clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Characteristics of the 2011 Draft

By Ryan Alfieri
NEW YORK - APRIL 22: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks at the podium on stage during the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 22, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - APRIL 22: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks at the podium on stage during the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 22, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Getty Images

I know many of you are well aware of a lot of the information I am going to share, and=, to be honest, I am impressed with the knowledge our readers have about the draft in general.

For those of you with lives, let me share some tidbits that separate this draft from most drafts, and what you should and should not listen to on ESPN.

1.       The Top QBs in this draft will be pushed up the board. There is not Sam Bradford in this draft, or a clear cut number one guy that is the consensus first pick. Gabbert is like a Vinny Testarvade - he's probably not going to totally bust, but I feel like you are "settling" if you are taking him 1st overall. For comparison, most scouts are giving Gabbert the same grade as Sanchez or Freeman when they came out. Newton has the most upside, but he scares the heck out me.

2.       This draft will revolve around defensive lineman. If you have looked at any mock drafts, you may be wondering why about 1/3 of the teams are taking d-lineman in the first round. Simple - they are just that good this year. They can also go in many different orders.

3.       This is the most difficult draft to project in recent memory. Some of it is because free agency hasn't occurred yet, but let me say this: I can tell you the top ten picks, but I have no idea where they are going. I have seen guys go either 1st overall to 20th overall in the past month. It's driving me crazy, actually.

4.       There is a strong possibility there will not be a RB taken in the first round. Just about every mock I have seen has Miami taking Ingram at 16. Which actually means there is no way Miami is taking Ingram. He could slip to the late 1st or early 2.

5.       The 3rd CB taken is impossible to predict. After Peterson and AMukamara, there is a huge drop off. Jimmy Smith is talented, but he is apparently such a jerk that many teams have taken him off their boards entirely. The rest of the class is not strong at all. Aaron Williams, on the other hand, is probably best suited to be a safety.   

More From Gang Green Nation