The 2011 NFL Draft is still full of surprises. As the selections are announced, fans and analysts both have been left scratching their heads. There were two very big surprises with picks 11-15, both for very different reasons. Florida State QB Christian Ponder became the fourth QB picked in the first 12 selections. Meanwhile, DT Nick Fairley, at one time considered a legitimate number one pick overall, fell to number 13 to the Detroit Lions.
At number 11, the Houston Texans selected J.J. Watt, a DE out of Wisconsin. At number 12 was Ponder going to the Minnesota Vikings. Fairley will join what could become a terrifyingly good defensive line in Detroit, joining Kyle Vanden Bosch and Ndamukong Suh, as he was selected number 13.
The St. Louis Rams picked up North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn at number 14 and the Miami Dolphins took Florida center Mike Pouncey with the 15th pick in the draft.
The falling of these defensive players in the draft could be a boon for the Cardinals. With all the QBs coming off the board early, it could mean that they can grab a first round talent with their pick in the second round.