2011 NFL Draft: My Ultimate Draft Class (Rounds 1-3)

Too many mock drafts and pre-draft anaylsis articles fawn over the top of the draft and do little for the middle of the road guys.  There are plenty of talented guys hidden in the 3rd-7th rounds who have fallen off NFL radars for one reason or another.  My “Ultimate Draft Class” takes more than just draftnik expectation into account.  I’m looking for production at the collegiate level, leadership qualities, heart and motivation.  Taking some average draft predictions (taken from a few of my trusted research publications), I’ll pick one guy for each round based on a mid-round selection (i.e. my 1st rounder will not be Bowers or Fairley).  Imagine picking teams on the playground for a heated pickup kickball game; six heavy hitters don’t make a perfect roster, you need a balance of hitting, pitching, fielding and dedication to the team.

Everybody has their favorite players and guys they pull for when the Draft rolls round, so let me know who you’re looking at and who you would want on your team.

 

ROUND 1: JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin:  I fell in love with JJ Watt sometime in November while watching him carve up Big Ten offensive lines.  He has a great motor and doesn’t give up on any play.  He has great size at 6’6″ and 290lbs (he’s bigger than Da’Quan Bowers and Adrian Clayborn, two other DE I like).  Realistically, his size will also allow him to switch inside to play DT in a 4-3 scheme as well.  In addition to Watt’s size, he has some great intangibles.  He started his career at Central Michigan as a TE, so he understands how offenses work.  He has great vision, as well.  In 2010, Watt batted down 8 passes; that’s more than Bowers and Clayborn had in their careers.  His athleticism won’t blow anybody away (4.85 speed), but he’s a complete package.  21 tackles for loss and 7 sacks means he can get into the offensive backfield and impact the game.  If drafted by the right team, I see Watt succeeding in the NFL for years to come.  (I gushed over Watt in a previous article)

ROUND 2: Jake Locker, QB, Washington: Locker’s draft stock took a hit after his poor Senior season.  He’s always had accuracy issues and hasn’t gotten past 58% completion percentage.  He has an injury history.  Too often, he disappears in the big games (5 completions in the Holiday Bowl; 4 completions against Nebraska).  Even with questions abound, Locker is an undeniably talented individual.  I’m not sure there is another quarterback with as good of an overall package.  Prospects Colin Kapernick and Tyrod Tayler are certainly faster and more athletic, but they do not have the passing ability that Locker has.  Despite his ups and downs, Locker’s teammates love him, he’s a great leader.  He has more heart than most, and will not back down from a challenge.  I think a team with an established starter should take a chance on him in the 2nd round (not worth a 1st rounder) and let him develop ala Aaron Rodgers.

ROUND 3: Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State: Depending on who you ask or what you read, Rodgers is as high as a late 2nd round pick or a early 4th round pick.  The vacillation is no doubt due to the questions regarding ‘Quizz’s size.  There are six guys I would put ahead of Rodgers: Mark Ingram, Mikel LeShoure, Daniel Thomas, Ryan Williams, Jordan Todman and Kendall Hunter.  Of those six, Rodgers is by far the smallest.  He’s also one of only two “draftable” RBs who have 3 career 200+ attempt seasons (undersized in his own right, Noel Devine is the other), and the only with 3 250+ attempt seasons.  So, despite his diminutive size, he’s durable and tough.  Rodgers suffered one injury in 2008 that forced him to miss two games and leave a third early.  Not counting those three contests, Rodgers has never had fewer than 14 carries per game.  Did I mention that Rodgers has also averaged 50+ receptions and 300+ receiving yards per season?  If it weren’t for his size, Rodgers, in my opinion, would be the undisputed #1 RB in the draft.

Next Week: Rounds 4-7

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