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Sports Outside the Beltway

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #29 Chicago Bears OT Gabe Carimi

NFL.com says

Carimi was the 2010 Outland Trophy winner as the best interior lineman in college football, and it appears likely that he will have continued success at the next level. Carimi is simply a “bad man” who looks to punish defensive ends on every play. His non-stop motor, coupled with his ideal size, make him a terror in the running game, and he has enough athleticism to hold his own in pass protection. Like all tall linemen, Carimi struggles at times with leverage and may have to make the move to right tackle in the NFL. Overall, Carimi is a beast who should be picked in the middle of the first round.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #28 New Orleans Saints RB Mark Ingram

The Patriots trade down.

NFL.com says-

Ingram projects as an every-down back who can make an impact on the ground and in the passing game. One of the most polished running back prospects in recent memory. Has rare natural running sense in terms of vision and patience. Great short area speed and burst to hit the hole, make defenders miss, and get to the perimeter. Runs low, breaks tackles, and usually falls forward. Dangerous receiver in the screen game and as a check down. Shows good effort and awareness in pass protection. Has not been asked to shoulder the entire load to this point, but Ingram’s still a first-round prospect.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #27 Baltimore Ravens DB Jimmy Smith

Now Baltimore goes

NFL.com says-

Corners with Smith’s size, speed and confidence in press coverage don’t grow on trees. He’ll likely serve as reserve/nickel early in his career but has the skill set to eventually become a starter. Very effective playing man coverage close to the line of scrimmage where he can use his size and length to disrupt timing patterns. Can recover after initial bump and compete for the football. Isn’t as comfortable in off-man or zone but could improve over time. Has the mentality and physical tools to be very productive in run support, just needs some more polish. Smith’s tools and upside will likely land him in the second round.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #26 Kansas City WR Jon Baldwin

Baltimore passes and the Chiefs pick

NFL.com says-

Baldwin is giant wide receiver with the potential to develop into a starter at the next level. He is a speed builder who can get behind defensive backs, and he quickly finds the ball in the air. He is a weapon over the middle, as he has strong, reliable hands and the body control to make acrobatic catches in traffic. He is dangerous after the catch, as he can run away from linebackers and over defensive backs. Baldwin has to refine his route running skills, but he is intriguing due to his freakish measurables.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #25 Seattle Seahawks G James Carpenter

NFL.com says-

Carpenter has a chance to end up as a starter and certainly has the ability to provide valuable depth as a backup. Looks the part of an NFL left tackle with his great size and frame. At this stage, Carpenter grades out as a good pass blocker but just adequate in the running game. His game could benefit from some improved awareness in blitz pickup. Would become more valuable as a run blocker with increased strength and power. Carpenter should hear his name called during the middle rounds of the 2011 NFL Draft

Another reach.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #24 New Orleans Saints DE Cameron Jordan

NFL.com says-

Jordan is one of the higher-probability, game-ready prospects in this class. He’s an ideal fit as a 3-4 defensive end but could also serve as a strongside DE in a four-man front. Really a good fit for any team that stresses gap integrity. Has good strength at the point of attack, plays with sound positioning, locates the ball carrier, gets off blocks and uses his good quickness and agility against the run. Not a big-time pass rushing talent by any means, but still has some good power moves. Jordan has the skill set to come off the board pretty quickly.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #23 Philadelphia Eagles G Danny Watkins

NFL.com says-

Watkins is new to the game of football, but has the strength and athleticism to play at the next level. He does not have the arm length and first step explosion to play left tackle, however he projects to be a quality starting guard. He plays with terrific balance and has the foot quickness to hold in pass protection. Despite his limited football experience, he engages very well with his hands and maintains a strong position. He will occasionally have lapses in his reads, but he has very high upside and will likely be a second day pick.

A 26-year-old rookie?

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #22 Indianapolis Colts OT Anthony Castonzo

NFL.com says-

Castonzo has the potential to develop into a top left tackle capable of shutting down top speed rushers. Started his first game as a true freshman and didn’t leave the field during his four years at BC. He has very good mobility. Masks his lack of strength, to a certain extent, with quickness and positioning. Would be a good fit in a zone-blocking scheme or on a club that loves the screen game. Will probably never be a favorable matchup when facing bigger, more powerful NFL defensive lineman. Still, Castonzo is a first rounder with a chance to be the first O-lineman taken.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #21 Cleveland Browns DT Phil Baylor

NFL.com says-

Taylor possesses the rare size and natural brute strength NFL front offices are looking for in a potential 3-4 nose tackle or two-gaper. Can anchor against the run, fight through double teams, uses his hands well, and doesn’t necessarily need to come off the field on third down with his adequate pass rushing ability and good feet. A tendency to play high, limited range, in-game durability and some off-the-field red flags do hurt his stock. However, prospects with Taylor’s size and ability don’t grow on trees, so he shouldn’t last past the middle rounds.

Another reach.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers DE Adrian Clayborn

NFL.com says-

Clayborn has the ability to be a very good starting defensive end in a 3-4 or 4-3 front and can play some defensive tackle in passing situations. Smart, instinctual player, especially against the run. Doesn’t stay blocked long and can stop the running game right at him. Uses his hands and power to take a direct route to the quarterback. Doesn’t possess elite quickness or top-end speed which limits his big-play ability rushing the passer, away from him in the running game, and in space. Clayborn could draw interest from several clubs due to his versatility. Probable first round pick.

 
 


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