Official VSN 2011 NFL Mock Draft Challenge

[Leftwich]

1. Carolina Panthers - Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
2. Denver Broncos - Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
3. Buffalo Bills - Von Miller, LB, Texas A & M
4. Cincinnati Bengals - A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
5. Arizona Cardinals - Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
6. Cleveland Browns - Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
7. San Francisco 49ers - Blaine Gabbert, QB, Mizzou
8. Tennessee Titans - Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
9. Dallas Cowboys - Tyron Smith, OT, USC
10. Washington Redskins - JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin
11. Houston Texans - Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue
12. Minnesota Vikings - Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
13. Detroit Lions - Aldon Smith, DE, Mizzou
14. St. Louis Rams - Juilo Jones, WR, Alabama
15. Miami Dolphins - Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
16. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jake Locker, QB, Washington
17. New England Patriots - Muhammad Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple
18. San Diego Chargers - Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
19. New York Giants - Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Cameron Jordan, DE, California
21. Kansas City Chiefs - Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona
22. Indianapolis Colts - Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
23. Philadelphia Eagles - Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
24. New Orleans Saints - Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
25. Seattle Seahawks - Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
26. Baltimore Ravens - Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
27. Atlanta Falcons - Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
28. New England Patriots - Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia
29. Chicago Bears - Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
30. New York Jets - Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor
31. Pittsburgh Steelers - Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virgina
32. Green Bay Packers - Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

[Nukleopatra]

Jacksonville isn't taking a QB that high, especially not Locker. Gene Smith even said that drafting a QB in this draft isn't a priority. Now, he could be blowing smoke up peoples asses, but if he is, it's because he wants to snag either Ponder or Niggernick later.

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Jacksonville isn't taking a QB that high, especially not Locker. Gene Smith even said that drafting a QB in this draft isn't a priority. Now, he could be blowing smoke up peoples asses, but if he is, it's because he wants to snag either Ponder or Niggernick later.

I'm not sure Smith thinks there is a legit chance one of the Top 3 QB in the draft makes it to #16, is why.

Plus, one of the remaining bums probably doesn't make it to #49.

I think they'll end up taking Cameron Jordan in the first, maybe Brooks Reed and they'll move on.

If Locker is there, I do think they'll take him though...I just think he is expected to be gone at Washington or Minnesota.

[Leftwich]

Jacksonville isn't taking a QB that high, especially not Locker. Gene Smith even said that drafting a QB in this draft isn't a priority. Now, he could be blowing smoke up peoples asses, but if he is, it's because he wants to snag either Ponder or Niggernick later.

I'm not sure Smith thinks there is a legit chance one of the Top 3 QB in the draft makes it to #16, is why.

Plus, one of the remaining bums probably doesn't make it to #49.

I think they'll end up taking Cameron Jordan in the first, maybe Brooks Reed and they'll move on.

If Locker is there, I do think they'll take him though...I just think he is expected to be gone at Washington or Minnesota.

I made that pick not based on Jacksonville taking him. I made it based on them trading that pick away to a team that needs him there. Gene Smith wants more picks, I'm sure of it.

[Champ]

**NFL DRAFT BUZZ**

I heard on NFL Network that the Redskins are trying to swap places with the Bronocos to take one of the QBs

[Champ]

Jason La Canfora said that the Steelers are trying to trade up to get Mike Pouncey.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/26/report-steelers-want-to-trade-up-pair-mike-with-maurkice/

I would love for the Giants to trade down and get the Steelers 1st for next year.

[Champ]

Vikings and Browns talking trade

http://www.nationalfootballauthority.com/2011/04/2011-nfl-draft-cleveland-browns-and_26.html

[Champ]

Texans want to trade up for Von Miller or Patrick Peterson

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/26/texans-want-to-trade-up-for-von-miller-or-patrick-peterson/

[TheImmortalGoud]

Here.

 

Round One



1. Cam Newton, Quarterback, Auburn
While I wouldn't do this, Carolina will. Carolina needs to get something going with this franchise, and Newton is the main attraction in this draft class.



2. Marcell Dareus, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
With the recent releases of Justin Bannan and Jamal Williams, the Denver Broncos have made it clear they will be taking a DT with this pick. The question is whether they take Marcell Dareus or Nick Fairley. Dareus is the more consistent player, and has less character concerns about him. You gotta be sure when you're picking this high, and Fairley has too many questions. If Carolina were to shock us and take Dareus then I think the pick would be Patrick Peterson.



3. Von Miller, Rush Linebacker, Texas A&M
Buffalo's Rush Linebacker's are terrible. Von Miller has been linked to Buffalo for quite some time now. He's at worst the 3rd player on their big board. The other two players would be Cam Newton and Marcell Dareus. Unless Buffalo decides they need to take Blaine Gabbert, then this pick is obvious.



4. AJ Green, Wide Receiver, Georgia
With T.O. likely to be moving on and Chad Johnson potentially being traded, the Bengals need to get that number one receiver for the next ten years. A.J. Green is the best receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson. Green will be the impact player on offense the Bengals are looking for.



5. Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, LSU
Unless Cam Newton were to fall, I don't think the Cardinals would take a Quarterback. Arizona would like Von Miller, but he's off the board. Arizona also has a need at Cornerback across from DRC. Patrick Peterson is the top player in this draft class, and is a once in a decade type of player. DRC and PP7 would form one of the league's scariest Cornerback duos.



6. Julio Jones, Wide Receiver, Alabama
With Da'Quan Bowers' knee issues and character concerns surrounding Nick Fairley, the Browns go for a Wide Receiver. The Browns have absolutely nothing at Wide Receiver, so while this pick may be a reach, it makes a lot of sense. Robert Quinn would be the pick if they decide against taking Julio Jones.



7. Blaine Gabbert, Quarterback, Missouri
San Francisco has been looking for a franchise Quarterback ever since Steve Young retired. Gabbert has franchise Quarterback talent, but we'll have to see if he develops into that. He can sit a year behind Alex Smith (assuming he's brought back) and be ready to take over in 2012.



8. Nick Fairley, Defensive Tackle, Auburn
With the top two Quarterbacks gone, the Titans move their attention to the Defensive Line. I think Defensive End is a bigger need, but Fairley is the best player available. With Nick Fairley and Jason Jones in the middle, the Titans will have one of the top interior pass rushing duos in the league. One other note, Tennessee's new Defensive Line coach, Tracy Rocker, coached Fairley at Auburn.



9. Tyron Smith, OT, USC
Word is Dallas likes Tyron Smith a lot. Marc Colombo is a bum. Tyron Smith is the most talented Offensive Tackle in this draft. Dallas needs to get younger and better on the Offensive Line. I believe Dallas would like to trade down into the teens, but that's likely not going to happen. Cameron Jordan or J.J. Watt could also be the pick here.



10. Jake Locker, Quarterback, Washington
I've been projecting Locker to the Redskins in the second round in my last couple of mocks, but they don't want to take the chance of missing out on him. While I think Jake Locker is terrible; Mike Shanahan doesn't. There were reports last year that the Redskins might of taken Locker with the 4th pick overall last year if he came out. He still needs to sit a year or two before he even has a chance of being anything in this league. The Redskins desperately need a QB and get a guy they really like.



11. Robert Quinn, Rush Linebacker, North Carolina
With the transition to a 3-4, the Texans need that premier pass rusher to come off the edge. Robert Quinn could have potentially gone number one this year if he didn't lose the year due to suspension, and he could go as high as number five this year. If the Texans don't feel like Robert Quinn is the guy then the pick would be Aldon Smith.



12. Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End, Clemson
Bowers will fall in the draft due to his knee issues, but not into the 20's like some people think. Minnesota needs to add another Defensive End with Ray Edwards set to leave. Minnesota would like to trade back to take Christian Ponder and collect more picks.



13. Prince Amukamara, Cornerback, Nebraska
The Lions need two things badly, a Cornerback and an Offensive Tackle. The Lions fall into a dream scenario with Amukamara falling to thirteen.



14. Corey Liuget, Defensive Tackle, Illinois
With Cliff Ryan becoming a free agent and Fred Robbins turning 34, the Rams need to find someone to help build that defense. With Chris Long emerging last season, Liuget will come in and only make the D-line better. I could also see the Rams taking Aldon Smith, but I feel Defensive Tackle is a bigger need.



15. Mike Pouncey, Offensive Guard, Florida
I'm finally off the Mark Ingram bandwagon (as just about everyone else is). I think the Dolphins will trade back in the draft, but either way Pouncey would be the pick. The interior line is arguably the Dolphins biggest need, and they get the top interior lineman in the draft.



16. Aldon Smith, Defensive End, Missouri
The Jaguars need to solve their Defensive End problem, and Smith is the guy to do it. Apart from Aaron Kampman, Jacksonville's Defensive Ends are terrible. Aldon Smith is the most talented of the Defensive Ends remaining. Jacksonville takes care of one of their top needs with this pick.



17. Cameron Jordan, Defensive End, California
The Patriots are looking for another Defensive End, and Jordan is the perfect fit. With Mike Wright and Ty Warren both coming off injuries, Jordan will be an immediate starter. The Patriots will probably trade this pick though.



18. J.J. Watt, Defensive End, Wisconsin
The Chargers need to upgrade at LE with Jacques Cesaire set to become a free agent (and not being that good in the first place). Watt is the best available 3-4 End.



19. Anthony Castonzo, Offensive Tackle, Boston College
With the Giants O-line up there in age and very injury prone they need to start rebuilding the Offensive Line. Castonzo might not start right away, but he will be the LT for the future.



20. Ryan Kerrigan, Defensive End, Purdue
The Bucs had a horrific pass rush last year and Defensive End is the number one priority. This pick could be a number of defensive ends here, but I think it'll be Ryan Kerrigan.



21. Phil Taylor, Nose Tackle, Baylor
The Chiefs haven't had a legitimate Nose Tackle since they made the transition to a 3-4. Phil Taylor is the top pure Nose Tackle in this draft and will come in and start right away. There are some character and weight concerns with Taylor, but I think he has that under control. His foot condition also won't be a problem.



22. Derek Sherrod, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State
The Colts need some help on the Offensive Line. Sherrod offers a Tackle who is very good in pass protection, which we know is important to the Colts. Solder is the more talented player, but the Colts need someone who they are sure on.



23. Jimmy Smith, Cornerback, Colorado
The Eagles tried many options at RCB last year and none of them played well. Jimmy Smith will come in and start from day one bringing some stability to the position. The Eagles won't care about his character concerns (which are overplayed to begin with).



24. Muhammad Wilkerson, Defensive Tackle, Temple
The Saints need both a Defensive End and a Defensive Tackle, but they have needed a Defensive Tackle along side Ellis for awhile now. Muhammad Wilkerson is the best Defensive Tackle available at this spot.



25. Nate Solder, Offensive Tackle, Colorado
The Seahawks were terrible along the offensive line last season. Sean Locklear played like the bum he is and Solder will be a hige upgrade over him. With Okung and Unger coming into next season healthy, this offensive line could be really good next year.



26. Cameron Heyward, Defensive End, Ohio State
Reports are the Ravens aren't gonna pass on Heyward at 26 if he's available. Heyward would add much needed depth along the Baltimore defensive line. Baltimore will always look to entertain trades at this spot as well.



27. Gabe Carimi, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin
Atlanta could go WR, DE, or OL at this pick. Harvey Dahl, Justin Blalock, and Tyson Clabo are all free agents. The Falcons won't be able to retain all of them. I don't think the Falcons can pass on Carimi if he falls this far.



28. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama
I can't see Mark Ingram falling out of the first round, and this is the last chance the he'll go in the first.. New England will address running back some point during this draft, and they get the best running back in the draft at 28.



29. Marvin Austin, Defensive Tackle, North Carolina
With the release of Tommie Harris and Anthony Adams becoming a free agent, the Bears need some help inside. Ever since Tommie Harris' knee issues the Bears haven't had a legitimate 3-technique. Marvin Austin is the perfect fit for what Chicago is looking for. An Offensive Lineman or Jonathan Baldwin could also be the pick here.



30. Akeem Ayers, Rush Linebacker, UCLA
The Jets struggled last year getting to the QB and need some help in that area. Akeem Ayers is the one of the top players available at the position. Ayers' wasn't used that much as a pure pass rusher at UCLA, but many believe that his his best attribute.



31. Danny Watkins, Offensive Guard, Baylor
I had the Steelers taking Watkins in the second round of my last mock, but I don't think they're sold on a cornerback to take here anymore. The Steelers aren't looking for someone to develop, they're looking for immediate help along the Offensive Line. Danny Watkins provides just that.



32. Brooks Reed, Rush Linebacker, Arizona
While Green Bay has some okay pieces opposite of Clay Matthews, they could definitely upgrade. Brooks Reed is the best available Rush Linebacker. He'll take some pressure off of Clay Matthews providing some pass rush opposite of him.

[Nukleopatra]

Update: Rams aren't trying to do anything - They're hoping Corey LiuFaggot falls right into their laps.

[wingsfan77]

I've read about the Eagles wanting to move both up and drop back....I don't bother even reading any rumors about the Eagles because they're never right.

[wingsfan77]

I've read about the Eagles wanting to move both up and drop back....I don't bother even reading any rumors about the Eagles because they're never right.

[Goober]

Please trade down Denver...

[RyanLeaf16]

Mike Pouncey will belong to the Dolphins

[manchild24]

Redskins have nothing to offer to move up. I hope the hell they dont. Id rather see them swap with the Rams is Jones is available, move to 14 and pick up a 2nd or 3rd rounder.

Id rather see them keep McNabb (but they fucked that up offering him that contract) and get Mallet in the 3rd round where Im hearing he may fall.

Half this talk with all these moves are just smokescreens.