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Sports Outside the Beltway

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.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #18 San Diego Chargers DT Corey Liuget

NFL.com says-

Liuget belongs in the discussion with the other elite defensive tackles in this class. Arguably this year’s most productive DT against the run and also very active rushing the passer. Fires off the ball, maintains sound positioning, has hands that never stop moving, gets off blocks quickly, and closes on ball-carriers and quarterbacks with speed and power. Has the size and strength to move offensive lineman into the backfield. Also comfortable tackling in space and has the awareness to diagnose screens and draws and bat down balls at the line. Liuget has skyrocketed up draft boards this season and should be gone by the mid first.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #17 New England Patriots OT Nate Solder

NFL.com says-

Solder is one of the premier left tackle prospects in this class with the size, strength and athleticism needed to succeed on Sundays. Very sound in pass protection, not as susceptible to the bull rush as you might think given his leaner build, just needs to continue to develop his game against complete pass rushers with a vast array of skills and moves. Very complete in the running game as well, firing off the ball, gaining leverage and moving his feet inline and in space. Understands assignments, locates his man at the second level or on the edge and recognizes and reacts to blitz packages. A true first-round talent.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #19 New York Giants CB Prince Amukamara

NFL.com says-

Amukamara has the size, speed and awareness to start from day one and turn into one of the league’s finer players at the cornerback position. Takes advantage of his instincts and smarts in zone coverage but also has the ability to hold up when asked to cover on an island. Possesses good overall ball skills and hands. Will help out and support the run. Durable, aggressive, competitive and hard-working. No major weaknesses in his game, but isn’t a true burner in terms of straight-line speed. Amukamara will likely be selected early in the first round, possibly in the top 10.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #16 Washington Redskins LB Ryan Kerrigan

NFL.com says-

Kerrigan is a beast of a football player that has the ability to be a difference maker at the next level. He appears to be versatile enough to play defensive end in a 4-3 and outside linebacker in a 3-4. He has the lower body strength to hold his ground in the running game and is a relentless pass rusher. He is a strip sacks specialist who became the Big Ten’s all time leader in forced fumbles as a senior. There are questions whether he can play on his feet in space in the NFL, but Kerrigan is a likely a mid-first round pick.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #15 Miami Dolphins C Mike Pouncey

Will my Dolphins pick or trade. I think they will trade down.

They don’t trade

NFL.com says-

Pouncey is arguably this class’ top interior offensive line prospect. He has outstanding football IQ and the ability to become a pro-bowl starter at guard or center. Has great feet needed to mirror pass rushers and pull down the line. Uses his hands well when battling in pass protection. Shows his understanding of the game when recognizing blitzers and effectively combo blocking with teammates. Plays with passion and aggressiveness and has the work-ethic to continue to improve. Defensive tackles with more size and strength than Pouncey can be his kryptonite but there aren’t many holes in this guy’s game. A first round prospect.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #14 St. Louis Rams DE Robert Quinn

NFL.com says-

Quinn did not play a down in 2010, but he has the potential to be a premier pass rusher at the next level. He has an excellent first step and the burst to consistently get around the edge. He is a relentless pass rusher that will only improve once he develops an array of counter moves. He lacks the bulk to hold stout against the running game and can get overwhelmed by bigger blockers. Quinn has no recent tape, but he has the rare skill set to be a double-digit sack artist in the NFL and will likely be a first-round pick.

 
 


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