Today's pick in our mock draft are the New England Patriots. They get an extra pick because they shipped off Richard Seymour to the Raiders, who were willing to part with this pick to get him. Now Bill Belichick has a pair of first round picks, which in reality they will likely use to trade and move up or to pick up a player they want (if player trades can happen before the draft). But since we are not going to try and make draft projections with trades, we will focus only on the pick. Cory Williams projected the New England selection.
J.J. Watts, DE, Wisconsin
Ah, the New England Patriots. A team you love to hate, stuffed full of players that want to win championships located in a region that glorifies its sports stars unlike any other. Who will be lucky enough to get drafted by the Pats? J.J. Watt, defensive end out of Wisconsin, that's who.
Watt is an effort guy with decent speed off the blocks. He's also the classic story of a kid who transferred from Central Michigan to be a walk-on at Wisconsin, earning a starting position during his redshirt season and becoming an excellent player in the process. New Englanders love that stuff!The Patriots draft smart because they fill needs, not because they draft flashy players. Watt will slot in as a good defensive upgrade for them at the DE position, all the while earning the love of all six states that combine to form New England. Just like Danny Woodhead, or Brian Scalabrine.
For tomorrow's pick, the San Diego Chargers are on the clock. Scott Howard will project their pick.
Check out the mock draft on the Arizona Cardinals team blog Revenge of the Birds to see who both the community and the writers are projecting.
2011 SBN AZ Mock Draft recap:
1- Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn (Jess Root)
2- Denver Broncos: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M (Cory Williams)
3- Buffalo Bills: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri (Scott Howard)
4- Cincinnati Bengals: AJ Green, WR, Georgia (JR)
5- Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU (CW)
6- Cleveland Browns: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson (SH)
7- San Francisco 49ers: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (JR)
8- Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn (CW)
9- Dallas Cowboys: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama (SH)
10- Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (JR)
11- Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska (CW)
12- Minnesota Vikings: Tyron Smith, OT, USC (SH)
13- Detroit Lions: Cameron Jordan, DE, California (JR)
14- St. Louis Rams: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue (CW)
15- Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama (SH)
16- Jacksonville Jaguars: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado (JR)
17- New England Patriots: J.J. Watts, DE, Wisconsin (CW)