ESPN's other draft guru Todd McShay released an updated version of his 2011 NFL mock draft yesterday. Mel Kiper's mock draft is due next week, just close enough to the 2011 NFL Draft itself to seem really strange. And what kind of twists and turns does Todd McShay's mock draft contain?
He does differ on his opinion of who the St. Louis Rams will pick in the draft from his partner in hair. It does stick with defense though. McShay's mock draft after the jump...
1. Panthers - Cam Newton
2. Broncos - Marcell Dareus
3. Bills - Von Miller
4. Bengals - A.J. Green
5. Cardinals - Blaine Gabbert
6. Browns - Julio Jones
7. 49ers - Patrick Peterson
8. Titans - Nick Fairley
9. Cowboys - Tyron Smith
10. Redskins - J.J. Watt
11. Texans - Robert Quinn
12. Vikings - Cameron Jordan
13. Lions - Prince Amukamara
14. Rams - Aldon Smith
15. Dolphins - Mike Pouncey
16. Jaguars - Ryan Kerrigan
17. Patriots - Anthony Castonzo
18. Chargers - Muhammad Wilkerson
19. Giants - Gabe Carimi
20. Buccaneers - Da'Quan Bowers
21. Chiefs - Brooks Reed
22. Colts - Nate Solder
23. Eagles - Jimmy Smith
24. Saints - Corey Liuget
25. Seahawks - Derek Sherrod
26. Ravens - Cameron Heyward
27. Falcons - Adrian Clayborn
28. Patriots - Mark Ingram
29. Bears - Danny Watkins
30. Jets - Phil Taylor
31. Steelers - Brandon Harris
32. Packers - Akeem Ayers
He goes with Missouri DE Aldon Smith for the Rams, and that's definitely a player they're known to be interested in of late. Smith would be employed mostly as a specialist in his rookie season, coming in on third-downs and situationally where they could use his incredible burst on the pass rush. That's not unlike how Leonard Little got his start with the Rams, and there are those who compare the two players.
Look at the fall of Da'Quan Bowers all the way to number 20. Bowers was a topic of conversation on Turf Show Radio last night. Our new front page contributor Tim, who works with Clemson players in his current job, noted that Bowers' knee is fine, no more damaged than any other player. Once considered a top three pick, it's hard to see Bowers falling this far, especially since there's no character concern that's hard to verify.
I think late first round is where you'll end up seeing Mark Ingram get drafted.
Wilkerson getting picked before Corey Liuget runs counter to conventional wisdom, which means nothing this time of year. The Chargers are said to think highly of the Temple DT.