With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

[Dee Dub]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

I know the NC defense is going to get a ton of pub. but keep an eye on the UCLA defense next year. They may have 3 first round picks next draft from it. Reggie Carter ILB is a beast and would be a nice replacement for Farrior. With and Akeem Ayers OLB and S Raheem Moore these guys will be bringing it.

Oh and they have this guy named Jerzy that I know Steeler fans would love.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

[url]http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2011matt.php[/url]

St. Louis Rams: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
Robert Quinn has the most upside of any defensive lineman in the country, and he'd have to be the favorite to go No. 1 overall here to the Rams. They lack a pass rush and Quinn brings plenty of that to Chapel Hill. The 6-5, 260-pound beast had 19 tackles for losses, 11 sacks, three pass breakups, 12 quarterback hurries, and SIX forced fumbles! This was elite production worthy of a No. 1 pick. Chris Long simply isn't a force off the edge and would be moved to left defensive end in this scenario.


Cleveland Browns: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Locker doesn't come with the perceived intangible concerns that Jimmy Clausen did in 2010, which was part of the reason he fell to the second round. When the Browns only win 2-4 games next year, Mike Holmgren will realize he simply can't win games with a terrible passing game. Locker has to be the pick here. Colt McCoy just doesn't have the upside or talent to warrant passing up on Locker.


Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Peterson, CB, Louisiana State
Peterson starts out as the No. 1 overall player on my 2011 NFL Draft Big Board. He is a freakishly athletic corner with tremendous ball skills, instincts and technique. The Chiefs probably just take the top player on their board like they did in 2010 and won't put as much emphasis on positional value.


Buffalo Bills: Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama
I think if the Bills are dumb enough to pass up on Jimmy Clausen in Round 2 for Torrell Troup, a developmental nose tackle, then they just think they can win without a good quarterback. Plus, Ryan Mallett just isn't top-five material at this point and has a lot of work to do in the mechanics department before he is considered a highly rated player. Dareus is a big-time performer with a high upside and great motor who really played great down the stretch for Alabama last year.


Seattle Seahawks: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Seattle needs to get younger and more talented at receiver, and if they truly believe in Charlie Whitehurst then they will be forced to build around him (and pray to the quarterback gods). Green can really go up and pluck the ball at its apex. He's a smooth athlete after the catch and a solid route runner.


Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
Baldwin is one of my most favorite players for the 2011 NFL Draft. I love his size, physicality and consistent hands, but you can't overlook his athleticism either. The Jaguars are desperate for a No. 1 target, but we are all at the mercy of Gene Smith's big board. Nobody knows it, and with the Tyson Alualu pick all draftniks and experts are throwing darts when it comes to Jacksonville.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh
Tampa Bay really made a splash on their defensive line in the 2010 NFL Draft by upgrading their weakest position with Gerald McCoy and Brian Price. You have to remember Tampa ranked last in rush defense last year and struggled to generate any push from the middle. Now, they will look to add that elite right bookend that Gaines Adams was supposed to be. However, the pick here could also be a highly rated defensive back, offensive tackle or even Heisman winner Mark Ingram.


Denver Broncos: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
Heyward is a perfect fit for the Broncos 3-4 defense, and I think he would have been a top-15 pick a year ago. He is extremely powerful at the point of attack with heavy hands and great lower body strength. However, he is lacking in the pass rush department and thus the 3-4 hides his ability to run the arc with speed.


Detroit Lions: Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
Cornerback should be one of the top needs for Detroit in the next draft unless someone really steps up their play. I've always been a major Ras-I Dowling fan because I love his size and playmaking ability. He's a real competitor who simply isn't afraid to make a big hit.


Arizona Cardinals: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
I think this would be considered a slight reach at this point because of where Mallett is at in the development department. However, when Arizona struggles next season with mediocre quarterback play, their coaching staff will realize they need a legitimate signal caller under center.


Chicago Bears: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Jay Cutler is simply desperate for weapons and I think Chicago has to walk away in the first round of next year's draft with a big-time receiver or a premier left tackle. No quarterback can win by himself, yet that seems to be what Cutler is being bashed for by the national media and fans.


New England Patriots: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Miller is a freakishly quick pass rusher and reminds me of Elvis Dumervil except with a better 40 time. I was told by a member of the staff at Texas A&M that Miller clocked in a sub 4.50 40 time on campus. This is simply amazing even if he is only 240 pounds. Miller is a beast - he had 21.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks and four forced fumbles! If you didn't watch him in game action, you missed out.


Washington Redskins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
The Heisman trophy winner is the consensus No. 1 back for the 2011 NFL Draft, and he should be. Ingram reminds me of a bigger version of Maurice Jones-Drew. Clinton Portis' days in Washington are probably numbered with his massive contract.


New York Giants: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
This pick probably comes as a bit of a surprise to Giants fans, but New York's offense simply lacks a big, playmaking receiver. Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith are good players, but neither projects as a No. 1 target. Floyd does and would give this offense a different dimension in the red zone.


Philadelphia Eagles: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
The projected starter opposite Asante Samuel right now is a battle between Ellis Hobbs, Marlin Jackson and Joselio Hanson. Williams could step into Philadelphia right away and be a starter. He is a great athlete who shows terrific man coverage skills - perfect for this defense.


Pittsburgh Steelers: DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson
DeAndre McDaniel comes with a bit of baggage off the field, but he's a very talented and highly productive safety prospect. The Steelers could really use him at free safety and upgrade Ryan Clark.


Cincinnati Bengals: Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
Without a doubt my top-rated defensive tackle for the 2011 NFL Draft is USC's Jurrell Casey, but Austin is what the Bengals look for. They love high-upside players and bulk on the interior of their defensive line. Austin has a questionable motor, but that didn't stop Cincinnati from taking Carlos Dunlap in Round 2 or Michael Johnson in Round 3.


Tennessee Titans: Kris O'Dowd, C, USC
We don't even know if Kevin Mawae will re-sign with the Titans, but O'Dowd probably would be an upgrade over interior lineman Leroy Harris. O'Dowd is a big center who is very fluid getting to the second level. He has a ton of experience, but has some durability problems.


New England Patriots: Deunta Williams, S, North Carolina
The Patriots have had safety problems for years and it remains to be seen whether Pat Chung will live up to his second-round selection.


Atlanta Falcons: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
With Brent Grimes, Chevis Jackson and Chris Owens battling for the No. 2 corner spot, it's pretty obvious that this will likely be one of Atlanta's top needs in the 2011 NFL Draft. Brown has been overshadowed by Earl Thomas and Aaron Williams, but he's a very good football player and will likely be taken in the first two rounds in 2011.


San Francisco 49ers: Don'ta Hightower, ILB, Alabama
Takeo Spikes will be 34 years old in 2011, and the 49ers could hit the jackpot with Hightower here. I think Hightower is a better prospect than Rolando McClain from a talent standpoint, but he is battling a serious knee injury from last season. If he comes back 100-percent healthy, some team could get a steal.


Carolina Panthers: Jurrell Casey, DT, USC
The Panthers' No. 1 need next year has got to be defensive tackle, and Casey is one of my more favorite prospects for next year's draft class. He is very quick with active hands and the motor of an Energizer bunny. USC keeps cranking out talented defensive linemen.


Houston Texans: Joe Barksdale, T, Louisiana State
Barksdale is my No. 1 tackle for the 2011 NFL Draft, but he is very underrated right now by most. His game is a little finesse, but he is an elite technician with great footwork and nice lateral agility. Duane Brown hasn't lived up to the hype and don't be shocked to see Houston go back to left tackle in 2011.


Miami Dolphins: Jerrell Powe, NT, Mississippi
The Miami Dolphins passed up on a couple of nose tackles in the 2010 NFL Draft, and they have to be looking to upgrade their 0-technique in the next offseason.


Green Bay Packers: Chris Galippo, ILB, USC
Galippo needs to step up and produce at a higher level next season, but he's an extremely talented linebacker and a perfect fit for a 3-4 defense.


Dallas Cowboys: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
Bailey has a great skill set, but he's highly inconsistent with a questionable motor. The Cowboys are looking to upgrade at defensive end and could make use a skill set like his.


San Diego Chargers: Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
Crick was overshadowed last season, and rightfully so, by a pretty good defensive tackle (I'm not even going to announce his name - I shouldn't have to at this point). We will see if he can take his game to another level without so many double teams next season. The Chargers are looking for help on the defensive line.


Baltimore Ravens: Nate Potter, T, Boise State
If the Ravens have Jared Gaither on the trading block and nobody has any takers, then he has some serious intangible problems in the locker room (just guessing). If he's on the trading block this year, offensive tackle will be a need.


Minnesota Vikings: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
Minnesota might feel smart for passing up on a particular quarterback in the 2010 NFL Draft, but when they do the retire-unretire-retire-unretire dance with Brett Favre in 2011, they'll be ready to take a quarterback with Brad Childress' job in jeopardy.


New York Jets: Jack Crawford, DE/OLB, Penn State
I love Crawford on tape. He has an amazing burst, athleticism and natural pass rush ability. He has a 6-5 frame that he can grow into and can put on some muscle. I won't be shocked if he goes in the top 10 next season. The Jets are looking for talent all across the board as they only got one "sure" prospect in the 2010 NFL Draft in Kyle Wilson.


New Orleans Saints: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Claybord looks like a left end for a 4-3 defense at the next level. His toughness and strength could be utilized by the Saints defense, but it also wouldn't shock me if they looked to upgrade the offense in the next draft after heavily emphasizing defense the last couple of years.


Indianapolis Colts: Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
Carter has great range and playmaking ability, and should be a star for the loaded Tar Heels defense next season.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

[url]http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft10/insider/news/story?id=5142253&addata=2009_insdr_mod_nfl_xxx_xxx[/url]

First run at 2011 mock draft

In a very, very early look at the 2011 NFL draft, QBs will once again stir the debate

By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
Originally Published: April 28, 2010

I am told it's not too early to "mock it up" for the 2011 draft. That's debatable. What's not debatable is the deadline for this project. So here goes:

Notes: Selection order is based solely off of power rankings courtesy of Scouts Inc.'s Jeremy Green and Matt Williamson.

* denotes underclassman

Buffalo Bills
Andrew Luck*, QB, Stanford Only a third-year sophomore this fall but coach Jim Harbaugh has Luck on the fast track mechanically and mentally. Luck has prototypical size (6-foot-4, 235 pounds) and is an underrated athlete. More importantly, he has a smooth over-the-top delivery, a strong arm and great touch as a passer. Better decisions while gaining more game experience could put Luck in position to become the top player taken in the draft -- either in 2011 or 2012.

St. Louis Rams
Marcell Dareus*, DT, Alabama After taking QB Sam Bradford with the top overall pick in 2010, the Rams go back to the well with another first-round defensive lineman in Dareus, who is a remarkable athlete for his size (6-4, 296 pounds).

Kansas City Chiefs
Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College The Chiefs target a bookend starter opposite OT Branden Albert. Castonzo has the long arms, lateral agility and balance to emerge as a top-shelf left tackle prospect next year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Adrian Clayborn, DE, IowaThe Bucs continue to overhaul their defensive line via the draft. Clayborn could team up with the young defensive tackle tandem of Gerald McCoy (pick No. 3 this year) and Brian Price (pick No. 35) to give Tampa Bay one of the youngest, most talented defensive fronts in the NFL.

Cleveland Browns
Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio StateHeyward is a local product with the size, power and quickness to give the Browns' base 3-4 defensive front more scheme flexibility.

Carolina Panthers
DT Jurrell Casey*, USC Casey is a budding star with a quick first step and explosive power as a hitter. The junior could be in position to leave school early as a first-round prospect if he plays with more consistency this fall.

New England Patriots(from Oakland)
A.J. Green*, WR, Georgia Taking a wide receiver at No. 7 overall might be too rich for the Patriots' blood, but they certainly could be in the market for a No. 1 target, assuming Randy Moss is gone after this season. Green should have no problem returning to form after a shoulder injury cut his 2010 season short. The 6-4, 210-pound junior is blessed with a top-of-the-line combination of athleticism, body control and hand-eye coordination.

Detroit Lions
Robert Quinn*, DE, North Carolina The Lions continue to significantly upgrade their talent level at key positions. This time around it is a pass rusher in Quinn, who tallied 19 tackles for loss, including 11 sacks as a sophomore in 2009.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Jake Locker, QB, WashingtonLocker would have pushed Bradford for the top spot in this year's draft had he left school early. Instead, he returns for another year of seasoning under coach Steve Sarkisian, which will better prepare the athletically gifted, strong-arm quarterback to step into a starting role as a rookie in 2011. Locker falling to No. 9 overall is a direct result of team needs and it won't be surprising if he becomes the top overall pick. The Jaguars should be in the market for David Garrard's replacement during next year's draft and they couldn't pass on a talent like Locker if he somehow is available when they select.

Chicago Bears
Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina The Bears get back into the first-round mix after not picking in the 2010 draft until No. 75 overall. Carter is an instinctive linebacker with great range and fits perfectly in a Tampa-2 type of scheme.

Washington Redskins
DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson McDaniel is the complete package at safety and he's coming off a 102-tackle, eight-interception season as a junior. Another strong campaign in 2010 should stamp his spot in Round 1 of next year's draft.

Seattle Seahawks
Ras-I Dowling, CB, VirginiaDowling appears to possess a stronger overall skill set than former teammate Chris Cook, whom the Vikings selected with 34th overall pick in the 2010 draft.

Denver Broncos
Jerrell Powe, DT, Mississippi Powe is a work in progress but it's hard to find 340-pounders with adequate quickness and balance.

Arizona Cardinals
Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&MMiller needs to bulk up and learn to use his hands better but he's an instinctive edge rusher with the speed to turn the corner.

San Francisco 49ers
Ryan Mallett*, QB, Arkansas It is a make-or-break season for former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith. If he doesn't turn the corner in 2010 with a new and improved supporting cast, San Francisco will be back in the quarterback market a year from now. Mallett needs to become the exception to the rule as a 6-foot-7 quarterback in the NFL, but he certainly has the deceptive athleticism, sweet stroke and cannon arm to overcome the perceived flaw.

Tennessee Titans
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska The Titans upgraded their pass rush with the selection of DE Derrick Morgan at No. 16 this year, so next year will be time to find a potential top cover corner. Amukamara is an early candidate thanks to a strong combination of instincts, size and ball skills.

Houston Texans
Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina Austin can be an active interior force but he needs to keep his motor revving at full throttle in 2010 in order to maximize his draft stock.

Miami Dolphins
Jeremy Beal, DE/OLB, OklahomaBeal is an active defensive end with 34.5 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks the past two seasons. He would fit well as a rush-linebacker in the Dolphins' 3-4 defensive scheme.

New York Giants
Mark Ingram*, RB, Alabama It will be interesting to see how Ingram performs as the returning Heisman Trophy winner in 2010. It also will be interesting to see how coach Nick Saban splits up the carries between Ingram and sophomore sensation Trent Richardson. Still, Ingram possesses a great combination of vision, patience and lateral quickness.

Philadelphia Eagles
OT Matt Reynolds* BYU Coach Andy Reid loves to draft offensive linemen early and Reynolds is a mature junior with a strong combination of size, balance and technique.

Atlanta Falcons
Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin Carimi has experience (36 career starts) and he's efficient, but he needs to become more dominant at the point of attack as a senior.

New England Patriots
Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State It might be time for New England to cut its losses with former first-rounder Laurence Maroney, and Thomas could be an option in the 2011 draft. The former quarterback exploded onto the scene last year with a Big 12-best 1,265 rushing yards. In addition to natural running instincts, Thomas displays soft hands as a pass catcher.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Jonathan Baldwin*, WR, PittsburghThe local product hauled in 57 passes for 1,111 yards and eight scores last season. Baldwin has the size and athleticism to become a good complement to other young Steelers receivers, including Mike Wallace and Emmanuel Sanders.

Cincinnati Bengals
Julio Jones*, WR, AlabamaJones was finally healthy down the stretch of last season when he hauled in 27 passes for 421 yards in the final five regular-season games. He needs to be more consistent and prove he's a clutch performer in big games after disappearing in two postseason outings (three catches, 51 yards versus Florida and Texas). The Bengals could be looking for Chad Ochocinco's eventual replacement early in next year's draft, and Jones is certainly an early candidate.

San Diego Chargers
Kyle Rudolph*, TE, Notre Dame Don't be surprised if the Chargers draft a tight end early next year, as they begin to groom Antonio Gates' eventual replacement. Rudolph is healthy now after a shoulder injury cut his 2009 season short, and he has the athleticism and elite ball skills to push for a spot in the late part of Round 1.

Dallas Cowboys
Deunta Williams, S, North CarolinaWilliams, who picked off six passes in 2009, is the type of ballhawk the Cowboys need playing the centerfielder's role in their secondary.

Baltimore Ravens
Patrick Peterson*, CB, LSUPeterson has the size, upper-body strength and ball skills to emerge as an early-round pick next year.

Green Bay Packers
Ryan Williams*, RB, Virginia Tech Williams has just one year of game experience but that's all he needed to draw the attention of scouts across the league. The 5-10, 205-pound back can work his way into the first couple of rounds by proving he's not a one-year wonder this fall. From what I have seen thus far, Williams has a chance to be special.

New York Jets
Jared Crick*, DT, NebraskaWe're going to find out quickly if Crick is as good as the 2009 game tape suggests, or if he is an overrated benefactor of Ndamukong Suh's past dominance.

Minnesota Vikings
Allen Bailey, DT, MiamiBailey has outstanding natural talent but his production thus far has been inconsistent. Last year, for example, he notched seven sacks in the first eight games before pitching a shutout in the final five outings. Big things are expected from the 6-4, 292-pound former end in 2010, his second full season at defensive tackle.

Indianapolis Colts
Mike Pouncey, OG/C, Florida The Colts elected not to draft an offensive lineman until Round 4 this year so don't be surprised if they take a more aggressive approach in 2011. Mike Pouncey, twin brother of Steelers' first-round selection Maurkice, could emerge as an early-round pick if he makes a successful move inside to center this fall.

New Orleans Saints
Greg Romeus, DE, PittsburghRomeus lacks elite athleticism but he can get to the passer with a good combination of quickness and power. He is also is one of the better run-defending defensive end prospects in the 2011 senior class.

[Steel Life]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

After this year, I'm swearing off mock drafts for a loooong time. That said, I'd go with...

Jerrell Powe/NT/Mississippi: He grades as the top senior nose tackle prospect. He's a space-eater who clogs the middle but also moves well on his feet.

or

Prince Amukamara/CB/Nebraska: Amukamara sits atop what looks to be a talented class of cornerbacks. He consistently shuts down opposing receivers and offers the size teams want in a starting corner.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

After this year, I'm swearing off mock drafts for a loooong time. That said, I'd go with...

Jerrell Powe/NT/Mississippi: He grades as the top senior nose tackle prospect. He's a space-eater who clogs the middle but also moves well on his feet.

or

Prince Amukamara/CB/Nebraska: Amukamara sits atop what looks to be a talented class of cornerbacks. He consistently shuts down opposing receivers and offers the size teams want in a starting corner.

I think LSU's Patrick Peterson should be a better CB prospect than Prince (both are relatively tall corners...6'1", which we did not see much of him this draft class), but we'll wait and see what their 2010 seasons look like first. There are people that looked like surefire first round locks at this point last year who did not even get drafted.