2011 Mock Draft
by Caleb Johnson
New Era Scouting’s Caleb Johnson brings to you his 2011 Mock Draft, featuring the top pro prospect sophomores in college football.
No early entries are taken into account for this mock and the 2008 NFL Draft order is used. It does take into account needs addressed in Johnson’s 2010 Mock Draft.
1. Miami Dolphins: CB Eric Berry, Tennessee
Analysis: With the quarterback need addressed in the 2010 mock draft, it’s time for the Dolphins to start building a strong defense. While defensive backs aren’t your typical top overall picks, Berry isn’t your typical defensive back. As a true freshman, he racked up 86 tackles, four pass deflections and a forced fumble. He also put on display the elusive running ability that he featured in high school as a dual-threat quarterback, returning two fumble recoveries for 55 yards and his five interceptions for 222 yards and one touchdown.
2. St. Louis Rams: QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
Analysis: Marc Bulger’s time as Rams starting quarterback is coming to an end after a dismal 2007 season and multiple injuries over his career that have caused him to rarely start an entire season. Bradford is an extremely efficient passer, leading the nation in that category as a redshirt freshman. He completed 69.5 percent of his passes last year, totaling 3,128 yards, 36 touchdowns and only eight interceptions, and ended the season with an exceptional passer rating of 176.5.
3. Atlanta Falcons: DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
Analysis: The Falcons didn’t address their needs on the defensive line early in the 2008 Draft when they passed on Glenn Dorsey. Now they stand in position to draft another outstanding defensive tackle prospect in McCoy. Despite not starting the entire season as a redshirt freshman, McCoy put together some impressive statistics with 19 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and six quarterback hurries.
4. Oakland Raiders: OT Lee Ziemba, Auburn
Analysis: Seven years after drafting Robert Gallery, who was then thought to be a can’t-miss prospect, the Raiders decide they need to take their franchise tackle. Ziemba started every game for the Tigers as a true freshman and proved to be one of the best offensive linemen in the Southeastern Conference.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: OG Maurkice Pouncey, Florida
Analysis: The Chiefs drafted Branden Albert in the first round of the 2008 Draft, a projected guard who could also line up at the tackle position, but when the Chiefs were pumping out 1,000-yard rushers every year they had a great guard tandem of Will Shields and Brian Waters. Pouncey could provide them with a replacement for Waters when he retires, and is a phenomenal prospect and one of the main reasons Tim Tebow was so effective in goal-line situations.
6. New York Jets: CB Donovan Warren, Michigan
Analysis: The Jets could stand to have a better cornerback across from 2007 first rounder Darrelle Revis, and with Warren could field one of the most impressive young cornerback tandems in the league. Warren had 52 tackles, five pass deflections, a forced fumble and the first interception of his career to seal a win against Rose Bowl-bound Illinois.
7. San Francisco 49ers: WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
Analysis: It’s no secret that the 49ers, who finished dead last in passing offense in 2007, desperately need a go-to guy in their receiving corps. While it is highly doubtful that Crabtree will remain in college until his senior year, there is no freshman receiver more decorated than the record-breaking Red Raider, who led the country in every receiving category known to man and finished his redshirt freshman season with 134 catches for 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns.
8. Baltimore Ravens: WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
Analysis: The Ravens just drafted their quarterback of the future in Delaware’s Joe Flacco. The next thing they need to do is surround him with more talent on the offensive side of the ball. After taking Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung in the 2010 mock draft, they select yet another player in the quiet pipeline of NFL offensive talent that the Cowboys put out. Bryant finished his true freshman year with 43 receptions for 622 yards and six scores.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: DE Everson Griffen, Southern Cal
Analysis: The Bengals finished the 2007 season with a league-worst 22 sacks, and Griffen is the perfect cure for an ailing pass rush. The 6-foot-2, 265-pound Southern Cal phenom ran a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash in a high school combine and finished his true freshman season with 5.5 sacks despite not starting a single game.
10. New Orleans Saints: OLB Rennie Curran, Georgia
Analysis: The Saints, who sported the 26th ranked defense in the league this past season, could use a quick outside linebacker who is capable of covering the middle of the field and good on the blitz. Curran finished fourth for the Bulldogs in tackles with 46 while only starting four games. He added seven tackles for loss, a sack and seven quarterback hurries.
11. Buffalo Bills: DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
Analysis: The Bills’ defense was only able to muster 26 sacks last year, which ranked 29th in the league. They also ranked 25th against the run, and given his 6-foot-6, 282 pound-frame, Heyward would be a good fit to provide the Bills with better play in both areas. The son of former NFL running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward had 33 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three pass deflections and a forced fumble for the top defense in the country and could also be a great pick for any team that runs a 3-4 defense.
12. Denver Broncos: OG Anthony Davis, Rutgers
Analysis: The Broncos have only found themselves outside of the top 10 in the league in rushing offense once in the last 13 years. To keep that stellar ground game going, they are in the midst of rebuilding their storied offensive line with some new faces, including 2008 first round pick, tackle Ryan Clady. After a rough start for Rutgers’ ground game, Davis was named a starter and from then on Ray Rice had more than 100 yards in every game.
13. Carolina Panthers: S Major Wright, Florida
Analysis: After the retirement of long-time safety Mike Minter, the Panthers found themselves without an identity in the defensive backfield, ranking 23rd in interceptions and middle-of-the-road against the pass. Wright, who had 67 tackles, two pass deflections, an interception and four forced fumbles last year, is as hard-hitting as safeties get and is one of the young playmakers looking to turn around an ailing defense in Gainesville.
14. Chicago Bears: WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois
Analysis: After taking Colt McCoy in the 2010 mock draft, the Bears could use another talent at the receiver position to help him out. There aren’t too many receivers in the country more talented than Benn. Although Illinois’ passing offense was not that highly ranked, Benn did all he could to help Juice Williams and the Illini offense en route to a Rose Bowl berth. He ended his true freshman season with 54 catches for 676 yards and two scores, 158 yards rushing on 32 carries and added another score on a 90-yard kick return.
15. Detroit Lions: DT Marvin Austin, North Carolina
Analysis: The Lions were sub-par against the run last year, and for a team that is going to have to face a lot of solid young backs in their conference, they need to address that as soon as possible. The highly recruited Austin recorded 26 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks and three quarterback hurries in his true freshman season and should only get better under the guidance of UNC defensive line guru John Blake.
16. Arizona Cardinals: OLB Greg Jones, Michigan State
Analysis: With the departure of Calvin Pace and the fact that they could stand to improve their defense in general, the Cardinals have a need at the outside linebacker spot. Jones helped lead Michigan State near top 25 status in total defense, leading the team with 78 tackles while also totaling 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two pass deflections and a forced fumble as a true freshman.
17. Minnesota Vikings: QB Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech
Analysis: With Minnesota finishing in the bottom five in pass offense and Tarvaris Jackson not having the kind of season the Vikings were hoping he would have when they took him in the second round of the 2006 draft, they’ll probably be in the market for another quarterback. Taylor still has some work to do in the passing department, but he made the most of his opportunities and didn’t make as many bad decisions as you would expect from a true freshman at the position. He finished 2007 completing 53.7 percent of his passes and racking up 1,356 yards and 11 touchdowns of total offense, only throwing three interceptions in the process.
18. Houston Texans: S Davonte Shannon, Buffalo
Analysis: Houston finished tied for last in the league in interceptions last season and 25th against the pass. Playing for Turner Gill’s emerging Buffalo squad, Shannon finished 23rd in the country in tackles in 2007 with 123, adding 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, five pass break-ups, three forced fumbles and three interceptions.
19. Philadelphia Eagles: WR Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
Analysis: With Kevin Kolb appearing to take over for Donovan McNabb in the next few years, the Eagles need to make the transition as smooth as possible. Adding an all-around playmaker to the offense and special teams unit like Maclin could do just that. Maclin finished his true freshman year seventh in the country in all-purpose yards with 2,776. He had nine touchdowns receiving, four rushing, two on kick returns and one score on a punt return for the Tigers.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
Analysis: Tampa Bay isn’t getting what they expected out of Carnell Williams when they took him fifth overall in the 2005 Draft, both because of his injury-laden career and falling production when he is playing. With Moreno, they get a guy who has top five talent who fell this far based on needs. A quick and agile back, Moreno averaged 5.4 yards per carry as a true freshman en route to 1,334 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. He added 253 yards on 20 receptions.
21. Washington Redskins: OT Trinton Sturdivant, Georgia
Analysis: Heading into the 2011 season, Chris Samuels will be 34 years old and Jon Jansen 35, meaning the Redskins will have to be looking for their eventual replacements. A freshman All-American, Sturdivant started at left tackle for the Bulldogs as a true freshman, holding the likes of Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves to no sacks when he faced off against them.
22. Cleveland Browns: RB LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh
Analysis: Jamal Lewis is going to hit that magic age of 30 in 2009 and already has 2,120 NFL carries on his legs, which means the Browns better start looking for a replacement at running back. McCoy, like Moreno, is a great value at pick 22. As a true freshman, he averaged 4.8 yards per carry on his way to 1,328 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also had 244 yards and a score on 33 catches and has already proven himself to be an every-down back with 25 or more carries in six of his 12 games in 2007.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers: ILB Obinna Ezeh, Michigan
Analysis: The Steelers want to keep their top-ranked defense at the top if they are to get back to the Super Bowl, and James Farrior is nearing the end of his career at inside linebacker. As a redshirt freshman Ezeh had 67 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, two pass deflections, a forced fumble and an interception for the Wolverines’ 24th ranked defense.
24. Tennessee Titans: ILB Rolando McClain, Alabama
Analysis: Ryan Fowler didn’t have the type of season the Titans had hoped for when they named him the starter at middle linebacker, and they could use an upgrade there in the future if they are to improve to a championship-caliber defense. McClain is a solid prospect who came in as a true freshman and recorded 74 tackles, seven tackles for loss, a sack, four pass break-ups and two interceptions for the Crimson Tide.
25. Seattle Seahawks: RB DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
Analysis: The Seahawks now have three solid backs in Maurice Morris, T.J. Duckett and Julius Jones. However, Morris is 28 and both Duckett and Jones will be hitting 30 in 2011. Not to mention that a talent like Murray is a value pick here at 25. Murray showed flashes of the type of ability he has in 2007, averaging six yards per carry with 764 yards and 13 touchdowns before he went down with an injury at the end of the season. He also had two kicks he returned for touchdowns.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama
Analysis: The Jaguars have one of the best cornerbacks in the league in Rashean Mathis, but he can only shut down one side of the field. In order to improve on their average pass defense and make that Super Bowl run that has eluded them, they need to find someone to man the other side. Jackson finished his true freshman with 66 tackles, four tackles for loss, six pass deflections, a forced fumble, a blocked kick and three interceptions which he returned for 80 yards.
27. San Diego Chargers: S Deunta Williams, North Carolina
Analysis: The Chargers had a lot of interceptions last year, but were still merely average against the pass when it came to yardage allowed. Marlon McCree will also be in his 11th season in 2011. Williams had 57 tackles, two tackles for loss, two passes defended, a forced fumble and 80 yards on his three interception returns for the Tar Heels as a redshirt freshman.
28. Dallas Cowboys: OT Ryan Pugh, Auburn
Analysis: With Flozell Adams not getting any younger, the Cowboys will look to draft his eventual replacement on the offensive line in the coming years if they are to sustain their impressive aerial attack. One of two freshmen phenoms at tackle for Auburn, Pugh helped lead the Tigers to a 9-4 season and a number 14 ranking.
29. Indianapolis Colts: WR Terrance Tolliver, LSU
Analysis: The Colts receiving corps is always very solid, but they could stand to gain a little size and give Peyton Manning a red-zone threat as his career winds down to help catch the passing records that stand in front of him. Tolliver is one of the next in line in the emerging receiver factory that is LSU. As a true freshman, he made the most of his 10 catches, coming away with 249 yards and three scores. He also had 36 yards on three carries.
30. Green Bay Packers: DT Brian Price, UCLA
Analysis: While the Packers run defense isn’t anemic, it isn’t exceptional either. And after losing Corey Williams to the Browns, they’re in need of a defensive tackle. The 270-pound Price didn’t play until the last six games of the season for UCLA, but made the most of his opportunities with 14 tackles, eight tackles for loss, a sack, a pass deflection and two forced fumbles.
31. New England Patriots: RB Joe McKnight, Southern Cal
Analysis: It was said that the Patriots were interested in drafting Darren McFadden with their top-10 pick this year and continuing with their committee backfield approach. McKnight has the speed that attracted them to McFadden and could be the man to emerge as the top dog in Southern Cal’s loaded backfield in the coming years. McKnight finished his true freshman season with 94 carries for 610 yards and three touchdowns. He added another 203 yards and a score on 23 catches, and served as a punt returner for the Trojans.
32. New York Giants: WR Marcus Barnett, Cincinnati
Analysis: While they may have won the Super Bowl, the Giants weren’t overly impressive in their passing game during the regular season. Amani Toomer is also closing in on the end of his career. Barnett was a big reason why Cincinnati had as much success as they did in the passing department, where they ranked 20th in the nation. As a true freshman, Barnett caught 62 passes for 862 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also had 24 yards rushing on six carries, a 76-yard pass and a touchdown on a punt return.
by Caleb Johnson
New Era Scouting’s Caleb Johnson brings to you his 2011 Mock Draft, featuring the top pro prospect sophomores in college football.
No early entries are taken into account for this mock and the 2008 NFL Draft order is used. It does take into account needs addressed in Johnson’s 2010 Mock Draft.
1. Miami Dolphins: CB Eric Berry, Tennessee
Analysis: With the quarterback need addressed in the 2010 mock draft, it’s time for the Dolphins to start building a strong defense. While defensive backs aren’t your typical top overall picks, Berry isn’t your typical defensive back. As a true freshman, he racked up 86 tackles, four pass deflections and a forced fumble. He also put on display the elusive running ability that he featured in high school as a dual-threat quarterback, returning two fumble recoveries for 55 yards and his five interceptions for 222 yards and one touchdown.
2. St. Louis Rams: QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
Analysis: Marc Bulger’s time as Rams starting quarterback is coming to an end after a dismal 2007 season and multiple injuries over his career that have caused him to rarely start an entire season. Bradford is an extremely efficient passer, leading the nation in that category as a redshirt freshman. He completed 69.5 percent of his passes last year, totaling 3,128 yards, 36 touchdowns and only eight interceptions, and ended the season with an exceptional passer rating of 176.5.
3. Atlanta Falcons: DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
Analysis: The Falcons didn’t address their needs on the defensive line early in the 2008 Draft when they passed on Glenn Dorsey. Now they stand in position to draft another outstanding defensive tackle prospect in McCoy. Despite not starting the entire season as a redshirt freshman, McCoy put together some impressive statistics with 19 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and six quarterback hurries.
4. Oakland Raiders: OT Lee Ziemba, Auburn
Analysis: Seven years after drafting Robert Gallery, who was then thought to be a can’t-miss prospect, the Raiders decide they need to take their franchise tackle. Ziemba started every game for the Tigers as a true freshman and proved to be one of the best offensive linemen in the Southeastern Conference.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: OG Maurkice Pouncey, Florida
Analysis: The Chiefs drafted Branden Albert in the first round of the 2008 Draft, a projected guard who could also line up at the tackle position, but when the Chiefs were pumping out 1,000-yard rushers every year they had a great guard tandem of Will Shields and Brian Waters. Pouncey could provide them with a replacement for Waters when he retires, and is a phenomenal prospect and one of the main reasons Tim Tebow was so effective in goal-line situations.
6. New York Jets: CB Donovan Warren, Michigan
Analysis: The Jets could stand to have a better cornerback across from 2007 first rounder Darrelle Revis, and with Warren could field one of the most impressive young cornerback tandems in the league. Warren had 52 tackles, five pass deflections, a forced fumble and the first interception of his career to seal a win against Rose Bowl-bound Illinois.
7. San Francisco 49ers: WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
Analysis: It’s no secret that the 49ers, who finished dead last in passing offense in 2007, desperately need a go-to guy in their receiving corps. While it is highly doubtful that Crabtree will remain in college until his senior year, there is no freshman receiver more decorated than the record-breaking Red Raider, who led the country in every receiving category known to man and finished his redshirt freshman season with 134 catches for 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns.
8. Baltimore Ravens: WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
Analysis: The Ravens just drafted their quarterback of the future in Delaware’s Joe Flacco. The next thing they need to do is surround him with more talent on the offensive side of the ball. After taking Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung in the 2010 mock draft, they select yet another player in the quiet pipeline of NFL offensive talent that the Cowboys put out. Bryant finished his true freshman year with 43 receptions for 622 yards and six scores.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: DE Everson Griffen, Southern Cal
Analysis: The Bengals finished the 2007 season with a league-worst 22 sacks, and Griffen is the perfect cure for an ailing pass rush. The 6-foot-2, 265-pound Southern Cal phenom ran a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash in a high school combine and finished his true freshman season with 5.5 sacks despite not starting a single game.
10. New Orleans Saints: OLB Rennie Curran, Georgia
Analysis: The Saints, who sported the 26th ranked defense in the league this past season, could use a quick outside linebacker who is capable of covering the middle of the field and good on the blitz. Curran finished fourth for the Bulldogs in tackles with 46 while only starting four games. He added seven tackles for loss, a sack and seven quarterback hurries.
11. Buffalo Bills: DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
Analysis: The Bills’ defense was only able to muster 26 sacks last year, which ranked 29th in the league. They also ranked 25th against the run, and given his 6-foot-6, 282 pound-frame, Heyward would be a good fit to provide the Bills with better play in both areas. The son of former NFL running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward had 33 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three pass deflections and a forced fumble for the top defense in the country and could also be a great pick for any team that runs a 3-4 defense.
12. Denver Broncos: OG Anthony Davis, Rutgers
Analysis: The Broncos have only found themselves outside of the top 10 in the league in rushing offense once in the last 13 years. To keep that stellar ground game going, they are in the midst of rebuilding their storied offensive line with some new faces, including 2008 first round pick, tackle Ryan Clady. After a rough start for Rutgers’ ground game, Davis was named a starter and from then on Ray Rice had more than 100 yards in every game.
13. Carolina Panthers: S Major Wright, Florida
Analysis: After the retirement of long-time safety Mike Minter, the Panthers found themselves without an identity in the defensive backfield, ranking 23rd in interceptions and middle-of-the-road against the pass. Wright, who had 67 tackles, two pass deflections, an interception and four forced fumbles last year, is as hard-hitting as safeties get and is one of the young playmakers looking to turn around an ailing defense in Gainesville.
14. Chicago Bears: WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois
Analysis: After taking Colt McCoy in the 2010 mock draft, the Bears could use another talent at the receiver position to help him out. There aren’t too many receivers in the country more talented than Benn. Although Illinois’ passing offense was not that highly ranked, Benn did all he could to help Juice Williams and the Illini offense en route to a Rose Bowl berth. He ended his true freshman season with 54 catches for 676 yards and two scores, 158 yards rushing on 32 carries and added another score on a 90-yard kick return.
15. Detroit Lions: DT Marvin Austin, North Carolina
Analysis: The Lions were sub-par against the run last year, and for a team that is going to have to face a lot of solid young backs in their conference, they need to address that as soon as possible. The highly recruited Austin recorded 26 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks and three quarterback hurries in his true freshman season and should only get better under the guidance of UNC defensive line guru John Blake.
16. Arizona Cardinals: OLB Greg Jones, Michigan State
Analysis: With the departure of Calvin Pace and the fact that they could stand to improve their defense in general, the Cardinals have a need at the outside linebacker spot. Jones helped lead Michigan State near top 25 status in total defense, leading the team with 78 tackles while also totaling 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two pass deflections and a forced fumble as a true freshman.
17. Minnesota Vikings: QB Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech
Analysis: With Minnesota finishing in the bottom five in pass offense and Tarvaris Jackson not having the kind of season the Vikings were hoping he would have when they took him in the second round of the 2006 draft, they’ll probably be in the market for another quarterback. Taylor still has some work to do in the passing department, but he made the most of his opportunities and didn’t make as many bad decisions as you would expect from a true freshman at the position. He finished 2007 completing 53.7 percent of his passes and racking up 1,356 yards and 11 touchdowns of total offense, only throwing three interceptions in the process.
18. Houston Texans: S Davonte Shannon, Buffalo
Analysis: Houston finished tied for last in the league in interceptions last season and 25th against the pass. Playing for Turner Gill’s emerging Buffalo squad, Shannon finished 23rd in the country in tackles in 2007 with 123, adding 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, five pass break-ups, three forced fumbles and three interceptions.
19. Philadelphia Eagles: WR Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
Analysis: With Kevin Kolb appearing to take over for Donovan McNabb in the next few years, the Eagles need to make the transition as smooth as possible. Adding an all-around playmaker to the offense and special teams unit like Maclin could do just that. Maclin finished his true freshman year seventh in the country in all-purpose yards with 2,776. He had nine touchdowns receiving, four rushing, two on kick returns and one score on a punt return for the Tigers.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
Analysis: Tampa Bay isn’t getting what they expected out of Carnell Williams when they took him fifth overall in the 2005 Draft, both because of his injury-laden career and falling production when he is playing. With Moreno, they get a guy who has top five talent who fell this far based on needs. A quick and agile back, Moreno averaged 5.4 yards per carry as a true freshman en route to 1,334 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. He added 253 yards on 20 receptions.
21. Washington Redskins: OT Trinton Sturdivant, Georgia
Analysis: Heading into the 2011 season, Chris Samuels will be 34 years old and Jon Jansen 35, meaning the Redskins will have to be looking for their eventual replacements. A freshman All-American, Sturdivant started at left tackle for the Bulldogs as a true freshman, holding the likes of Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves to no sacks when he faced off against them.
22. Cleveland Browns: RB LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh
Analysis: Jamal Lewis is going to hit that magic age of 30 in 2009 and already has 2,120 NFL carries on his legs, which means the Browns better start looking for a replacement at running back. McCoy, like Moreno, is a great value at pick 22. As a true freshman, he averaged 4.8 yards per carry on his way to 1,328 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also had 244 yards and a score on 33 catches and has already proven himself to be an every-down back with 25 or more carries in six of his 12 games in 2007.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers: ILB Obinna Ezeh, Michigan
Analysis: The Steelers want to keep their top-ranked defense at the top if they are to get back to the Super Bowl, and James Farrior is nearing the end of his career at inside linebacker. As a redshirt freshman Ezeh had 67 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, two pass deflections, a forced fumble and an interception for the Wolverines’ 24th ranked defense.
24. Tennessee Titans: ILB Rolando McClain, Alabama
Analysis: Ryan Fowler didn’t have the type of season the Titans had hoped for when they named him the starter at middle linebacker, and they could use an upgrade there in the future if they are to improve to a championship-caliber defense. McClain is a solid prospect who came in as a true freshman and recorded 74 tackles, seven tackles for loss, a sack, four pass break-ups and two interceptions for the Crimson Tide.
25. Seattle Seahawks: RB DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
Analysis: The Seahawks now have three solid backs in Maurice Morris, T.J. Duckett and Julius Jones. However, Morris is 28 and both Duckett and Jones will be hitting 30 in 2011. Not to mention that a talent like Murray is a value pick here at 25. Murray showed flashes of the type of ability he has in 2007, averaging six yards per carry with 764 yards and 13 touchdowns before he went down with an injury at the end of the season. He also had two kicks he returned for touchdowns.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama
Analysis: The Jaguars have one of the best cornerbacks in the league in Rashean Mathis, but he can only shut down one side of the field. In order to improve on their average pass defense and make that Super Bowl run that has eluded them, they need to find someone to man the other side. Jackson finished his true freshman with 66 tackles, four tackles for loss, six pass deflections, a forced fumble, a blocked kick and three interceptions which he returned for 80 yards.
27. San Diego Chargers: S Deunta Williams, North Carolina
Analysis: The Chargers had a lot of interceptions last year, but were still merely average against the pass when it came to yardage allowed. Marlon McCree will also be in his 11th season in 2011. Williams had 57 tackles, two tackles for loss, two passes defended, a forced fumble and 80 yards on his three interception returns for the Tar Heels as a redshirt freshman.
28. Dallas Cowboys: OT Ryan Pugh, Auburn
Analysis: With Flozell Adams not getting any younger, the Cowboys will look to draft his eventual replacement on the offensive line in the coming years if they are to sustain their impressive aerial attack. One of two freshmen phenoms at tackle for Auburn, Pugh helped lead the Tigers to a 9-4 season and a number 14 ranking.
29. Indianapolis Colts: WR Terrance Tolliver, LSU
Analysis: The Colts receiving corps is always very solid, but they could stand to gain a little size and give Peyton Manning a red-zone threat as his career winds down to help catch the passing records that stand in front of him. Tolliver is one of the next in line in the emerging receiver factory that is LSU. As a true freshman, he made the most of his 10 catches, coming away with 249 yards and three scores. He also had 36 yards on three carries.
30. Green Bay Packers: DT Brian Price, UCLA
Analysis: While the Packers run defense isn’t anemic, it isn’t exceptional either. And after losing Corey Williams to the Browns, they’re in need of a defensive tackle. The 270-pound Price didn’t play until the last six games of the season for UCLA, but made the most of his opportunities with 14 tackles, eight tackles for loss, a sack, a pass deflection and two forced fumbles.
31. New England Patriots: RB Joe McKnight, Southern Cal
Analysis: It was said that the Patriots were interested in drafting Darren McFadden with their top-10 pick this year and continuing with their committee backfield approach. McKnight has the speed that attracted them to McFadden and could be the man to emerge as the top dog in Southern Cal’s loaded backfield in the coming years. McKnight finished his true freshman season with 94 carries for 610 yards and three touchdowns. He added another 203 yards and a score on 23 catches, and served as a punt returner for the Trojans.
32. New York Giants: WR Marcus Barnett, Cincinnati
Analysis: While they may have won the Super Bowl, the Giants weren’t overly impressive in their passing game during the regular season. Amani Toomer is also closing in on the end of his career. Barnett was a big reason why Cincinnati had as much success as they did in the passing department, where they ranked 20th in the nation. As a true freshman, Barnett caught 62 passes for 862 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also had 24 yards rushing on six carries, a 76-yard pass and a touchdown on a punt return.
