2011 NFL Mock Draft

First post in forever... and apparently Blogger doesn't support tables...

2011 NFL Mock Draft - Round One

Round 1	Player	Pos	School
1. Carolina (2-14)	Nick Fairley	DT	AUB
2. Denver (4-12)	Patrick Peterson	CB	LSU
3. Buffalo (4-12)	TRADE	x	x
trade to Cleveland	AJ Green	WR	UGA
4. Cincinnati (4-12)	Da'Quan Bowers	DE	CLEM
5. Arizona (5-11)	Blaine Gabbert	QB	MIZZOU
6. Cleveland (5-11)	TRADE	x	x
trade to Buffalo (+3rd Rd Pick)	Marcell Dareus	DL	BAMA
7. San Francisco (6-10)	Ryan Mallett	QB	ARK
8. Tennessee (6-10)	Von Miller	LB	TAMU
9. Dallas (6-10)	Prince Amukamara	CB	NEB
10. Washington (6-10)	Robert Quinn	DE	UNC
11. Houston (6-10)	Aldon Smith	LB	MIZZOU
12. Minnesota (6-10)	Cam Newton	QB	AUB
13. Detroit (6-10)	Derek Sherrod	OT	MSU
14. St. Louis (7-9)	Julio Jones	WR	BAMA
15. Miami (7-9)	Mark Ingram	RB	BAMA
16. Jacksonville (8-8)	Brandon Harris	CB	UM
17. New England (8-8)	Ryan Kerrigan	DE	PUR
18. San Diego (9-7)	Akeem Ayers	LB	UCLA
19. New York Giants (10-6)	Stephen Paea	DT	ORST
20. Tampa Bay (10-6)	Adrian Clayborn	DE	IOWA
21. Kansas City* (10-6)	Anthony Castonzo	OT	BC
22. Indianapolis* (10-6)	Nate Solder	OT	CU
23. Philadelphia* (10-6)	Gabe Carimi	OT	WIS
24. New Orleans* (11-5)	Aaron Williams	CB	TEX
25. Seattle* (7-9)	JJ Watt	DE	WIS
26. Baltimore* (12-4)	Jonathon Baldwin	WR	PIT
27. Atlanta* (13-3)	Jimmy Smith	CB	CU
28. New England* (14-2)	Martez Wilson	LB	ILL
29. Chicago* (11-5)	Quinton Carter	FS	OKLA
30. New York Jets* (11-5)	Corey Liuget	DT	ILL
31. Pittsburgh* (12-4)	Mike Pouncey	OG	FLA
32. Green Bay* (10-6)	Rodney Hudson	OG	FSU

Re: Buckeye Draft Projections

Projections (from March 4) and where they actually went in RED over the weekend. I should be a Draftnik. Kiper & McShay, eat your heart out!

• Malcolm Jenkins (CB) - First Round. Top 15 overall. - CORRECT! Round 1, #14 to the Saints. I think this is where he "should have" gone... If the Saints didn't get him at 14, my guess is that the Texans would have picked him off at 15. I wonder if Madden 2010 will have Jenkins listed as an FS...
  
• Chris "Beanie" Wells (RB) - First Round. Late pick, somewhere between Picks 20 and 32. - CORRECT! Round 1, #30 to the Cardinals. Ken Wisenhunt now has a viable RB to go with the aerial attack of Fitzgerald and Boldin... If he stays healthy, Beanie is going to have a monster year. I can't remember the last time the Cardinals had a real RB.
  
• James Laurinaitis (LB) - Second Round. Early in the round, somewhere between Picks 33 and 50. - CORRECT! Round 2, #35 overall to the Rams. I would have preferred to see Little Animal in a team that I'm more likely to follow, but he should have no problem securing a starting spot with the Rams.
  
• Brian Robiskie (WR) - Second/Third Round. - CORRECT! Round 2, #36 overall to the Browns. Good for Robo! He should have no problem becoming the possession WR that the Browns had with a healthy Joe Jurevicius.
  
• Marcus Freeman (LB) - Second/Third Round. - WRONG! Round 5, #152 overall to 'da Bears. I'm not sure why he fell this far on everyone's boards... But he landed with a great team that will probably have a monster 2009-2010 campaign with Cutler at the reigns.
  
• Brian Hartline (WR) - Fourth/Fifth Round. - CORRECT! Round 4, # 108 overall to the Fins. With all the rumors surrounding Hartline as a locker-room virus, I was glad to see him find a home with a team that's heading in the right direction... Hopefully he works his tail off and secures himself some playing time next to TGII.
  
• Donald Washington (CB) - Fifth/Sixth Round. - WRONG! WIZZUH???? Round 4, #102 overall to the Chiefs. All of the Chiefs' picks are mind-boggling and this one was no exception.
  
• Nader Abdallah (DT) - Seventh Round. - WRONG! Undrafted... I'd like to see him get a shot with his hometown Saints...

I'm looking forward to drafting a Buckeye-laden team on this year's version of Madden...! Go Bucks!

YWRN NFL Mock Draft v.1

Please note the date & time-stamp of this entry as it is SURE to be WAY too early. The NFL combine doesn't start for another three weeks or so and a lot will change after that. Exhibit A:  Chris Johnson going to the Tennessee Titans in Round 1. When you run a 4.24-40, your stock goes up. Period. Percy Harvin could do it this year... 

1. Detroit Losers - Matt Stafford (QB - UGA)

I'm not at high on this guy as plenty of other draftniks claim to be, but they're not going to draft Michael Crabtree. That being said, it wouldn't be completely crazy to see Kansas City trade up for this pick to take Stafford in lieu of being stuck with Mark Dirty Sanchez. Dan Orlovsky and Daunte Culpepper are NOT the answer. Not even with their talents combined like the Wonder Twins.

2. St. Louis Rams - Michael Crabtree (WR - Texas Tech)

As the unfortunate owner of Torry Holt during the 2008 fantasy football season, I know this guy is no longer producing at the same level. He could make for a good 3WR in their system, but here's a guy who will complement Donnie Avery and put butts in the seats.  I think Crabtree is going to be a stud... (shhhh, I'm going to draft him on my fantasy team this year!). Oh, and insert thought: Oakland might trade up for this pick...

3. Kansas Shitty Chiefs - Mark Dirty Sanchez (QB - USC)

They need a QB because Tyler Thigpen is not their QB of the future. Their other two bozos on the roster proved that they weren't worth the time or money either. Yes, Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard. Personally, I think they need to make this pick, even though I think he's going to be a bust too.

4. Seattle Seahawks - Andre Smith (OT - Alabama)

I still think this guy is the best big man in the draft. His absence from the Sugar Bowl proved to be fatal. He pwned everyone else he matched up against during the season. Walter Jones is getting old too.

5. Cleveland Brownies - Knowshown Moreno (RB - Georgia)

Coaching and injuries killed the Brownies in 2008 and Jamal Lewis needs a replacement. There's depth in this Linebacker class but not at Running Back. Will they ever change their fugly orange and brown unis? Add some green and they could be the Moldy Oranges.

6. Cincinnati Bungals - Eugene Monroe (OT - Virginia)

Cincinnati should only draft O-linemen and Wide Receivers this year. Bye bye TJ (free agent) and Ocho Cinco (washed up). 

7. Oakland Al Davis Killed the Raiders - Aaron Curry (LB - Wake Forest)

If they don't trade up to take Crabtree, which I'm thinking is quite likely, my guess is Curry. O-Line is their greatest and most obvious need, but the Grim Reaper (Al Davis) will again forego the route of "logic" and pick who he wants.

8. J-ville Jaguars - Michael Oher (OT - Ole Miss)

See comment above about Cincinnati Bengals & insert here.

9. Green Bay Packers - B.J. Raji (DT - Boston College)

I have this strange feeling that he could go higher than this (maybe Cincinnati, maybe Oakland)... 

10. San Francisco Gold-Digging 49ers - Rey Maualuga (LB - USC)

Niners take the in-state kid to pair up with Patrick Pro-Bowl Willis in the 3-4. Two reasons: 1) copy cat Super Bowl Sixburgh Steelers; 2) copy cat Super Bowl Sixburgh Steelers.

11. Buffalo Billy Bob Thornton Bills - Jason Smith (OT - Baylor)

I can't name anyone on their O-Line which means they need help. 

12. Denver has Hot Cheerleaders Broncos - Everett Brown (DE/OLB - PSU)

If Denver really is going to shift to a 3-4 like half of the NFL, a versatile DE is a big need. The other guy that could go here is Brian Orapko... but I don't think he'll grade out as well after failing to dominate against a porous Ohio State d-line in the Fiesta Bowl.

13. Washington Redskins - Peria Jerry (DT - Ole Miss)

I wish the 'Skins could get the Taylor Mays compensatory pick for losing Sean Taylor, but alas, they'll need to finish 2009 season at 4-11 to secure that pick instead. For the time being, the Mr. Jerry is the pick. Joe Gibbs could have a 100-yard day against the Skins' defense.

14. New Orleans Saints - Malcolm Jenkins (CB - The Ohio State University)

As proficient as the Saints are at passing the ball, their ability to defend it is equally horrendous. Jenkins is the best corner in this draft class and arguably should go higher. Here's an early bet that he runs a 4.35-40 on Pro Day.

15. Houston Texans - Brian Orapko (DE - Texas)

Complement the $40 million terror on the other side of the line with this guy and you're set on the D-Line for the next 4-6 years. DO IT. Plus, he's a Texas guy.

16. San Diego Super Jacko Chargers - Brian Cushing (OLB - USC)

Somehow I see this guys' measureables being way too much to pass over... He could be the next Shawne Merriman in that system. Just saying... Oh, and I think LT and Sproles will both stick around in '09. SD will pick a RB in a later round... Like a Javon Ringer...

17. New York J-E-T-S Jets - James Laurinaitis (LB - The Ohio State University)

The Vernon Gholston project hasn't been fully realized yet, but that won't stop new Jets Coach Rex Ryan from drafting the heady MLB from Linebacker U.

18. Chicago Da Bears - Jeremy Maclin (WR - Mizzou)

If Devin Hester if your best WR... you're not going to make the play-offs.

19. Tampa Hosted the Super Bowl Buccaneers - Josh Freeman (QB - KSU)

In addition to being home of Super Bowl 43 and the highest per capita of strip clubs, it's also home to a new stable of coaches. This pick will be as surprising as the firing of Gruden and the defection of Coach Kiffin. Freeman is a younger, darker, taller, bigger, straighter, faster, right-handed version of Jeff Garcia.

20. Detroit Losers (II) - Alex Mack (C - Cal)

You could insert any of the top 10 linemen at this spot and Detroit will pick one of them.

21. Philly Steak  Sub Eagles - Chris "Beanie" Wells (RB - The Ohio State University)

Somehow the Eagles get Beanie, either here at 21 or via trade. Brian Westbrook was not created for goal-line rushes, rather, for 60 yard screen passes for TDs.

22. Minnesota Vikings - Vontae Davis (CB - Illinois)

Under the pretense that defense wins championships, Davis is the value pick here. Round 2/3/4 is where they address the dire QB situation in hopes of bandaging the situation until 2010. Graham Harrell in purple anyone? I know he can hand-off to AP All Day as well as I can...

23. New England Com Patriots - Aaron Maybin (DE/OLB - PSU)

The most logical pick for Coach Sweatshirt. Fits the system like a glove.

24. Atlanta Matt Ryan Falcons - Tyson Jackson (DE - LSU)

I have a feeling the 2009 draft will be very defense-oriented for the Falcons who have a wall-oiled machine on the other side of the ball.

25.  Miami has Sexy Cheerleaders Dolphins - Louis Delmas (S - Western Michigan)

I think Parcells snags a veteran LB via free agency and takes this safety...

26. Baltimore Cry Me a River Ravens - DJ Moore (CB - Vanderbilt)

Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle are barely worth fantasy drafting on Madden 2009... Not to mention Corey Ivy is clearly not good enough to be a #1 on that defense. (see: Corey Ivy gets pwned by Holmes & Sweed)

27. Indianapolis Colts - Sen'Derrick Marks (DT - Auburn)

I had a hard time with this one, but I think it's the biggest hole they need to fill. WR's to replace Harrison abound in Rounds 2 & 3. Marks was a DE who's obviously agile enough to play the role of quick, undersized DT for the speedy Colts defense.

28. Philly Steak  Sub Eagles (II) - Eben Britton (OT - Arizona)

Don't know who this guy is, but Philly needs help on the O-line.

29. New York Giants - Hakeem Nicks (WR - UNC)

Replacement for Plaxico Arm I Shot Myself Burress. The defense will be fine and back on its feet with Umenyiora back on the field.

30. Tennessee Titans - Brandon Pettigrew (TE - Okie State)

Who's that washed up tight-end that fumbled the ball in a playoff game? Yeah.. Enough said.

31. Arizona Cardinals - LeSean McCoy (RB - Pittsburgh)

How ironic it would be for the Cardinals to draft a RB from the city that just beat them in the Super Bowl...

32. Sixburgh Steelers - William Beatty (OT - UConn)

If Sixburgh drafts ANYONE that's not an offensive lineman, they will earn a draft grade of FAIL.

End Round One.

Special Note - Former Buckeye Alex Baffoon Boone will not be drafted in this year's draft for alcohol-related issues. At least wait until AFTER you're drafted to consume an entire keg of beer. Maybe he'll outscore Vince Young on the Wonderlic Test. Bonehead only needs a 7 to beat VY.

You want rice noodle?

Fantasy Football '08 $$ League (Gambling)

"With the 10th pick in the 2008, Fantasy Football League draft, Rice Noodle selects..."

And so it went. 3 hours of a Tuesday night. 14 pitchers of beer. Two large pep & sausage pizzas. 180 players (and/or Defensive teams). $20 a head for the food and beverages... and 10 of the pitchers were Labatt Blue, not Bud Light.

Anyway... This is pre-season, post-draft analysis of my 2008 squad. I have not yet pillaged the waiver wire or offered up terrible trade proposals.

Background: each privately organized fantasy football league has it's own set of rules and scoring parameters. So before I'm castrated for picking Peyton Manning in the 10-slot, I'll paint the landscape.

• QBs - 1 pt per 20 yds passing. 6 pts per TD. Bonuses for eclipsing the 250 yard passing mark (and other hurdles) and for 'big plays' (i.e. pass play over 20, 30 and 50 yards).
• RBs - 1 pt per 10 yds rushing. 6 pts per TD. Bonuses for eclipsing the 75 yard mark (and other hurdles) and for 'big plays'. 1 pt per 10 yds receiving.
  
• WRs/TEs - 1 pt per 10 yds receiving. 1 pt per reception (does NOT apply to RBs). Bonuses mirror those of rushing.
• Ks - standard scoring. 3 pts per FG. Bonuses for distance. 1 pt per extra point.
• Team Defense/ST - 6 pts per TD. 2 pts per INT or fumble. 1 pt per sack. Bonus for points allowed. Special teams scoring is included. (makes Chicago more valuable via Devin Hester)

Other notable notes: no negative points; partial points allowed; must start 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 K, and 1 DEF. No flex position here... and no minuses for Brett Favre's 12 INTs... Payouts to the #1 and #2 in total points and the playoffs. Potential winnings: $800.

The Roster:

• Quarterbacks - Peyton Manning; Matt Schaub; Tarvaris Jackson
• Runningbacks - Laurence Maroney; Selvin Young; Maurice Morris; Fred Taylor
• Wide Receivers - Reggie Wayne; Anquan Boldin; Brandon Marshall; Nate Burleson; Isaac Bruce
• Tight Ends - Antonio Gates; Owen Daniels
• Kickers - Rob Bironas; some other guy
• Defense - SD Chargers; Philadelphia Eagles

The Pros: I'm very content with a positive outlook on my QB, WR, and TE situation. I'm not sure if there will be much drop-off by the Colts scoring machine, but Reggie Wayne is still a gamebreaker, Boldin has the huge upside after the catch, and Brandon Marshall is a 3rd-year WR (which in fantasy-world, means BREAKOUT season). I have to wait until Week 2 to reap the rewards from Mr. Marshall... Nate Burleson is one of the only healthy, experienced WRs in Seattle and therefore should see plenty of passes. Many forget that he was a stud in Minnesota... Isaac Bruce was a 14th round pick out of need, but he's the current #1a in San Fran. He knows the Mad Martz pass-happy system from his days as a Ram (LA AND STL). Antonio Gates was the fourth overall TE taken in the draft behind KWII, Witten, and Tony Gonzo. It was a value pick during the run on TEs and should have another great season. He was rated higher than my 25th ranked WR, so essentially I have four top-25 receivers in the league. Note: Burleson and Bruce are both starters at the top of their respective depth charts. I was the first to steal the Chargers off the board, hoping to couple them with the Patriots DEF, but to no avail. Needless to say, the Eagles should be a good bye-week fill-in and if Brian Westbrook takes a punt to the house, I get 6 points!

The Cons: I didn't draft a RB until round 6 and consequently got stuck with Maroney. All four of my RBs are question marks with big exclamation points behind them. It's just a matter of which one of the four blows up this year. If Brady goes down or sits, Maroney should get his fair share of touches. Young is playing in a system that allows for 1,500 yard rushers. Maurice Morris is playing behind a strong O-Line in Seattle (and Owen Schnittker - the monster from WVA) and held his own when Shaun was out. Then there's Fred "Fragile" Taylor. I had to take him based on historical production and a moderate projection. He was the best available RB after the gentleman in the 9th slot drafted LenDale White leaving me defenseless... and dejected. I think most of these guys should be able to rack up 75 yards and a TD here and there. My sleepers are Young and Morris... but would have preferred to be sleeping on Jonathan Stewart (CAR) or Matt Forte (CHI) instead.

Assessment: I graded out 4th or 5th overall according to our fantasy league guru (who didn't finish in the money last year). I was very pleased with my aerial attack options picking up Gates and Burleson much later than I anticipated. I was also pleased to not be handcuffed with drafting an "old" WR (i.e. Holt, Ocho Cinco, Harrison) or one of those little slot WRs that were popular in 2005 (Santana Moss, Steve Smith, Lee Evans). I admit, I do have an "old" WR in Isaac Bruce, but he's a system WR... Remember Rod Smith? Wayne Chrebet? Plus, who else is JT O'Sullivan going to throw to? Picking up Peyton Manning,Gates and the SD defense will help me sleep at night (and consequently set my rosters on Sunday mornings).

Final Grade: B+. I'm missing a true 2nd tier RB. I really wanted Thomas Jones, but he was snatched up three picks before I would have made the pick in the round that I wanted my 2nd RB. I settled for Selvin Young. I would have also liked to have grabbed the Patriots DEF as well... (perhaps a trade will be offered here..). Toss in Thomas Jones, LenDale White or Brandon Jacobs to complement Maroney, and I bump my grade up to an A-.

I didn't pick a kicker until Round 17 and 18... and didn't lose any sleep last night.