Bloguin 2011 NFL Mock Draft
25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
If Jake Locker had declared his eligibility for the draft last year, he should have been a very high pick. As it is, his stock plummeted after a disappointing senior season. Still, the tools that had scouts drooling a year ago remain in place and he has the skills to be a franchise quarterback.
Quarterback is a position of need for the Hawks as Matt Hasselbeck will be 36 years old and a free agent. His backup, Charlie Whitehurst, hasn't proven he's starting material. While cornerback, o-line and d-line are also needs, the Seahawks can't pass on a quarterback with Locker's ability and upside.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
By Thomas Jackson of Ravens Football Machine
A tall, athletic, rangy corner, a very good athlete and a great competitor on film, Smith is hoped to be the answer to the Ravens' long-term need for a lock-down cornerback to back the Ravens' 3-4 pass-rushing defense..
He can cover well and has the height and the speed to compete in the NFL. The kid is a monster. Only thing he's missing in the highlight film is a Ravens' uniform. I think he's a steal--- and with the added run support he offers via reckless abandon, he's a great deal for the Ravens' aging defense. Also, it doen't hurt to mention, it def looks as though he has natural leadership in him. His body language both inside and outside the huddle (on the field) seems to proclaim that he is a live wire who will bring the Ravens even more youth/intensity late in those games when other people start to fade. Jimmy Smith is the real deal, and a terrific fit for the Ravens.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Despite their 13-3 record last year the Falcons still have some holes on their team that need to be filled if they are to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender. GM Thomas Dimitroff and Head Coach Mike Smith have publicly stated that they would like the team to become more explosive on offense but they won't be able to pass up a defensive gem like Clayborn with the 27th pick. As evident by the game against Green Bay, the Falcons defense needs to prevent big plays and get opposing offenses off the field.
Creating a fierce pass rush is the first step the Falcons will take to shore up the defense and Clayborn can provide exactly that. Despite his medical condition Clayborn played four seasons at Iowa finishing with 30 consecutive starts, 192 total tackles, 37 tackles for loss, and 19 sacks. Working in rotation with aging Johnathan Abraham and emerging Kroy Biermann, Adrian Clayborn will help the Falcons put pressure on opposing QB's and relieve some of the strain on their young group of DB's. Should a steal like Clayborn not be available at #27, you can expect the Falcons to trade down to acquire additional picks and TE Kyle Rudolph, whose value is projected at the top of round two.
no comments28. New England Patriots: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
By Derek Hanson of Foxboro Blog
With veteran left tackle Matt Light entering both the twilight of his career and free-agency, the Patriots look to the future and select his replacement with their second 1st round pick. Nate Solder is big, athletic, and nasty, which fits the bill of exactly what was lacking from New England's O-line during their playoff loss to the Jets. His work ethic and attitude should mesh well with that of Logan Mankins, assuming the disgruntled guard returns to the team. Together, the two should set the tone for the front line and create a wall of toughness to protect Tom Brady.
29. Chicago Bears: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
By Brett Solesky of Midway Illustrated
Paea had a dominant junior year but wasn't the same force as a senior primarily because he was the focus of every offense that he faced. Paea is big strong one gap player who has enough quickness to get through gaps, but enough power to shed blocks and fight off double teams at the point of attack. He's probably more of a one-technique in the one gap scheme than he is a true three technique but he'll fit in well with the Bears' DT rotation in place of Tommie Harris.
30. New York Jets: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
By Daniel Krieg of Rex Sanchez
Just as good a fit as DT Philip Taylor, though for different reasons. And he's a Buckeye, so, ummm, you'll understand why he's not winning anything with us. Heyward though, unlike that other dude Tannenbaum drafted from OSU, comes from prime NFL stock. Son of the late "Iron Head" Heyward (yes, we are aware of the sad irony of the nickname), Heyward the younger can play anywhere in the front seven. A little under 6' 5" and edging up on 300 pounds he'd line up as end in the 3-4, but could move inside if Rex wants four down lineman. Heyward could also play OLB, but we doubt he'd be doing much of that. Could replace Shaun Ellis.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
The Steelers have needs on both the offensive and defensive lines, but the biggest weakness of all is cornerback. The NFL becomes more of a passing league every season and the Steelers defense has been consistently victimized in the secondary for several seasons by teams picking apart poor man coverage by the defensive backs. Ike Taylor is one of the finest cornerbacks in the league, but Pittsburgh has nobody else they can trust to play man coverage. Williams has the size and smarts to give the Steelers another guy they can trust to defend top receivers while the linebackers blitz away. no comments
