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Kiper's 1st 2011 Big Board

Discussion in 'NFL Draft Forum' started by Gunner, Aug 16, 2010.

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  1. schmolioot

    schmolioot Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Suspended along with 4 teammates for first 5 games next year. They sold memorobilia which apparently is a no-no.
     
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  2. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

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    There will not be a new CBA before the Draft that imposes a rookie wage scale on this year's class.
     
  3. dolfan22

    dolfan22 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    He/they are allowed to play in the Sugar Bowl though?
     
  4. schmolioot

    schmolioot Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Yes.

    Don't know how the NCAA in its infinite wisdom determined that, but there it is.
     
  5. sports24/7

    sports24/7 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Tom Luginbill brought up something interesting with Pryor today on ESPN. He said one coach (or maybe GM, can't remember exactly) told him a little while back he thought Pryor could be a 1st round pick at DE with his athleticism. Now, I don't think that will be the case at all, but I can't see Pryor at QB in the NFL, but he's certainly an extremely gifted athlete. I'm curious what his best position might be and how high his athleticism could get him taken.
     
  6. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    Cheap Wildcat QB to be sure but I think his best position would be flex TE. He's just ridiculously big, fast, and he's a football player. Can he learn to run routes I don't know but I think it's possible.
     
  7. DOLBET

    DOLBET Active Member

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    I read somewhere that if there are no new CBA by draft, there will still be a draft but the rookies could not sign any contracts until new CBA comes out. I am 100% sure I did read that but not sure where and when... :D

    Trying to find site where I read that....
     
  8. DOLBET

    DOLBET Active Member

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    If there’s a lockout, will there still be a draft next spring?

    Yes, but it won’t be business as usual for the teams or for the players they select. With no CBA in place, teams won’t be able to sign players, and those post-draft minicamps will be non-existent. Also, in the absence of a CBA, the league’s ability to generate revenues from the new crop of big-name draftees will be limited. In other words, if you want to purchase one of those sweet new Jake Locker jerseys in the aftermath of his being drafted, you’ll have to buy one without his name on the back of it or wait until a new CBA is signed.

    That's from http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ms-laborquestions090810

    It is very long page explaining things.. it is very informative.
     
  9. Boomer

    Boomer Premium Member Luxury Box

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    I like Sherrod a lot. Doesn't do anything flash but looks a really good player.
     
  10. Boomer

    Boomer Premium Member Luxury Box

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    I'm not a fan of Pryor as an NFL QB. Interesting that Mel has Nick Fairley potentially going 1st overall. He HAS been that good this season. If Luck doesn't come out then he or Marcel Dareus or AJ Green even could be #1 overall.
     
  11. Boomer

    Boomer Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Interesting later round guy is the TE at Louisville if he comes out, Josh Chichester. 6'8, 245. He's raw but he's a decent route runner and what I love about his routes is that he loses no speed at all in and out of his breaks. A little bit of refinement using his head and his shoulders to fake and he could develop into a real threat.

    Jerrel Jernigan is going to have to be on Miami's radar. Talk about ticking the boxes for everything we require; deep speed, return ability, Wildcat ability. His acceleration out of his breaks is better than any WR in the draft and I include AJ Green in that. It'll be interesting to see how he checks in height wise, but this kid could develop into a DeSean Jackson.
     
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  12. Boomer

    Boomer Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Also if there's no new CBA, then teams won't be able to make player trades on draft day.
     
  13. DOLBET

    DOLBET Active Member

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    I didn't know about this. That means if any teams want to trade up, they have to offer only picks to trade up... Wow.. Draft days are more exciting :D
     
  14. ToddsPhins

    ToddsPhins Banned

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    I like Jernigan a lot, and I love that he's a high effort player and a leader. His build is fantastic IMO. I think he'll check in a hair under 5'9. He and Greg Little are my favorite 2 targets at WR "for us"..... only b/c they wouldn't require a 1st round pick.
     
  15. ToddsPhins

    ToddsPhins Banned

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    Boomer-- Curious hypothetical question: Do you think Jerrel Jernigan and Greg Little (or Baldwin/Julio Jones/Hankerson/Blackmon) could help our offense attack a cover 2 better (if we landed Mankins & Ahmad Bradshaw in FA along with a seambusting TE)?
     
  16. dolfan22

    dolfan22 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    Interesting to hear Gruden say last night that Sean Payton told him Jimmy Graham would turn out to be the steal of last years draft.

    Not that Miami could have drafted him , seeing as how he went what 95th overall?
     
  17. Gunner

    Gunner Rock Hunter

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    Kiper's first Mock: http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?page=KiperMockDraft1.0


    1 Carolina Panthers

    Record: 2-14
    * Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

    The No. 1 overall player on the Big Board, and one who can pay immediate dividends. Fairley isn't just a safe pick because of his excellent burst, violent hand action and ability to effectively penetrate and be a constant nuisance against both the run and pass; he also has the chance to be a dominant player regardless of system. Detroit and Tampa Bay drafted the top defensive tackles at Nos. 2 and 3 last year. Carolina should start earlier in 2011. A slight mean streak in a DT isn't the worst trait. Even Ndamukong Suh showed a bit of one this season.

    2 Denver Broncos

    Record: 4-12
    * Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

    Denver CB Champ Bailey is a future Hall of Famer, but he's a free agent entering his 13th NFL season and Peterson has the physical skills to be an immediate starter in the secondary and a force in the return game. Denver has enough needs where it could go several directions with this pick, but getting the best size-speed combo in the draft, a guy who can help immediately, is a smart play. Simply an electrifying talent.

    3 Buffalo Bills


    Record: 4-12
    * Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama

    Buffalo has started to assemble the pieces for its 3-4 defense and Dareus has outstanding pass-rush skills and fits as a defensive end in the system. This is too early to take an offensive tackle in terms of value, but it's a good opportunity to land an ideal fit if the Bills don't want to trade down. I'm sure some Bills fans would clamor for a guy like A.J. Green in this spot, but after 2010 the Bills simply have to address the lines, and the development of Stevie Johnson limits the receiver need anyway.

    4 Cincinnati Bengals

    Record: 4-12
    * Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

    Rookie Carlos Dunlap came on late for the Bengals and finished with 9.5 sacks, but the chance to draft the best pure pass-rusher on the board and immediately have in place a more formidable pass rush is too much to pass up. Bowers has the skill-set, explosiveness and relentless pass-rushing skills of a No. 1 overall pick. He's a good value, even at No. 4.

    5 Arizona Cardinals

    Record: 5-11
    * Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

    The Cardinals were a mess at quarterback in 2010, and while Max Hall and John Skelton showed glimpses, both are projects, and there's no real solution in place for next season outside of a trade. Gabbert will be under the microscope during the testing process perhaps more than any other player, but at this stage he's the most NFL-ready QB in the draft. Arizona is in a tough spot: If the Cardinals pass on Gabbert, there won't be a QB who can do more for them sooner than Skelton or Hall later in the draft. Gabbert offers a strong arm, protoype size, reads the game well and has a lot of upside.

    6 Cleveland Browns

    Record: 5-11
    * A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

    The Browns need a No.1 wideout and Green has fit the profile since he landed between the hedges at Georgia. Green is a complete package, with size, speed and solid route-running skills, and he will be the best friend of a young quarterback as a player that's able to go up and take the ball away. Cleveland has some good pieces, and Green is exactly what Colt McCoy needs.

    7 San Francisco 49ers


    Record: 6-10
    * Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

    It's an understatement to say that Quinn will be fresh. After sitting out his entire junior year at Chapel Hill, it's a testament to Quinn's talent that he's this high on the draft board. And make no mistake -- scouts think extremely highly of Quinn. If his preparations for the draft process are up to par, at this spot he offers the Niners a pure pass-rusher at defensive end that can only be matched by Bowers.

    8 Tennessee Titans

    Record: 6-10
    Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

    Miller has the reputation of a big-time sack artist but his game is more diversified than he gets credit for. What Miller brings in Week 1 is a great third-down option. A gifted edge-rusher, he can get to the quarterback, but you can also mix it up and drop him into zone coverage, where he has speed and developing awareness at the position. A solid tackler, Miller will only get better in the 4-3 system as he adjusts to the NFL game.

    9 Dallas Cowboys

    Record: 6-10
    Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

    A great value here, Amukamara is the best pure ball-hawking corner in the draft. A technician with outstanding instincts, ball skills and anticipation, he immediately provides an upgrade in the Dallas secondary. The Cowboys need help at corner, and this spot is still a tad too early to go with offensive line help based on current grades, so this makes sense. Amukamara is the kind of player that can help the pass rush and also make quick decisions turn into interceptions.

    10 Washington Redskins

    Record: 6-10
    * Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

    A gifted athlete, Newton has good arm strength and size, has developing accuracy and continues to show that the more you ask him as a passer, the more he'll develop. This spot might be a bit high based on his current grade in the eyes of scouts, but Newton's skill-set is such that personnel people are going to become more enamored, if they already aren't. Newton has character questions that need to be answered, but the Redskins have a long-term need at this position and the prospect of developing Newton is a tantalizing one.

    11 Houston Texans

    Record: 6-10
    * Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri

    A late addition to the Big Board, Smith's declaration moved him up among draft-eligible pass-rushers. Smith is more athlete than refined pass-rusher at this stage, but he has a great wing-span and is a perfect size and speed combination to develop as an outside linebacker. We know Houston has to address the defensive side of the ball and Smith is the kind of high-upside player that will fly up the board as personnel people start seeing the tape. He'll improve a weak pass rush.

    12 Minnesota Vikings

    Record:6-10
    Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

    Offensive line has gone from a strength to a weakness in a short period for the Vikings and Solder offers a solution as an athletic player who can help immediately on the right side. He has the massive frame and footwork to eventually become a top-flight left tackle. Durable, smart and a guy who sustains his blocks, Solder is my top-rated tackle, a position that usually would be gone before this stage.

    13 Detroit Lions

    Record: 6-10
    * Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

    Detroit needs help in the secondary, but unless it moves down it can't get good value here with the top two corners off the board. However, the Lions won't complain if Ayers, a freakish athlete with smarts and outstanding versatility at the linebacker position, is still here. After upgrading their defensive line in 2010, the Lions need guys that can fly to the ball, and Ayers is a sideline-to-sideline tackler who can also rush the QB and drop into coverage. A safe pick.

    14 St. Louis Rams

    Record: 7-9
    * Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

    When they drafted No. 1 overall last year, many people thought the Rams could be looking at wideouts within the top 5 of this year's draft. But their great improvement has them further down the board. Good thing for them, Jones offers top-10 talent at a bargain in this spot. Big and physical, Jones showed a more refined game this past season, eliminating drops and making catches all over the field from every formation. A perfect fit to grow with Sam Bradford.

    15 Miami Dolphins


    Record: 7-9
    * Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

    The top-rated running back on the board, Ingram will step in effectively for Ricky Williams and improve the Miami ground game. Ingram runs with great pad level and leverage and seems to explode from contact. He has a good burst through the hole and is a terror once he gets to the second level.

    16 Jacksonville Jaguars

    Record: 8-8
    Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

    Jacksonville worked on its defensive line last offseason and via the draft, and Clayborn offers a final piece to solidify a good unit. A powerful edge-rusher, Clayborn batters opposing linemen with a relentlessness that makes him among the most difficult players to prepare for. Smart and disciplined enough to hold the edge, he's a perfect fit for the Jacksonville system.

    17 New England Patriots (from Oakland)

    Record: 14-2
    * J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

    The Patriots need to target their defensive line and Watt can help them early as a 3-4 DE. A penetrator, Watt is constantly in the backfield and will occupy blocks with a variety of moves. He was a tackles-for-loss machine at Wisconsin and at 6-foot-6 gets his hands in passing lanes. A smart player, he should adjust quickly to Bill Belichick's system. The Patriots have to build a more formidable pass-rush and Watt can help.

    18 San Diego Chargers

    Record: 9-7
    Cameron Jordan, DE, California

    Jordan is a good fit for the Chargers, particularly as they consider their defensive direction. He's not a system-specific player (Jordan thrives as a 3-4 defensive end), but his quickness means he could handle edge duties in a 4-3. His dad, Steve, was a six-time Pro Bowl tight end, so the NFL lineage is there. The Chargers should address defense first, and Jordan offers solid mid-first round value here.

    19 New York Giants

    Record: 10-6
    Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida

    His brother went to Pittsburgh at No. 18 overall last year, looked like a Pro Bowl player early and became one late in his rookie season. The other Pouncey has similar attributes. He's durable, smart and versatile along the interior. By far the best player at his position in this draft, he should pay immediate dividends for the Giants and be effective as both a run- and pass-blocker.

    20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    Record: 10-6
    Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

    Last season, Tampa addressed the interior of its defensive line with the first two picks. Now, the Bucs should target the edge, because even though they've improved, this team still lacks a steady pass rush. Kerrigan is a pass-rusher; he led the nation in tackles for loss this past season and was all but unblockable. He is developing his secondary moves but is among the more relentless players in the college game; he is a potential long-term solution as a sack artist.

    21 Kansas City Chiefs

    Record: 10-6
    Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State

    Among personnel people, I find a wide range of opinion on Paea. Some think he's an anchor on the defensive line, a force that could go much higher. Others see some inconsistency and believe he could fall to the second round. He'll be a guy to watch during the draft process. Still, what he can do is immediately strengthen a rush defense. He occupies blocks with great leverage and big-time strength. Paea will do a number on the bench-press. Not a great penetrator but he frees up tacklers and fits this system.

    22 Indianapolis Colts

    Record: 10-6
    Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

    The Colts need to strengthen their offensive line in order to reclaim the running game and keep heat off Peyton Manning, who will be 35 when the 2011 season kicks off. Castonzo offers stability as a versatile tackle who will never miss a snap. He could add some bulk, but that's not the most difficult area to address. With well-above-average smarts, awareness and work-rate, he'd fit well in Indy at a position the Colts need to fill.

    23 Philadelphia Eagles

    Record: 10-6
    Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

    The Eagles are loaded at the skill positions and did a nice job of hitting defense early in last year's draft, so they should address the offensive line at a place where the value meets the need. In Carimi they get a guy who loves to run-block and will sustain his blocks into the parking lot. He plays with an edge but needs continued development as a pass-blocker. His film against some big-time prospects this year shows a guy ready to contribute.

    24 New Orleans Saints


    Record: 11-5
    * Justin Houston, DE, Georgia

    An outside linebacker to some, I see Houston developing into a great edge-rusher as a 4-3 defensive end. The Saints need help at that spot and Houston is a guy who could pay big dividends into the second half of his rookie season as he grows into the role. With great length, quickness and pass-rushing instincts, he'll help the Saints get to opposing QBs without being forced to rely on the blitz.

    25 Seattle Seahawks

    Record: 7-9


    Record: 7-9
    * Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

    Everything about Mallett's arm screams top 10, but he could fall a bit as a player who needs to develop footwork and the willingness to bite off only as much as he can chew. That said, Mallett's game progressed in 2010. He showed improved accuracy and a willingness to move around and consider the dump-off passes he often passed up as a younger player. With a year of development, he could be a good value here and a long-term answer for the Seahawks. It'll be asked, but my sources tell me the Seahawks prefer him to Washington's Jake Locker -- at least right now.

    26 Baltimore Ravens

    Record: 12-4
    * Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

    The Ravens ran into some really bad luck last year, when their first pick, Sergio Kindle, got hurt off the field. And among all their other picks, one spot they didn't hit was cornerback. Harris is a solid value at this stage, as he carries a late-first round grade. A coach's son, he offers prototype size at 5-11, 195 pounds, good instincts and isn't shy in run support. The Ravens need to address the secondary and Harris is a good option.

    27 Atlanta Falcons

    Record: 13-3
    * Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

    Atlanta needs to develop a pass-catching target across from Roddy White, and Smith is a guy who can get downfield, work underneath and will always be a home run threat when he catches the ball. He also offers a serious threat in the return game. Atlanta doesn't have a lot of holes and Smith could help take this offense to another level as an explosive threat opposite White.

    28 New England Patriots

    Record: 14-2
    Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois

    The Patriots, year after year, manage to find solutions at running back. But there are solutions, and there are threats. And the fast-rising Leshoure, a chiseled 6-foot, 227-pound back who ran well in a physical Big Ten this past season, could be the alpha running back the Patriots could use. New England could go a lot of ways with this pick, but remember, the Pats have another pick just a handful of spots down the board and if they want a difference-maker at RB in a draft short on them, this is an option.

    29 Green Bay Packers

    Record: 10-6
    Christian Ballard, DE, Iowa

    Clayborn gets a lot of the attention, but he wasn't the most productive defensive lineman for the Hawkeyes by many accounts this past season. That was Ballard, who fits as a 3-4 defensive end to fortify an improving Packers defense. At 6-4 and a hair under 300 pounds, Ballard is another high-energy guy who can play multiple positions and holds up well against the run.

    30 New York Jets

    Record: 11-5
    * Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple

    The other option here might be to take UCLA free safety Rahim Moore, but I like Wilkerson with the Jets. He offers great value as a defensive lineman to develop, because if he came back, he'd be a likely top-15 pick in 2012. At over 6-4 and 306 pounds, he slots in with the Jets' 3-4 as a defensive end, but was a penetrating defensive tackle. The only guy who's had more sacks than Wilkerson over the last two years from that position is Nebraska's Jared Crick, another big-time prospect. Scheme-versatile, Wilkerson is a great growth-piece for Rex Ryan.

    31 Chicago Bears


    Record: 11-5
    * Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

    Chicago needs help at corner and Williams is a safe pick. A solid character guy with exceptional ball skills, he has good speed, awareness and above-average size for the position, at a hair under 6-1 and 192 pounds. A guy who excels at the takeaway, he'll be able to deliver INTs for a coach who craves turnovers. He is also a very good special teams player.

    32 Pittsburgh Steelers

    Record: 12-4
    * Tyron Smith, OT, USC

    If the current trend holds, Smith may not last this long, as he is drawing raves from scouts over the last couple months. Regardless, Pittsburgh would be thrilled to get him here, because it's a position the Steelers must address. Smith can start early on the right side and develop into a left tackle, as he has the long frame, excellent footwork, instincts and athleticism that the position requires.
     
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  18. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    hmm, doubt the Panthers take Fairley, a DT?

    Bowers I can see, maybe Peterson, maybe even a tradeout as their offense needs work.
     
  19. vmarcilfan75

    vmarcilfan75 blah...blah...blah... Club Member

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    can we get the rest of the 1st rd please? or is that all there is?
     
  20. Gunner

    Gunner Rock Hunter

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    I knew someone was gonna ask :lol:

    updated with rest of 1st round
     
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  21. BuckeyeKing

    BuckeyeKing Wolves DYNASTY!!!!

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    Look what Suh did for the Lions. Fairley can be that type of player for a defense.
     
  22. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Suh did it for two seasons, Fairley is a late bloomer.
     
  23. BuckeyeKing

    BuckeyeKing Wolves DYNASTY!!!!

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    Yeah but he pretty much man handled this season. I can see the concern but the guy is a beast.
     
  24. Gunner

    Gunner Rock Hunter

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    GBN Has a post "Luck"/pre Pats loss to the Jests Mock out also:

    1 Carolina *Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri
    2 Denver *Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson
    3 Buffalo *Nick Fairley DT Auburn
    4 Cincinnati *A.J. Green WR Georgia
    5 Arizona *Cam Newton QB Auburn
    6 Cleveland *Marcell Dareus DT Alabama
    7 San Francisco *Ryan Mallett QB Arkansas
    8 Tennessee *Patrick Peterson CB LSU
    9 Dallas *Allen Bailey DE Miami
    10 Washington Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa
    11 Houston Prince Amukamara CB Nebraska
    12 Minnesota Jake Locker QB Washington
    13 Detroit *Robert Quinn DE North Carolina
    14 St. Louis *Julio Jones WR Alabama
    15 Miami *Mark Ingram RB Alabama
    16 Jacksonville Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue
    17 New England *Cameron Heyward DE Ohio State
    18 San Diego Von Miller LB Texas A&M
    19 New York Giants Nate Solder OT Colorado
    20 Tampa Bay *Aldon Smith DE Missouri
    21 Kansas City *Akeem Ayers LB UCLA
    22 Indianapolis Derek Sherrod OT Mississippi State
    23 Philadelphia *Brandon Harris CB Miami
    24 New Orleans Cameron Jordan DE California
    25 Seattle *Shane Vereen RB California
    26 Green Bay *Brandon Burton CB Utah
    27 Chicago Gabe Carimi OT Wisconsin
    28 New York Jets *Justin Houston LB Georgia
    29 Baltimore *J.J. Watt DE Wisconsin
    30 Pittsburgh Anthony Castonzo OT Boston College
    31 Atlanta Stephen Paea DT Oregon State
    *32 New England Dontay Moch LB Nevada
     
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  25. Gunner

    Gunner Rock Hunter

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    McShay put out his 2.0 Mock:


    1. Carolina Panthers
    Record: 2-14
    Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
    The Panthers made no secret of the fact that they would draft Stanford QB Andrew Luck if he were available, but with Luck off the board they turn their attention to their need for a pass-rusher. Bowers is the best available with his explosiveness, and he also has the strength to hold the edge against the run.

    2 Denver Broncos

    Record: 4-12
    Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
    Denver needs to overhaul its defensive front, and while new coach John Fox has not yet named a defensive coordinator, Fairley has the versatility to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 front. Fairley is quick, disruptive and plays with an edge, and he could not be blocked by one man during the college season.

    3 Buffalo Bills
    Record: 4-12
    Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
    The Bills are in need of a franchise quarterback, and with Luck not on the board, Gabbert is the best available signal-caller. He has the physical tools and football smarts to become a very good NFL QB once he makes the full transition to a pro-style offense.

    4 Cincinnati Bengals
    Record: 4-12
    A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
    The Bengals need to find the heir apparent to Carson Palmer at some point but won't find him in this scenario. With Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco likely on their way out of town, Green would be an ideal replacement. He is very smooth for his size and plays the ball better than any receiver in the 2011 class.

    5 Arizona Cardinals
    Record: 5-11
    Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
    Another team with a quarterback need but no signal-caller worthy of its pick available, the Cardinals turn their attention to their next-biggest need. Peterson has a freakish combination of size and athleticism, plays the ball well and can also contribute in the return game.

    6 Cleveland Browns
    Record: 5-11
    Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
    This is a tough call. The Browns need help at receiver and would take Green if he's available, but Quinn offers great potential as a pass-rusher despite sitting out the entire 2010 season because of off-the-field issues and would fill another big need in Cleveland.

    7 San Francisco 49ers
    Record: 6-10
    Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
    New defensive coordinator Vic Fangio brings a 3-4 scheme with him, and Dareus proved his effectiveness in three-man fronts under Nick Saban at Alabama. Dareus is quick, strong and mobile and would further upgrade a defense that already ranks in the top 10 against the run.

    8 Tennessee Titans
    Record: 6-10
    Jake Locker, QB, Washington
    Gabbert is the only quarterback in this class worthy of a top-10 grade. This is a reach for the Titans, but with the departure of Vince Young they need to find a long-term answer under center. Locker has some accuracy issues but his intangibles and work ethic are assets.

    9 Dallas Cowboys
    Record: 6-10
    Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
    Defenses field a lot of nickel packages in today's NFL and the Cowboys need help at corner. Mike Jenkins took a big step backward in 2010, Terence Newman isn't getting any younger and Orlando Scandrick is a No. 3 corner at best. Amukamara is fluid, has great instincts and anticipation and plays the ball well and is even versatile enough to help out at safety if needed.

    10 Washington Redskins

    Record: 6-10
    Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
    This is another reach for a quarterback, but the Redskins have parted ways with Donovan McNabb, and Rex Grossman is clearly not the answer. There's no doubt Newton has the physical tools, and coach Mike Shanahan and his staff believe in their ability to develop quarterbacks, but he's still a long-term project as a pro-style passer.

    11 Houston Texans
    Record: 6-10
    Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
    There is a lot of talk about the Texans becoming more versatile in their fronts, and while Miller played end in college we believe he is a good fit as a SAM linebacker in a 4-3 or an inside linebacker in a 3-4. He is a freakish athlete who plays sideline-to-sideline against the run, has upside in coverage and can get after the quarterback as a blitzing linebacker.

    12 Minnesota Vikings
    Record:6-10
    Tyron Smith, OT, USC
    This was one of the hardest projections to make. The Vikings need a quarterback and a safety but there are none on the board worthy of this pick, and GM Rick Spielman is not going to reach for a player who doesn't belong. Offensive line is not Minnesota's biggest need but Smith is emerging as the top offensive tackle in the class with his natural feet and athleticism, and you can never go wrong drafting good offensive linemen.

    13 Detroit Lions
    Record: 6-10
    Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
    Jeff Backus isn't getting any younger and Gosder Cherilus has been nicked up, and while offensive tackle isn't a top need, the Lions would get a big, naturally talented player who could be the long-term answer at tackle when Backus moves along.

    14 St. Louis Rams
    Record: 7-9
    Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
    Jones is a big, physical receiver who can run. He came into his own in 2010 and is ready to contribute right away, and he would give second-year QB Sam Bradford another weapon on a rapidly improving offense.

    15 Miami Dolphins
    Record: 7-9
    Mike Pouncey, C, Florida
    Mike is not quite as good as his brother Maurkice, who has solidified Pittsburgh's interior offensive line and is one of the top rookies in the league, but the Dolphins need help on the interior and Mike is ready to start right now. The Dolphins need a running back as well, but as much as we like Mark Ingram, this is too high for him.

    16 Jacksonville Jaguars
    Record: 8-8
    Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
    We have a second-round grade on Mallett. Others might disagree with our evaluation, but the Jaguars have a quarterback need and Mallett is the only remaining quarterback on the board who appears to have starting potential. If Mallett should get past this pick there's a strong chance he won't come off the board until Day 2.

    17 New England Patriots (from Oakland)
    Record: 14-2
    Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
    The Patriots have a lot of options here but Kerrigan fits their mold of a player with the height and bulk to play outside linebacker and get after the quarterback in their 3-4 scheme. He's not an exceptional athlete, but Kerrigan is instinctive and relentless.

    18 San Diego Chargers
    Record: 9-7
    Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
    The San Diego defense has not been the same since Shawne Merriman was injured and eventually released. Larry English has been a disappointment and Ayers would fill the Chargers' need for a 5-technique who can get after the passer.

    19 New York Giants
    Record: 10-6
    Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
    After studying tape of Liuget we feel he's not far behind Fairley and Dareus among defensive tackles. The Giants have spent a lot of money on ends and pass-rushers in recent years, and Liuget would help provide a strong presence in the middle as an every-down defensive tackle.

    20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    Record: 10-6
    Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
    Tampa Bay has a lot of needs along the defensive front seven but there's not a traditional 4-3 linebacker worth taking here, so Clayborn makes sense with his strength. He would team with DTs Gerald McCoy and Brian Price to form one of the best young defensive lines in the league.

    21 Kansas City
    Record: 10-6
    Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
    Kansas City needs a pass-rusher opposite Tamba Hali and Smith is one of the more underrated players in this draft. He's a little undersized for a 4-3 end but is a perfect fit at outside linebacker in the Chiefs' 3-4 defense.

    22 Indianapolis Colts
    Record: 10-6
    Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
    Castonzo needs to develop his overall skill set a bit and get stronger in the lower body, but given how desperate the Colts are for linemen who can protect Peyton Manning, this pick makes sense.

    23 Philadelphia Eagles
    Record: 10-6
    Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
    The Eagles have been up-and-down with their offensive line picks in recent years, but while Carimi has some limitations athletically there is little doubt in my mind he's NFL-ready and will be a quality starter at right tackle for the next 10 years. He's the most technically sound and consistent lineman in this year's class.

    24 New Orleans Saints
    Record: 11-5
    Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
    New Orleans continues to look for upgrades along the front seven, and while Paea is not a pass-rusher he is tough to move and would make the Saints more stout against the run, offering a good complement to current DT Sedrick Ellis.

    25 Seattle Seahawks
    Record: 7-9
    J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
    Seattle has a lot of positions to upgrade but no truly glaring need, and Watt offers good value here. Some feel his best fit is as a 5-technique in a 3-4, but given the way he is always on the move I think he's better off at left end in a 4-3 front like the one the Seahawks run.

    26 Baltimore Ravens
    Record: 12-4
    Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
    Heyward proved in the Sugar Bowl win over Arkansas that he is a versatile playmaker when motivated. He would be a nice addition to an already-strong defensive line and a good complement to Terrell Suggs on the opposite end.

    27 Atlanta Falcons
    Record: 13-3
    Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
    Houston played a hybrid role in college and could be a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he makes sense here as the heir apparent to DE John Abraham. Houston would help the aging Abraham stay fresh and have the chance to develop his skill set.

    28 New England Patriots
    Record: 14-2
    Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
    Running back is not necessarily a need and this is a bit of a luxury pick, but if the Patriots get a pass-rusher at No. 18 it would be hard for them to pass on the best running back in the draft.

    29 Green Bay Packers
    Record: 10-6
    Cameron Jordan, DE, California
    The Packers have a ridiculous amount of talent at linebacker and Jordan would help them become more stout along the defensive front. He is an underrated prospect with the strength to hold the edge and make plays.

    30 New York Jets
    Record: 11-5
    Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
    Veteran NT Kris Jenkins has played only seven games during the past two seasons and the Jets cannot count rely on him to be a constant presence in the middle of their defense. Taylor has the size to anchor in the middle and good feet for a 350-pounder.

    31 Chicago Bears
    Record: 11-5
    Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
    Tommie Harris has not taken the next step to become an elite force, and the Bears are always looking for smaller, quicker defensive linemen who fit their scheme. Nevis could provide depth while preparing to step into a starting role. Chicago needs an offensive tackle but the talent dropoff is significant after the top four and no available tackle is worth this pick.

    32 Pittsburgh Steelers
    Record: 12-4
    Benjamin Ijalana, OT, Villanova
    Ijalana might be a bit of a surprise here but he has good physical tools and a lot of upside. A lack of depth along the offensive line has become an issue for the Steelers, and assuming Ijalana checks out medically after playing with some nagging injuries he would offer help in that area while preparing to step into a full-time role.
     
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