added a a couple of guys in Lilja and Wiegmann that will be helpful. Albert I have been a proponent of and feel the struggles early last year were due to scheme change and weight restriction. You've also got two or three project guys in their 2nd or 3rd seasons. You know you can line up Albert, Waters, Wiegmann, Lilja and be at least average. Asamoah will probably push one of those guys out, too.

I think you've got to be pleased with how the line has been addressed.

[Nightfyre]

I really like luck. i know I said that once. I hope we get him next year. I think his mobility in combination with his ability to throw on the run as well as he does standing still makes him an amazing and unique prospect.

[Nightfyre]

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

I want Andrew Luck and will use multiple picks to get him.

Holy god. I am agreeing with Chiefnj on something football related. My head is spinning.

[milkman]

Every mock draft from now to about 2025 will have the Cheifs taking a LT, as a need.

After he retires, the following mock drafts will say that the Chiefs need a LT, something they haven't needed because Albert manned the position productively for years.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by milkman

Every mock draft from now to about 2025 will have the Cheifs taking a LT, as a need.

After he retires, the following mock drafts will say that the Chiefs need a LT, something they haven't needed because Albert manned the position productively for years.

I'd say something about Albert being less than productive for his first two years at LT, but it would fall on deaf ears.

It's amazing that after watching the team the past two seasons that some people are actually okay with the line play.

At least we got playmakers this last draft. If our line ends up giving up a huge amount of sacks, pressures, hits and penalties, then at least we know that it's not the "skill" positions fault.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I wouldn't be surprised if they already have someone in mind to play center, such as Daryl Harris.

Pioli has mentioned several times that Asamoah may be able to play center. I'm betting that they try him out there.