Apr 2, 2011

Mock Draft v. 1.5: Picks 11-20

Here's part II of my 2011 NFL Mock Draft v.1.5

11. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, OLB/DE, UNC

Quinn fits the Texans nicely as the adopt a new 3-4 defense. OLB Connor Barwin is an interesting prospect, but he is far from proven. Quinn would give new defensive coordinator Wade Philips a pass rushing threat to go along with solid inside linebackers DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing, who looks to move from the outside.

Keep an eye on: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor

12. Minnesota Vikings: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

Bowers won't fill a huge need for the Vikings, but he is a talent too good to pass up at this point. Paired with Jared Allen, the Vikings could have to rushers that could be constantly in the backfield. Another scenario is the Vikings trying to move down and get some value, targeting a quarterback in the later picks.

Keep an eye on: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

13. Detroit Lions: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

The Lions have other needs, but they cannot afford to have Matt Stafford keep getting injured. The top of the offensive line class isn't clear, but I can't see the first lineman taken be more of an athlete than tackle (Nate Soldier) or never played left tackle in college (Tyron Smith). That leaves Anthony Costanzo and Carimi. I give Carimi the nod based on a hunch, plus, his predecessor at Wisconsin has had some success thus far in the NFL, setting a good precedent for Badger linemen (Joe Thomas).

Keep an eye on: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College

14. St. Louis Rams: Cameron Jordan, DL, Cal

Rams coach Steve Spanuolo loves his defensive line, but needs more than just Chris Long. James Ball played well, but isn't
exactly in his prime age-wise. Cameron Jordan is a talented player that could play inside or outside in the 4-3 defense. Athletic for his size, Jordan is the kind of player that Spagnuolo groom into a serious playmaker no matter where he lines him up.

Keep an eye on: Aldon Smith, DE, Missou

15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

With Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams' futures uncertain, Miami is going to need to fix its running game. Ingram is a solid prospect who draws way too many comparisons to Emmitt Smith. However, new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll loves the ground-and-pound, and Ingram is a potential workhorse in the NFL.

Keep an eye on: Andy Dalton, QB, TCU

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aldon Smith, DE, Mizzou

Defensive end is a big need for Jacksonville. Aaron Kampman had an ACL injury last year, and outside of him there isn't much to speak of. A lot of people mention the name Ryan Kerrigan in this pick but I think Aldon Smith is a better fit here. He's very raw but has a ton of potential.

Keep an eye on: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

17. New England Patriots: Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue

Kerrigan fits the mold of a Belichick player: overachiever, hard worker. He'd be a nice addition to a young linebacking corps of Brandon Spikes and Jerod Mayo. OLB is a area of need for the Pats, Rob Ninkovich doesn't exactly strike fear into opposing offenses.

Keep an eye on: Cam Hayward, DL, Ohio St.

18. San Diego Chargers: Adrian Clayborn, DL, Iowa

Clayborn was once thought of as a top 5 or top 10 prospect, but dropped after a sub-par Senior season. Aside from head coach, there isn't much cause for concern for the Chargers. They can afford to take a chance on a high-risk, high-reward player such as Clayborn.

Keep an eye on: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor

19. New York Giants: Tyron Smith, OT, USC

The Giants need to address their offensive line. Tyron Smith or one of the other offensive tackles should be big contenders for this pick. Smith falls in this mock because of his experience playing on the left side, but it seems that a lot of teams are enticed by his play regardless.

Keep an eye on: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brooks Reed, DE, Arizona

Tampa addressed the interior of its defensive line nicely last year with Brian Price and Gerald McCoy. However, the pass rush still suffered, as the Bucs only had 26 sacks last season. Even with so many DE/OLB off the board, Tampa's young core gives it an opportunity to take a chance on a flier such as Reed.

Keep an eye on: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College

1 comment:

  1. Anonymous5:02 PM

    This is a very good breakdown. Nice job! You should get it out there it's very well thought out and full of good info.

    ReplyDelete