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NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #9 Dallas Cowboys OT Tyron Smith

NFL.com says-

Smith is one of the best prospects on the hoof in this class. Blessed with an ideal NFL frame and has the outstanding feet and athleticism necessary to be a starting left tackle. Does a great job staying in front of speed rushers, locks on and sustains, and can anchor against the bull rush. Shows solid power in the running game and is really productive out in space. Football IQ is lacking. Fails to find his target at times in the running games and is a tick slow recognizing blitzes. Smith could come off the board early in the first round due to his rare physical gifts.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #8 Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker

NFL.com says-

Locker decided to return for his senior season and his erratic performance has certainly hurt his draft stock. An extremely gifted athlete, Locker’s production does not match his talent. He possesses a cannon for an arm, but he is not an efficient passer. At this point, his greatest asset is his athleticism and it is unclear if he will ever be a starting quarterback at the next level. Also, Locker has a history of injuries due to his aggressive style of play. Overall, Locker has all the physical tools and a team will likely take a chance on him in the first round despite his inconsistent production.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #7 San Francisco DE Aldon Smith

NFL.com says-

Smith has a chance to turn into a disruptive starting NFL 4-3 end if he can improve his strength and tenacity and become more stout against the run. He’s got so much potential. He’s a fluid, natural pass rusher who overcomes lack of excellent get-off with terrific hand usage, elite lateral-mobility, very good closing speed, and a strong desire to get to the quarterback. Provides some value maintaining outside contain, pursuing from the backside, and making plays outside of the box, but could struggle a bit against the downhill running game. Smith has steadily climbed his way into the first round.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #6 Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones

The Falcons trade up with Cleveland. NFL.com says- NFL.com says-

Jones has the prototypical build to become a No. 1 receiver. A vertical threat due to his height, strength, leaping ability, and speed. Generates big plays after the catch on screens and crossing patterns because of his physicality as a runner. Flashes outstanding hands and ball skills, will make the highlight grabs and haul in passes well outside his frame, but also struggles with bouts of drops. Needs to shore up his hands and route-running to develop into a consistent chain-mover at the next level. Plays aggressively, will go over the middle and block. A foot injury hasn’t hindered Jones’ upside, and he is projected to be a mid first-round pick.”>Jones has the prototypical build to become a No. 1 receiver. A vertical threat due to his height, strength, leaping ability, and speed. Generates big plays after the catch on screens and crossing patterns because of his physicality as a runner. Flashes outstanding hands and ball skills, will make the highlight grabs and haul in passes well outside his frame, but also struggles with bouts of drops. Needs to shore up his hands and route-running to develop into a consistent chain-mover at the next level. Plays aggressively, will go over the middle and block. A foot injury hasn’t hindered Jones’ upside, and he is projected to be a mid first-round pick.

Jones cost the Falcons alot of draft selections and he has a case of the drops. This pick has big bust potential.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #5 Phoenix Cardinals DB Patrick Peterson

NFL.com says-

Peterson is built like a safety, has the speed of a corner and is an elite playmaker. He has the explosion and range to play on an island and the instincts to be effective in zone heavy schemes. He has elite ball skills and is a shifty runner that is a nightmare to take down in the open field. He is a supremely confident kid that always looks to make plays, but at times can get burned by ball fakes and double moves. Peterson is a freakishly talented football player and might very well be the first corner back in the draft’s history to be taken No. 1 overall.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #4 Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green

NFL.com says-

Green is one of the finest receiver prospects in the last few years. Has the ideal length, refined route-running skills, hands, and big-play ability to become one of the league’s top players at the position. Displays tremendous acceleration and fluidity for a taller player. Is a consistent vertical threat because of his outstanding combination of deep speed, height, ball skills and leaping ability. Very productive underneath gaining separation or catching the ball in a crowd. Occasionally has difficulty with bigger, more physical defensive backs and would like to see more attitude when run blocking. Was suspended once by NCAA but character appears to be solid. Green likely will go in the top 10, perhaps top five.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #3 Buffalo Bills DT Marcell Darreus

NFL.com says-

Dareus is one of this class’ finest prospects. Possesses the athleticism and explosiveness to be consistently disruptive against the run and pass. Hands that don’t stop, sheds blockers quickly, and frequently uses the swim move to get to the quarterback. Also has great power to push the pocket and stand his ground adequately when run at. Blessed with great feet and outstanding lateral quickness. Comfortable playing in space and likely capable of dropping into coverage. Only question is his endurance and stamina. Played in a rotation early and dealt with injuries as a junior. Dareus will likely be a top-five pick, maybe even go No. 1 overall.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #2 Denver Broncos LB Von Miller

NFL.com says-

Miller was the Butkus Award winner as the nation’s top linebacker, and it seems like his game will translate very well to the next level. He is a great athlete that has prototypical size and very good instincts for the linebacker position. He is at his best as a pass rusher in a 3-4 defense, as he is explosive and strong with an arsenal of pass rushing moves. He may lack the size to consistently anchor against the run, but he flashes the ability to disengage from blockers and is an underrated run stopper. Overall, Miller is an excellent prospect that could get drafted in the top 10.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #1 Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton

The Heisman Trophy winner from Auburn is taken.

NFL.com says-

Newton is one of the most athletically gifted quarterbacks in draft history. Possesses a quick, clean release, enough arm strength to complete the deep out, prototypical size, and is a dangerous threat outside of the pocket. However, he has a ways to go before turning into a productive, reliable NFL starter. Was not asked to make pro-style reads or move through progressions in college. Footwork is sloppy and accuracy is inconsistent. He’s competitive and vocal on the field, but has had several off-the-field issues and his character is in question. Despite the risk, Newton’s talent will likely prevent him from lasting past the middle of the first round.

I predict Newton to be a NFL Draft Bust.

 
 


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