2011 Way-Way-Too-Early Mock Draft 5.8.10

The rumor around town is that it is never too early to start mocking it up for next year's draft as it is only a year away. Well I think that is complete rubbish. A year out is way, way too early to start mock drafts for next year. But here at EZFootballFutures, we would let a little fact like that stop us from getting into the action. So, based only on our Hot Stocks, and the inverse order of the EZFootballFutures power rankings, welcome to the "Way-Way-Too-Early" Mock Draft.

 

 

1. Buffalo Bills – Jake Locker, QB, WashingtonThe Bills grabbed CJ Spiller with their first pick this year, and despite how good he is, I am still projecting this team to be bad enough to get on the clock first overall. The Bills need a QB to lead them in the future, as of now I have Jake Locker as the number one player available. Andrew Luck will get some discussion too, but in the end Locker should be the man. If he had come out this year, he would have pushed Bradford for the top pick overall.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. St. Louis Rams – Marcell Darius, DT, Alabama *
   
   Over the last two offseason, the Rams added themselves a franchise QB, and the o-linemen necessary to keep him upright. Now they will return and address the middle of their defense. If the Bama junior come out early, he should be the top DT on the board. Darius may not have the same celing as either Suh or McCoy who went two and three this year, but he is still a good ball player, and will make the Rams better.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford *
   
   Early this offseason, Jacksonville's GM was heard complaining that incumbent David Garrard is not good enough. Well after bombing this years draft, he will find himself with the opportunity to get his future franchise QB. Harbaugh has his protégé almost ready to make the leap to the pros. If the junior comes out, he will be highly sought out by NFL clubs.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina *
   
   After securing their future in the middle of the d-line during this draft, I expect the Bucs to look to add a premiere pass rushing threat early in next year's draft. Quinn is a skilled junior who can get after opposing QBs, and the Bucs will need this to return to respectability.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Denver Broncos – Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
   
   I was rough on Denver because I think they made some draft mistakes, and I think it will cost them during the season. One of the needs I felt Denver had was a legitimate pass rusher coming off the end. The seventh round pick of Jammie Kirlew will not be enough. Now they get a chance to add the best senior pass rusher in the group in Clayborn.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Kansas City Chiefs – Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
   
   KC is still a team needing to rebuild. This draft helped, but not enough. Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson are good, and Mike Vrable is old. Carter is athletic and fast. He will help move around the defense making plays as he goes.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Detroit Lions – Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
   
   Detroit is a team on the mend. I like what they have done this offseason, and I think they will be improved next year. Having said that, this team should still be in position for a top ten pick next year, and that will allow for them to grab the top tackle on the board to protect Matt Stafford.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Cleveland Browns – Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
   
   Cleveland added some good talent during the draft, but like the Lions, they are not there yet. Based on their current team, I think the discussion will come down to DE vs WR. Heyward is a real talent and could make a Will Smith like impact in the NFL. Cleveland would be wise to spring on this guy.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. Carolina Panthers – Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
   
   The Panthers got the guy who they think will be their QB of their future in Clausen. Now they will need to focus on building their defensive line. Marvin Austin is the top senior DT in the class. He is a beast in the middle, and opponents will be the first to attest to that. The Panthers will be some much better with Austin on their team.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
10. Seattle Seahawks – Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
    
    The Hawks are another improved team, but they too still have some holes to fill. As a result they will have their second straight chance at a top ten pick. Mark Ingram is the big, fast, and strong running back the team needs to make their offense stop longing for the days of Alexander.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
11. Tennessee Titans – Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
    
    I really like the addition of Derrick Morgan to their defensive front this draft. Now they need to add more talent at the corner position. Verner, their fourth round pick this year from UCLA has the potential to be pretty good, but he is not the number one shut down corner they need. With a strong senior campaign under his belt, Amukamara could prove himself to be that guy.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
12. Washington Redskins – Mike Pouncey, C/G, Florida
    
    The cornerstone to Denver's success under Mike Shannahan was a veteran QB and a fantastic o-line. They added Donnovan McNabb to play the role of QB, and they added Trent Williams in the first round this year. But Mike is not done. Now he has the chance to pick up the top interior lineman in the draft. Mike is just as good as his twin brother who was taken in the middle of the first round this year.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
13. Chicago Bears – AJ Green, WR, Georgia *
    
    After adding Julius Peppers and some good defensive talent through the draft this year, the Bears need to focus on getting some weapons for their young and expensive QB. AJ Green was dynamic before his injury. If he comes back to form, and there is no reason to think he won't, he could be the first wideout off the board.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
14. New England Patriots via Oakland – Demarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
    
    The Pats get Oakland's first round pick in 2011 from the Richard Seymore deal. Now they will be able to add the top running back that this offense has been missing. When healthy, Murray has the skills and ability to be a real good rusher in the NFL.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
15. Philadelphia Eagles – Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
    
    The Eagles will really love what Graham bring to their defense, but I think it won't take this team long before they start to miss Sheldon Brown. I am not sure that Trevard Lindly, from this year's draft crop, will be that answer. Dowling has excellent cover skills and could emerge as a top prospect from the '11 class.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
16. Pittsburgh Steelers – Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh
    
    Although good, the defensive front of the Steelers is getting really old. All of these guys will need to be replaced soon, and Romeus is the type of end that the Steelers will really like . He can play the pass or the run, and I think he can be a long term answer for Pittsburgh.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
17. Arizona Cardinals – Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas *
    
    A lot of the talent that the Cards lost this offseason was replaced during the 2010 draft. Unfortunately the QB was not. I expect the Cards to give Matty L the chace to prove he can be an NFL starter, this year. Then I expect them to take their real QB of the future during next year's draft.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
18. Miami Dolphins – Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
    
    The Brandon Marshall addition should really help the Phins become a better offense. Still, they really need another talent opposite him to give their opponents fits. Jones is 1B to AJ Green's 1A as far as wide receivers from this class go. This should make Miami happy.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
19. Atlanta Falcons – Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson *
    
    Atlanta has started making some strides, trying to get their defense to play better football this offseason. Still, this team needs a real pass rushing threat if they are going to pull the division crown from the hands of the Saints. Bowers is a talented pass rusher from Clemson, and I think he could be the replacement for the Jamaal Anderson bust.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
20. Houston Texans – Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame *
    
    Kareem Jackson will try and replace Dunta Robinson, and Ben Tate will try and provide some consistency to the Houston backfield. This means that Houston should be competitive for a playoff position during 2011. However, for this team to take the next step, they have to have another receiving threat opposite Andre Johnson. Houston will make this pick with the hopes that Floyd can be that guy.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
21. New England Patriots – Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
    
    After adding their back with their first pick, the Pats will now have the opportunity to address their aging receiving corp with this pick. Baldwin is a very good wide receiver, and with the mentors he would have in New England, this could be a great addition.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
22. New York Giants – Von Miller, OLB, Texas AM
    
    After losing out on Rolando McClain during this years draft, the Giants will still having a glaring need at linebacker going into the 2011 offseason. Von Miller is a fantastic athlete and will be the kind of all over the field backer that Big Blue likes.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
23. San Diego Chargers – Quan Sturdivant, ILB, North Carolina
    
    One of the themes all ready becoming evident this year is that the Tarheels should be a good football team in 2011. Then, many of their studs will be on to NFL stardom, including ILB Quan Sturdivant. If Cam Thomas (another Tarheel) becomes the player I think he can be for the Bolts, they will have no problem returning to that well in 2011.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
24. Minnesota Vikings – Mark Herzlich, LB, Boston College
    
    The Vikes still have not secured their QB of the future but I am not sold on Christian Ponder as an NFL signal caller. Instead, I expect that the Vikes to look to improve their linebacking corp. Mark Herzlich will be the feel-good story of the year, and if he can return to his pre-cancer form, he could easily earn this first round grade.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
25. Green Bay Packers – Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU *
    
    The Packers continue to be a good football team because of a smart and steady approach they take when it come to the draft. It is true that they have a pair of real good corners on this team, however, they are getting along in age. Adding a young stud like Peterson will allow for him to learn, and to eventually replace one of these guys on the defense.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
26. Cincinnati Bengals – DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson
    
    Much of the 2010 draft for Cincinnati was dedicated to getting Carson Palmer some more weapons to throw to. This should allow for the team to simply fill any remaining holes they have with the 2011 draft. McDaniel is currently the top safety on the board, and he could become an imposing force at safety in a division that already boasts Ed Reed and Troy Polomalu.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
27. San Francisco 49ers – Jurrell Casey, DT, USC *
    
    After striking gold with their 2010 draft, I do not expect for the Niners to have many holes remaining on this team. I do think that ultimately the team will look for an upgrade at QB over Alex Smith, but as I mentioned earlier, I am not sold on FSU's Christian Ponder as a first round talent, and he is the next best QB currently on my board. This should allow for San Fran to grab the best overall left on the board, and that guy is Casey. He is real strong at the point of attack and used in rotation with the rest of this defensive front in the Bay Area, I think he can help this team in 2011.
    
    
    
    
    
    
28. Dallas Cowboys – Gabe Carimi, T, Wisconsin
    
    The addition of Dez Bryant gives this team some awesome weaponry for Tony Romo. Austin, Witten, and Bryant will make a slick group for Romo to use. Having said that, this team will be looking to upgrade up front in 2011, and Carimi will be the next in a long line of Big 10 big nasties to become impact linemen at the next level.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
29. Baltimore Ravens – Deunta Williams, S, North Carolina
    
    For a long time, the Baltimore secondary has been patrolled by the future hall-of-famer, Ed Reed. For the first time, this previous offseason, so rumors started circulating that Reed could be nearing the end of his illustrious career. Even if reed stays for another season or three after this one, the Ravens still need to start to groom his heir. Williams is another Tarheel who has the ability to make an impact in the first round.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
30. New York Jets – Cliff Mathews, DE, South Carolina
    
    The Jets had an active 2010 offseason, and added some more talent to their roster. They will be a good team this year, and I have them making a return trip to the AFC title game as a result. Unfortunately, they still do not have a real pass rushing threat on that defense, and I see that being an issue for them. Mathews is one of the new breed of tweeners. At South Carolina, he is a pass rushing end, however I project him to play OLB in a 3-4 in the pros. His tenacity will be a great asset to this Rex Ryan defense.
    
    
    
    
    
    
31. Indianapolis Colts – Jerrell Powe, DT, Mississippi
    
    During my draft review I raved about the Jerry Hughes selection in the first round of the 2010 draft. This will make the Colts defense better. I think adding a stout DT will also help, and 2011 seems like the chance for the Colts to do just that. Powe is a big body up front and I think he can be the type of difference maker that the Colts need at the point of attack.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
32. New Orleans Saints – Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma
    
    As the defending champions, the Saints have the number one position in my Power Rankings. They should be competitive in the NFC again after adding some nice talent during the 2010 draft. One of the areas not addressed during the draft was a replacement at OLB. Jeremy Beal is another tweener, and he can play either upright, or with his hand in the dirt. I think this flexibility and the smart of Greg Williams, will combine to make him a nice fit with the Saints.