2011 NFL Mock Draft, Version 2.0

As is often the case in the world of mock drafts, much has changed in the past week. As a result the blogosphere is saturated with ever-changing opinions and prognostications in advance of the annual NFL draft, most of those coming from sources who publish weekly and even daily "state of the union" assessments.

In the past, I personally submitted my mock draft to this site and, in turn, into public record, earlier than most and my reputation as a viable resource for mock draft enlightenment has suffered accordingly.

This season, based in no small part to the lack of interesting off-season football-related information to capture my attention, I have decided to provide an updated version of my own mock draft in hopes of a) providing you, the readers, with more current information for your reading pleasure in the week leading into the actual draft and b) providing myself an opportunity to actually top Mr. Joshua Duffy in a man-to-man battle of halfwits who think they know more than the average fan and, more importantly, are afforded the space on this site to share our views with a not-so-doting public.

As always, my draft does include potential trade scenarios. As an added "bonus" (or risk, since it is my skills of deduction being put to the test here), I have included rounds two and three in this particular mock. In the spirit of saving space and, in turn, your time in reading this article, I have only provided an explanation of picks in the first round.

As you will see, and as was alluded to in the opening paragraph, much has changed in this version from my previous posting on this very site. For any of you that follow mock drafts, this should come as no surprise, rather, it is a byproduct of this draft enthusiast having access to more current information (or mis-information, as is often the case come draft time). With no further ado, I present my official mock draft for your consumption and, in the case of one Josh Duffy, for your rebuttal pleasure.

Round One

1. Carolina Panthers — QB Cameron Newton, Auburn — I have been talking myself out of this for about six weeks now, but, with the draft less than a day away, I can listen to myself no longer. While it makes ZERO sense for me to draft a development QB on a team desperate for impact players all over, it is what it is.

2. Denver Broncos — LB Von Miller, Texas A&M — Denver needs a play-making linebacker to anchor a defense that had more holes in it than a Japanese nuclear plant (okay, that was uncalled for, but I'm just saying) and Mr. Miller is exactly that.

3. Buffalo Bills — DL Marcel Dareus, Missouri — Dareus is a steal here (and may well go 2nd to Denver, which would net Buffalo the equally appealing Von Miller) and Buffalo's brass will be happy to have an impact d-lineman on board.

4. Cincinnati Bengals — WR A.J. Green, Georgia — Yes, those of you who commented on my previous inclination that Cincy would look at drafting LSU DB Patrick Peterson here, this is a partial nod to your diligence. The bottom line is this pick makes too much sense not to happen. There is still a shot that the Bengals go QB here, but I'd put those chances at slim.

5. Arizona Cardinals — CB Patrick Peterson, LSU — For my money, Peterson is the top guy in this draft. The Cardinals will certainly take a shut-down type cornerback to help combat the fast-paced short passing strategies that their divisional rivals showcase.

6. Cleveland Browns — DE/OLB Robert Quinn, UNC — I suspect, quite strongly I would add, that Quinn is the guy the Browns have been coveting since late February. Julio Jones is a possibility as well.

7. San Francisco 49ers — QB Blaine Gabbert, Missouri — Gabbert is a wise pick for the Niners, even with a plethora of other holes - particularly at CB - to fill. A trade down (with, say, the Minnesota Vikings) is also a possibility here, which would allow the Niners to grab either Nebraska's Prince Amukamara or Colorado's Jimmy Smith in more "sensible" territory, but nabbing a promising QB for a team with only David Carr officially under contract isn't a bad plan B.

8. Tennessee Titans — DT Nick Fairley, Auburn — Though it may create a riot in Nashville, Cam Newton does not make sense here. The Titans (technically) have a star college dual threat QB on their roster (sort of) that reportedly has a tough time understanding the complexity of the pro offense ... why would they draft another? Fairley, though clearly facing a great deal of doubt about his prospects as an NFL player, has the advantage in Tennessee of familiarity, as his collegiate defensive line coach (Tracy Rocker) is now an assistant with the Titans.

9. Dallas Cowboys — CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska — While many have USC OT Tyron Smith penciled in as the Cowboys' first round selection, it is sounding more and more like Dallas is really wanting to make a selection that nets them a start-ready prospect, which Amukamara is.

10. ST. LOUIS RAMS (via trade with Washington) — WR Julio Jones, Alabama — Washington is looking to be active this draft and St. Louis has made no secret over their desire to bring Alabama WR Julio Jones into QB Sam Bradshaw's arsenal.

11. Houston Texans — DE/OLB Aldon Smith, Missouri — Slim pickings for Houston with many of their "preferred" options now off the board. Smith makes for a nice edge rusher in new Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillip's 3-4 scheme. While half of me is pretty sure (like 98% sure) that the bumbling Houston front office will somehow screw this pick up, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt this one last time in calling Smith as their guy.

12. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (via trade with Minnesota) — DE Cameron Jordan, California — Jordan has been a player that the Chargers have had their eye on for the better part of a year. He fits their style well and, as an added bonus, played his career at nearby Cal, so you know their scouts are familiar with him. All indications and rumblings are that Jordan is a player the Chargers front office is very high on and which some extra picks to play with, this is a sensible move for San Diego.

13. Detroit Lions — OT Tyron Smith, USC — No team in the top fifteen will be happier to know that Dallas passed on Smith than the Lions. While Detroit could use some help on defense to help solidify an emerging strength, there is an absolute need to build up a better, more athletic offensive line to protect QB Matthew Stafford as he looks to return from a second devastating shoulder injury in as many years. Smith is a great prospect that, while requiring some developmental time, should be a viable player for them early on in his career.

14. WASHINGTON REDSKINS (via trade with St. Louis) — QB Jake Locker, Washington — Locker's name has been thrown around as an option for the Redsksins since early this draft season, and I see no reason to believe their front office has cooled on him yet.

15. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (via trade with Miami) — DE Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson — In need of a hell-raising edge rusher, look for Philly to make a move into the top fifteen to grab Quinn, who's stock has taken a late hit due to health concerns.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars — DE Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue — Setting the edge has been nothing more than an interesting theory in regards to Jacksonville's defense in recent years. Kerrigan is one of several quality "edge-setters" and is a nice, safe, effective pick.

17. New England Patriots — OG/C Mike Pouncey, Florida — Pouncey has three things going for him that endear him to Belichick and Company: he's smart, he's versatile, and he played for Urban Meyer. With an offensve line that is charged with protecting franchise player Tom Brady, Pouncey is a welcomed addition to the Foxboro gang.

18. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (via trade with San Diego) — DT Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple — Many expect Minnesota to stand pat and select Gabbert (should he fall) or Locker with their original pick, however it is becoming increasingly clear that the Vikings may be more likely to bring in a veteran signal caller, as they see themselves as a team on the brink of punching through in 2011, one year removed from a wholly disappointing 2010 campaign and two removed from a hugely successful 2009. Wilkerson's value is soaring due to his versatility and agility in relation to his size. With the Williamses aging, look for Minnesota to eschew their needs at QB in favor of a value pick in the Temple DT.

19. NY Giants — OT Anthony Castonzo, Boston College — Castonzo to New York just feels right. I'm not sure why, but he just "looks" like a Coughlin-esque player.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — DT Corey Liuget, Illinois — Liuget has seen his stock soar, fade, and soar once again for no apparent reason. The bottom line is, the powerful Illini tackle is stout against the run and quick-footed enough to impact the passing game. A nice fit in Tampa.

21. Kansas City Chiefs — OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin — The Chiefs will be looking to fill a need along their interior offensive line, and Carimi is an excellent option to do just that. Linebacker may also be an option here, but the Chiefs showed enough on defense in 2010 to provide some level of comfort to management that they can look toward solidifying their offense early in the draft.

22. Indianapolis Colts — OT Nate Solder, Colorado — Manning will be quite content in seeing the massive Colorado tackle as his backside protection over the next several years.

23. MIAMI DOLPHINS (via trade with Philadelphia) — QB Andy Dalton, TCU — Having traded down to get the second rounder they desperately wanted to replace, Miami will look hard at RB but will have some flexibility with solid options likely to be available in round two. Dalton is a pro-ready QB and one that the Dolphins reportedly are sold on.

24. New Orleans Saints — CB Jimmy Smith, Colorado — With an aging secondary, the Saints will be willing to take a chance on the talented but troubled Smith, relying on a strong leadership nucleus and great coaching to keep the playmaking cornerback on the level in the Crescent City.

25. Seattle Seahawks — DE J.J. Watt, Wisconsin — Seattle may be targeted by the Tennessee's of the world as a potential trade options, but with Watt fallng, I'd be surprised to see them pass up the opportunity to snag him.

26. Baltimore Ravens — CB Brandon Harris, Miami — There is little chance Baltimore doesn't select a defensive back early in this year's draft. Harris is a play maker and a solid defender and, most importantly as far as the Ravens are concerned, a 'Cane.

27. Atlanta Falcons — TE Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame — Most pundits are looking at defense in trying to determine who Atlanta will bring into the mix for 2011...I see Rudolph as a no-brainer. He is a play maker at TE and the Falcons feature an offense that relies heavily on their tight ends to make plays.

28. CINCINNATI BENGALS (via trade with New England) — QB Christian Ponder, Florida State — The Bengals need a new signal caller and Ponder has the brain and arm strength to manage new OC Jon Gruden's complex offense. Expect the Pats to part with this pick in exchange for Cincy's 2012 1st rounder and perhaps some "filler" pick late in the '11 draft.

29. Chicago Bears — OG Danny Watkins, Baylor — Um, this just in ... Chicago has a bad offensive line. Watkins is a good pick and should be in the mix immediately for a starting role.

30. NY Jets — DT Phil Taylor, Baylor — Taylor is a solid option, but there are some concerns that make him more of an early round two option. Unfortunately for the Jets, unless they trade down, they have no round two picks and Taylor is truly the last of three potential Kris Wilson supplements available.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers — DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio State — Pittsburgh is looking at opportunities to allow them to move up to a spot where they can select Pouncey (for obvious reasons), but I think the price would be too steep. In Heyward, they get a guy with the versatility to fill multiple spots in the multi-look Steelers defense.

32. Green Bay Packers — LB Brooks Reed, Arizona — Reed will make for a very formidable partner to Clay Matthews, Jr. There are other options here, but the Super Bowl champ Packers have the luxury of building from strength.

Round Two

1. New England Patroits — RB Mark Ingram, Alabama
2. Buffalo Bills — LB Akeem Ayers, UCLA
3. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (via trade with Cincinnati) — QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
4. Denver Broncos — WR Torrey Smith, Maryland
5. Cleveland Browns — DT Marvin Austin, UNC
6. Arizona Cardinals — DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
7. Tennessee Titans — QB Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
8. Dallas Cowboys — OT Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State
9. Washington Redskins — WR Titus Young, Boise State
10. Houston Texans — S Rahim Moore, UCLA
11. CINCINNATI BENGALS (via trade with Minnesota) — DT Drake Nevis, LSU
12. Detroit Lions — CB Aaron Williams, Texas
13. San Francisco 49ers — CB Ras—I Dowling, Virginia
14. Denver Broncos — DT Stephen Paea, Oregon State
15. St. Louis Rams — LB Justin Houston, Georgia
16. Oakland Raiders — OG Rodney Hudson, Florida State
17. MIAMI DOLPHINS (via trade with Jacksonville) — RB Mikel LeShoure, Illinois
18. San Diego Chargers — OT Ben Ijalana, Villanova
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — DB Curtis Brown, Texas
20. NY Giants — RB Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
21. Indianapolis Colts — QB Ricky Stanzi, Iowa
22. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (via trade with Miami through Philadelphia) — WR Jon Baldwin Pittburgh
23. Kansas City Chiefs — DT Kenrick Ellis, Hampton
24. New Orleans Saints — LB Bruce Carter, UNC
25. Seattle Seahawks — DT Christian Ballard, Iowa
26. Baltimore Ravens — WR Leonard Hankerson, Miami
27. Atlanta Falcons — DE Jabaal Sheard, Pittsburgh
28. New England Patriots — LB Mike Herzlich, Boston College
29. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (via trade with San Diego) — LB Dontay Moch, Nevada
30. Chicago Bears — LB Martez Wilson, Illinois
31. Pittsburgh Steelers — CB Chimdi Chekwa, Ohio State
32. Green Bay Packers — RB DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma

Round Three

1. Carolina — WR Terrance Tolliver, LSU
2. Cincinnati — LB Quan Sturdivant, UNC
3. Denver — TE Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin
4. Buffalo — LB Mason Foster, Washington
5. CAROLINA (via trade with ARI) — CB Chris Culliver, South Carolina
6. Cleveland — WR Jerrel Jernigan, Troy
7. Dallas — C Stefan Wisniewski, Penn State
8. New Orleans — DB Marcus Gilchrest, Clemson
9. Houston — S Robert Sands, West Virginia
10. New England — WR Greg Little, UNC
11. Detroit — OG Will Rackley, Lehigh
12. San Francisco — DT Jurrell Casey, USC
13. Tennessee — LB Greg Jones, Michigan State
14. WASHINGTON (via trade with STL) — CB Davon House, New Mexico
15. Miami — OL Marcus Gilbert, Florida
16. Jacksonville — RB Daniel Thomas, Kansas State
17. Oakland — OT Orlando Franklin, Miami
18. SAN FRANCISCO (via trade with SD) — RB Taiwan Jones, Eastern Washington
19. NY Giants — DT Jarvis Jenkins, Clemson
20. Tampa Bay — CB Jalil Brown, Colorado
21. Philadelphia — OT James Brewer, Indiana
22. Kansas City — TE Luke Stocker, Tennessee
23. Indianapolis — S Quinton Carter, Oklahoma
24. NY GIANTS (via trade with NO) — S DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson
25. San Diego — OT James Carpenter, Alabama
26. Baltimore — LB Kelvin Sheppard, LSU
27. Atlanta — DT Terrell McClain, USF
28. New England — CB Randon Burton, Utah
29. Chicago — WR Randall Cobb, Kentucky
30. NY Jets — DE Sam Acho, Texas
31. Pittsburgh — OL Marcus Cannon, TCU
32. Green Bay — S Jeron Johnson, Boise State
33. Carolina (compensatory) — RB Jordan Todman, UConn