(Way early) 2011 NFL Mock Draft

The top of the 2011 first round could hinge on whether Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck turns pro. But the redshirt sophomore comes from a well-off family in Houston (his father Oliver was an NFL quarterback) and isn't necessarily the best QB in this draft. We'll assume he's returning to school, leaving the No. 1 spot open for another big-armed quarterback.

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1. Seattle SeahawksRyan Mallett, QB, Arkansas*

The former Michigan quarterback has the most NFL-desirable skills in this deep QB class.

2. Tampa Bay BuccaneersDa'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson*

2010 belonged to the defensive tackles. The pass-rushers will take their turn this year, and Bowers is the scariest of the group. However, Bowers needs to be a bit more consistent in 2010.

3. St. Louis RamsRobert Quinn*, DE, North Carolina

Some see Quinn as the second-coming of Julius Peppers. Overcoming an operation on a brain tumor in high school shows incredible character, but could also make some teams nervous. Not so the Rams.

4. Detroit LionsCameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

The Lions would want to shore up their offensive line here, but this draft might not have the premier left tackle they'd want this high.

5. New England Patriots (via Raiders)A.J. Green, WR, Georgia*

The Pats will need more offensive playmakers with Randy Moss turning 34 in 2011. Green is Calvin Johnson-light, which is still pretty good.

6. Cleveland BrownsJulio Jones, WR, Alabama

Jones may not have 4.4 40 speed, but neither did Larry Fitzgerald. Most NFL teams choose college production over 40 times in this year's draft.

7. Arizona Cardinals Prince Amukamara CB, Nebraska

Played big against tough competition last season and has enough athleticism for Nebraska to consider working him into the offense in the coming season.

8. Kansas City ChiefsGabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Carimia wasn't overwhelming last year, but could rise to the top of an underwhelming class of potential left tackles.

9. Buffalo BillsBlaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

The knock on Gabbert will be the Missouri system that helped Chase Daniel put up huge numbers. But because of his size (6-foot-5, 240 pounds), Gabbert is a different kind of prospect than Daniel and teams will believe more in the stats.

10. Jacksonville JaguarsJake Locker, QB, Washington

The Jags didn't bite on Tim Tebow, but will jump all over next year's big name even if questions remain about Locker's ability as a pure passer.

Stewart Mandel: Locker focuses on Huskies, not draft

11. Tennessee TitansMarcell Dareus*, DE, Alabama

Dareus got a lot of attention for knocking Colt McCoy out of the national title game, and should emerge as a star as the Crimson Tide tries to repeat.

12. Carolina PanthersMarvin Austin, DT, North Carolina

No guarantee current GM Marty Hurney and coach John Fox will be making this pick. Analysts wonder if Austin's drive equals his talent, so he'll have to play hard this year to go this high.

13. Denver BroncosAaron Williams, CB, Texas

Sometimes overshadowed by other stars in the Texas secondary, Williams will step into the spotlight this season.

14. Chicago BearsAnthony Costanzo, T, Boston College

Costanzo could prove to be better than Carimi and shoot into the top 10.

15. Pittsburgh SteelersPatrick Peterson*, CB, LSU

Despite trading to get Bryant McFadden back, the Steelers still need help in a secondary that didn't make a lot of plays last season.

16. Philadelphia EaglesRas-I Dowling, CB, Virginia

Eagles faithful are nervous about starting cornerback Ellis Hobbs, and they need more help in nickel and dime packages.

17. Cincinnati BengalsDaniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State

The former quarterback led the Big 12 in rushing with 1,265 yards and is still learning the position.

18. New York GiantsRodney Hudson, G, Florida State

The Giants once-dependable offensive line started showing holes in 2009.

19. Miami Dolphins Greg Jones, LB, Michigan State

Jones is a tackling machine who surprised a lot of people by returning to Michigan State.

20. Washington RedskinsDeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson

McDaniel had eight interceptions last season and provides a physical presence against the run.

21. New England PatriotsGreg Romeus, DE, Pitt

Romeus was a basketball player who didn't pick up the sport until his senior year of high school. If he reaches double digits in sacks this season, he should be a first-rounder.

22. Green Bay Packers Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M

Miller could fit here as the Packers try to land another outside linebacker to complement Clay Matthews.

23. Houston TexansRahim Moore*, S, UCLA

Moore led the nation with 10 interceptions last season and helps fill a big need for the Texans.

24. Atlanta FalconsJared Crick*, DT, Nebraska

Crick had five sacks in one game last season. He'll prove he can perform without having Ndamukong Suh drawing all of the offense's attention.

25. San Francisco 49ersMark Ingram*, RB, Alabama

Although he has a different style, the 2009 Heisman winner could help lighten the load on Frank Gore and eventually become his replacement.

26. New York JetsAdrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

Clayborn ran into some off-field issues, but the Jets have shown they're not afraid of that kind of risk.

27. San Diego ChargersMichael Floyd*, WR, Notre Dame

The Chargers don't appear to have many holes right now, but could add depth to the receiving corps.

28. Minnesota VikingsChristian Ponder, QB, Florida State

Is it possible we'll still be debating whether Brett Favre will come back or not at this point next season?

29. Indianapolis ColtsAllen Bailey, DT, Miami

Bailey considered going pro this year, but will return to lead a unit that isn't producing as many sure-fire first-rounders as it used to.

30. Dallas CowboysNate Potter*, OT, Boise State

The Cowboys will likely have to focus on a long-term answer at left tackle.

31. Baltimore RavensCurtis Brown, CB, Texas

Another talented defensive back in a program that's been churning them out.

32. New Orleans SaintsDeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma

The Saints don't seem settled at this position, and Murray could provide a long-term answer.

Tony Pauline: Top 40 prospects for 2011 NFL DraftShare your reactions to the 2011 Mock Draft here.