Playmaker 2011 Mock NFL Draft - 1st Round

By Dave Razzano, Playmaker Correspondent

1. Carolina: Pat Peterson - DC - LSU
GM Marty Hurney remains a Jimmy Clausen fan, passes QBs and takes “best player” on Panthers Board.

2. Denver: Marcell Dareus - DT - Alabama
Broncos need help badly on both interior lines, opt for the 330 pound behemoth to anchor the Defense.

3. Buffalo: Von Miller - LB - Texas A&M
With a 90 year old owner and 70 year old GM, the Bills continue the trend of “reaching” in first, this time taking the overrated pass rusher and sticking with Fitzpatrick at QB in effort to “win now.”

4. Cincinnati: Cam Newton - QB - Auburn
With the status of Carson Palmer up in the air, President Mike Brown decides to pick the controversial Heisman winner as his QB of the future.

5. Arizona: A. J. Green - WO - Georgia
Cards pass on QB, go “best available” route and land this dynamic outside threat to team with Larry Fitzgerald. This makes a deal for Marc Bulger all the more likely.

6. Cleveland: Da’Quan Bowers - DE - Clemson
GM Tom Heckert is thrilled that arguably the Draft’s best player falls into his lap due to medical concerns.

7. San Francisco: Blaine Gabbert - QB - Missouri
Like him or not, new coach Jim Harbaugh finds his QB of the future to replace former 1st Round bust Alex Smith.

8. Tennessee: Nick Fairley - DT - Auburn
The Titans start the “Munchak Era” by nabbing the “disruptive” former War Eagle to anchor their Defensive line.

9. Dallas: Tyron Smith - OT - USC
This is a very solid pick for the Cowboys. The athletic Smith should be the starting Left Tackle on opening day.

10. Washington: Julio Jones - WO - Alabama
With several “needs” to fill, Shanahan opts for a much needed “playmaker” on the offensive side of the ball.

11. Houston: Prince Amukamara - DC - Nebraska
The Texans take “need” over “best available” and reach a bit for the hot/cold former Cornhusker.

12. Minnesota: Jake Locker - QB - Washington
The Vikings nab who, in my opinion is the “best” QB in this Draft and a clone of former record setting QB Brett Favre.

13. Detroit: Ryan Kerrigan - DE - Purdue
GM Martin Mayhew is smart to pick this highly productive defender for his young and improving Defense.

14. St Louis: Corey Liuget - DT - Illinois
Building the Defense becomes the Rams top priority after hitting a “homerun” with Sam Bradford in last year’s Draft.

15. Miami: Robert Quinn - DE - North Carolina
Dolphins ecstatic when Quinn falls this far. Can’t have enough good defensive players.

16. Jacksonville: Mike Pouncey - OC - Florida
The Jags stay close to home and select the versatile former Gator, who many feel is the best overall offensive lineman in the Draft.

17. New England (Oakland): Cam Jordan - DE - California
With the first of two top round picks, the Pats grab a very solid player and add to a “young and hungry” defense.

18. San Diego: Nate Solder - OT - Colorado
By landing this 6’8 giant, the Chargers fill a glaring need and get an instant starter in the process.

19. New York Giants: Akeem Ayers - LB - UCLA
The Giants truly need OLBs and feel Ayer’s “big play” ability will compensate for his inconsistency on the field.

20. Tampa Bay: J. J. Watt - DE - Wisconsin
Adding the “high effort” performer is another positive move in the rebuilding job done by GM Mark Dominik.

21. Kansas City: Anth Castonzo - OT - Boston College
Getting the rangy OT looks like a “sure bet” for the Chiefs while filling a glaring need. Should start early.

22. Indianapolis: Adrian Clayborn - DE - Missouri
Some medical concerns allow this Top 10 talent to fall right into their laps and vastly improve the defensive front.

23. Philadelphia: Stef Wisniewski - OC - Penn State
Andy Reid loves taking big bodies early and the scrappy ex Nittany Lion should become the anchor of a solid offensive line.

24. New Orleans: Jimmy Smith - DC - Colorado
The size/speed DC doesn’t lack for talent though does come with some character/intangible concerns.

25. Seattle: Derek Sherrod - OT - Miss State
Another team with a huge need at the OT position. Sherrod should get every chance to play early at ROT.

26. Baltimore: Cam Heyward - DE - Ohio State
The Ravens add to their already “dominant” defense with the selection of the underrated son of the late Craig “Ironhead” Heyward.

27. Atlanta: Brooks Reed - LB - Arizona
GM Thomas Dimitroff finds it difficult to pass on the “high motor” LB, whose disruptive and intense style can fit any defense

28. New England: Aldon Smith - LB - Missouri
Pats go heavy on defense and land this DE/OLB conversion to add a vital weapon to an impressive pass rush group.

29. Chicago: Marvin Austin - DT - North Carolina
This player could have been a “top ten” pick had he played last season. With uncertainty surrounding Tommy Harris, this is a big “need” pick for GM Jerry Angelo.

30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor - NT - Baylor
The 330 pound NT becomes an “anchor” for the Jets 3-4 front.

31. Pittsburgh: Gabe Carimi - OT - Wisconsin
Steelers get much needed protection for Roethlisberger. Can play LOT but should find a home on the right side.

32. Green Bay: Mark Ingram - RB - Alabama
GM Ted Thompson unlikely to shy away from “best available” model so he grabs a big and powerful runner to add a “key” component to the league’s best offense.

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Dave Razzano is a former NFL scout and Playmaker Mobile correspondent with more than 22 years of professional scouting experience with the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals under NFL coaches including Bill Walsh, George Seifert, Chuck Knox and Dick Vermeil. He's been a part of five Super Bowls with three Super Bowl wins (49ers, 1989, 1990; Rams, 2000).

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