Josh Wingate's 2011 NFL Mock Draft

Round 1 - Round 2 - Round 3 - Round 4 - Round 5 - Round 6 - Round 7

1. - Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Cam Newton has all the talent in the world, but he has major character concerns some inwhich we can see on paper and some that I get just from listening to him talk. The concerns we can see on paper are ; felony charges of theft, larceny, and obstruction of justice; another theft charge while also being suspended from UF football team; and the most well known being where his father received money for Cam going to Auburn. The concerns I have with him right now is that he just seems fake. While almost every prospect going into the NFL draft can be fake at times, it seems like Newton never lets us into his true personality. These are the reasons to why I would not touch Newton unless I did not have the money invested in him and could make him sit and earn his way to a starting job. I personally feel that Marcell Dareus would be a better selection here based ont he fact that he is #1 on my big board and that he can play mulitple defensive schemes. Given that Ron Rivera is the Head Coach, we know that he is versitile in defensive schemes he can run a cover 2, 4-3 and 3-4 defense effectively. Dareus helps that.

2. - Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

With the switch back to the 4-3 and new coach in office, the Denver Broncos will most likely look for a cornerstone on the defensive side of the ball. I can pretty much say that when I see Dareus I think of Haloti Ngata. Dareus can play almost any position on the defensive line and it doesnt matter the scheme. As a GM he is the smart player to go with because he will be the cornerstone of you defense no matter who you have as your Head Coach. Elway might be loved in Denver but when he makes a great selection like this his legend will only grow. Dareus is my top prsopect in this years NFL draft while players like Patrick Peterson and AJ Green will have a bigger impact from day 1, I feel in the long run Marcell will be the best prospect from the 2011 draft class.

3. - Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: AJ Green, WR, Georgia

The reports out of Buffalo is that they are going to take their top defensive prospect, while I feel that it could be Patrick Peterson they have a decent secondary as is. Von Miller will not only give them an elite pass rush he will give them a name to their defense. As of right now they are trying to make the transition to the 3-4 by doing a hybrid 4-3/3-4 defense until they can get the players to successfully run a true 3-4 defensive scheme. Miller would put them into that transition while Peterson would not. While, defense was the weak point between it and offense this is a very deep defensive draft and is top heavy in the offensive positions. AJ Green might be a luxury pick here but would be BPA. Chan Gailey is very high on Fitzpatrick, this selection would give Ryan more weapons to throw to and would give Coach Gailey a real evaluation year for him. If Fitzpatrick cannot make something happen with these weapons he will not be the QB going into the following season and it will allow for the Bills to look QB in a much better QB Class

4. - AJ Green, WR, Georgia

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: AJ Green, WR, Georgia

The Bengals are in desperate need to get far away from their divas as possible. I know that it is hard to do when having a Wide Receiver on your team but its easy when you take a humble player such as Green. While most have said that Julio Jones will fit their scheme alot better seeing as they are running a west coast style offense. Even though AJ Green isnt as big framed as Jones he will still do well enough blocking down field and is a better overall prospect.

5. - Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

With my last mock draft I received a few emails saying I got the draft order wrong, that was my fault by not alerting the readers that there had been trades made after being so straightlined in previous mock drafts. So if I must, "The Arizona Cardinals have made a trade with the San Francisco 49ers and the details of this trade will be released later." The tread was made because the 49ers knew that the Browns will look long and hard at Peterson. I feel that Patrick Peterson is the number 1 prospect on the 49ers board, I personally feel he tries to be too much like Neon when he should be more like himself. He tries to throw that cocky attitude like Deion had and still does have. The only difference is that Deion does it in a respectful manner, Peterson just sounds arrogant. Still Patrick is going to be a superb player in this league and will receive many pro bowl invites.

6. - Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

There are only two prospects that the Browns will be looking at here for the 6th overall. Julio Jones or Robert Quinn will be the discussion in the Browns War Room. The smart decision would be to go with Robert Quinn only because they have a huge void at the defensive end position. While, they have a void at Wide Receiver that can be solved in later rounds.

7. - Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri

The Cardinals trade back with the 49ers knowing that Gabbert is their man. they also know that the Cleveland Browns will not go after him because they drafted Colt McCoy last year as their starting QB. While in trade discussions the Cardinals will ask the player they are going to draft, if they say Gabbert the trade is off but then the Cardinals will tell them that if they dont take him they might as well lose their number. Gabbert will put a face to the franchise that is much needed after losing their saviour, Kurt Warner. I selected Aldon Smith because if the Cardinals flop around a 1st round pick for Kevin Kolb the Eagles will sign on the dotted lines. The Cardinals need a pass rush bad, they are relying on beyond busted players like Clark Haggan and Joey Porter. Aldon Smith would be based on need and is not a top 10 talent but I honestly feel he could be a top edge rusher in this league like top 10.

8. - Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas

Many believe that a reunion between Nick Fairley and Tracy Rocker is bound to happen, but i feel we are looking for the happy story with this. While Nick Fairley and the Titans do fit well together they have a much greater need at Defensive End. Bowers as a knee issue but without the issue many see him as a top 3 pick. I am sure the knee problem will check out with the Titans and Bowers becomes the selection. I surprise some people. I hate Mallet as a prospect but as a talent he is very good and very Pro ready coming out of a pro style offense at Arkansas. Mallett might not have the mobility and might have drug issues but he has checked out so far. Ryan has a huge arm and nice accuracy, QB is the Titans biggest need after the release of Vince Young.

9. - Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

We have another trade, the Rams trades up the get their Frachise QB's favorite target back in college. Julio Jones and Sam Bradford will have chemistry from their college years and will start out from the gate at the top of their game.

10. - Jake Locker, QB, Washington

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri

Jake Locker is the player Shannahan has coveted since the start of the draft process and that many of us thought would become a Redskins from the gate, myself included. I have heard from reports that Locker is a Brett Favre type prospect but I would have to disagree. Favre had amazing accuracy, his interceptions were due to the fact that he trusted his accuracy too much and too high risks. Locker has major accuracy issues inside The Redskins need to get a better pass rush, they have a great rusher in Brian Orakpo but they need a player that will free 'Po up and give him more one on one matchups. Aldon Smith like in my Cardinals write up will be a top 10 pass rusher in this league one day.

11. - Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri

With the switch to a 3-4 defensive scheme under new Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips, the Texans are going to need a pass rush when Wade first came to Dallas his 1st selection was a pass rusher (Anthony Spencer). I feel that Wade will try to follow suit by selecting Aldon Smith.

12. - Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

Fairley dropped mainly because he is one demensional. He is great at pass rushing but lacks the ability to be a good run stopper. I feel with NFL quality coaching that he can gain the ability. Fairley will be playing next to Kevin Williams because Pat is on the downward trend of his career.

13. - Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

The Lions front office and fanbase have tears of joy running down their faces as this is a perfect day for the franchise they love. The Lions badly need a true #1 CB and that is exactly what they get. I personally feel that Prince will be the best CB in this years class, even better than Peterson in a pure CB pov.

14. - Cameron Jordan, DE, California

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Cameron Jordan, DE, California

We have a trade! Dallas trades back again with the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers have 2 really big needs, RT and DE. With the oppritunity to get the 2nd best DE on their big board was too good to not take. Cameron Jordan is clumped with JJ Watt as the 2nd best 5-tech DE prospect in this years draft depending on the style of 3-4 your run. Jordan will fit in very nicely with the Chargers.

15. - Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

Yet another trade, Tampa trades with Miami. Kerrigan might be my favorite 4-3 DE int his years draft because of his work ethic and relentless motor. Kerrigan will make a team very lucky when it comes to putting it on the field.

16. - JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

The Jags just missed out on Kerrigan who they had in their wish list but they got another player they were high on. The Jags are very high on character and Watt has alot of that, and its great. I have been following Watt on twitter and all I read every day from his twitter account is great things never negative. I also love his slogan and tend to live by it "DBWH" Dream Big Work Hard. While, I love Watt on a prospect stand point I dont see him being the best player for the Jaguars defense. Jimmy Smith has all the talent in the world and might be the most talented player in this cornerback class but a team is going to have to over look his character issues. The Jaguars are in alot of need to field the best possible team for financial reasons, could this be the team to over look it?

17. - Tyron Smith, OT, USC

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

We have a trade! The Coltas trade up with New England Patriots, yeah I know those two? The Colts need a LT for the blindside of Peyton all mighty, and they make a move for their man after they see the top OT in this years class fall down the board. Tyron Smith fits their offensive line scheme perfectly because they run a ZBS. This is a tough decision, Smith could be the better pick but Liuget is less of a risk. Smith has a high bust factor because nobody really has much to go off of, but from his work outs he looks very good. I would still go wit Liuget as he would provide a better pass rush and better play from the DT position.

18. - Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Dallas finally makes their pick here, Carimi will solidify the offensive tackle position for years to come. Carimi is my favorite prospect for the Cowboys he will be a top RT tackle in this league and might eventually become the best.

19. - Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida

The Giants need someone to keep Eli Manning off the turf. Castonzo will protect his blindside and by doing so it will give them a great chance to win the division. The NFC east is build with mulitple pass rushers and if you can take that away from any team in the East or the NFL rather you can win in the NFL. I personally feel that Mike Pouncey is the best prospect left on the board. I would take Pouncey based on BPA but it will also fill a need.

20. - Brooks Reed, LB, Arizona

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Brooks Reed, LB, Arizona

There have been multiple reports that the Dolphins are looking for a pass rusher, I love the idea because they need a better defense to compete with their division. With this pick Koa Misi would move inside to his for natural position as Thumper ILB. I personally feel that this would give them one of the best overall linebacking cores.

21. - Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Phil Taylor, NT Baylor

Pioli is looking for his Vince Wilfork for the Kansas City Chiefs. I prefer Phil Taylor over all NT prospects over the last 3 years. Taylor has a beautiful blend of speed and strength which makes him ideal for a NT position.

22. - Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida

With the retirement of Stephen Neal offensive guard becomes an immediate need. Logan Mankins and Mike Pouncey paving lanes for the backs in New England is looking pretty nice for the Patriots future and backs.

23. - Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

Andy Reid is big on drafting within the trenches but he is in major need of some secondary help. Smith has off the field issues but has a ton of talent the Eagles have turned a blind eye to these situations before. I would prefer Corey Liuget here mainly because they need better play from the DT position. Patterson and Bunkley use to be a great pair but for some reason or another one of them or both have fallen off. Liuget will help repair the problem.

24. - Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

The Saints' defense peak during their superbowl run and now they need to collect a few defensive players to get them back to their point. The offense is good as long as Brees is a Saint.

25. - Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Bears need alot of offensive line help Solder will protect the blindside for years to come. The offensive line has changed the offensive play call because they didnt allow Cutler to get more than one read in many plays.

26. - Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

The Ravens need alot to on the defensive side of the ball. They could either go defensive line or corner but they decide to go Wilkerson here. I just feel Harris is made to play on the Ravens defense because he plays with a swagger.

27. - Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

I have been told that Justin Houston will be the pick here but Reports have came out that Houston failed his drug test during the combine. You have to be stupid to fail a drug test around then, you already know that the combine and your "NFL interview" will begin around late january why would you do any drug to jeapordize your career. I have also heard multiple reports that Torrey Smith is high on the Falcons wish list.

28. - Justin Houston, LB, Georgia

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Justin Houston, LB, Georgia

The Patriots need a better pass rush, that might be their biggest need. Houston will make a very good 3-4 LB expecially under Belichick because he will put him in the best situation, but also he might put some common sense into Justin.

29. - Andy Dalton, QB, TCU

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

The Seahawks will have to look for their future QB. Andy Dalton is just below an elite prospect, many have Ryan Mallett here but I feel that many teams will struggle to look past his off the field issue. Off the field issues are much more concerning when it comes from the Quarterback position. The Seahawks need a CB, I personally feel that Harris is a great fit for the Seahawks defense.

30. - Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA

Most don't see Ayers as a 3-4 OLB but i think he could be like a Anthony Spencer type prospect he doest get the big amount of sack but gets pressure and does everything else really well.

31. - Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi St.

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi St.

The Steelers have needed to improve their Offensive Line for years and last year they started the process. This year they get there future LT.

32. - Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor

Josh's "What they should do" Pick: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor

Danny Watkins is a perfect fit for the Packers offensive line. I personally feel that Watkins is going to be a great offensive guard in the NFL. Watkins has very little wear and tear on his body.

Round 1 - Round 2 - Round 3 - Round 4 - Round 5 - Round 6 - Round 7

If there are any questions or concerns with this mock, don't hesitate to email me at joshwingate@scardraft.com