2011 NFL mock drafts are going to be re-shaped by the Senior Bowl practices. Some 2011 NFL mock drafts are noticing Cameron Jordan for the first time as well. Jordan is a defensive end out of California, a player who should end up getting drafted on the first day. Many of the early mock drafts have Jordan ranked further down in the first round, but combining a good showing at the Senior Bowl and then the NFL Combine in February should help his draft stock get even better.
Mel Kiper’s last mock draft had Jordan listed as the No. 18 selection by the San Diego Chargers. If the Chargers can get Jordan to fall into their lap that far down in the first round, it would definitely be considered a steal in the 2011 NFL Draft. Unfortunately for the Chargers, the word is getting out that Jordan has an immense amount of speed that more scouts will notice at the NFL Combine. The question is whether Jordan can compare favorably to the numerous underclassman that will also be looking to make an impact on defensive lines around the NFL.
Another senior who is impressing scouts is Nate Solder of Colorado, but he didn’t really need to sell himself that much. Solder will be one of the biggest guys in the 2011 NFL Draft, coming in at more than 300 pounds and standing at more than 6 feet 8 inches. He is going to be a huge offensive lineman for someone very soon, and could possibly break into the top 10 selections if he continues to show his strength.
ESPN analysts already stated that Solder and Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi were proving their worth against some of the best senior defensive linemen out there. That will help Carimi as well, but the Wisconsin offensive lineman was already considered to be great as well. Carimi should also be a first round selection, expected to go somewhere in the range of the 20th to 30th selections. The reason it is worth noting how well both players are doing is that there are a number of other first round selections who could be used on offensive linemen. Some of those standouts include Anthony Castonzo of Boston College, Mike Puncey of Florida, and Tyron Smith of USC.
Pay attention to Jordan as the NFL Combine draws closer, because he will look to break into the group of underclass defensive linemen leading the way to the 2011 NFL Draft. Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus, and Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers are the guys leading the pack right now, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room in that group for one more elite prospect on the defensive side of the ball.
Pretty soon the 2011 NFL Draft is going to be called the best defensive draft the NFL has seen in quite some time. A lot of things could still change as the Senior Bowl and 2011 NFL Combine take place, but the excitement level is already growing for what’s possible.
Source:
NFL_Combine_Website
