Official 2011 Orange Mane Mock Draft Selection Thread

[ZONA]

Originally Posted by JCMElway

Via PM, Zona and and the Falcons select:

Blake Gideon, FS, Texas

Zona will post info about this Longhorn soon!

Thanks JCM

Blake Gideon, FS Texas 6'1 200

Not the biggest or fastest Safety out there but a hard nosed smart kid who plays with great instincts. Solid tackling skills, strong for his size and has decent speed for a Safety. He won't impress you at the combine but he usually is in the right place most of the time, which is what you want from a safety.

[Drek]

The St. Louis Rams select.....

Ross Homan, OLB, Ohio State



Homan is a well rounded LB who had questions about his measurables, all of which were dismissed by his combine and pro day performances. He should make a great SOLB along side fellow OSU alum James Laurinaitis.

Carolina is on the clock as of 0900 CST.

[sirhcyennek81]

With the 119th pick in the 2011 NFL Mock Draft, the Carolina Panthers select:

Jordan Todman, RB, UConn

Ht: 5'9
Wt: 206
40: 4.40
20: 2.57
10: 1.53
225: 25

Strengths

• Speed (official 4.40-second 40-yard dash)
• Agility and balance
• Excellent vision
• Patient runner

• Will his size limit him?

  Thick frame despite height (5-foot-8 7/8, 203 pounds)
• Strong lower body (38-inch vertical jump)
• Powerful upper body (25 reps at 225 pounds in the bench press)
• Experienced kickoff return man
• Productive (28 total touchdowns the last two years)
• Held up to at least 30 carries in six contests last season (five of his last six games)
• Limited wear and tear on his body
• Good hands out of the backfield - was occasionally lined up in the slot

Weaknesses

• Bounces too many runs outside
• Was used in a lot of unconventional plays at Connecticut
• Raw pass blocker
• Mild injury concern
• Struggles to gain extra yardage after initial contact

Pick made at 11:05 am MST.

[Mediator12]

With the 120th pick of the 2011 NFL draft The Indianapolis Colts Select:

Curtis Marsh CB Utah State

6-1 197 4.42

Indianapolis is very happy to get another DB in the fourth round. Marsh is a raw but talented CB with the ability to play against some of the larger WR's in the Colts Division in the Red Zone. He has played a lot of press man coverage and only played CB for 2 years, but he already has solid instincts and above average technique.

Pick Made @ 3:41 pm eastern. PHI and GOWYO are OTC!

[GoHAM]

With the 121st pick, The Philadelphia Eagles select:

Mark Herzlich, OLB, Boston College
6'4", 244 lbs

OVERVIEW Herzlich has the physical tools, work ethic, character and toughness coveted by every NFL franchise. He displayed these traits not only in his triumph over cancer, but as a natural team leader on the field. Is a complete player against the run. Takes on and gets off blockers quickly and chases down plays all over the field. He can run with tight ends and backs, play in zone, and rush the quarterback. Some teams may continue to view his medical history as a red flag. Additionally, he needs a little polish with his tackling and production was down post-comeback as a senior. Still, Herzlich shouldn't last past the first few rounds. -nfl.com

The Eagles are happy to select Herzlich and are betting that his explosiveness and speed will eventually return close to what he displayed during his pre-cancer 2008 season at BC.

Pick made at 3:00 pm Mountain.

[jebures]

select James Brewer, T/G, Indiana

Has great athleticism for his size and a quick first step off the snap. Has a strong upper body, uses his arms well to knock rushers off their path. Good agility and can move with ease laterally. Has a very quick kick-slide to mirror speed rushers to the outside. Has good awareness and adjusts well to blitzes. Keeps his pad level low and is able to get good leverage for a player of his size. Good quickness and is effective when pulling. Adjusts to spin moves and attacks cut blocks. Gets to the second level quickly. Has quick feet and can lock onto linebackers in the open field. Does not drive defenders out of the play but does a good job occupying them and sustaining his blocks.

[NFLBRONCO]

Pick #123 (4th Round) Miami selects

DeMarcus Van Dyke CB Miami

4:12 pm mst

Baltimore on the clock

[iforgotmypassword]

Owen Maricek. FBish. Stanford. 317 mountain time in the freaking am.



After talking to his brother, Coach Harbaugh realizes the leadership and intangibles this kid can bring to the table

[meangene]

With the 125th pick in the 2011 Orange Mane Draft, the DALLAS COWBOYS select:



K.J. WRIGHT, LB, MISSISSIPPI STATE
Height:
6'3"
Weight:
246 lbs.
Arm Length:
34 7/8 in.
Hand Size:
9 in.

Overview:

Wright's a well-rounded linebacker prospect who could line up as a strongside outside linebacker in a 4-3 front or inside for a 3-4 team. Very nice combination of length, speed and size that can hold up against the power running game, chase down plays across the field, rush the passer and play some in coverage. Main drawback is his lack or pure linebacker instincts. Susceptible to misdirection and run-action. You'd like to see him diagnose a bit quicker and get his physical tools in motion sooner. Wright's a mid-round prospect who could turn into a quality starting with more development and experience.

Analysis:

Wright is rangy and well-built. Keeps blockers off his body with his length and active hands. Closes well in pursuit. Sure tackler who can deliver the big blow. Smooth athlete for a high-cut 'backer and comfortable tackling in space or playing in zone coverage. Gets after the passer with speed and power. Durable.

Recognition skills and overall awareness need improvement. Can get walled off when he's a tick late locating the football. Pad level is higher than you'd like on occasion. Needs to watch his angles of pursuit, isn't always direct to the ball-carrier. Has trouble with quicker tight ends and backs in man coverage.

[eddie mac]

With the 126th pick in the 2011 Orangemane NFL Mock Draft

The New England Patriots select

Edmund Gates WR Abilene Christian



Overview

Gates took a circuitous route to becoming an NFL prospect. He intended on playing in the NBA after a successful high school basketball career and one season at Tyler Junior College in Texas. He was not asked to return for his sophomore year, however, which led him to search out a new future. His cousin, Bernard Scott, was being recruited to ACU (as was his Tyler friend, WR Johnny Knox) and one of the Wildcats' coaches talked Gates into coming along for the ride.

He stepped onto the field as a true freshman, garnering honorable mention All-Lone Star Conference South Division honors with a strong all-purpose game (12-285-1 receiving, 14-189-4 rushing, 14-402 on kickoff returns). Even though Gates missed two games with a leg injury in 2008, he was first-team All-LSC South with 31 catches for 716 yards and eight scores on the year. He repeated those all-conference honors with 49-702-5 receiving in 2009, before exploding with an All-American senior year (66-1,182-13).

Gates had a rough childhood, growing up in a bad neighborhood with his father serving 18 years in prison for murder. He's also a bit older than the typical prospect, turning 25 in June, and his dismissal from Tyler JC will be the subject of many questions from scouts. The success of Scott and Knox in the league, however, along with his exceptional speed and playmaking ability, make Gates an intriguing mid-to-late round prospect for NFL teams willing to take the gamble.


Analysis

Strengths: Adequate receiver height, but long arms make him play larger than he is. Exceptional straight-line speed; small school corners have no hope staying with him. Presses corners playing off, always a threat to burn down the sideline. Uses sidestep, or his hands on occasion, to get off the line quickly for inside position. Also sidesteps defenders after the catch, will high-step through arm tackles outside. Extends to snatch high passes from the air. Can catch throws with hands when facing the quarterback. Tracks ball over either shoulder, even straight over his head. Wins jump balls, good concentration in the air when fighting off corners. Good sideline awareness, gets both feet in-bounds after the catch. Willing blocker on receiver screens, has length to keep cornerbacks out of the play.

Weaknesses: Raw receiver with little experience. Routes need to be tightened up, too rounded on outs. Very lanky frame. Did not face a strong jam or tougher cornerbacks downfield at the Division II level. Inconsistent hands, especially when feeling a hit coming over the middle. Will struggle to sustain blocks without more effort and strength. Turns 25 in June.


Pick made at 06-05 ET, the New York Jets and Carmelo15 are now OTC

[DrFate]

Chicago Bears select:

Derek Newton, OT Arkansas State

A standout at right tackle, Newton earned second-team All-Sun Belt honors as a junior and first-team accolades in 2010. Newton has been able to beat SBC defenders with his size and athleticism, but needs refining in his technique and considerable time in the weight room to handle the right tackle role in the NFL. He shows enough foot quickness to remain outside, but isn't strong enough to put his long arms to good use. There is legitimate NFL talent here worthy of developing, but he will need time to grow as a pro.


Positives: Good initial quickness off the snap. Gains depth immediately with an efficient kick-slide. Long arms to reach the defender. Good lateral agility and balance to mirror the defender. Plays on the balls of his feet and with his knees bent. Shows good flexibility and at least moderate core strength to handle the bull rush. Good quickness and agility to block on the move in the running game. Shows a burst upfield and can re-direct. Good trap blocker due to his quickness and arm length. Beats the defender off the snap and can turn and seal the edge. Good recognition. Points out the blitzing defender and makes at least some of the line calls for this offense.

source: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1693138

[Carmelo15]

New York Jets Select Shane Vereen RB, Cal

[BowlenBall]

With the 129th pick in the OM Mock Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers proudly select:

Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State



Player bio from the Sporting News:

Inside running: Is an exceptional inside runner, despite his lack of height and bulk. Has tremendous strength and power, primarily in his hips, thighs and calves, which makes him difficult to tackle. Has nice vision, patience and acceleration as a runner. Most devastating quality is his change of direction ability. Grade: 8.0

Outside running: Shows outstanding speed and acceleration as an outside runner. Is capable of gaining the edge, but lacks elite, deep speed. Is elusive due to his ability to make people miss and is able to run through the tackler. Grade: 8.0

Blocking: Is too small to become a consistent blocker in pass protection at the next level. Gives a strong effort, often attempting to cut down blitzers, but does not have the physical ability to be consistent. Was not asked to lead block in his college system Grade: 4.0

Hands/routes: Shows outstanding hands with superior ability to track the ball in the air as. Runs good routes from the backfield and shows the ability to separate from defenders in man coverage. Is a match-up nightmare for linebackers and safeties. Shows the same rare vision and elusiveness in his run after catch ability, as he does as a runner. Grade: 8.0

Instincts: Shows exceptional run instincts, vision and patience. Is a productive inside runner due to his great speed, quickness, strength and elusiveness through small holes along the line of scrimmage. Shows outstanding peripheral vision with the ability to change pursuit angles on the outside. Grade: 8.5

Durability/toughness: Has outstanding functional strength and power for a man of his size. Shows superior toughness to attack larger defenders, often running through them. Has only missed a handful of games due to injury over the course of his career. Grade: 8.0

Bottom line: As a junior who started as a true freshman in college, Rodgers is a young player with excellent athletic ability. He has the potential to contribute on kickoff returns, but has never done so in college. He'll work well in a tandem at the next level and is a complete prospect.



Pick made at:
6:43 a.m. ADST
10:43 p.m EST
9:43 p.m. CST
8:43 p.m. MST
7:43 p.m. PST
6:43 p.m. AST

The Green Bay Packers and srphoenix are now on the clock... twice!

[srphoenix]

With the 130th pick the Green Bay Packers select Joseph Barksdale OT of LSU



Pros

Strength: Barksdale has great strength for an offensive lineman.

Pass Blocking Strength: Barksdale has excellent pass blocking strength and can buy your quarterback a lot of time in the pocket.

Size: Joseph Barksdale has great size at 6 foot 5 inches 315 pounds. Barksdale has the size you look for in a left tackle.

Awareness: Joseph Barksdale is very aware of defenders that are trying to get to the quarterback.

Football IQ: Joseph Barksdale is a high football IQ guy who can get the job done.

Learning Rate: Joseph Barksdale has a very high learning rate. He can learn plays very quickly.

Pass Blocking: Barksdale is an excellent pass blocker he can protect your quarterback for a sustainable period of time.

Run Blocking: Barksdale is a solid run blocker who can open up lanes for the backfield.

Pass Blocking Footwork: Barksdale has excellent footwork as a pass blocker and can run a 4.9 40 yard dash when focused on pass blocking.

Can play left tackle or right tackle: Joseph Barksdale was a right tackle his first 3 seasons before making the switch to left tackle once Ciron Black the former LSU left tackle graduated and got drafted in the 2010 NFL Draft. Barksdale has shined at left tackle and looks like the best left tackle in the draft at this point.

Production: Barksdale consistently protects the quarterback at LSU while opening up the passing game. LSU’s only loss of the year came to undefeated Auburn.

Potential: There are 3 left tackles in this draft who will get drafted in the first round 2 have a potential of 90 and one is a bust. Joseph Barksdale the LSU left tackle is the pass blocker with high potential while Derek Sherrod the Mississippi State left tackle is the run blocker with high upside and high potential.

Cons

Run Blocking Strength: Barksdale is graded out at an 86 with run blocking strength. I like Barksdale as a run blocker opening up lanes, but I’m not sold on Barksdale being a run blocker who can maul defenders.

Durability: Barksdale is healthy, but compared to Derek Sherrod and Boston College’s Anthony Costanzo he is the worst among those 3 left tackles when it comes to durability.

Impact Blocker: Joseph Barksdale is not an impact blocker like Anthony Costanzo or Derek Sherrod. He struggles to make initial contact with defenders.

Run Blocking Footwork: Barksdale’s footwork as a run blocker is really sloppy. This has to change at the next level. He ran a 5.2 40 yard dash after a run blocking drill.

[srphoenix]

With the 131 pick the Green Bay Packers select Kendric Burney CB of UNC



Positives: Very good at recognizing run and getting in position to make a play... Aggressive and feisty, likes to stick his nose out and fight to get to the ball carrier, plays with intensity and passion for the game... Very productive four years (209 tackles, 11 interceptions), is a pretty good playmaker with above-average instincts... Good tackler for his size, breaks down well and gets in position to make a lot of hits, flies to the ball with aggression and purpose... Athletic in coverage, has good range and ability to recover when giving a step on deep routes... Ball skills are solid, does not miss a lot of opportunities to make a play on the ball... Generally stays in very good position, plays off the receiver a lot, has good instincts in zone coverage... Has better speed than combine 40-time indicates... Has not had any substantial injuries, durability appears to not be a concern despite his size.

Negatives: Is undersized, at least an inch too short for the position... Had the shortest arms of any cornerback at the combine at 29½" Was suspended for NCAA rules violations, stock may have fallen slightly due to suspension... Has difficulty getting off blocks at times, size is really a major factor in run defense, makes the effort, but simply gets outmuscled at times... Height is a disadvantage in jump-ball situations, has decent leaping ability, but gives up too many inches to taller receivers... Is below-average in press coverage, mostly plays off the ball, not very physical in man coverage... Did not do himself any favors by running very slow at the combine.

[sirhcyennek81]

With the 132nd pick in the 2011 NFL Mock Draft, the Carolina Panthers select...

Chris L. Rucker, CB Michigan State

Ht: 6'2
Wt: 200
40: 4.56
225: 13

Strengths-Has excellent height and arm length for NFL corner. Is at his best in press man coverage. Good physicality at the line of scrimmage. Shows a willingness to play through pain and injury. Shows good ability to track the football in the air. Good job reading the Quarterback and is aggressive. Shows loose hips, good balance and transition. Very solid tackler and is willing to take on much bigger ball carriers. Max effort player with solid instincts. Shows ability to re-route receivers from the routes. Shows ability to shed blocks and avoid cut blocks. Attacks plays in front of him. Can play in almost any defensive scheme. Has position versatility and could play any DB spot.
Weaknesses-Will bite on play action. Does not have great lateral agility or change of direction skill. Only average speed for the position. Questions surround his character and maturity.
NFR Draft Analysis-Rucker has been a solid football player in a big time conference. I have talked to people who insist that his off the field problems are not as profound as some will say. From a talent standpoint Rucker is solid and should warrant early 3rd round consideration in the 2011 NFL draft.

Pick made at 12:18 MST

[Rohirrim]

With the 133 pick in the 2011 OM Draft the Buffalo Bills Select:

Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware, 6'3", 225

[Arkie]

With the 134th pick, the Bengals select Greg Romeus, DE, Pitt
Height:6'5"
Weight:264 lbs.

[sirhcyennek81]

With the 135th pick in the 2011 NFL Mock Draft, the Carolina Panthers select...

Pierre Allen, DE Nebraska

Ht: 6'4
Wt: 265
40: 4.78


Strengths: Well-built player with a strong punch. Generally assignment-sure. Stacks the tackle to move with the block to stay in the play. Capable run defender on the strong side with a good mix of quickness and strength. Keeps his eyes in the backfield, maintaining distance from his blocker and waiting for ballcarriers to make their decision before committing. Chases backs from behind or to the sideline with hustle and straight-line speed. Solid, not explosive, tackler because of his length and ability to change direction in space. Mature player who is married with a young child. Took on a vocal leadership role in his senior season. Durable player, fought through minor knee injury against Iowa State and turf toe suffered late in 2009 season. Weaknesses: Provides some power and quickness off the edge but is not elite in either area. Runs tall. Forces tackles upfield but lacks the flexibility get under the tackle's outside shoulder and turn the corner. Very inconsistent anticipating the snap. Has few counter moves, his spin move and bull rush are ineffective and owns no swim or club to beat the tackle quickly after the snap. Sacks often come on twists behind tackles or secondary rush when inside pressure forces quarterback out of the pocket. Can move with his block towards the play to prevent cutback lanes, but is also walked off the line with regularity. Does not disengage often enough, however, to make tackles because he gets too far into his man and does not use his hands well. Needs to get lower and strike ballcarriers at the next level or else he will miss many tackles.

Pick made at 3:27 PM MST

[TheReverend]

With the 136th pick in the 2011 NFL OM Mock Draft, the Arizona Cardinals happily select:



Shareece Wright, CB, USC

Pick made 5:45 EST

[SouthStndJunkie]

With the 137th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select:

Lance Kendricks, TE, Wisconsin



Pick made at 9:56 PM Eastern Time

[24champ]

With the 138th pick overall in the draft...

The Houston Texans select run stuffing NT, Sione Fua of Stanford.




Wade doesn't require massive behemoths to be a NT in his scheme. Should be a natural fit here under Wade.

Texans Draft.

1A. JJ Watts, DE/LB Wisky
1B. Jake Locker QB, Washington
4. Jalil Brown CB, Colorado
5. Sione Fua NT, Stanford


Pick made at 11:31 PM Pacific Time

[sirhcyennek81]

With the 140th pick in the 2011 NFL Mock Draft, the Carolina Panthers select...

Denarius Moore, WR, Tennessee

Ht: 6'0
Wt: 200
40: 4.43

Positives: Well-rounded receiver prospect. Soft, natural hands, can snatch in traffic and high points in space. Excellent "trajectory assessment" of thrown ball, especially off-target throws (of which he had plenty at UT) - adjusts his route immediately to the correct course straight to where the ball will be when it descends. Disciplined route-runner. Good effort and technique blocking. Consistent deep threat. Two-year starter really emerged during a fine senior season. Negatives: Didn't do much as a kick returner in limited chances. Thin build, not a dominant blocker. While fast and shifty, is not elite in either category. Can have trouble breaking through press man coverage. Was shut down by better competition, although it is fair to point out that the whole UT offense was shut down too often, and there isn't much a receiver can do when the quarterback is constantly under immediate pressure.

Pick made at 2:39 PM MST.

[JCMElway]

The 49ers select:

Terrance Toliver, WR, LSU
6'4, 211

Toliver is a fast receiver who still needs some work running routes. He has excellent ability after making the catch and can turn a five yard catch into 25 yards in a hurry. His height makes him a good red zone target, despite his touchdown total not showing it.

Pick made at 5:40 PM EST

[SoDak Bronco]

Minnesota Vikings select-Cecil Shorts III

Strengths: Very good quickness off the line and elusiveness in the open field after the catch. Lines up outside, in motion and in the slot. Makes the tough catch look easy and turns the routine grab into long gains. Eats up cushion in a hurry. Effective on crossing routes. Adjusts to poorly-thrown passes, whether low, high or wide. Good vertical to get to jump balls. Runs every route in the tree effectively, D-III corners can't stay with him when he sticks his foot in the ground. Good sideline awareness. Willing to mix it up with his man on run plays, sustains against smaller cornerbacks. Solid hands, very good straight-line speed and a bit of wiggle a punt and kick returner. Good character, disciplined and very coachable. Finished fifth in the 55-meter dash in the 2009 Division III Indoor Track Championships.
Weaknesses: Must prove he can get off the line and stay in-bounds against physical pro corners if lined up outside. Defenders can knock the ball out of his hands too easily. Inconsistent using his hands to catch the ball in front of him, will double-catch some throws with pace. A bit lazy on out-routes, rounding them off. Lacks great strength to block veteran defensive backs. Does not use correct blocking angle on the outside. Benefitted from playing against D-III level on offense and on special teams, will not be able to elude defenders as easily at the next level.