17. New England Patriots (OAK)
Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
The Patriots have had success letting talented players fall to them. This would certainly be in the “Vince Wilfork” area of great draft value.
18. San Diego Chargers
JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Watt is exactly what the Chargers have been looking for the last few years. Great intanglibles, work ethic, and motor make Watt the pick.
19. New York Giants
Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida
The Giants love upgrading their lines through the draft. Mike Pouncey won’t last much longer, so they’ll have to grab him here or risk losing him to the Steelers.
20. Tampa Bay Bucs
Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Da’Quan Bowers has fallen mightily, but the Buccaneers should be his floor. Building a defense with Gerald McCoy and Bowers up front is an easier task.
21. Kansas City Chiefs
Danny Watkins, OT, Baylor
Interior line help with some flexibility to play tackle if needed. Scott Pioli will love this guy.
22. Indianapolis Colts
Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Peyton Manning wants linemen. Peyton Manning gets linemen. Solder is a bit raw, but could be a Pro-Bowl player by year two.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
Jimmy Smith and Asante Samuel are a match made in heaven. The Philly reporters will love these guys together.
24. New Orleans Saints
Muhammad Wilkerson, DL, Temple
Mo Wilkerson has long been a favorite of Greg Williams in this draft process. The Saints need to address their front seven early.
25. Seattle Seahawks
Corey Liuget, DL, Illinois
Liuget is a tough guy to block in one-on-one situations. He is a much safer prospect than any QB available here.
26. Baltimore Ravens
Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Clayborn has taken a hit in the media’s eyes, but a smart GM like Ozzie Newsome will recognize the value here.
27. Atlanta Falcons
Cameron Heyward, DL, Ohio State
Cam Heyward would give the Falcons some pass rush opposite John Abraham. They’ll give Gabe Carimi a hard look as well.
28. New England Patriots
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
I’m not sure that the Patriots will be making this pick, but if they do – Mark Ingram represents a safe play in lieu of trading down, turning the Patriots backfield into a true three-headed monster.
29. Chicago Bears
Marvin Austin, DL, North Carolina
With the release of Tommie Harris the Bears need a playmaker at the DL position. Marvin Austin has rehabilitated his image enough to be that guy.
30. New York Jets
Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
While we honestly wouldn’t be surprised to see the Jets send a boatload of picks to grab a Top 5 talent again this year, if they stick here an edge rusher like Ayers makes a lot of sense.
31. Tennessee Titans (PIT Trade)
Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
If the Steelers can’t get Mike Pouncey, we see them trading out of the 1st round – allowing Tennessee to get their QB.
32. Green Bay Packers
Gabe Carimi, OL, Wisconsin
Bryan Bulaga was a great Big-10 value pick last year. Carimi will be no different.
Continue to 2011 NFL Mock Draft – Round 2
Back to 2011 NFL Mock Draft Picks 1-16
