Dan Levine NFL Mock Draft – 6 November 2011

November 7, 2011 · Dan Levine

1. Andrew Luck 2. Matt Kalil 3. Landry Jones 4. Justin Blackmon 5. Jonathon Martin

Round 1
1	Miami	Andrew Luck	QB	Stanford
Experts are saying that Luck is the highest graded quarterback coming out of college since John Elway. Few teams have had as many quarterback problems as the Dolphins. They are still looking for their replacement for Dan Marino. This is perfect for Miami. A no-brainer.
2	Indianapolis	Matt Kalil	OT	USC
In this scenario, since they lost out on the “Suck for Luck” drawing, the Colts would like to protect their freshly signed All-World quarterback in Peyton Manning. They drafted Anthony Castonzo last year. They could get another bookend for that line and keep their investment upright for the next five years.
3	Seattle	Landry Jones	QB	Oklahoma
Seattle’s current options at quarterback are Tavaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst. They are a poor team looking for someone to fill the void Matt Hasslebeck left when he went to Tennessee. Landry Jones is the next best option at quarterback. He would be able to make the throws to Sidney Rice this offense desperately needs.
4	St. Louis	Justin Blackmon	WR	Oklahoma State
Sam Bradford was great for the Rams as a rookie, but this year he has taken a step back mainly because he has no talent around him. His favorite receiver, Danny Amendola, went down with a season-ending injury. They signed Brandon Lloyd, but they need a deep threat that can allow Bradford to show off his arm strength and accuracy. Blackmon is dominating the Big 12 and would fit well in St. Louis.
5	Arizona	Jonathan Martin	OT	Stanford
Arizona invested 63 million dollars in Kevin Kolb, and so far it hasn’t paid off. That is mostly because Kolb is getting mobbed behind that offensive line. Martin has been protecting “Golden Boy” Andrew Luck for a few years. Martin would really help the development of Kolb as a solid starting NFL quarterback.
6	Denver	Matt Barkley	QB	USC
The Tim Tebow experiment in Denver isn’t working. A lot of people don’t think he can make it as a pro quarterback. He seems to be proving them right. John Fox doesn’t believe in Kyle Orton either. With Barkley, the Fox era starts anew and Denver can get the quarterback they need to lead their team.
7	Cleveland	Trent Richardson	RB	Alabama
Colt McCoy is still unproven at quarterback for the Browns, but the Browns look like they will stick with him at least for a little while. They need to build up the offense to create scoring opportunities for a weak offense. Trent Richardson would add a whole new dimension to the run game. The one-two punch of Richardson and Peyton Hillis would be scary for opposing tacklers.
8	Jacksonville	Manti Te’o	ILB	Notre Dame
Jacksonville could go a lot of different directions with this pick. Both sides of the ball need help. A big time wide receiver like Alshon Jeffrey could be in play here. But their linebackers are aging and Manti Te’o has been a star at Notre Dame. He would add great tenacity and toughness to the Jaguars.
9	Minnesota	Morris Claiborne	CB	LSU
Minnesota is also looking for help in the passing game, but they need some more playmakers in the defensive backfield. Antoine Winfield isn’t getting any younger and Chris Carr, last year’s draft pick, has had problems on and off the field. Claiborne comes off a stellar SEC defense for LSU. In the pass happy NFC North, he could help mark some great receivers.
10	Carolina	Quinton Coples	DE	North Carolina
Carolina hit it big time with Cam Newton last April. He has seemed to revitalize Steve Smith to create quite a tandem. They have some very talented running backs. Their defense is the issue. They are poor in almost all phases. With Charles Johnson on on side, Quinton Coples would add the bookend to create a serious pass rush. Also, he would be a hometown favorite.
11	Washington	Alshon Jeffery	WR	South Carolina
Ideally, Washington wouldn’t be in this position. A trade at 11 would be a serious consideration. They need a quarterback badly. With all the best quarterbacks off the board, they look to their next most needed position: a big play receiver. Alshon Jeffrey is huge and has great ball skills. He’s what they are looking for.
12	Kansas City	Vontaze Burfict	ILB	Arizona State
Kansas City has Derrick Johnson in the middle of the defense, but they could always use depth on the defense. Plus, Burfict is the best player available in this spot. The Chiefs pride themselves on strength, agility and toughness. Burfict fits the bill.
13	Tennessee	Riley Reiff	OT	Iowa
Tennessee’s line is a big question on offense. They already drafted a new franchise quarterback last year in Jake Locker, superstar running back Chris Johnson, and, when healthy, a stud receiver in Kenny Britt. Right now, Chris Johnson is having a terrible year. Bolstering the line will hopefully allow for bigger holes and to protect the new investment in Jake Locker.
14	Tampa Bay	Dre Kirkpatrick	CB	Alabama
Aqib Talib has had some off the field troubles, and Ronde Barber isn’t getting any younger. The Bucs are one of the best young teams in the league. What a great way to continue what they are building by bringing in one of the best cornerbacks in the draft to take over for Barber once he retires.
15	Cincinnati	Jerel Worthy	DT	Michigan State
What a great spot for Cincinnati. The first of two straight picks as a result of the Carson Palmer trade with the Raiders. With the first pick the Bengals bolster their top 5 defense by taking big Jerel Worthy to help plug up the middle.
16	Cincinnati (from OAK)	LaMichael James	RB	Oregon
With their second consecutive pick, Cincinnati gets a lightning quick running back to pair with their other young star in Andy Dalton. Current running back Cedric Benson is productive, but he is getting old and has had some problems off the field. This would be one of the most dynamic young offenses in the league if the Bengals draft James.
17	Chicago	Matt Reynolds	OT	Brigham Young
For the better part of two seasons, franchise quarterback Jay Cutler has been running for his life or hitting the dirt. They just drafted Gabe Carimi out of Wisconsin, but he hasn’t even been able to see the field due to injury. Either way, this line needed more than one man to improve it. Another highly touted tackle in Matt Reynolds is a good pick and can bookend the other side.
18	Dallas	Janoris Jenkins	CB	North Alabama
Dallas still has trouble in the defensive backfield. They could use a safety here, but Janoris Jenkins provides value as a corner and provide depth to perhaps move some guys around to fill out some positions. Jenkins, the Florida transfer, has the speed to keep up with receivers like Desean Jackson and Hakeem Nicks in the NFC East.
19	Buffalo	Stephon Gilmore	CB	South Carolina
Buffalo’s surprise season does not include a stout defense. In the 2011 season they are near the bottom of the league in pass defense. Stephon Gilmore is a solid corner that Buffalo could use to boost the speed and the depth of the Bills defense.
20	NY Giants	Luke Kuechly	ILB	Boston College
The Giants just signed a BC grad in Mark Herzlich. But Kuechly is a tackling machine. He has led the nation the last two seasons in total tackles. The Giants have been lacking a complete linebacking corps from top to bottom for a few seasons. Greg Jones is a nice player, but they would have serious talent at middle linebacker if they draft this guy.
21	Cleveland (from ATL)	Michael Floyd	WR	Notre Dame
In this scenario, Cleveland already got serious at running back. Now its time to get serious at wide receiver, courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons trade. Michael Floyd is a big target who is lighting the world on fire at Notre Dame this season. Finally, be it Colt McCoy or someone else throwing to him, Cleveland would have a legitimate deep threat in this offense.
22	NY Jets	Jared Crick	DT	Nebraska
This would be a value pick for the Jets. We know Rex Ryan is a defensive minded guy. They just drafted Muhammad Wilkerson last year, but Crick is a run stuffer and good talent up front. They could also think about drafting depth in the defensive backfield or the offensive line, but Crick is a better talent at this point for the Jets.
23	Detroit	Blake DeChristopher	OT	Virginia Tech
Detroit has come on as a strong offensive team, so this pick could easily go with a defensive back here. But Jeff Backus has a record for starts for linemen so he is almost out the door. The Lions rely a whole lot on Matthew Stafford to lead the offense, and they have to keep him from getting hurt.
24	Houston	Janzen Jackson	FS	Tennessee
This could be a reach at 24, but Houston is still working on making that defense stronger. They have come a long way since Wade Phillips began implementing his system. The defensive backs still need to stop big plays, especially in a division with Peyton Manning and Kenny Britt (when they are healthy). Jackson would help in that area.
25	San Francisco	Brandon Thompson	DT	Clemson
San Francisco is the best in the league at stopping the run, but they could use some depth and some extra talent along that 3-4 front. Brandon Thompson is big and a consistent contributor for Clemson. The 49ers could use Thompson to spell some of the starters and not miss a beat.
26	San Diego	Ronnell Lewis	OLB	Oklahoma
The Chargers drafted Corey Liuget last draft to improve the down linemen depth on defense. After the subpar performances by Larry English over the last couple of seasons, San Diego needs an outside rusher. Ronnell Lewis is a beast. He will add a ferocity that will hopefully translate into sacks.
27	Philadelphia	Courtney Upshaw	ILB	Alabama
Since the departure of Stewart Bradley, Philadelphia has a hole in the middle of their defense. As a result, they aren’t great against the run. They drafted Casey Matthews last spring, but he’s probably better suited as a backup. Upshaw is a stalwart on a stingy college defense. He could help them.
28	Baltimore	Alfonzo Dennard	CB	Nebraska
Baltimore has a great defense, but they could still use defensive back depth. With Dominique Foxworth injured, it is unclear how effective he will be upon his return. They could use an addition like Dennard as a nickel corner or an outside cover man.
29	New England (from NO)	Zach Brown	OLB	North Carolina
New England’s defense is awful. As strong as the offense is, you would expect Bill Belichick to concentrate on the other side of the ball this offseason. With their bevy of picks as usual, they should be able to get some talent. Zach Brown would be a great addition on the outside of Jerod Mayo. He’s an opportunistic defender who finds the ball.
30	Pittsburgh	Levy Adcock	OT	Oklahoma State
Ben Roethlisberger is a big man. It’s hard to bring him down. Still, he is getting mauled behind that Steelers line as currently constructed. It has been a few years since he has had solid protection. They drafted Maurkice Pouncey as an interior lineman a few years ago, and he has been as advertised. Adcock could add some outside help up front.
31	New England	Marcus Forston	DT	Miami (FL)
Vince Wilfork is terror in the middle, but New England has tried the Albert Haynesworth experiment next to him and it hasn’t worked. Forston has been a great player since high school. His injury is something to monitor as the months progress, but his athleticism would be a valuable asset to the Patriot defense.
32	Green Bay	Mark Barron	SS	Alabama
We all know that Green Bay doesn’t have too many issues with their roster, but if there is anything to work on it would be the pass defense. They give up a lot of yards through the air. Adding a speedy safety could help cut down on those big chunks of yardage. They could also look for a running back here.
Round 2
33	Miami	Brandon Jenkins	DE/OLB	Florida State
That defense could use some pass rush help opposite Cameron Wake.
34	Indianapolis	Ray Ray Armstrong	SS	Miami (FL)
A tough defensive back that could add to a depleted secondary.
35	Seattle	Jeff Fuller	WR	Texas A&M
Seattle signed Sidney Rice, but they need a quality receiver on the other side.
36	St. Louis	Ryan Miller	G/OT	Colorado
Teams have been planting Sam Bradford into the ground. He needs a stronger line.
37	Philadelphia (from ARI)	Andrew Datko	G	Florida State
One of the best linemen in the ACC is brought in to protect Philly’s $100 investment.
38	Denver	Ryan Broyles	WR	Oklahoma
After trading away Brandon Lloyd, Denver is in search of a new No. 1 whoever is throwing the ball.
39	Cleveland	Michael Egnew	TE	Missouri
Adding more offensive talent to keep up with teams in the AFC North.
40	Jacksonville	Josh Oglesby	OT	Wisconsin
They invested the 10th pick in Blaine Gabbert last spring. They need to keep defenses off him.
41	Minnesota	Greg Childs	WR	Arkansas
After the departure of Sidney Rice, Minnesota needs to find a new vertical option.
42	Carolina	Chris Owusu	WR	Stanford
Steve Smith has reemerged as a top flight receiver, but this team still needs a legit No. 2.
43	Washington	Kellen Moore	QB	Boise State
This would be a total reach for the Redskins, but they have no choice but to find a franchise QB.
44	Kansas City	Nigel Bradham	OLB	Florida State
Kansas City has Tamba Hali who is a great pass rusher, but they can add a big hitter in Bradham.
45	Tennessee	Sean Spence	OLB	Miami (FL)
Sean Spence is a stud, and Tennessee is in need of some more youth at linebacker.
46	Tampa Bay	Montel Harris	RB	Boston College
With Earnest Graham seriously injured, the Bucs may need to bring in another backup for LeGarette Blount.
47	Cincinnati	Donte Paige-Moss	DE/OLB	North Carolina
Continuing to add depth to a stout defense.
48	New England (from Oak)	Knile Davis	RB	Arkansas
BenJarvis Green-Ellis is the starter, but the Patriots need a good running back to spell him.
49	Chicago	George Bryan	TE	North Carolina State
Jay Cutler needs some weapons, and the departure of Greg Olson opens up a need for a TE.
50	Dallas	Kenny Tate	FS	Maryland
Dallas gets a playmaker at safety that it desperately needs.
51	Buffalo	Chris Galippo	ILB	USC
Again, Buffalo drafts defense to try and climb out of the bottom third of the league in total defense.
52	NY Giants	Tydreke Powell	DT	North Carolina
The Giants love drafting defensive tackles every year. Powell is the next on the list.
53	Atlanta	Brandon Boykin	CB	Georgia
In the high-flying NFC South, Atlanta gets some defensive back depth to halt strong offenses.
54	NY Jets	Keenan Robinson	OLB	Texas
Bart Scott is getting older, and Rex Ryan continues to rebuild that once stout defense.
55	Detroit	Chase Minnifield	CB	Virginia
Detroit’s biggest weakness is the secondary. Adding Minnifield is great move.
56	Houston	DeVier Posey	WR	Ohio State
Houston could use some more wide receiver help beyond Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones.
57	San Francisco	Greg Reid	CB	Florida State
Greg Reid is a big corner that can help the 49ers on special teams as well.
58	San Diego	Cliff Harris	CB	Oregon
A good value pick here, San Diego takes Harris to groom as Cason and Jammer get older.
59	Philadelphia	T.J. McDonald	FS	USC
There is great depth at cornerback but not as much as safety. McDonald helps.
60	Baltimore	Don’ta Hightower	ILB	Alabama
Ray Lewis can’t play forever. Don’ta Hightower would be a great trainee to takeover when he retires.
61	New Orleans	Andre Branch	DE	Clemson
Adding youth to the end of the defensive line, New Orleans concentrates on pass rush.
62	Pittsburgh	Travis Lewis	OLB	Oklahoma
The linebackers are aging in Pittsburgh, and Travis Lewis is a great talent.
63	New England	Tank Carder	OLB	TCU
New England once again takes a linebacker to fill out the rest of that corps.
64	Green Bay	Lamar Miller	RB	Miami (FL)
Green Bay gets its running back. Ryan Grant can’t stay healthy and James Starks can’t do it all.

Team Pages

Dan Levine NFL Mock Draft – 6 November 2011

Join Us On Your Favorite Network

About Us

Writing For Us