Our trip through the land of optimism continues with Part 2 of our 2011 NFL Mock Draft. The further down the board we go, the more prospects get bunched together and the more team needs and preferences come into play. In fact, the talent level is so close that you could make an argument for the guy who goes 20 could go 10 and vice-versa. If we’ve learned one thing in our time following the draft, it’s that teams will always do things that you don’t expect. It’s a crapshoot but here’s our best guess on how it will continue.
11. Houston Texans, 6-10Team Needs: DT, CB, S, Another 8-8 season, Syringes, To hail from a city where people do more than go to the mall and/or work for oil companies,
Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson, 6'4", 280 lbs
New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips needs to upgrade a defense that was absolutely awful last season and continues to waste excellent offensive production by Schaub, Johnson and Foster. They could go with a corner but we think Phillips, who tends to lean more on his front seven, will look for help up front first. Ideally they’d get a pass rusher but with the top edge guys - Miller and Quinn – gone they’ll have avoid reaching for Aldon Smith and look to the line. While Watt or Jordan might be better scheme fits, Bowers, who falls due to concerns over a surgically repaired knee that could someday require microfracture surgery, is too talented to pass up. If healthy, he’s a potential #1 overall pick so if the Texans can be patient and let him heal, his size, speed and pass rushing skills could yield a future Pro Bowler. He’s versatile (there’s that word again) enough to play 4-3 end, 3-4 end and maybe as an oversized 3-4 ‘backer. A front line of Bowers, Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing could be devastating.
Reminds Us Of: Justin Tuck
12. Minnesota Vikings, 6-10
Team Needs: QB, S, DE, DT, OLB, To finally move on, Moving vans pointed toward L.A., A new roof, Another aging QB who’s reputation far outstrips his production, On a totally unrelated note, Donovan McNabb
Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal, 6'4", 280 lbs
Despite all their talent, the Vikes were simply overwhelmed by the Brett Favre saga last year, leading to a 6-10 record, a new head coach and, at some point, a new quarterback. While Locker is certainly in play here it would be a bit of a reach (particularly for a veteran team) and Jordan, a hot name due to his ability to play the power end in a 4-3 front (in addition to his experience in the 3-4 at Cal) represents excellent value as a complimentary pass-rusher and run stopper to play in the rotation with Jared Allen and Ray Edwards. He’s not overly explosive but he plays with energy and is solid in all areas. Minny knows him well as his father, Steve, played 13 years at tight end in the Twin Cities.
Reminds Us Of: Will Smith (the non-jiggy one)
13. Detroit Lions, 6-10
Team Needs: T, G, LB, SS, DE, CB, A shoulder that allows Stafford to get the ball to Megatron, To watch that Chrysler commercial before every game, Seriously that commercial friggin rules it almost makes us want to move to Detroit until we remember it’s an abandoned mess
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska, 6', 203 lbs
Lead by instant All-Pro Ndamukong Suh, the Lions made huge strides just to get to 6-10. But even Suh can’t get them to the next level alone so adding his former teammate, and fellow Misspelled Name All-Star, would give them another building block for their not-so-bleak future. While not as physically imposing as Peterson, some believe Prince is the best cover corner in the draft. He’s a low risk prospect with superior technical acumen, good size, great closing speed, proven production (see Locker, Jake: 4-20 v. Nebraska) and the ability to support the run. He should be a starter from Day 1 in Detroit.
Reminds Us Of: Johnathan Joseph/Leon Hall
14. St. Louis Rams, 7-9
Team Needs: WR, CB, OLB, DT, DE, S, G, To keep doing what they're doing, Puberty for Lil Sammy Bradford
Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois, 6'3", 300 lbs
The Rams are a team on the rise with Steve Spagnulo and Sam Bradford leading the way. In only one season, Bradford established himself as a franchise caliber signal caller and took a team that finished with the worst record in the league within one game of a playoff spot (sure it was the NFC West but still). To help his development they’d love to get Jones or Green but unless they’re willing to trade up, they’ll look elsewhere for a pass catcher. Liuget (pronounced “Legit”) isn’t just some consolation prize. He profiles as a solid, two-way tackle, who plays hard and should develop into a solid starter in St. Louis.
Reminds Us Of: Jay Ratliff
15. Miami Dolphins, 7-9
Team Needs: QB, RB, G, C, An offense, A better mascot, More talents to be taken to South Beach
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama, 5'10", 215 lbs
Miami could go with Locker (or another QB here) or look at the other Pouncey twin but with both of the two-headed disappointment of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams likely gone, a rebuild of the running game is in order and we think Ingram is going to be really, really good. He had a bit of a down year after winning the Heisman as a sophomore, but he’s got feature back written all over him due to his power/speed combo and instinctive running style. He’s not physically dominant, preferring to set up his blocks and consistently getting all the yards available - more Emmitt Smith than Adrian Peterson.
Reminds Us Of: Emmitt Smith/Thomas Jones
16. Jacksonville Jaguars, 8-8
Team Needs: DE, LB, S, A move to Los Angeles before the Vikes beat them to it, More of Jaxson de Ville
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue, 6'4" 259 lbs
Defensive end is easily the Jags’ biggest need and at this point in the draft there should be plenty of options for the completion of their line overhaul. In the past Jacksonville has shown an affinity for no-nonsense, hardworking, leader-types and Kerrigan is exactly that type of player. He’s an excellent all-around end and relentless pass-rusher who racked up 13 sacks and lead the nation in tackles for loss. He’s a little still and needs to get stronger but he could become the dominant edge-rusher the Jags have needed forever.
Reminds Us Of: Aaron Kampman
17. New England Patriots (from Raiders), 14-2
Team Needs: WR, T, OLB, A right to the face, To make a damn pick, Tissues for Tommy
JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin, 6’5”, 280 lbs
With their boatload of picks, the Pats hold a ton of sway in this draft. They could package them and move up (our preference) or do what they always do and trade back to accumulate more assets. For the sake of this exercise, we’ll keep them here just to see what it would be like if they actually made a decision. Tackle is a need but with the depth of the position and their need for defensive playmakers, we’re giving them Watt, a guy who could go as high as 10 but will slip behind guys with more athletic gifts. Where other teams see deficiencies, the Pats their ideal guy – a big, hard-working, versatile player who loves football who they’ll put in the right places to succeed.
Reminds Us Of: Justin Smith
18. San Diego Chargers, 9-7
Team Needs: DT, WR, DE, T, MLB, A less arrogant general manager, To kill Phillip Rivers, Better weather
Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple, 6’5”, 305 lbs
San Diego is another team that is less than the sum of its parts. But with their talent, they can ignore needs and go for the best available. In this scenario, they get a bonus since Wilkerson is not only an excellent value but fills a relative need. He’s the prototypical, penetrating 3-4 end and a player who many believe could have wound up in the Marcell Dareus category in he stayed one more year in school. Could be a steal.
Reminds Us Of: Kevin Williams/Aaron Smith
19. New York Giants, 10-6
Team Needs: OLB, T, RB, A mandatory team seminar on discipline and avoiding mistakes, To remind Tiki they won the Super Bowl after he retired
Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College, 6'7", 295 lbs
With the linebacker position being exceptionally weak this year (though Ayers is a possibility), the Giants will likely have to pass on their biggest need and address a secondary concern – their aging offensive line. Coughlin loves his BC guys and has had success mining his former stomping grounds (Snee and Kiwanuka) and Costanzo should be no exception. A four-year starter at BC, he’s an exceptional value and with O'Hara and Diehl both missing time last year and McKenzie not getting any younger, an infusion of youth is necessary. If the athletic, former tight end with a rep as a good pass blocker can develop quickly, it could allow the G-Men to slide Diehl inside to guard and upgrade two positions.
Reminds Us Of: Chad Clifton
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 10-6
Team Needs: G, DE, OLB, S, More of the creamsicle uniforms
Aldon Smith OLB Missouri, 6’5”, 260 lbs
Last year the Bucs addressed the interior of their defensive line, this year they start to work the edges and Smith, a raw, athletic pass-rushing prospect, has the potential to be great. Potential is the key word because, while he’s got speed to turn the corner and strength to set the edge, he still must fill out and develop better instincts to be productive as a pro. Boom or bust potential.
Reminds Us Of: Osi Umenyiora
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