Commentary

First run at 2011 mock draft

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

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

The 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 State

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


To see how the remainder of the 2011 first round could fall into place -- including where big names like Jake Locker, Mark Ingram and Julio Jones could end up -- you must be an ESPN Insider.

Todd McShay

Scouts Inc.
  • ESPN College Football and NFL Draft Analyst
  • Joined ESPN in 2006
  • Played quarterback in high school and was a backup QB for the University of Richmond.

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