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Now that we're a highly unprofessional blogger, we figured it was time to bring our back and forth with our newest contributing writer to our adoring fans. Without further ado, the Persnickety Project presents:
The Persnickety Project's 2011 NFL Mock Draft - Version 1.0
At this early junction, we fully expect the specific players to change but the road map should remain viable.
1. Carolina Panthers, 2-14
Team Needs: WR, DE, DT, CB, OLB, G, C, All new players
Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson, 6'4", 280 lbs
Carolina fans now understand what the Jets went through in 1996 when Peyton Manning decided to return to Tennessee for his senior season rather than join Bill Parcells in New York, a move that changed the fortunes of two franchises. Keyshawn was a good pro but he wasn't Peyton. To have a potential franchise QB and possible savior decide to stay in school is bad enough, but here the talent drop is big. Sure, Bowers is a great player, and the best pass rusher in the draft, and he might very well be a pro-bowler but nothing he can do will come to close to the hope associated with what Luck could have been. Still, Carolina needs to revamp its D and the versatile Bowers is a good start. Can play end or tackle, 4-3 or 3-4 and he gets into the backfield and after the quarterback. Could provide some of the play making lost when Peppers departed for Chicago. Fairley, Quinn and Green are also possibilities.
2. Denver Broncos, 4-12
Team Needs: LB, DT, OLB, The resurrection of John Elway
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU, 6'1", 211 lbs
It's hard to pass up Fairly who plays one of the more "premium positions" at defensive tackle but with the Broncos currently playing a 3-4, Fairley's not an ideal fit. If the new coach they bring in switches to a 4-3, Fairley becomes the pick. However, we're constrained to what's going right know so we see them grabbing the best CB prospect and potential heir apparent to Champ Bailey (and a potential devastating tandem with Champ if he is resigned). Peterson has the size, speed and return skills to contribute immediately in multiple areas. His downside is relatively low as well; if the concerns about his top-end speed are realized, he can seamlessly move to become a top-end safety.
3. Buffalo Bills, 4-12
Team Needs: QB, OT, DE, OLB, SS, Hope
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn, 6'4", 299 lbs
The emergence of Ryan Fitzpatrick as a serviceable NFL quarterback gives the Bills the luxury to not reach for a QB at this stage and take the top DT in the draft. Fairley, a part-time player last season who shot up draft boards during Auburn's magical run, gives Buffalo the penetrating inside stud they need to get into the backfield and disrupt. Dominated good o lines in the SEC and provides versatility to fit into the Bills multiple 4-3/3-4 front.
4. Cincinnati Bengals, 4-12
Team Needs: QB, RB, DE, T, S, MLB, New ownership
Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina, 6'4", 254 lbs
The Bengals are delusional. After yet another disappointing season, they're bring back Marvin Lewis (to save money, no doubt) and will likely do the same with inconsistent Carson Palmer (are we all ready to admit he hasn't been the same since Kimo Von Oelhoffen destroyed his knee?). Those moves likely take them out of the running for a 1st round quarterback, and a chance at remaking their identity as a perpetually disappointing franchise. Still, reinforcements are needed on defense and Quinn, who sat out the entire season due to NCAA violations, is a solid pass rushing prospect who should, at the very least, contribute immediately as a situational pass-rushed the Bengals need. The NCAA issues notwithstanding, Quinn is considered a high-character player and exceptionally hard-worker (he worked his way back from a brain tumor his senior year in high school) and has all the tools to become a dominant end.
5. Arizona Cardinals 5-11
Team Needs: QB, CB, OLB, T, G, A ruffie to forget the Derek Anderson era
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska, 6', 203 lbs
The Cardinals need help at QB but seem more likely to go the veteran route since they inhabit an eminently winnable division and we assume Wisenhunt likes his job and wouldn't want to wait on a rookie's development (Matt Hasselbeck?). They have needs all over the offensive line and all over the defense and got a little unlucky with a that none of the Top 4 defenders fell. They'd pounce on any of the top linemen but in this scenario they still get an excellent cover corner with superior technical acumen, size and ball skills. The gab between Prince and Peterson could shrink weekly as the draft approaches.
6. Cleveland Browns, 5-11
Team Needs: WR, T, LB, DE, Something else to do for people who live in Cleveland
A.J. Green, WR, Georgia, 6'4", 208 lbs
This is the biggest no brainer in the history of earth. No team is in more need of a top WR than the Browns and Green, a big, fast and productive player, is far and away the premier prospect as his position. He could form a potent tandem with Colt McCoy for years to come and finally give the Dogpound something to bark about. We absolutely love Green's potential as a big time NFL playmaking WR along the lines of Roddy White and Reggie Wayne.
7. San Fransisco 49ers, 6-10
Team Needs: QB, WR, QB, DT, QB, LB, QB, CB, QB, Winners
Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas, 6'7", 238 lbs
Inconsistent QB play cost Mike Singletary his job, new coach Jim Harbaugh will look to remedy that from the start. If he can't get Luck, his college QB to change his mind enter the draft and pledge to only play for San Fran, then Mallett is a nice consultation prize. He's tall (6'7) with an absurdly great arm that will mix well with the deep threats currently on the roster in Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree. Needs to work on his touch and footwork to take the next step. Gets the nod over Blaine Gabbert since teams will fall in love with his arm strength.
8. Tennessee Titans, 6-10
Team Needs: QB, G, LB, CB, An owner who doesn't throw his coach under the bus and then pretend he didn't
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri, 6'5", 240 lbs
After the announcement this week that the Titans would move on without Vince Young , the #1 need for the franchise (if not necessarily the current team) is to find a quarterback to build around. Gabbert, a considered a top 5-type talent and in some eyes the best QB in the draft, could become the new face of a franchise undergoing some serious changes. Though unknown to the general public, he has the prototypical size and accuracy to succeed as a top-shelf passer. Could be a more mobile version of Kerry Collins in terms of his ability to get the ball in the hands of his playmakers, Kenny Britt and Chris Johnson. We might prefer Cam Newton but we doubt the Titans choose to entrust their franchise to a running quarterback with character questions so soon after the VY-error.
9. Dallas Cowboys, 6-10
Team Needs: T, G, DE, S, CB, To go away
Marcell Dareus DE/DT Alabama, 6'2", 303 lbs
After a supremely disappointing season that saw Wade Phillips canned, the Cowboys find themselves picking in the Top 10 instead of vying for a chance to play the Super Bowl at home. With a bunch of important players entering free agency or facing release, their D has a lot of holes, several of which could be filled by the versatile, freak Dareus. Dareus, who entered the public consciousness with a rambling defensive touchdown in the Crimson Tide's BCS Title victory over Texas last season, can play any position on the defensive line and will offer new coach Jason Garrett great flexibility during his transition. Could be a real difference maker as a pass-rusher in any scheme. Dallas would like to draft an offensive lineman but none represents the right value at this pick.
10. Washington Redskins, 6-10
Team Needs: QB, RB, WR, T, G, DE, DT, CB, LB, A Haynesworth/McNabb cleansing
Jake Locker QB, Washington, 6'2", 230 lbs
Despite the deep well of needs present on the Redskins roster, we're guessing that Shanahan, who loves his quarterbacks and once traded up to grab Jay Cutler, will fall in love with one and grab him here. Of all the guys available at this point, Locker seems like the most likely object of Mike's affection. Shanahan loves mobile quarterbacks who demonstrate toughness and leadership and Locker fits the bill. He's got all the physical tools arm strength, speed, leadership that Shanahan will be blinded by visions of the quarterback who won him two titles - John Elway. Obviously he's not going to be that good but, given the time to develop, he could become a more mobile and less dickish version of Jay Cutler. Shanahan is a guy who can develop passers (remember Jake Plummer?).
11. Houston Texans, 6-10
Team Needs: DT, CB, S, to get back to 8-8
Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M, 6'3", 240 lbs
Despite an explosive offense, the Texans managed to miss the playoffs yet again, as they have in every year of their existence largely because they couldn't stop anyone. Enter deposed Cowboy headman, Wade Phillips. Phillips is known to run a 3-4 front so a major change in philosophy may be in order. If so, a premier pass-rushing linebacker is mandatory and Miller fits the bill. He's a pass-rushing phenom who racked up 21.5 TFL and 17 sacks in the Big 12. A potential linebacking corps of Cushing, Ryans, Mario Williams and Miller could rival the Steelers as the league's premier foursome. Even without a change to the 3-4, Miller shows enough coverage potential to play in the 4-3.
12. Minnesotta Vikings, 6-10
Team Needs: QB, S, DE, DT, OLB, To finally move on
Cam Newton QB, Auburn, 6'5", 248 lbs
Despite an awful season, the Vikes are stocked with talent everywhere except the QB position and have been since Favre announced his last comeback. The team could bring in a veteran to try to help them contend this year but we still think Newton is the way to go here. Beyond his ridiculous college production, there are two reasons why Newton goes this high despite a lack of pro-style offense experience, potential character issues and sketchy accuracy - Michael Vick and Tim Tebow. We see Newton as a bit of a cross between those two, with a blend of size, speed, passing ability, play making and on-field leadership, that doesn't come around very often. If he can develop a passing presence to match his running ability (see 2010 Vick) he'll be an absolutely HUGE star with the upside of a guy who revolutionizes the quarterback position in the NFL. At worst, he's Vince Young, which isn't terrible. If we had our choice, he'd go even higher. Not everyone agrees so look for Cam's to be the most volatile stock in this year's draft - he could go #1 or fall out of the first round.
13. Detroit Lions, 6-10
Team Needs: T, G, LB, SS, DE, CB, A shoulder that allows Stafford to get the ball to Megatron
Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa, 6'3", 285 lbs
With good size and a great motor, Clayborn is the type of power, penetrating, no quit end that could provide the perfect compliment to budding superstar Ndamukong Suh by feasting on team's inability to double team him. Has the experience to step in immediately and help improve a defense that continues to struggle and prevent the lions from contending in the NFC North. Detroit gets excellent value here after an only average year from Clayborn. CB is a position of great need so they could reach for one here.
14. St. Louis Rams, 7-9
Team Needs: WR, CB, OLB, DT, DE, S, G, To keep doing what they're doing
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State, 6'1", 207 lbs
The Rams are a team on the rise. In only one season, Bradford established himself as a franchise caliber signal caller and could get the dynamic receiver he needs to take his game to another level. Blackmon exploded on the scene as a red-shirt sophomore with 111 catches, 1782 yards and 20 touchdowns, including 5 for 157 and 2 TDs against Prince Amukamara and Nebraska's tough defense and possesses the size-speed combo NFL teams covet. Looked absolutely unstoppable in every game we saw. Gets a slight edge over Julio Jones in our minds.
15. Miami Dolphins, 7-9
Team Needs: QB, RB, G, C, An offense
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama, 5'10". 215 lbs
Ideally Miami would trade up for a QB or down for an interior offensive lineman but if they stay at 15, a replacement for the likely departing two-headed disappointment of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams to rebuild the running game could be in order. After winning the Heisman as a sophomore, Ingram had a down year but remains a first round talent capable of being a feature back with a nice combo of size and speed. Not physically imposing with combine numbers that will blow anyone away but he's an instinctive and effective runner, adept at setting up his blocks and consistently getting all the yards available - more Emmit Smith and Adrian Peterson.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars, 8-8
Team Needs: DE, LB, S, A move to Los Angeles
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue, 6'4" 259 lbs
Doesn't it seem like the Jags have been searching for a pass-rushing defensive end forever? Well, they kinda have been, drafting pairs of defensive ends in both the 2008 and 2010, bringing in Aaron Kampman this off season yet still being unable to find a guy who could into the opposing team's backfield more than 5 times last season. We see them going to the well yet again with Kerrigan a good all-around end and relentless pass-rusher who racked up 13 sacks and 18 tackles for loss as a senior Boilermaker. Other possibilities include OLB Ayers, DE Heyward or CB Jenkins.
17. New England Patriots (from Raiders), 14-2
Team Needs: WR, T, OLB, A right to the face
Cameron Heyward, DL, Ohio State, 6'5", 278 lbs
Belichick could go a few ways here, but in the end we think he'll replace the man he traded to get this pick. The offense has been great the last few seasons and, oddly for a team coached by a defensive guru, it's the defense that needs work. Despite a sub-par senior season, Heyward, the son of Tecmo Super Bowl legend Ironhead, is a fearsome talent who Genius Bill can move all around his schemes like he did Richard Seymour. A versatile talent equally adept at stopping the run as rushing the passer. A fit for any front.
18. San Diego Chargers, 9-7
Team Needs: DT, WR, DE, T, MLB, Less arrogant general manager
Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State, 6'1" 304 lbs
San Diego is another team with greater talent then its record suggests and are without any absolutely glaring needs so they can look for the best available player. They've yet to replace it's once great nose tackle, Jamal Williams, so Paea represents a perfect blend of need and value. Paea grew up in Tonga and carries a warrior reputation as a tireless worker and exceptionally strong run stopper. Lacks ideal height for the 3-4 nose but is stout enough against the run to be a good fit regardless. An absolute beast.
19. New York Giants, 10-6
Team Needs: OLB, T, RB, A mandatory team seminar on discipline and avoiding mistakes
Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA, 6'3", 249 lbs
They can't draft a do-over for a highly disappointing season so the G-men finally get the athletic OLB they've craved for years. While he's still raw, the upside on Ayers is high. He's got great size and speed, is a fluid athlete, excels as a pass-rusher and is capable in coverage. Could develop into the all-around playmaker the Giants sorely need to solidify a talented, but inconsistent, defense.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 10-6
Team Needs: G, DE, OLB, S, More of the creamsicle uniforms
Nate Solder, T, Colorado, 6'8", 300 lbs
The Bucs don't necessarily need a tackle but at this point Solder is too good to pass up. A former TE, he possess good size and exceptional athleticism for the tackle position with the speed, agility which teams covet at the LT position. With the Bucs developing Josh Freeman as their franchise QB, they can never have enough talented blockers opening holes and protecting his back. The order of tackle prospects is still in flux so look for the order to shuffle in coming weeks.
21. Kansas City Chiefs, 10-6
Team Needs: T, CB, WR, DT, LB, SS, A head coach who doesn't look like an offseason meth dealer
Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin, 6'6", 318 lbs
Carimi is the big, tough and nasty mauler the team can plug in across from Brendan Albert to solidify the right side of their line and allow them to continue to be a power running team that relies on the spectacular Jamaal Charles even without Charlie Weiss' creative schemes. Carimi played LT at Wisconsin but his size and run blocking ability make him a perfect fit for the right side in the pros.
22. Indianapolis Colts, 10-6
Team Needs: T, G, DT, SS, OLB, To wake Jim Caldwell from his slumber
Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College, 6'7", 295 lbsThe foundation of the NFL's most consistent team started to show cracks this season after both injuries and the line's inability to keep the great Peyton Manning comfortable in the pocket, neutered their once-explosive offense. Even without the injures to his playmakers, Peyton still got hit this year a lot more than he's used to and the Colts need to go to the well one more time to try to solidify the edges of their line. Costanzo, a four year starter at BC, possess the height and long arms that are vital to success as an NFL tackle. Needs to get stronger but has the intelligence and tenacity to succeed and earn #18's trust as a rookie.
23. Philadelphia Eagles, 10-6
Team Needs: CB, G, C, T, OLB, Integrity
Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida 6'5", 309 lbs
The Eagles trend of investing early picks along their lines continues with the other Pouncy brother. Their offensive line was decimated by injuries this season so adding a versatile interior lineman who can play either guard spot or center would be welcome news to Mike Vick's sore everything. Pouncy is strong, nasty and athletic enough to get down field and out in front of the Eagles playmakers. Experienced in working in a shotgun heavy, multiple look offense from his time at Florida. A pro-bowl caliber performance of his brother as a Steeler rookie doesn't hurt either.
24. New Orleans Saints, 11-5
Team Needs: RB, DE, DT, OLB, SS, To avoid the short fall back to suckiness
Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois, 6'3", 300 lbs
After winning the Super Bowl in 2009 on the strength of a opportunistic, turnover creating defense, the Saints came back to earth a little bit on that side of the ball this season. After being exposed even further in a wildcard loss to Seattle, New Orleans has to address that side of the ball. Luiget, a rising junior, is the type of stout, run-stuffing DT that could make a huge difference in many areas, like a Marshawn Lynch run for example. In a division with Matt Ryan and Josh Freeman, the Saints are going to have to get some stops if they're going to return to the ranks of championship contenders.
25. Seattle Seahawks, 7-9
Team Needs: QB, T, G, C, DE, DT, SS, CB, Competition Dude!!
Derek Sherrod, OT, Miss St, 6'5", 303 lbs
Even after drafting Russell Okung last season, the Seahawks still lack depth and competence along their offensive line. By this point in any draft thee truly elite tackles are long gone but Sherrod has the athleticism to develop and could be a legitimate starter in his first season if he shows adeptness at learning the Colts' scheme and earning #18's trust. Needs to get stronger and meaner and work on pass blocking to realize his potential but could provide the Seahawks with some help protecting and developing Clipboard Jesus Charlie Whitehurst.
26. Green Bay Packers, 10-6
Team Needs: RB, OLB, DE, G, CB, Crackers
Justin Houston, OLB/DE, Georgia, 6'3", 254 lbs
The Pack could go for a running back here but their need for another pass rusher to help Clay Matthews and free Charles Woodson from such heavy blitzing duties makes Houston the pick here. Houston, only a junior, had an exceptional season racking up double-digit sacks in the always-tough SEC and his stick has increased steadily all year. Experienced running the 3-4 during his time at Georgia and with the 3-4 becoming the defense in the NFL he could find himself gone before #25.
27. Chicago Bears, 11-5
Team Needs: T, WR, G, C, OLB, DT, Some semblance of a running game
Tyron Smith, T, USC, 6'5", 291 lbs
The Bears allowed 55 sacks this past year and either need to find a way to give Cutler more time or find a more capable back-up. Between Martz' system and the emergence of Johnny Knox, Chicago is positioned to have an proficient passing offense in '11 if they can keep Cutler upright. Smith is the type of elite athlete that a team like the Bears would be smart to pounce on and try to develop. Only a junior, he needs to get stronger to be dominant but the tools are there. Experienced protecting Matt Barkley in a pass-heavy, pro scheme at USC. Could be the real tackle riser in this draft.
28. New York Jets, 11-5
Team Needs: G, DE, DT, OLB, WR, To shut the fuck up, seriously, please stop talking
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama, 6'4", 211 lbs
While J-E-T-S have significant needs in the pass-rushing department and depth along the defensive line, none of the guys left at this point present a great value (3-4 defensive linemen aren't 1st round playmaker types) so they'll give in to their love of stars and pick up a potential big-time WR in Julio Jones. Jones, a former top overall recruit at his position and a guy who could just as easily find himself in the Top 15 come draft day, has great size, deceptively good speed (he's a long strider) and projects similarly to one of the guys he could end up replacing, Braylon Edwards, including the dropsies. With both Edwards and Holmes becoming free agents in the offseason, Jones gives the Jets flexibility in their offseason plans as well as a guy who could grow with the Sanchize.
29. Baltimore Ravens, 12-4
Team Needs: WR, CB, S, T, OLB, C, A chill pill
Stefen Wisniewski, C, Penn State, 6'3", 293 lbs
With incumbent center Matt Birk a free agent, the Ravens continue to rebuild their aging offensive line with this Penn State product with an NFL pedigree (nephew of Steve Wisniewski). Wisnewski is smart and quick and while he needs to get a little stronger, he's the type of kid who can step in and take charge of an offensive line and help a young quarterback like Flacco continue his development.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers, 12-4
Team Needs: T, DE, CB, G, A less rapey QB
Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal, 6'4", 280 lbs
Tackle is a position of great need for the Steelers but they make their bones on defense and replacing the aging duo of Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel will take precedence in the first round. Jordan projects highly but falls because he's not the pass-rusher that many teams covet. Pittsburgh is the beneficiary of that slip grabbing a powerful 3-4 end that can both occupy blockers and make plays when called upon.
31. Atlanta Falcons, 13-3
Team Needs: T, DE, G, OLB, People to care enough to come up with something snarky to say
Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame, 6'5", 253 lbs
With the greatest tight end of all time Tony Gonzalez beginning to slow down, the well-stocked Falcons jump at the opportunity to snag a big-time TE prospect who falls due to a nagging hamstring injury that held his production down. Randolph is big and extremely athletic, an excellent blocker and possesses great hands. If he can run well at the combine his stock should rise.
32. New England Patriots, 14-2
Team Needs: WR, T, OLB, A left n the face
Jeremy Beal, OLB, Oklahoma, 6'3", 263 lbs
The Pats continue to address their team "deficiencies" on defense, this time adding a pass-rusher to the fold. Beal is exactly the type of outside linebacker Belichick looks for to run his 3-4 front. He's got great size for the position, possesses excellent awareness, and truly top-end speed and is known for being a hard-worker with attention to detail. Sounds like the profile of a Patriot. Could potentially fit as a 4-3 end when New England gets creative. We'll admit there's absolutely no chance we're going to be able to predict what the Pats will do but we couldn't leave it blank.
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