Full Mock Draft v1

Editor's Note: Excellent mock draft! --bbs

I'm planning to extend this to two round, in v2, and three rounds in v3, and so on if I get enough rec's on this one. I'm trying to get a full, 7-round mock before the actual draft but lets face it, I'm not an expert on all the NFL teams, and I need time to research and procrastinate. Actually, I'm not even an expert at one, so with that and the fact that this is my first full mock draft ever, lets be gentle with the comments. Pretty please?

Yes, I know there will be trades, but trades are practically impossible to predict on mock drafts, so I'll shy away from them completely. Also, I welcome any suggestions for bad picks so feel free to offer constructive criticism.

Round 1:

1. Carolina Panthers

Marcell Dareus, DE/DT/NT, Alabama
Height: 6-3. Weight: 319.

Although many may argue that Carolina also needs a quarterback, heres my counter. Jimmy Clausen still has upside, and time to develop. Although he had an atrocious rookie season, he also had a horrible offensive line, a rather mediocre running game and recievers with a case of the dropsies. Also, there aren't any quarterbacks that are deserving of a number one spot, and since the Panthers hired Ron Rivera, they are most likely to run a 3-4 scheme next season. They need players on the front 7, and Dareus has the speed, strength, size, technique, and versatility to play both 3-4 DE and NT (he still has to bulk up alittle for NT).

2. Denver Broncos

Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Height: 6-3. Weight: 280.

This may be a slight reach here, since Da'Quan Bower's draft stock took a major drop after his knee injury, but Bowers is still elite player. Although Nick Fairley or Patrick Peterson may have bigger talent, Da'Quan Bowers fills a bigger need. The Broncos are officially changing back to the 4-3 scheme after Bill Belichick disciple, Josh McDaniels was fired. Although the draft is incredibly deep at cornerbacks and defense tackles, it isn't as deep with defensive ends, and with two early second round picks, they could target DT and CB later. Da'Quan Bowers would be able to bring that additional pressure opposite of Elvis Dumerville, and with an addition of another DT later in the draft, would make the Broncos D-Line, one of the best 4-3 defensive lines in football.

3. Buffalo Bills

Nick Fairley, DE/DT, Auburn
Height: 6-4. Weight: 297.

The Buffalo Bills is the team that makes an incredibly strange draft pick that always screws up people's draft boards (ie: drafting CJ Spiller while they had two good runningbacks in Fred Jackson and Marshall Lynch). However, if they ever want to return to the dynasty that good ol' Bill Polian once made them, they cannot afford to waste this pick. There is almost no talent in Buffalos front 7, aside from Kyle Williams, and Nick Fairley has the strength and speed needed to succeed in their scheme.

4. Cinncinati Bengals

A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Height: 6-4. Weight: 211.

The concensus pick for the Bengals. Carson Palmer has threatened to retire if he wasn't traded, and the Bengals Owner, Mike Brown, has refused to meet his request. However, no one can blame him for wanting to leave with his two super star pain in the ass recievers in Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco Johnson. Palmer had a great game against the chargers (i think) when both TO and CO were injured. Taking Green (who is seen as the next Larry Fitzgerald) would provide Palmer with a new toy that would allow TO to be released and would lesson CO's role in the offense, which would both satisfy Palmer and the team in general. Green has the hands, size, speed, and strength to be a true number one reciever.

5.  Arizona Cardinals

Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Height: 6-3. Weight: 246.

Although the Cardinals may have greater needs such as quarterback, they are still in desperate need of a 3-4 OLB that can generate constant pressure. And since there arent any quarterbacks worth the #5 pick, Miller gets the thumbs up. Von Miller has the ability to both rush the passer and play coverage, and he does both well, and would immediately increase the Card's pass rush and make the secondary look better by making opposing quarterbacks get rid of the ball faster.

6. Cleveland Browns

Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
Height: 6-4. Weight: 265.

Although the Browns have more pressing needs at WR, I don't see AJ Green dropping this far and Julio Jones seems to be a bit of a reach at this point. However, with the Browns changing back from 3-4 defense to a 4-3 scheme, they are in need of defensive ends that can rush the passer, and since they recently cut Shaun Rogers, their defensive line seems to be a mess right now. Quinn is a great pass-rusher than would immediately improve the status of their 4-3 line.

7. San Francisco 49ers

Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Height: 6-0. Weight: 218. 

Somehow, the best player in the draft dropped to the 49ers, but the niners should be grateful. Nate Clements is aging, and there isn't any depth behind corner after him. Peterson is seen as the second coming of Deion "Primetime" Sanders, who regularly shut down recievers while returning punt son fourth down. Peterson is a freakish athlete that has a sub 4.4 fourty yard dash, and is a explosive punt returner, that also can shut down a target and force the opposing quarterbacks to completely ignore the reciever. Drafting Peterson would dramasticly and immediately improve the 49er's defense.

8. Tennesse Titans

Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn
Height: 6-5. Weight: 244.

Vince Young is out, Kerry Collins isn't starting material, and Bud Adams likes his mobile quarterbacks. Oh look Cam Newton is avaliable! Although Blaine Gabbert seems to be a more pro-ready quarterback, Newton seems to fit the Titan's offense more. Although he is said to have character concerns, Its not like the Titans havent had a immature quarterback. However he slightly makes up for it with his mobility and the fact that he is hard to bring down (think Roethisberger + Vick), and makes decently accurate throws. The Titans have all the weapons, they just need someone to wield them. Many, including myself, believe Newton may become the Titan's new gunslinger.

9. Dallas Cowboys

Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
Height: 6-0. Weight: 205.

Although the Cowboys desperately need an answer at offensive line, no one in the 2011 Offensive-line class deserves such an early pick. I would look for the Cowboys to trade down, but another good choice would be Amukamara. Terrence Newman, the Cowboys number one corner, is starting to slow down due to his age. In fact, the entire Cowboys secondary seemingly needs to be replaced. Amukamara is a shutdown corner, that is considered the best run-support cornerback in this draft, and is also considered to have the coolest name in this years draft. Drafting Amukamara, will allow him to play the spot opposite of Newman and eventually take over Newman's position, and he should immediately improve the Cowboys' secondary.

10. Washington Redskins

Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Height: 6-3. Weight: 220.

The Redskins' primary concern this off-season will be their quarterback. Blaine Gabbert should be avaliable but they'll pass on him and fill another need in reciever, while getting an overall better football player. Santana Moss is scheduled to hit free agency, whilst the other recievers are no-name, inconsistant recievers. Jones has good hands, great route running skills, and the speed required to play in virtually any offensive scheme in the NFL.

11. Houston Texans

Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
Height: 6-4. Weight: 263.

The Texans recently hired the other Texas team's head coach, Wade Phillips. By hiring him, they brought along his 3-4 scheme, and therefore must accustom to it over this off-season, and although they desperately need safeties, cornerbacks, a number 2 reciever, DEs, and NT, Aldon Smith's talent is too good to pass up and there aren't any safeties, corners, recievers or NTs worth this pick. Smith should be able to provide addition pressure opposite of Mario Williams.

12. Minnesota Vikings

Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
Height: 6-4. Weight: 234.

The Vikings are finally done with all the Brett Farve drama, and need to turn over another leaf (just not a Ryan Leaf, who was even worse than Favre). Although they have additional needs on the secondary, defensive line, offensive line and reciever, they need to start at the beginning, and take the best quarterback in this draft. Gabbert is incredibly accurate, as shown in his combine and pro day and should be able to fit in the Vikings system. He may be inexperienced in a pro system since he worked in a spread offense in college, but since the Vikings are a run-heavy team, he should have time to develop and Adrian Peterson should take some of the pressure of him.

13. Detroit Lions

Tyron Smith, OT, USC
Height: 6-5. Weight: 307.

I expect the Lions to trade down and take a cornerback (I'm thinking Jimmy Smith). However, with Mathew Stafford's seemingly glass shoulder, the Lions need to protect their star investment. Although Smith may not have the best technique, he has the most upside and physical talent of this year's offensive tackles, and should be able to contribuite at Right Tackle. Although he may not have experience at LT, he can develop and slide over later in his NFL Career.

14.  St. Louis Rams

Cameron Jordan, DT, California
Height: 6-4. Weight: 286.

Although they need to find new weapons to develop Sam Bradford with, the only true number one recievers in Julio Jones and AJ Green have already been selected. So, they must look at another option.  By opting to take Sam Bradford over Ndamukong Suh in the 2010 NFL Draft, they ignored a huge need in DT. To continue with their seemingly successful rebuilding process, they will need to fill a gaping hole in their defense. Jordan is a prototypical 3-4 DE. However, the Rams run a 4-3. Luckily, Jordan has the skill-set to play a 1-tech DT as well. He is stout against the run, and although he doesnt offer too much in the pass-rushing department, he is too good of a player to pass up on.

15. Miami Dolphins

Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Height: 5-9. Weight: 215.

The consensus pick for the Dolphins. Ricky Williams is far too old, and Ronnie Brown doesnt have much more left. Whats worse is, both of them are scheduled to hit free agency this off-season. Adding a player like Ingram will instantly re-vitalize the running game as well as the passing game, since Ingram is a great reciever. He also has great ball security and will rarely fumble. The only thing he has to improve on, is his pass-protection which is already decent.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars

Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Height: 6-4. Weight: 274.

Simply put, you can't beat the best quarterback in the league if you can't pressure him. The Jaguars were dead last in the league with sacks, and Ryan Kerrigan is the best fit for this hybrid 4-3, 3-4 team. Kerrigan is both a 4-3 DE and a 3-4 OLB and would immediately help bring more pressure to opposing offensive lines. Jacksonville has already expressed interest in him, and he is also good at run-support, and when you play against Chris Johnson and Arian Foster twice a year, that makes all of the difference.

17. New England Patriots (via Oakland)

Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
Height: 6-7. Weight: 311.

Although they have pressing needs in their secondary, outside linebackers and DE, they are in great need for a quality offensive lineman. Stephen Neal has just announced his retirement, and Matt Light is headed for free agency, as well as Logan Mankins being unhappy in New England. Costanzo is a great pass protector, but is a sub-par run blocker. However, I believe he will thrive in New England's pass happy offense.

18. San Diego Chargers

J.J. Watt, DE/DT, Wisconsin
Height: 6-5. Weight: 290.

Watt to the Bolts? A classic pun that cannot be passed up on. The chargers have pressing needs at NT, OLB, WR and OL as well, but Watt is the type of talent you absolutely cannot pass on. Watt offers both run-stuffing and pass-rushing abilities, and would fit perfectly in San Diegos 3-4 scheme. Drafting Watt would make the great Chargers defense even better, which will be a headache to quarterbacks everywhere, especially Peyton Manning.

19. New York Giants

Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Height: 6-7. Weight: 314.

The Giants are virtually stacked in every position besides their offensive line, runningback and OLB. Although the Giant's offensive line is talented, but once again, with talent comes experience and with experience comes age, and the problem with the Giants o-line is exactly that, age. Carimi is a mauler in the running game but leaves alot to be desired when it comes to pass-protection. However, drafting Carimi would immediately improve the Giants once vaunted rushing attack. Also, imagine how many less picks Eli Manning would have thrown, if he had a franchise LT or even an RT, which Carimi could be.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Height: 6-3. Weight: 278.

Although recently charged, and convicted of assulting a cab driver, players of Clayborn's caliber don't come too often. The Buccaneers found their starting DTs' in last years draft, and will look to find their starting DEs' in this years draft. Clayborn is effective against the run and the pass, although he still needs to develop his pass-rushing moves, and would ift perfectly in Tampa's cover-2 scheme.

21. Kansas City Chiefs

Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor
Height: 6-3. Weight: 334.

Although the Chiefs are desperate for a WR, there aren't any right now worth the 21st pick. They also need an OT, but their need for a franchise NT is more pressing. The last time Scott Pioli took a NT in the draft, he drafted the giant blob of frustration for offensive lines that is Vince Wilfork. Taylor has the strength, and size to play NT and has surprisingly good speed for his size. Since NT is argueably the most important positions for a 3-4 team, expect Taylor to be high on the Chief's draft board.

22. Indianapolis Colts

Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
Height: 6-6. Weight: 311.

Charlie Johnson isn't the franchise left tackle that Peyton Manning deserves in the twilight years of his career. However, Sherrod could be. Sherrod is a great pass protector and a decent run-blocker. He seems to be the perfect pick, as he is a better run-blocker than Costanzo, a better pass-protector than Carimi and have far better technique and experience than both Solder and Tyron. The Colts have already shown interest in Sherrod, and by drafting him, the Colts could move Charlie Johnson back to Left Guard, which would instantly improve the Colt's offensive-line.

23. Philadelphia Eagles

Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
Height: 6-2. Weight: 210. 

The Eagle's cornerback situation is just a mess. Asante Samual is old, Elis Hobbs has just retired, Dimitri Patterson isn't starting material and is headed to free agency, and Trevard Lindley is still an experimental nickle corner and needs to be replaced. Smith is a talented shutdown corner that can jam a reciever at the line, play solid man-coverage and provide run support. With Philly's blitz-heavy defensive scheme, they need as many elite corner backs as possible.

24. New Orleans Saints

Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Height: 6-3. Weight: 254.

Although the Saints have big needs on the defensive line, they also have big question marks on their outside linebackers. However, the Saints have already signed Shaun Rogers out of free agency, which solved a short term problem at defensive tackle, and with such a deep defensive line class, they could take another pass-rusher later in the draft. With starters Scott Shanle and Danny Clark headed to free agency along with backups Marvin Mitchell and Kawika Mitchell, there is also a gaping hole at OLB. Ayers is good in coverage, solid against the run and is a serviceable pass rusher, although he doesnt possess elite physical talent, he would still be a perfect match for the Saints.

25. Seattle Seahawks

Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 229.

The Seahawks desperately need a quarterback among other things. Although Ponder is a slight reach, he would benefit by playing in Pete Carrol's west-coast passing offense. Assuming that Matt Hasselbeck or another veteran is given a short-term contract, Ponder would be given the opportunity to develop for a season or two before filling in for Hasselbeck's role as the signal caller.

26. Baltimore Ravens

Justin Houston, DE, Georgia
Height: 6-3. Weight: 267.

The Ravens have several issues on both sides of the field that they need to fill. 75% of their CB core is under free agency, but that isn't a primary concern due to the concensus agreement that most of them will return. They also need a future replacement in Ed Reed and Ray Lewis, as well as an OT to replace Jared Gaither. Although their defensive line is one of the best in football, the Ravens need another pass rusher besides Terrell Suggs, and Justin Houston would be a perfect fit for the them. Houston still needs to develope his coverage abilities, but he plays both the pass and the run very solidly.

27. Atlanta Falcons

Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
Height: 5-10. Weight: 191.

The Falcons were solid in most aspects of the game, but had an atrocious secondary. Although they still need another WR to play opposite of Roddy White, and a DE to complement/replace John Abraham, none are worth the pick and offer the talent that Harris does. Harris, although undersized, is still a shutdown corner with respectable speed that is reliable in run support.

28. New England Patriots

Muhammed Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple
Height: 6-4. Weight: 308.

For a team that has 6 draft picks in the first 3 rounds, the team played like a truely complete team this season. However, for a team known for their defensive steadiness, they ranked almost dead last on defending the pass. However, no CBs are worth this pick, and they still have a gaping hole left from Richard Seymore's trade at DE. Muhammed Wilkerson offers both run-stuffing and pass-rushing abilities, and would fit Bill Belichick's 3-4 scheme perfectly. Selecting Wilkerson would immediately improve an already great team.

29. Chicago Bears

Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
Height: 6-5. Weight: 303.

The Bears might just have the worst offensive-line in football. Although Solder will still be avaliable, the Bears need help NOW and cannot afford to miss out by selecting a project. Pouncey has the needed speed and strength to play in virtually any scheme, and if hes anything like his brother, Maurkice Pouncey who made the Pro Bowl in his rookie season, Mike should be a great, solid player as well. Now that the Bears have re-established their solid (yet aging) defense, its now time to work on their offense.

30. New York Jets

Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona
Height: 6-3. Weight: 263.

The Jets have a plethora of free agents headed to the market this season, and they'll be expected to release a few of them or face salary-cap hell (assuming there is a Salary Cap / CBA). Although known for their defensive toughness, they have several positions that they need to replace VIA draft. Rush linebacker is one of them, and Reed has the potential to be a great one in this league. Rex Ryan could also go for a 3-4 end, a safety or a WR.

31. Pittsburgh Steeler

Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Height: 6-8. Weight: 307.

I'm not much of a Solder fan, which is why he dropped all the way to the bottom of the 1st. Solder is purely a project but he has the speed and raw strength to play in virtually any scheme. However, the Steelers desperately need to protect Ben Roethlisberger, and Solder is too talented to pass up on this late in the draft. Solder can pass protect, run block and has the versatility to block in all of the Steelers running schemes, including their wildcat offense.

32. Green Bay Packers

Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
Height: 6-2. Weight: 298.

Although the Packers need another rush-linebacker, a wideout and offensive line players, there arent any worth this pick. So, the Packers will look to improve the defensive line. However, Liuget isn't a true 3-4 End, due to his lack of ideal body frame, but Liugets pass-rushing and run-stuffing abilities will be too much for the Packers to pass up on. Also, even though Cameron Heyward is avaliable, Liuget offers more over-all talent and consistancy than him, and could end up being the next Jay Ratliff.

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Well thats my mock, suggestions and possible improvements will be gladly accepted and used.

as always, go Colts, and a rec is always appreciated (considering I spent over 9 hours researching other mocks and looking at every single frickin SB Nation to find team needs, show some love)

PS: Sorry to not have posted anything in a while, I've been busy with alot of other stuff. I'll try to be more active but no promises.

PSS: Sorry for all the spelling mistakes and stuff. I didn't feel like proofreading a 3500 word draft..