Pre-Combine Mock Draft

With the NFL Combine set to begin next week, I will give my first mock of the year for the 2011 NFL Draft. Enjoy...and also enjoy the fact that our Green Bay Packers our World Champions! :).

1. Carolina: Nick Fairley/DT Auburn
The best player in this draft goes to a team in need of a defensive tackle.

2. Denver: Da'Quan Bowers/ DE Clemson
Bowers is the most athletic defensive lineman to come out since Mario Williams.

3. Buffalo: Cam Newton/ QB Auburn
The Bills need someone to sell tickets and Fitzpatrick is not the answer.

4. Cincinnati: AJ Green/ WR Georgia
With OchoCinco and Owens both likely gone, this seems like a sure lock at this point.

5. Auburn: Von Miller/ LB Texas A&M
Joey Porter isn't getting any younger. Miller is a true speed rusher that will get to the quarterback.

6. Cleveland: Marcel Dareus/ DE Alabama
Dareus would be a great fit for a team moving to a 3-4.

7. San Francisco: Patrick Peterson/ CB LSU
The most talented player in this draft in my opinion is a steal at this point.

8. Tennessee: Blaine Gabbert/ QB Missouri
I have questions about Gabbert, but the fact is the Titans desperately need a quarterback.

9. Dallas: Prince Amukumara/ CB Nebraska
Michael Jenkins was exposed this season and Terrence Newman isn't getting any younger.

10. Washington: Julio Jones/ WR Nebraska
Really torn between Jones and Robert Quinn here. We'll see this plays out.

11. Houston: Aldon Smith/ DE Missouri
Houston is switching to the 3-4 and will need a pass rusher.

12. Minnesota: Robert Quinn/ DE North Carolina
It will be interesting to see how Quinn works out next week after a year off from football.

13. Detroit: Nate Solder/ T Colorado
The Lions need a franchise left tackle. Solder and Cherilous will solidify the two tackle positions.

14. St. Louis: Corey Liuget/ DT Illinois
The Rams struggled stopping the run up the middle this year.

15. MiamiL Mark Ingram/RB Alabama
This is a slam dunk in my opinion.

16. Jacksonville: Ryan Kerrigan/ DE Purdue
Its rumored Jacksonville really like Kerrigan who is a high character guy.

17. New England: Cameron Jordan/ DE California
New England's biggest need is a 3-4 DE, so this is a perfect fit.

18. San Diego: JJ Watt/ DE Wisconsin
Let the run on defensive ends continue. San Diego would be eccstatic if Watt fell here.

19. New York Giants: Tyron Smith/ T USC
The Giants don't have many glaring holes, but a tackle would be an upgrade.

20. Tampa Bay: Adrian Clayborn/ DE Iowa
The Bucs defensive ends were attrocious last season.

21. Kansas City: Phil Taylor/ DT
A strong senior bowl has him flying up the draft boards.

22. Indianapolis: Anthony Costanzo/ T Boston College
I have Carimi rated higher, but Costanzo projects as a left tackle which is what the Colts need.

23. Philadelphia: Gabe Carimi/ T Wisconsin
See Wintston Justice getting abused by Clay Matthews in the Wild Card game.

24. New Orleans: Akeem Ayers/ LB UCLA
The Saints look set on offense so expect this pick to be defense.

25. Seattle: Jimmy Smith/ CB Colorado
Another prospect shooting up draft boards. With a strong combine, he could continue to do just that.

26. Baltimore: Brandon Harris/ CB Miami
Baltimore loves playmakers from the U. Here is another.

27. Atlanta: Titus Young/WR Boise State
Surprise! Atlanta needs a receiver with wheels that can stretch the field.

28. New England: Torry Smith/ WR Maryland
New England needs a deep threat to replace Randy Moss.

29. Chicago: Mike Pouncey/ G Florida
Pouncey falls right into Chicago's lap who is in desperate need of a left guard.

30. New York Jets: Justin Houston/ OLB Georgia
It is obvious the Jets still need help rushing the passer and Houston fits that mold.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cameron Heyward/ DE Ohio State
The value of Heyward here is too good for the Steelers to pass up.

32. Green Bay Packers: Derrick Sherrod/ T Mississippi State
We never know what Ted Thompson does but we do know that if a player slips, he will grab him. Sherrod is a first round talent at tackle and would be able to fill in when Clifton retires. I am sure Ted Thompson is hoping for Justin Houston to fall here as he may be an instant starter oppositve of Matthews. Another possibility is Texas cornerback Aaron Williams.