A week from now, fans and experts alike will be breaking down round one of the 2011 NFL draft.
Historically, offense takes center stage with the top picks, but this year, marquee defensive players may rule the early going. Since the end of the bowl season, no less than five defenders have been mentioned as possible top overall selections.
Defensive lineman are a premium and this year’s draft will be no exception. Linebackers and defensive backs are rarely taken near the top, but both positions have an elite athlete that could go very high.
Defensive Tackle
With the rebirth of the 3-4 defensive scheme, you hear more specialized categories of d-lineman, 3 technique, 4 technique, 3-4 end, 4-3 end, etc. This year’s draft features a pair of elite athletes that may fit anywhere along either alignment. Auburn’s Nick Fairley was a one man wrecking crew for Auburn’s National Championship defense. Fairley excels at interior penetration and some have projected him as the top pick in the draft. Across the state, Alabama’s Marcel Dareus arrived on the scene after destroying Texas in the 2009 National Championship Game. Dareus has the versatility to perform both inside and outside. Baylor’s Phil Taylor is exciting 3-4 coordinators with his mammoth size and strength. Nobody is stronger than Oregon State’s Stephen Paea. Paea set a combine record with 49 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press. Looking for a sleeper? Look no further than North Carolina’s Marvin Austin. Austin sat out the 2010 season due to off the field issues, but showed why he was the nation’s to defensive recruit coming out of high school during his career in Chapel Hill.
Defensive End
One of the biggest wild cards in the 2011 NFL draft is Clemson defensive end DaQuan Bowers. Once considered by many as a potential top overall pick, Bowers has seem his stock drop due to injury concerns. A healthy Bowers could be an absolute steal mid-way through the first round. UNC’s Robert Quinn was another premiere Tar Heel defender that was suspended for the entire season. A strong combine has Quinn soaring up mock draft boards. Defensive end may be the deepest position of stellar athletes. Not unlike defensive tackle, alignment plays a role. 3-4 defenses seek more stout run stopping ends, while 4-3 defense’s go with more mobile pass rushing types. Wisconsin’s JJ Watt, Missouri’s Aldon Smith and California’s Cameron Jordan all project as first round selections. Ohio State’s Cameron Heyward is down the list a bit, but has upside above any other, and could be the steal of the draft.
Linebacker (Inside)
3-4 defenses seek more mobile inside linebackers, while 4-3 schemes deploy a larger, thicker run stopper. Inside linebacker is one of the weakest groups in the 2011 draft. Michigan State’s Greg Jones was once thought of as a high first rounder, but has slipped quite a bit. A pair of high-profile athletes may be the best bargains on day two. LSU’s Kelvin Sheppard and Oregon’s Casey Matthews have good upside and would be smart picks by those of need. Sheppard led a rugged Tigers defense while Matthews comes from a family of NFL stars.
Linebacker (Outside)
Texas A&M’s Von Miller’s stock has grown more than anyone since the end of the 2010 season. Miller struggled early on, after a sensational junior season. Miller running a blistering 4.42 at the combine at 6’3″ 246 pounds. He is the premiere linebacker in the draft. UCLA’s Akeem Ayers is the next best on the board, thought to be an ideal outside man in the 3-4 setup. Georgia’s Justin Houston has the most intriguing size/speed combo. The All-SEC ‘backer is 6’3″ 270 with 4,6 speed. The feel good story of the draft is certainly Boston College’s Mark Herzlich. Herzlich beat cancer, coming back for a fine senior season after sitting out 2009.
Cornerback
Was there a more exciting player in college football than LSU’s Patrick Peterson? Imagine a true cover corner, weighing 220 pounds with 4.3 speed! Throw in one of the elite kick returners in the game and you have Peterson. Peterson has been compared to Hall of Famer’s Rod Woodson and Mel Blount. Peterson may eventually grow out of the position when he tops 230 pounds, at which time he will move back to safety. Nebraska’s Prince Amukamara is the only other corner that is a sure-fire first round pick. After Peterson and Amukamara, those selecting a corner in round one may be reaching a bit. Colorado’s Jimmy Smith has nice size and speed, while Texas’ Aaron Williams may project at safety due to slow forty times. While Peterson is a game breaker, there is a serious lack of depth at corner in this draft.
Safety
Safety is not a position that usually is addressed early in the draft. Every couple of years, an Ed Reed, Laron Landry or Eric Berry comes along. This is not one of those years. UCLA’s Rahim Moore is the consensus at free safety, he’s expected to go off the board early on day two. The top strong safety is Clemson’s DeAndre McDaniel who projects late on day two. Potential mid-round value will come from Florida’s Ahmad Black, South Carolina’s Chris Culliver, Jeron Johnson of Boise State and Idaho’s Shiloh Keo.
Next week, we will give you a closer look, with our own mock draft.
