Bill Smith's 2011 Mock draft
By Bill Smith
Final: Updated 24 April 2011
1 Panthers - Marcell Dareus DT Alabama - They would like Newton but too much risk of busting. A conservative owner does the smart thing.
2 Broncos - Von Miller OLB Texas A&M - Need a guy to pass rush opposite Dumerville. The 3-4 D is being converted back to a 4-3 and they want Miller to play outside.
3 Bills - Nick Fairley DT Auburn - Wanted Dareus but take 2nd best guy on their D line which really needs help.
4 Bengals - A.J. Green WR Georgia - Won't draft a QB to replace Palmer this early due to $ but will give their 2nd round QB a weapon.
5 Cardinals - Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri - Want a vet QB but can't be sure they will get one due to the lockout. They get the most ready to start QB in the draft.
6 Browns - Patrick Peterson CB LSU - Best player on the board doesn't happens to fill their biggest need but they will take him anyway.
7 49ers - Prince Amukamara CB Nebraska - Top guy fits perfectly their need. Prince plays the pass and run well.
8 Titans -Robert Quinn DE North Carolina - DL is a huge mess. Quinn becomes the first piece to rebuild since they traded and cut their D stars to reduce payroll.
9 Cowboys - Tyron Smith OT Southern California - LT is a disaster and Smith is the best LT candidate in the draft. This is a real reach for a huge need.
10 Redskins - Cam Newton QB Auburn - HC Shanahan thinks he can do wonders to create the love of the game in Newton. This pick will either help solidify his job or end it.
11 Texans - Aldon Smith OLB Missouri - The Texans need a 3-4 OLB because they are moving away from the 4-3 which has never worked well.
12 Vikings - Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson - Wanted DT but Bowers will help D. They have to hope the knee is OK.
13 Lions - Cameron Jordan DE California -- They need a lot of DL help and CJ will help a lot.
14 Rams - Julio Jones WR Alabama - Wanted Green but knew he would not be available at 14. They need a #1 WR and are thrilled JJ is still on the board.
15 Dolphins - Anthony Castonzo OT Boston College - Need to protect QB & block run. This pick will solve both issues.
16 Jaguars - Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue - DL pass rush is biggest need and Kerrigan can produce it from both an OLB or DE spot.
17 Patriots - Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa - Like versatile smart players and Clayborn is both. He can play T or E and is a high motor quality guy.
18 Chargers - J.J. Watt DE Wisconsin - Need pass rush and nasty players and Watt fills the bill. He should start immediately.
19 Giants - Mark Ingram RB Alabama - A value here to rebuild running game. Bradshaw fumbles too much and could be gone.
20 Bucanneers - Corey Liuget DT Illinois - DL needs some nastiness. Liuget provides it and is a nice value here.
21 Chiefs - Derek Sherrod OT Mississippi State - QB Cassel will love this guy. Sherrod is a solid pass blocker.
22 Colts - Gabe Carimi OT Wisconsin - Payton needs better protection. The team has missed on high picks of OL guys before and need a sure thing here.
23 Eagles - Jimmy Smith CB Colorado - Strong locker room and tough HC should help keep Smith in line. Smith is a very high risk pick.
24 Saints - Justin Houston OLB Georgia - Provides extra pass rush for a D that has struggled to get good LB play.
25 Seahawks - Brandon Harris CB Miami (Fla.) - CB is their top need and Harris is the best still on the board.
26 Ravens - Aaron Williams CB Texas - Need DB help and Williams fits their system.
27 Falcons - Nate Solder OT Colorado - O line has been a weak point for a while. Solder will not only protect the QB but help reestablish a top running game that faltered in 2010.
28 Patriots - Mike Pouncey OG Florida - O line is a major concern with a couple of UFA starters.
29 Bears - Stephen Paea DT Oregon State - Need to stop the run pressure the QB. The NFC N has become a pass happy division. To keep pace the Bears need help on the D Line.
30 Jets - Rahim Moore FS UCLA - A reach for the only guy in the draft to fill FS hole.
31 Steelers -Cameron Heyward DE Ohio State - This is more of a value pick. Heyward has an elbow issue that might cost him 2011 but the Steelers know how good he is and will wait.
32 Packers- Akeem Ayers OLB UCLA - They have a number of high $ LBs not earning their salaries. Ayers is the top OB on the board but doesn't make as many plays as you expect.
