Toucher & Rich: Mike Lockhart's 2011 Round 1 Mock Draft
1 - CAR: Dareus, Marcell - DT - Alabama
Dareus is a huge guy who can move for a 320 pounder. He should be a dominant end in Ron Rivera's 3-4 defense. Peterson is an option, most positions need an upgrade. The defensive minded Rivera will elect to build from the inside out.
2 - DEN: Peterson, Patrick - CB - LSU
The Broncos were really bad against the run. They were almost as bad against the pass. Adding Peterson opposite Bailey can only be a good thing. Peterson has great size and speed. Shutdown corner ability.
3 - BUF: Miller, Von - OLB - Texas A&M
Miller is being touted as they next great rush linebacker. A major need for a bad Buffalo defense. Miller is an excellent rusher and has some experience dropping into coverage.
4 - CIN: Green, A.J. - WR - Georgia
The defense struggled against the run. But Green is to good to pass on, especially with TO and Ochocinco on the way out. Cincy seems set on holding Carson Palmer hostage. So they may wait to draft a QB.
5 - ARI: Gabbert, Blaine - QB - Missouri
QB was a weak spot for the Cards. If they like John Skelton enough, Quinn could get the look here. Gabbert is a smart athletic player who played mostly out of the shotgun. He may need time to develop under center.
6 - CLE: Quinn, Robert - DE - North Carolina
Quinn should develop into a dynamic pass rusher. Cleveland needs to revamp the defense. Adding Julio jones could be a thought, be the run first offense can be help the team win more games with a better defense. Quinn missed the 2010 season due to suspension. I don't see in effecting Quinn's draft status.
7 - SF: Amukamara, Prince - CB - Nebraska
The 49ers would love Miller or Quinn to fall. But the next area of need is the secondary. There is a big drop off in talent at the corner position after Amukama. He has good size and speed. Good in man and zone coverages. Not very effective in run support.
8 - TEN: Fairley, Nick - DT - Auburn
QB is a major issue. After the Vince Young disaster, They will elect to grab a plug on the line with a high motor. Smart football IQ. Had a break out year in 2010. Disrupts the backfield. Recognizes opponents weak area and takes advantage..
9 - DAL: Watt, J.J. - DE - Wisconsin
Rob Ryan will love Watt anchoring his 3-4 front at end. Very athletic player with a ton of passion for the game . High motor player. Good against the run and pass. Dallas could go offensive line or corner if a player they like is there.
10 - WAS: Jones, Julio - WR - Alabama
Quarterback is an issue, if they can find someone to throw, Jones could be a future number one. A linebacker on the left side could be a possibility if someone falls. Jones adds great vaule to the run game with his hard nosed blocking.
11 - HOU: Kerrigan, Ryan - DE - Purdue
Houston was the worst against the pass in 2010. With the top 2 corners off the board, rushing the passer becomes top priority. Kerrigan is a relentless pass rusher who's also tough against the run. all-pro potential.
12 - MIN: Newton, Cam - QB - Auburn
Newton is a super athlete. Geat size. Only one year of experience in D-1 football. Character flaws. Will have a hard time against pro schemes. Can't make reads at the line. Will have a hard time with NFL playbook. Needs to sit and learn.
13 - DET: Smith, Tyron - OT - USC
Keeping Mathew Stafford upright should be priority number one. Athletic and can handle speed rushers. Solid in the running game. Played right tackle in college, can play left tackle at the next level.
14 - STL: Jordan, Cameron - DE - California
The Rams would love to pair Bradford with a receiver. But with both off the board, Cam Jordan Adds an excellent pass rusher and run stopper. James hall had double digit sacks last year, but he's 34.
15 - MIA: Ingram, Mark - RB - Alabama
I fully expect Miami to trade down and Grab Ryan Mallett. If not, The Dolphins need a runningback. Ingram is a 3 down back who didn't have a ton of carries in college. He's lost a ton of weight and got faster. Can he stay that way? Teams are concerned over knee injury and he could fall.
16 - JAX: Bowers, Da'Quan - DE - Clemson
Once considered the top pick in this draft, Bowers has fallen. Rumors of micro fracture surgery have scared a lot of teams. Bowers had one great season at Clemson. Great against the run and pass. Bowers could be a steal here.
17 - NE: Solder, Nate - OT - Colorado
Solder is a huge Tackle prospect at 6'9' 315lbs. A former tight end, very athletic. long lean frame, has room to get bigger. With Matt Light getting older and is a potential free agent, an offensive lineman is a need. If a defensive player like Cam Jordan, J.J. Watt, Robert Quinn or Ryan Kerrigan are available, i expect them to grab one of them.
18 - SD: Heyward, Cameron - DE - Ohio State
Heyward is an upgrade for the Chargers at end. An excellent run stopper. Wont wow you against the passer.
19 - NYG: Castonzo, Anthony - OT - Boston College
adds youth to an old Giants line. Best fit on the right side. Can be dominated by the better pass rushers
20 - TB: Smith, Aldon - DE - Missouri
Smith left after his sophomore season. Good speed rusher. Will help the line day 1. Could also go higher to a 3-4 team who wants a rush linebacker.
21 - KC: Pouncey, Mike - OG - Florida
Brian Waters is in his mid 30's and center Casey Weigmann in in his 16th season. Pouncey has played center and guard. Better at guard. DT Phil Taylor could get a look to fill the nose spot on the defense.
22 - IND: Liuget, Corey - DT - Illinois
Indy was bad against the run. Luiget is a fast D-Tackle with linebacker feet. Tough on the run and passer too. Liuget is shooting up draft boards. A good fit for the Colts
23 - PHI: Carimi, Gabe - OT - Wisconsin
2010 Outland Trophy winner for best interior lineman. has been the starter at left tackle since Joe Thomas left. Plays with a mean streak. Carimi is a big tackle and helps out a once promising line that has some holes.
24 - NO: Clayborn, Adrian - DE - Iowa
Clayborn had a down 2010 after a great 09'. He is speedy enough to make an impact against the pass. has good repertoire of moves. Big enough to play end in a 3-4 or 4-3 base defense. Good shutting down the run. Closes running lanes well.
25 - SEA: Austin, Marvin - DT - North Carolina
Seattle may elect to go QB. There are many holes on the team. Defensive tackle is one. Austin missed the 2010 season due to suspension. He had a great pro day and has helped his stick in the past few months. athletic well built player. Plays well against the run and pass. High upside. Inconsistency issues could make him a second rounder. High Risk reward player.
26 - BAL: Harris, Brandon - CB - Miami
Baltimore has been thin at corner for a few years. Harris is a good defender but doesn't get many turn overs. Great in man coverage. Not effective against the run. Needs to get better in the zone. 2 and a half year starter. average size. Ran track as well as played football/
27 - ATL: Rudolph, Kyle - TE - Notre Dame
Tony Gonzales's best days are behind him. Matt Ryan needs more weapons in the passing game. Rudolph is a big target. He can get down field and make plays.
28 - NE: Wilkerson, Muhammad - DT - Temple
This could be the pick the Patriots trade. A team like Miami could make a deal if a quarterback Like Ryan Mallett is still available. Wilkerson is a big(6'4' 310lbs), tough D-lineman that will kick out to end. Can get after the quarterback. Good against the run. Fills the void left by Richard Seymour's trade.
29 - CHI: Sherrod, Derek - OT - Mississippi St.
Chicago needs to upgrade the line in a few spots. here's a good start. Sherrod is very experienced starting 3 years. Lacks a mean streak. Big body, high character player.
30 - NYJ: Watkins, Danny - OT - Baylor
The Jets have a some holes to fill on the line. Watkins is an older prospect at 26 years old. He's from Canada and played hockey and was a fireman. Transferred from Butte college. Played left tackle in college. He made a smooth transition to guard during senior bowl week. Played well at in the game. Tough player with a mean streak. Likes to get in the last shot.
31 - PIT: Smith, Jimmy - CB - Colorado
Pittsburgh's defense would be helped by adding a good corner. Smith is a big corner. He'll be tough in press coverage against smaller receivers. Other teams threw away from him. average against the run.
32 - GB: Wilson, Martez - ILB - Illinois
The Packers could fills a few positions here. Wilson is a tough excellent hitter. Athletic enough to play outside, Average cover skills. Could be a force rushing the passer at the next level. Aaron Williams could be a target here also.