Macier's NFL Mock Draft:

The world of the NFL is in shambles, but the draft is quickly approaching.  This year is a year of the Quarterback as 6 or 7 high level players at the position are on the board.  Aside from the strength at the QB position, the Running Back position is weak as there may be zero first round picks at the RB spot.  Here are the top five players at each "position":

QB:
(1) Cameron Newton: he is an athletic specimen who has shown he can throw with the big boys during his pro day and at the combine.  He looks special, like a bigger, slower, better throwing Mike Vick.
(2) Blane Gabbert: some think he is the best "NFL" Quarterback in the draft and by far the most NFL ready.  He is a pure thrower with talent.
(3) Jake Locker: He was a possible #1 overall selection last year.  A stronger class and a spotty senior year slipped his stock, but he is still has great tools and potentially is the best QB in the class.
(4) Ryan Mallet: he has the physical tools, but some question his character.  He played at the highest level for a pure QB in the toughest conference...he could be special.
(5) Christian Ponder: Some like Andy Dalton as the 3rd or even 2nd best QB this year, but I don't...I put Ponder here.

RB/WR/TE:
(1) Julio Jones (WR): Many like AJ Green, but Jones is a big, physical receiver who will block masterfully downfield and make differences at each level in the passing game.
(2) A.J. Green (WR): another WR as the running backs are weak.  Green is the best deep threat in the class.  He has great hands and is very dangerous.
(3) Mark Ingram (RB): Ingram is a strong and fast runner.  The running backs are weak, but Ingram could be a good if not great tailback in the NFL.
(4) Kyle Rudolph (TE): The Elder High School grade is a physical monster (6'7", 270, 4.6 speed) with outstanding hands.  He is an archetypal NFL TE and could be a Tony Gonzalez.
(5) Ryan Williams (RB): he is probably the most dangerous back in the draft, but injury could temper his vaule.

Offensive Line: 
(1) Anthony Castonzo (T): experienced, big, strong, quick feet...everything you want in a OT
(2) Tyson Smith (T): a raw talent with all the physical tools.  Only inexperience drops him to #2.
(3) Danny Watkins (G): The Baylor Bear is a solid guard, a tough guy who has strong legs.
(4) Mike Pouncey (G or C): he struggled at center at Florida, could be a top guard in the League.
(5) Gabe Carimi (T): the Badger from Wisconsin is a solid tackle, much like Castonzo and Smith.

Defensive Line:
(1) Marcell Darius (DT): A pure run stopper.  He can't get to the QB like Suh, but he's a big body.
(2) Robert Quinn (DE): some thought he could be a top 5 pick and even a Heisman candidate, but Quinn had a below expected senior year, but that doesn't mean the talent is gone.
(3) Da'Quan Bowers (DE): another player who has fallen off the map.  Bowers used to be #1 overall potential.
(4) Nick Fairly (DT): a risky pick, was a one year phenom at Auburn.
(5) J.J. Watts (DE): A top-10 talent...may fall far due to lack of need at DE for most teams.

Linebackers:
(1) Von Miller: A no doubt best LB, he is pure talent.  He could be very special in the NFL.
(2) Akeem Ayers: another outside rushing type like Miller, but not quite the talent.  A well-rounded backer.
(3) Greg Jones: A small middle linebacker, but Jones is a two-time All-American and a tenacious player.  He can feel where the ball is going and get there.
(4) Justin Houston: A pass rushing mold, but a big guy who can stop the run as well as Von.
(5) Kelvin Sheppard: the LSU Tiger loves to cover the run, but he is athletic enough to cover passing as well.

Secondary:
(1) Patrick Peterson (CB): the Eric Berry of this draft simply in terms of being the most NFL ready player.  He could cover NFL receivers right now, and had to a lot this year in Green and Jones.
(2) Jimmy Smith (CB): The second of a good Cornerback class.  Smith has talent rivaling Peterson, but his off the field issues have teams shying away.
(3) Prince Amukamara (CB): Another sure corner.  He may not be ready to step into a starting role the way Peterson is, but Prince will be a good fill-in for the nickel package.
(4) Brandon Harris (CB): He is a good bet to be a good cover corner.  Great speed and decent IQ.
(5) Jaiquawn Jarrett (S): the most complete safety that will be available in the draft.  He’s an explosive run defender who quickly makes his way up the field to engage ball carriers.

2011 NFL Mock Draft:
#1 Carolina Panthers: QB Cameron Newton (Auburn)
#2 Denver Broncos: DT Marcel Darius (Alabama)
#3 Buffalo Bills: LB Von Miller (Texas A&M)
#4 Houston Texans [from Cincinnati Bengals]: CB Patrick Peterson (LSU)
#5 Arizona Cardinals: WR A.J. Green (Georgia)
#6 Cleveland Browns: WR Julio Jones (Alabama)
#7 San Francisco 49ners: QB Blane Gabbert (Missouri)
#8 Tennessee Titans: DT Nick Fairly (Auburn)
#9 Dallas Cowboys: OT Anthony Castonzo (Boston College)
#10 Washington Redskins: G/C Mike Pouncey (Florida)
#11 Cincinnati Bengals [from Texans]: QB Ryan Mallet (Arkansas)
#12 Minnesota Vikings: QB Jake Locker (Washington)
#13 Detroit Lions: DE Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson)
#14 St. Louis Rams: DT Corey Liuget (Illinois)
#15 Miami Dolphins: QB Andy Dalton (TCU)
#16 Jacksonville Jaguars: DE J.J. Watts (Wisconsin)
#17 New England Patriots: DE Cameron Jordan (California)
#18 San Diego Chargers: DE Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue)
#19 New York Giants: OT Tyson Smith (USC)
#20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DE Adrian Clayborn (Iowa)
#21 Kansas City Chiefs: OT Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin)
#22 Indianapolis Colts: OT Nate Soldier (Colorado)
#23 Philadelphia Eagles: OG Danny Watkins (Baylor)
#24 New Orleans Saints: DE Aldon Smith (Missouri)
#25 Seattle Seahawks: DT Marvin Austin (North Carolina)
#26 Baltimore Ravens: Jimmy Smith (Colorado)
#27 Atlanta Falcons: OLB/DE Jimmy Houston (Georgia)
#28 Tennessee Titans [from Patriots]: QB Christian Ponder (Florida State)
#29 Chicago Bears: OT Derek Sherrod (Mississippi State)
#30 New York Jets: DL Muhammad Wilkerson (Temple)
#31 Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Brandon Harris (Miami Florida)
#32 Green Bay Packers: RB Mark Ingram (Alabama)