2011 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper Mock Draft Version 4.0 Has Jake Locker Heading To Seattle Seahawks

Mel Kiper has been slowly releasing 2011 NFL mock draft updates, and Wednesday brought a fourth version of his picks. Kiper has tied three different names to the Seahawks in his first three mock drafts, with Ryan Mallett, Mike Pouncey and Jake Locker all tied to Seattle at one point or another. But in his mock draft version 4.0, Kiper went with a familiar name as he chose not to change his pick for the Seahawks.

Once again, Kiper pegged Jake Locker as the No. 25 pick, heading to Seattle, in the 2011 NFL Draft. ESPN NFC West blogger Mike Sando broke down the pick, noting the risk associated with drafting Locker.

Selecting Locker would allow the Seahawks to say they addressed the position, but would they have found their next quarterback? They likely would not find out in 2011. It’s tough taking a higher-risk, long-term quarterback project in the first round without having a veteran with the ability to win games in the interim. Would Locker fit the Seahawks’ offense? It’s safe to assume the Seahawks would make their offense fit Locker if they drafted him in the first round.

The Seahawks have some time to break in a new quarterback as Matt Hasselbeck likely has another year in the tank. Wherever Locker goes, it’s clear he’ll need time to develop, spending at least a year learning the system and continuing to polish his mechanics. Locker’s physical tools are outstanding, but concerns about his mechanics and accuracy persist, making him a bit of a gamble as a first round pick.

It does appear the Seahawks are taking a hard look at Locker ahead of the draft. A large contingent of Seahawks brass, including general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll, were at Locker’s pro day workout and the Seahawks plan to bring him in for a workout ahead of the draft, as well.

We’ll continue to update our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream ahead of the draft as experts narrow their picks. Stay tuned for the latest projections in the weeks leading up to the 2011 NFL Draft.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Andy Dalton To Seattle Seahawks, According To Sports Illustrated's Don Banks

We’ve seen every one of the top-five quarterbacks eligible for the NFL Draft connected to the Seattle Seahawks in various 2011 NFL mock drafts. From Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton to Christian Ponder, it’s been like throwing darts at the wall as analysts try to project which direction the Seahawks may go when April’s draft rolls around. It’s clear quarterback is a position of need, but which will be around when the Seahawks step to the podium, and are any worthy of a first round pick.

On Wednesday, a different name emerged in Sports Illustrated’s Don Banks’ latest 2011 NFL mock draft. Banks, surprisingly, felt Andy Dalton was the third-best quarterback in the 2011 NFL Draft class, ahead of Locker, Ryan Mallett and Christian Ponder. And when it’s the Seahawks turn to pick, Banks’ gut tells him Dalton could be the pick.

‘m admittedly reading some tea leaves here, but before it’s all said and done, I think the steady, if unspectacular, Dalton comes to be viewed as the most likely prospect to be the third quarterback off the board — ahead of even Jake Locker, Ryan Mallett, Christian Ponder and Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick. Seattle is clearly interested in trading for Eagles backup Kevin Kolb, and NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock made the salient point that Dalton is probably the closest thing to Kolb in this year’s draft. Locker is intriguing, but he’s probably just not accurate enough to warrant a first-round pick.

I’m not sure I could endorse the Seahawks picking Dalton. Sure, he won at TCU, a feat in itself, but is he ready for the NFL? Just because the Seahawks may have interest in trading for Kevin Kolb doesn’t mean drafting a quarterback that resembles him is a good idea. Dalton has failed to impress since capping his season with a Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin, leaving him without a first round grade in many mock drafts. If Locker or Mallett are available at No. 25, both would be more intriguing choices than Dalton.

For the latest on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream. For more on the Seahawks, head over to SB Nation’s Field Gulls.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Mike Pouncey At No. 25, Ryan Mallett A Second Rounder For Seattle Seahawks

As the 2011 NFL Draft gets closer, many mock drafts are expanding, including the second round in addition to the typical first round projections we’ve seen over the past few months in the buildup to the draft.

If Chad Reuter’s latest mock draft plays out on draft day, Seahawks fans just may end up happy. In the first round, Reuter has the Seahawks addressing a serious need with talent, but not the one we’ve been accustomed to seeing. Instead of a quarterback, Reuter has offensive guard/center Mike Pouncey heading to Seattle at No. 25, a name we’ve seen bandied about before. Rang notes having Max Unger and Pouncey around gives the Seahawks versatility, with both able to play either guard or center.

For those desperately seeking a quarterback, never fear. Reuter addresses that with the Seahawks’ second round pick with a player that may just slip out of the first round. Reuter projects Ryan Mallett, another name we’ve seen connected to the Seahawks as a first-round pick, may fall into the second round, giving the Seahawks to snatch him up with the 57th pick. He compares Mallett to another player that watched teams pass him by in the 2010 NFL Draft, noting the Arkansas quarterback may face the same fate.

Jimmy Clausen fell into the mid-second round last year, and Mallett could have a similar wait to hear his name called.

If the Seahawks came away with help on the offensive line and at the quarterback spot with their first two picks, fans should be thrilled. The best case may, in fact, be the one Reuter outlined. As we know, draft day is wildly unpredictable, but his projections should ave Seahawks’ fans excited.

For the latest on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream. For more on the Seahawks, head over to SB Nation’s Field Gulls.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker Rises In CBS Mock Drafts, Lands In Minnesota

SB Nation’s latest 2011 NFL mock draft has the Seattle Seahawks taking Jake Locker with the 25th pick, but will Locker still be around? A month ago, Locker’s draft stock was in a free-fall, sliding quickly after a less than impressive performance at the Senior Bowl. But after regrouping and working extensively with trainers in California, Locker showed marked improvement at the NFL Combine, showing off his athleticism in the running drills and improved accuracy in the throwing drills. Those performances have him rising quickly, perhaps into the top-half of the first round.

CBS Sports’ Rob Rang is well-connected and knows the draft as well as anyone. So when he cites sources and starts narrowing his mock draft, we’d be wise to listen. And those sources are telling him the Minnesota Vikings are taking a serious look at quarterbacks, with Locker the preferred pick if Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton aren’t available.

The Vikings will likely be forced to draft a quarterback and then scramble to sign a veteran whenever free agency comes. Though there are plenty of teams knocking Locker’s inaccuracy, he does have believers sprinkled throughout the league. Sources tell me the Vikings may be one of them and are more likely to take Locker over Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett.

Rang notes the Vikings are in a bad spot at quarterback with Brett Favre done and Tavaris Jackson likely to be on his way out of Minnesota. It’s that need, and Locker’s quickly rising stock, that may propel the former Washington quarterback into the first round and, perhaps, just outside of the top-10.

It’s been a wild ride for Locker ahead of the draft, but it appears he’s solidified his spot in the first round after alleviating some of the concerns about his throwing ability. With more workouts scheduled, he still has plenty of chances to impressive and continue to move up the boards ahead of April’s NFL Draft.

For the latest on the draft, check out the rest of our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker, Seattle Seahawks Still Connected Ahead Of NFL Draft

Quarterbacks seem to be a recurring theme for the Seattle Seahawks as the 2011 NFL Draft nears. Seemingly every 2011 NFL mock draft connects one of the top-five quarterbacks to the Seahawks, whether it be Jake Locker, Ryan Mallett or Christian Ponder. This late in the game, it seems to be a near-certainty Seattle will use the 25th pick in the draft on a quarterback, though plenty of options remain available and the draft is always a fluid event.

SB Nation is back with its latest 2011 NFL mock draft and the pick should be a familiar one. Jake Locker is, once again, connected to the Seahawks, filling a need for Pete Carroll’s offense. It’s the familiarity with Locker that has Brian Galliford convinced Seattle will make a run at him — Carroll coached at USC against him while Steve Sarkisian, a former USC assistant, coached Locker at Washington.

Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington. Lately, the Seahawks have taken up the mantle of “that team that’s connected to every quarterback, ever.” As it seems unlikely that they’ll be acquiring one pre-draft, taking a local product that Pete Carroll is familiar with makes sense.

With the draft a month away, mock drafters will continue to zero-in on the picks, and it’s likely Locker’s name will be a popular one. Individual workouts are in progress and teams will be putting him through the gauntlet as the draft nears.

Stay up-to-date with the latest draft news in our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Danny Watkins To Seattle; Stephen Paea Available

We’ve seen Jake Locker, Ryan Mallett and others tied to the Seattle Seahawks in various 2011 NFL mock drafts recently, but a new name surface this week, filling a position of need. It’s clear the Seahawks need to address the quarterback spot, as well as the offensive line and defensive line, with cornerback a less pressing, but still important need. It seems those putting together mock drafts are acutely aware of this, narrowing down picks to a small number of players, all at those positions.

Sporting News’ latest 2011 NFL mock draft has the Seahawks addressing the interior offensive line, taking a guard at No. 25. The player is Danny Watkins, a 6-foot-4, 310 pound guard from Baylor. Watkins has just two years of division one experience, transferring to Baylor from Butte College ahead of his junior season.

Even more intriguing are the names available around the 25th pick in Sporting News’ mock draft. Stephen Paea is off the board at No. 26, but has been linked to the Seahawks before. At the NFL Combine, Paea wowed scouts in the only workout he took part in: The bench press. His 49 repetitions were a new Combine record, though he was unable to run through the rest of the workouts while recovering from a knee injury. Mike Pouncey, perhaps the best guard in the draft, would also be available, and is the 32nd pick in the mock draft.

There’s plenty of talent around for the Seahawks to choose from, even with a late first round pick. Will it be Locker, Mallett, Pouncey or a dark-horse with the 25th pick? We’ll know for sure in just over a month.

For the latest on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Ryan Mallett, Seattle Seahawks Together In Sports Illustrated Mock

In his last 2011 NFL mock draft, Sports Illustrated’s Don Banks went local, pegging Jake Locker as the Seattle Seahawks pick at No. 25. The Seahawks quarterback needs are clear, and Locker fits the need wel

But this time around, Banks has changed course in his latest 2011 NFL mock draft. Banks still likes a quarterback for the Seahawks, but with Locker moving up in his draft, the pick has changed. It’s all about Ryan Mallett for Banks, who pegged the Arkansas quarterback as the Seahawks pick in his latest mock draft.

Mallett should let his right arm do all the talking, because it continues to make a first-round case for itself better than his mouth. After sparkling in the passing drills in Indy, he followed it up with another strong showing at the Arkansas pro day Tuesday

It’s almost impossible to compare Locker and Mallett as prospects, with each bringing a different skill-set to the table. Locker is all about being athletic and mobile, throwing on the run or taking off down-field. Mallett, on the other hand, is a statue, running the 40-yard dash slower than most defensive lineman and generally not displaying eye-popping athleticism. But what Mallett lacks in foot-speed, he makes up for with arm-strength that’s second-to-none in the draft class.

Character issues aside, Mallett has the ability to make all the throws, though his accuracy tends to suffer, as well. If he can solve some of the issues between his ears, including cutting down on mistakes and limiting turnovers, Mallett could be a serviceable starter quickly in the NFL. If Locker isn’t available, it’s likely the Seahawks at least take a look in the first round, though the team has plenty of options to choose from.

For the latest on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Ryan Mallett Rising, Jake Locker A Second Rounder In Rob Rang's Draft

Jake Locker still can't seem to break into the first round of Rob Rang's 2011 NFL mock draft at CBS Sports. Rang dropped Locker out of the first round over a month ago, and has yet to give him a first round grade, despite Locker showing improvement at the NFL Combine last week. On the other hand, Ryan Mallett, who had also fallen from the first round, is back, and rising higher in Rang's mock draft.

It's clear Locker and Mallett are jockeying for position in the draft, with no clear favorite among the top-four quarterbacks. Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert have both been mentioned as the top quarterback in the draft, with Locker and Mallett the third and fourth off the board. But according to Rang, Mallett could be destined for Minnesota, coming off the board at No. 12.

The Vikings are one of a handful of teams in the first round I believe will be very tempted by Mallett's upside. They've shown a willingness to gamble on character concerns before, have strong leaders in the locker room and have the talent at the skill positions and along the offensive line to protect a young quarterback.

Rang has three quarterbacks in his top-12, with Newton the No. 1 overall pick, followed by Gabbert at No. 10 and Mallett and No. 12.

On the other hand, Locker is nowhere in sight, instead falling to the second round. Rang pegged Jimmy Smith, a cornerback out of Colorado, as the Seattle Seahawks pick at No. 25, despite acknowledging the Seahawks do have a glaring need at quarterback.

Keep an eye on how Locker does at Washington's Pro Day later this month. With one more chance to impress, this time in a scripted workout, Locker's draft stock will become more clear once his workouts are in the rear-view mirror ahead of the draft. Until then, analysts will continue to struggle with how he projects as he continues to be one of the toughest prospects to nail down.

For the latest on the draft, check out the rest of our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Mike Pouncey, Jimmy Smith Or Jake Locker For Seattle Seahawks

The list of names the Seattle Seahawks could take with the 25th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft continues to narrow, giving us a clearer picture of what direction head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider may go when the Seahawks step to the podium. The Seahawks needs are well documented and include a quarterback, interior offensive line help, defensive line depth and a boost in the secondary. Mel Kiper bit the bullet with his latest 2011 NFL mock draft, projecting the Seahawks will take Washington quarterback Jake Locker. But he's also run the gamete, linking Ryan Mallett and Mike Pouncey to Seattle, as well.

Over at Walter Football, the updated 2011 NFL mock draft gives the Seahawks three different choices in the first round, each addressing a need. None of the three, however, are a quarterback, with Locker and Mallett completely ignored. With Kiper linking Locker to the Seahawks, it seems even more likely now that Seattle will grab one of the top-four quarterbacks in the drafts.

Here's a look at the Walter Football projections. Jimmy Smith, a cornerback out of Colorado, is the pick and a name we've seen connected to Seattle often. The alternatives include a new name: Justin Houston, a defensive end out of Georgia.

1. Mike Pouncey, G - The Seahawks really need to improve their interior blocking. Mike Pouncey is the top guard in this class.

2. Justin Houston, DE - Chris Clemons had a great year, but can the Seahawks really rely on him to produce sacks?

Which direction will the Seahawks go? It's anyone's guess at this point, but it does appear Seattle will choose from one of four positions. Draft day is fluid, as well, forcing the team to adjust at a moment's notice depending on which players are available at No. 25.

So far, the draft is looking clear as mud when it comes to nailing down a name for the Seahawks.

For the latest on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper Projects Jake Locker To Seattle Seahawks

Mel Kiper is back with the third edition of his 2011 NFL mock draft at ESPN and his projection for the Seattle Seahawks is a familiar one. Kiper had dropped Jake Locker from his Big Board, and mock draft, after a disappointing performance at the Senior Bowl. This time around, Locker is back in the first round, and the destination hits close to home.

Kiper has Jake Locker staying in town, taken by the Seattle Seahawks with the 25th pick in the NFL Draft. Locker did enough at the NFL Combine to alleviate some of the concerns about his accuracy and footwork, causing his draft stock to rise in the eyes of many. Is Locker the long-term answer for the Seahawks? Kiper isn’t so sure, but he does think Pete Carroll will take a chance.

He was impressive enough at the combine, proved that he’s every bit the athlete that Cam Newton is (they ran identical times in the 40), has a big-time arm, and just needs to prove that his accuracy is something that will develop when he has time to throw. This isn’t an endorsement of Locker as a guy who should step in and start for the Seahawks if Matt Hasselbeck isn’t back in 2011, but even if Seattle makes a move for a short-term answer at quarterback, Locker could be hard to pass up if Pete Carroll thinks he’s a solution for the long run

While it’s not encouraging to hear Locker may be a short-term, not long-term, answer at quarterback for the Seahawks, it’s still possible he develops into a capable starting quarterback. In all likelihood, Locker will have at least a year to develop in Seattle, biding his time and taking practice repetitions while Hasselbeck keeps his starting role.

For Locker, having Kiper project him as a first round pick has to be encouraging after free-falling last month. Whether the Seahawks take him or not, it appears Locker is safely in the first round again, with a chance to improve his draft stock in the coming month. With Washington’s Pro Day on the horizon and individual interviews with teams in the future, Locker has plenty of chances to improve ahead of the draft.

For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

Ryan Mallett Clocks Slow 40 Time, Throws Well At Arkansas Pro Day With Seahawks Personnel Watching

Ryan Mallett ran the 40-yard dash on Tuesday and stirred up an Internet firestorm in the process. Mallet, whose name has been mentioned among the elite quarterbacks in the 2011 NFL Draft class, isn’t an athletic specimen like Jake Locker or Ryan Mallet, but does possess a cannon for an arm. One would expect the former Arkansas quarterback could at least run a respectable 40. But alas, it wasn’t to be.

Instead, Mallett set the track ablaze at Arkansas’ Pro Day on Tuesday, clocking a blistering 5.37 second 40-yard dash. To put it in perspective, Locker and Newton each ran 4.59 40s, with Christian Ponder running a 4.65 40. But maybe it’s not fair to compare Mallett to some of the more physically gifted quarterbacks. So let’s dig deeper.

Marcell Dareus is nearly 320 pounds and a defensive lineman. He ran a 40 in the mid 4.9-second range. Nick Fairley? Also in the low-to-mid 4.9-second range. In fact, 30 defensive linemen ran the 40 faster than Mallett did.

His performance spawned a meme on Tuesday morning, with Twitter exploding as people added things that were faster than Mallett’s 40. How fast he runs doesn’t matter — he’s a pocket quarterback, something we’ve known all along — but the perception hasn’t been positive. It’ll go down as a joke and nothing more, but a 5.37 40 isn’t the stuff dreams are made of.

Luckily for Mallett, redemption came in the throwing drills. By all accounts, he threw well, showing off his cannon for an arm, impressing with his touch on deep passes and the zip on his throws. His ability to show improved accuracy, while displaying his throwing power, far outweighs Mallett’s ability to run 40 yards in a straight line. While he’s not mobile, there’s no denying his arm strength and pocket passing.

It’s that arm strength that should keep Mallett in the first round, and may land him in Seattle with the 25th pick.

For more on the draft, check out the rest of our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Mason Foster Goes Early In Second Round To Houston Texans

Washington linebacker Mason Foster may not have a first round grade, but he’s been slowly rising in the rankings with solid performances at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. Foster has been steady and consistent during his time with the Huskies, reaping the benefits as the moves from under-the-radar to quick riser in many 2011 NFL mock drafts. It’s his consistency that has Foster moving into the second round, perhaps on the doorstep of the first round in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Walter Football’s Greg Cox had Foster higher than expected in his latest mock draft, projecting the Washington linebacker would come off the board early in the second round. Cox projects Foster will be taken by the Houston Texans with the 42nd overall pick, the eighth pick in the second round. The reason, he says, is a scheme change, and the need for a player with Foster’s skill set.

The Texans are going to a 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Wade Philips. Brian Cushing is moving to inside linebacker, forming a dynamic duo with DeMeco Ryans.

This is fine, but who is going to play outside? They need to get their hands on an option early in the draft, especially since 2009 pick Connor Barwin is being counted on to man one spot

Foster would find himself thrust into action immediately in Houston, with the ability to garner playing time right away. The need may just push Foster into the early second round, despite many seeing him as a mid-round pick. With solid workouts and another chance to impress at Washington’s Pro Day, Foster could see his stock continue to soar ahead of the draft.

For now, though, Washington fans should be pleased to see Foster firmly in the second round of one mock draft. For all he’s given the Huskies, he deserves to reap the benefits when the draft rolls around. He may just be a solid contributor in the NFL for years to come.

For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker To Buffalo Bills In Second Round

Though Jake Locker has been rising, jumping back into the first round after the NFL Combine, the former Washington quarterback is still on the outside in a few 2011 NFL mock drafts. Locker is a borderline first-rounder at the moment, according to many, either going in the bottom-half of the round, perhaps to the Seattle Seahawks, or early in the second round.

Over at Walter Football, Greg Cox took a stab at the first three rounds in his 2011 NFL mock draft, leaving Locker out of the first round. He is, however, an early second round pick, heading to the Buffalo Bills to learn under the tutelage of Ryan Fitzpatrick.

This is a great scenario for them and Locker as well. Ryan Fitzpatrick is their starter and will be a great teacher for Locker. They are going to spend a lot of time together and eventually Locker is going to take Fitzpatrick’s job. This is the how the league works.

The Bills have been rumored to be on the hunt for a quarterback, and have been tied to Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert already. Cox notes Locker would be a better value pick in the second round for Buffalo, allowing the Bills to fill other needs with the third pick in the first round.

But would Locker actually be around at the 34th pick? His name has been connected to many teams in the first round already, and his stock appears to be rising. If he’s still on the board late in the first, it’s likely a team trades up to snatch him before the end of the first round, something the various mock drafts can’t project.

It’s all about the situation for Locker and a team that allows him to develop for a year or two could reap the benefits as he continues to progress as a more drop-back quarterback. In Buffalo, he’d be able to do that, making the Bills a solid landing spot for the former Washington quarterback, should he fall to the second round.

For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jimmy Smith A 'Curveball' For Seattle Seahawks

When it comes to the NFL Draft, talent trumps all. With that in mind, a few of the latest 2011 NFL mock drafts are going a different route when projecting the Seattle Seahawks first round pick, ignoring need and choosing the best available talent for Seattle. We’ve seen quarterbacks — namely Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett — connected to the Seahawks in various mock drafts, as well as offensive linemen — specifically Mike Pouncey — projected as the No. 25 pick. But lately, it’s been all about the cornerbacks.

CBS Sports’ Rob Rang agreed with an earlier mock draft from Walter Football, pegging Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith as the Seahawks pick. Smith has plenty of talent, but questions about his character may have him falling by the time the draft rolls around. If he’s around at No. 25, the Seahawks may have to ignore quarterbacks and offensive linemen, snatching Smith up in the first round.

The Seahawks’ biggest needs are quarterback and the interior of the offensive line, but the team could throw a curveball should a cornerback of Smith’s talent fall into their lap. The 6-2, 210-pound Smith has top 15 talent but off-field concerns could push him down the board. His size and physicality, however, make him an ideal fit for a team looking for press corners.

There’s no doubt the Seahawks’ pass defense needs a boost, especially in the secondary. Rang notes Seattle gave up more than twice the amount of touchdowns as balls intercepted, showing a clear weakness at the cornerback spot. Smith could be an immediate impact player, stepping in opposite Marcus Trufant in the Seattle secondary.

It’s a curveball, ignoring the conventional wisdom indicating the Seahawks should take a quarterback if one of the top-four are available, but the logic behind it is sound. If Smith falls, the Seahawks should take a hard look at him, weighing whether his talent trumps the character issues at play. Pete Carroll and John Schneider have some tough decisions with that first round pick, leading to plenty of draft-day intrigue in the Seattle war room.

For more on the draft, check out the rest of our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Newton Overtakes Blaine Gabbert, Tabbed As No. 1 Pick

It’s been difficult to separate which of the top-four quarterbacks in the 2011 NFL Draft — Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert, Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett — will come off the board first, with Gabbert the consensus best-available pick up until now. But Cam Newton’s physical tools have left analysts salivating and his potential has many tabbing him as the No. 1 overall pick in various 2011 NFL mock drafts, even leap-frogging Gabbert.

On Monday, SB Nation joined the many speculating the Carolina Panthers will take Newton, projecting his as the No. 1 in its latest 2011 NFL mock draft. Despite an NFL Combine performance that left much to be desired, Newton’s star-power is, apparently, too much to ignore.

As much of a risk as Blaine Gabbert might be with the first overall pick, Newton is a significantly bigger one. His star power, however, may be too hard for the Panthers to pass up – and the idea of a division featuring Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, Josh Freeman and Newton is incredibly enticing.

The risk is great, and Newton has a significant transformation to undergo before becoming a capable starter, much less a star in the NFL. Newton is in the midst of evolving as a quarterback, working on his ability to drop back in a pro-style offense after running a spread-offense at Auburn. It requires a different skill-set and sound mechanics, with growing pains sure to come along the way. At the Combine, those growing pains were on display for Newton.

But the pick is about more than football. Newton gives the Panthers a face, and perhaps a star. Though his statements at the Combine were considered arrogant by many, it’s clear Newton embraces the spotlight and wants to be the star of the show — an entertainer and an icon. So while tabbing him as the No. 1 pick may be a reach, it’s unlikely Newton slides out of the top-10 as his potential wins out, outweighing the risks.

For the latest on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Miami Dolphins, Jake Locker Still Tied Together

Last week, the Jake Locker to Miami campaign began to gain some traction. SB Nation tied the two together for the first time I’d seen in its 2011 NFL mock draft, using the Miami Dolphin’s deficiencies at the quarterback spot as the reasoning. It made sense, and Locker would fit well in the Dolphin’s system while getting an early opportunity to make an impact.

A week later, SB Nation is standing by the Locker to Miami pick, locking him in as the Dolphin’s choice at No. 16 in the 2011 NFL Draft. The Dolphins have just one pick in the first two rounds and with Chad Henne merely being used as a stop-gap, it’s likely the Dolphins snatch a quarterback midway through the first round.

Chad Henne remains Miami’s starter, but rather than being the club’s long-term answer, he’s now merely the bridge between 2011 and whenever a rookie can take over. Minus a second-round pick, the Dolphins may very well reach a little for a high-upside QB like Locker in Round 1.

At the very least, Locker will have a season to develop, which many scouts agree he needs. Locker showed improvement at the NFL Combine, quieting a bit of the buzz about his lack of accuracy and footwork. His athleticism is off the charts, making him a good fit for a Dolphin’s offense that makes liberal use of the wildcat while putting the ball in its playmakers’ hands.

Could a backfield of Ronnie Brown and Jake Locker be a possibility? It would be an intriguing fit, and appears to be realistic enough.

For more on Locker and the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker Back In First Round, Headed To Seattle

The dip Jake Locker’s draft stock took was just temporary, and after showing improvement at the NFL Combine, Locker is back in the first round again. Locker fell out of many 2011 NFL mock drafts following the Senior Bowl, but has impressed enough, and taken steps forward since then, to improve his draft stock and move back into the first round. Locker has been a bit of an enigma, with projections all over the map as analysts try to nail-down where he’ll end up.

CBS Sports’ Chad Reuter updated his 2011 NFL mock draft on Monday and the news was good for Locker. Reuter had dropped the Washington quarterback shortly after the Senior Bowl, and has kept him on the outside looking in since. But on Monday, Locker was back, heading to the Seattle Seahawks with the 25th pick in the draft. The projection comes with a caveat, though.

I’m not sure the Seahawks have real interest in Locker, but a quarterback is getting picked somewhere in the late first, even if it’s after a team trades up from the early second.

Though Locker and the Seahawks seem like a match made in heaven, many analysts in the know maintain Seattle has little interest in him. That doesn’t mean he won’t end up in the first round, though, as all it takes is a team falling in love with his upside for him to come off the board in the first 32 picks.

As Reuter mentions, if Locker’s around late in the first round, it’s possible a team moves up to grab him near the end of the round. We’ve seen it before, with Tim Tebow last year, and it’s tough to see Locker still on the board by the time the second round rolls around. If the Seahawks pass on him, or trade away their pick so another team could take Locker, the reaction in Seattle, especially among Huskies’ fans, could be an interesting subplot in the draft.

For more projections, check out the rest of our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Brandon Harris Another Cornerback Option For Seattle Seahawks

Cornerback seems to be a point of emphasis for the Seattle Seahawks in 2011 NFL mock drafts lately and Monday is no different. Last week, it was Jimmy Smith, a cornerback out of Colorado, as a potential pick for the Seahawks. This time around, it’s Brandon Harris, an exceptional defensive back out of Miami.

In SB Nation’s latest 2011 NFL mock draft, Harris is projected as the Seahawks pick. Seattle needs help almost everywhere, but cornerback is a clear area of need, with Marcus Trufant and Kelly Jennings each possessing glaring weaknesses in the pass game.

The NFC West champions still need help everywhere, but quarterback, the offensive line, the pass rush and the defensive backfield are of chief concern. Harris is the best prospect available out of those four positional groups, and could push for a starting gig right away.

If Harris is, indeed, the best player available, this pick would make sense. Often times, general managers jump at the best of what’s left, regardless of position need. But with the Seahawks, there are a few personnel groups that clearly need to be addressed in the draft, including those listed above, making the early-round picks of the utmost importance.

So far we’ve seen cornerbacks, quarterbacks, offensive linemen and defensive linemen connected to Seattle as mock drafters try to nail down a pick. It’s a daunting task, especially considering the glaring needs Pete Carroll has to address. Would the Seahawks take a corner over one of the quarterbacks likely to be available in the first round? We’ll find out in April as the 2011 NFL Draft kicks off.

For more on the draft, check out the rest of our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jimmy Smith Could Address Need For Seattle Seahawks

Jimmy Smith may be one of the best cornerbacks in the 2011 NFL Draft, but his character has been off-putting, to say the least. Smith made a splash at the NFL Combine when he said he has better ball skills than Nnamdi Asomugha, one of the best corners currently in the NFL. With Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara both above him on most 2011 NFL mock drafts, it was a bold statement.

Over at Walter Football, Smith’s character issues have him falling, but it could be the Seattle Seahawks that snatch him up in the first round. Smith has all the talent in the world, but his arrests, and a drug history, at Colorado may leave teams wary. As we’ve heard before, Pete Carroll could be a good fit with Smith, perhaps helping him straighten his act out.

Jimmy Smith is a top-15 talent, but has character issues. He tested positive for drugs at Colorado and was also arrested twice. During the team interviews, Smith reportedly admitted to only one arrest, which draws yet another red flag.

Despite this, Seattle could still be interested. Pete Carroll hasn’t shown an aversion to poor-character players (LenDale White, Mike Williams, Anthony McCoy, etc.) He may opt to take a chance on Smith

No matter who you ask, Carroll’s been willing and able to take on character risks, and has had success in doing so. The Mike Williams reclamation tour ended as a success in 2010, and Carroll handled plenty of talented, if not troubled, athletes at USC.

The Seahawks need at cornerback apparent — with Marcus Trufant slowed and Kelly Jennings ineffective. Smith could be the answer, and would be a steal if he falls to No. 25. Then again, the Seahawks have plenty of glaring needs on the roster — including the quarterback spot — leaving the front office with tough decisions ahead of April’s draft.

For more projections and guesses, check out the rest of our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker All Over The Board After NFL Combine

After a solid NFL Combine performance, Jake Locker saw his draft stock rise, but analysts are still bewildered when it comes to projecting where he'll end up when the NFL Draft rolls around. Looking at a variety of 2011 NFL mock drafts paints different pictures of Locker, who's anywhere from a mid-first rounder to a second-rounder in various mock drafts. While some have him going as high as 15th, or 25th to the Seattle Seahawks, other analysts aren't yet sold on his abilities, even after showing improvement at the Combine over the weekend.

Taking a spin around the mock draft world, here's what we found.

CBS Sports' Rob Rang: No Locker in the first round of Rang's draft, but three other quarterbacks are off the board in the first round. Cam Newton is the No. 1 pick, Blaine Gabbert is at No. 10 and Ryan Mallett is at No. 12, heading to the Minnesota Vikings.

CBS Sports' Chad Reuter: Locker isn't in Reuter's mock draft, either, failing to receive a first-round grade. Cam Newton is the No. 1 overall pick, Blaine Gabbert is at No. 7, but no other quarterbacks are in the first round.

CBS Sports' Pete Prisco: Locker is not in the first round of Prisco's latest mock draft. Three other quarterbacks are, though, with Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton in the top-10 and Ryan Mallett heading to the Seahawks at No. 25

SB Nation: Locker gets a better grade from SB Nation's latest 2011 NFL mock draft, projected as the 15th pick. Gabbert is No. 1, Newton is No. 12 and Christian Ponder is at No. 25.

National Football Post: Locker and the Seattle Seahawks are a match made in heaven at National Football Post as the Washington quarterback is projected as the 25th pick. Newton is No. 1, Gabbert is No. 12 and Mallett is No. 16.

There's plenty of time for Locker to improve his draft stock, and his improvement at the Combine was a good start. The Washington Huskies' Pro Day is next on the agenda as Locker looks to keep his momentum going in a scripted workout ahead of April's draft. Hopefully by then we'll have a better idea of where Locker projects and if he's a sure-fire first-rounder.

For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream. For more on Locker and the Huskies, check out SB Nation's UW Dawg Pound.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Ryan Mallett, Pete Carroll Could Be Solid Pairing

The latest 2011 NFL mock drafts seem to point toward the quarterback spot for the Seattle Seahawks. Jake Locker and Christian Ponder have both been mentioned as possible picks at the No. 25 spot as the Seahawks work to find a quarterback of the future, especially with Matt Hasselbeck’s status up in the air. After the NFL Combine, though, we have a better idea of where the top quarterbacks in the class slot as Locker, Ponder, Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert and Ryan Mallett all jockey for position.

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco brings up a good point while projecting Ryan Mallett to the Seahawks in his latest mock draft. Mallett, who’s had his character questioned repeatedly throughout the pre-draft process, could be an intriguing fit in Seattle. Head coach Pete Carroll is known for his player’s coach reputation and ability to handle players with less-than-stellar character.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas. They badly need a long-term answer and Pete Carroll isn’t one to shy away from players with problems.

It’s just a small bullet point, but it’s valid. Carroll is that likable coach that players tend to gravitate to. He was at USC — where his players loved him — and has been in the NFL with the Seahawks, where he immediately brought his light-hearted style in 2010. If there’s a coach that can afford to take a chance on a player with questionable character, it’s Carroll.

Then again, Mallett may not have questionable character at all. During the media interviews at the NFL Combine, he was standoffish, but in individual interviews, Mallett reportedly drew praise from the teams he spoke to. Add his impressive physical tools into the mix and it’s possible Mallett excels in the NFL — and fast.

For the latest on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker To Miami Dolphins The Latest Projection

Jake Locker jumped from out of the first round to the first-half of the round in the latest 2011 NFL mock draft after a solid NFL Combine performance over the weekend. Locker showed off his athleticism and improved accuracy during Sunday's workouts, drawing praise from scouts and players alike. With the momentum gained at the Combine, Locker is back in action after falling off the boards following a disappointing Senior Bowl week.

Over at SB Nation, Locker is the No. 15 pick in the latest 2011 NFL mock draft, heading to the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins lack a long-term solution at quarterback -- unless you believe in Chad Henne -- and Locker would have a chance to jump in after using some much-needed development time.

At some point, a smart team will roll the dice on Jake Locker's intangibles and physical talents. Miami is a logical landing spot, as Locker won't be pressed into immediate duty, allowing Brian Daboll time to work out his footwork issues.

It's almost too hard to ignore the rock-solid character and physical tools Locker possesses. Because of his ability to impress during the interview process, perhaps more-so than on the field, it seems likely someone will take a chance on Locker in the first round. His work ethic and character are both unquestioned, offsetting any potential flaws in his mechanics.

If a team thinks it can coach him up, and that he'll be receptive to the teachings, it's likely Locker stays in the first round when the 2011 NFL Draft rolls around. At the Combine, he showed improvement after intensive training with a bona-fide quarterbacks coach following the Senior Bowl, perhaps signaling that some of those flaws can be fixed. 

For the latest on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream. For more on Locker and the Huskies, check out SB Nation's UW Dawg Pound.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Christian Ponder To Seattle After NFL Combine

After a solid performance at the NFL combine, ESPN's John Clayton suggested the Seattle Seahawks should consider Christian Ponder over Jake Locker at No. 25 in the 2011 NFL Draft. Ponder threw well and showed surprising agility at the combine, boosting his stock ahead of April's draft. With the combine over, 2011 NFL mock drafts are being reworked, and at least one person agrees with Clayton.

Over at SB Nation, the latest 2011 NFL mock draft has arrived and Ponder is the pick for the Seahawks. His combine performance and the hope that he's finally healthy have propelled Ponder into the first round, and the fit in Seattle is natural, according to Brian Galliford.

Healthy once again, no quarterback had a more productive Combine workout than Ponder, who might now get late-first consideration. Accurate and very smart, Ponder is a slightly more athletic version of Matt Hasselbeck, and would make a fine successor.

While it appears Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert and, perhaps, Jake Locker will be gone by the time the Seahawks pick, Seattle could have its choice between Ryan Mallett and Ponder. When healthy, Ponder has the potential to be a solid contributor, while Mallett has impressive physical tools and a cannon for an arm.

Check back for the latest in out 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream. For more on the Seahawks, check out SB Nation's Field Gulls.

Seattle Seahawks Should Take Christian Ponder Over Jake Locker, Says John Clayton

ESPN’s John Clayton has been taking in the NFL Combine this week, evaluating some of the best and brightest NFL Draft prospects in Indianapolis. On Sunday, the quarterbacks took the field, going through the typical drills associated with a combine workout. Jake Locker and Christian Ponder both impressed, according to many, and Ponder may have helped his draft stock more than anyone at the combine, vaulting into upper-echelon of quarterbacks in the draft class.

According to Clayton, if the draft were today, the Seattle Seahawks should take Ponder over Locker at No. 25, should they choose to take a quarterback. Clayton opened up about the quarterbacks on Monday while speaking to Kevin Calabro and Jim Moore on 710 ESPN (via Calabro’s Twitter account).

John Clayton: “If I were drafting (as the Seahawks) today, I would take Ponder over Locker. He looks more polished.”

Locker is far from a finished product at this stage in his development. After working primarily out of a spread-offense, Locker made the transition to more of a pro style scheme ahead of his junior year at Washington, coinciding with Steve Sarkisian’s arrival. It’s been a slow process, and most scouts believe Locker will still need plenty of time to develop at the professional level.

Though Locker would have time to develop in Seattle — with Matt Hasselbeck still around and Charlie Whitehurst as a potential stop-gap — there’s a risk associated with taking him in the first round. Ponder has continued to impress in workouts, but hasn’t been mentioned among the top-quarterbacks in the class, at least until now. It would be surprising to see the Seahawks take Ponder in the first round, but stranger things have happened.

For more on the draft, check out the rest of our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Ryan Mallett Another Quarterback Option For Seattle Seahawks

We’re back to Ryan Mallett again as analysts update their 2011 NFL mock drafts ahead of the NFL Combine. We’ve seen Cam Newton, Jake Locker and Mallett all projected as the Seattle Seahawks pick at one time or another, but the consensus now is that only Locker or Mallett will be around by the time the 25th pick in the draft rolls around. If the Seahawks are shooting for a quarterback, they’ll have to decided whether one of those two have what it takes to become a starter in the league.

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco released a mock draft a while back, noting the Seahawks desperately need a quarterback of the future. Unlike others, though, Prisco had Blaine Gabbert, Newton and Locker all off the board before the 12th pick, with only Ryan Mallett as the first round neared a close. Still, Prisco felt the Seahawks needed a quarterback, and Mallett was the guy.

Did you see the way 35-year-old veteran Matt Hasselbeck played for most of last season? And Charlie Whitehurst doesn’t look to be the answer to that problem.

Sure, we all know Hasselbeck is declining and Whitehurst hasn’t shown much, but Mallett comes with serious questions. Analysts are left wondering if he has the work ethic to succeed at the NFL-level, and questions about his off-field behavior have persisted.

Mallett is at the combine this weekend and will be grilled during the interview sessions. He does posses a cannon for an arm, but his decision making, and accuracy at times, are both questionable. If he can put it all together, though, the strength of his arm could be a boon for the Seahawks.

For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream. For more on the combine, check out our 2011 NFL Combine StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Mike Pouncey To Seattle As A Guard, Says He Wants To Play Center

We’ve seen Mike Pouncey projected as the Seattle Seahawks pick in plenty of 2011 NFL mock drafts, but each has him tabbed as a guard. Speaking to the media at the NFL combine on Friday, Pouncey threw a wrench in those plans, saying he’s preparing to play center in the NFL. The revelation, while just his personal preference, alters Pouncey’s draft stock and, perhaps, may alter the teams interested in his services.

Before Pouncey informed the media of his preference, the sentiment was that the Florida offensive lineman could pair with Russell Okung on the left side of the Seahawks’ line, perhaps giving them the kind of dominance they had when Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson were anchoring the line in the early-mid 2000s. CBS Sports’ Rob Rang was one of the analysts projecting Pouncey to the Seahawks.

Should one of the upper-echelon quarterbacks fall to Seattle at this spot, the Seahawks would be wise to think about their future. Rather than panic if they aren’t however, the team can address its weakest link – interior offensive line play. Pouncey’s size, strength and agility would make him an immediate upgrade.

As of now, Chris Spencer is holding down the center spot in Seattle, and questions still remain about Pouncey’s ability to play the position. During the 2010 season, Pouncey’s ability to snap the ball, especially in the shotgun, was much maligned by Gator fans. Though it was his first year playing the position, it’s always been thought that he projects as a guard at the NFL level.

Does it matter where Pouncey wants to play? In reality, it doesn’t. Some team will draft him in the first round, pay him a good amount of money and tell him where to play. But if he thinks he’s a center, and wants to put up a fight about it, there may be a rift, and it may cause teams to shy away.

We’ll keep an eye on Pouncey’s performance at the 2011 NFL Combine as scouts try to get a read on him. For the latest on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Sports Illustrated's Don Banks Projects Jake Locker To Seattle

It’s been all about Jake Locker in the 2011 NFL mock drafts this week. From SB Nation’s latest to the Buffalo News mock draft, Locker has become a popular pick for the Seattle Seahawks. Between Locker’s local roots — growing up in Ferndale and attending the University of Washington — and the Seahawks’ need for a quarterback, the choice makes too much sense for many, though scouts are still skeptical of Locker’s ability.

Sports Illustrated’s Don Banks joined the Locker to Seattle bandwagon on Wednesday with his second mock draft of the year. His reasoning follows many others before him, with Banks noting Locker will have time to develop. Banks also notes Locker is making strides ahead of the draft, working on his mechanics with Ken O’Brien.

Locker to the hometown Seahawks does make some sense, because Seattle could afford to give him a year of development while either Matt Hasselbeck or Charlie Whitehurst hold down the fort in 2011. Locker is said to be making strides recently in terms of his accuracy issues while working with ex-Jets quarterback Ken O’Brien, and there’s still time for him to earn the first-round grade he appeared to have in his hip pocket at the close of his 2009 season.

If the Seahawks are going to pull the trigger on Locker, the reasons listed above will be why. It’s unlikely either Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert will be around late in the first round, making Locker, or perhaps Ryan Mallett, the only options as far as top-flight quarterbacks go. Still, both of those two will need time to develop and time may be short with Matt Hasselbeck nearing retirement.

Locker will be at the NFL Combine this weekend, working out in front of every NFL team in Indianapolis. How he performs there, and whether his mechanics are improved, will go a long way towards determining his fate.

For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker Could Have Time To Develop With Seattle Seahawks

Washington quarterback Jake Locker has been called a reps quarterback ahead of the 2011 NFL Draft, a fancy way of saying he needs time to develop in the NFL. Locker is far from a finished product at this point as questions about his accuracy and mechanics persist. It makes spending a first-round pick on Locker a gamble in many ways, with most scouts opining Locker won’t be making an immediate impact in the NFL, though his upside and physical tools could pay off in the long run. Because of the risk, Locker has fallen out of many 2011 NFL mock drafts, though he’s recently showed back up in the first round as analysts continue to struggle with where to put him.

In his latest mock draft, Buffalo News’ Allen Wilson projects the Seahawks will take Locker. We’ve seen many predict the same recently, with the sentiment being that the Seahawks could allow Locker to develop as Matt Hasselbeck’s career winds down, perhaps using Charlie Whitehurst as a short-term stop-gap solution.

Matt Hasselbeck is expected to return and Charlie Whitehurst also will be back, so the Seahawks can afford to gamble on Locker, who has talent but needs time for polishing.

His reasoning is solid, but should the Seahawks gamble with a first-round pick? It’s unlikely Locker will be around late in the second round, making the 25th pick now or never time for Pete Carroll and the rest of the Seahawks staff.

As Wilson notes, making trades to move around in the draft is much more complicated this year with a lockout looming and the chances of a new collective bargaining agreement being in place ahead of the draft slim to none. Without an agreement, teams will only be able to swap picks. Additionally, with free agency at a standstill, teams will have to rely more heavily on the draft to fill needs, perhaps forcing the Seahawks into dealing with other pressing issues ahead of drafting a quarterback seen as a developmental prospect.

Locker has a chance to shine in the immediate future as he heads to the NFL combine with plenty to prove. Keep an eye on how Locker performs in a situation almost tailor-made to showcase his skills.

For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker To Seattle Seahawks Gaining Steam

After falling out of the first round for some time following the Senior Bowl, Jake Locker is climbing the boards ahead of the NFL Combine, moving back into the first 32 picks in multiple mock drafts. In SB Nation’s latest 2011 NFL mock draft, Locker is back in a familiar spot, projected to head to Seattle with the 25th pick in the draft.

The reasoning is simple, and not unlike many of the reasons we’ve seen given for the Seahawks potentially taking a shot at Locker. Seattle needs a quarterback with Matt Hasselbeck nearing the end of the line and Locker brings a high-upside to the table.

It’s no secret that the Seahawks need a long-term answer at quarterback, and there are too many connected dots here to ignore: the geography, the coaching tree and Matt Hasselbeck’s presence make this a very logical choice for Seattle.

Of course, the coaching tree angle also makes sense. Pete Carroll has seen Locker up-close and personal while coaching at USC. Carroll also has the added advantage of having former staff-mate, and friend, Steve Sarkisian down the road, as well. Sarkisian knows quarterbacks and has been responsible for Locker’s development over the last few years. Would Carroll listen and take a stab at Locker in the first round?

We’ll find out as the 2011 NFL Draft, set for the last weekend in April, draws closer. For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Todd McShay Likes Jake Locker In Seattle

Over the last week, there’s been a near-consensus about who the Seattle Seahawks should take with the 25th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. While looking at the various 2011 NFL mock drafts out in the wild, Florida offensive lineman Mike Pouncey is a name that’s been showing up with frequency at the No. 25 pick as the draft starts to become a little more clear. ESPN’s Mel Kiper went that route earlier this week, but his counterpart, Todd McShay, is still stuck on Jake Locker, even keeping the former Washington quarterback in his first round.

ESPN’s NFC West blogger Mike Sando took a look at Kiper and McShay’s mock drafts, comparing the two and adding some of his own input. Kiper likes Pouncey to Seattle while McShay thinks the Seahawks go with the hometown kid, Jake Locker, when April’s draft rolls around. Sando’s enlisted help, Scouts Inc.‘s Steve Muench, isn’t high on the quarterback class, and thinks the Seahawks should pass on a quarterback if one of the top-flight guys isn’t available.

The story is going to be Locker, if he is there. Pete Carroll should have a feel for him from going against Locker in the Pac-10. If one of the top three quarterbacks is not available, I think it would be a mistake to take a quarterback at 25.

Sando, on the other hand, singled out the defensive line, wondering if the Seahawks should draft a versatile defensive end to compliment Chris Clemons. The problem, however, is availability, with it yet unknown whether a player that fits the mold will be around at No. 25.

Overall, though, the projections for the Seahawks have fallen into just a few schools of thought. Seattle needs a quarterback, help on the offensive line and help on the defensive line. While the quarterback position is thin, the depth on both lines in the 2011 draft makes it easier to see the Seahawks taking a hard look at a lineman in the first round. It may be the safe pick, but it could also be a building block for the future.

For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper Projects Mike Pouncey To Seattle Seahawks

Mel Kiper is back at it again, releasing his second 2011 NFL mock draft (insider only) into the wild on Wednesday. The first time around, Kiper had the Seattle Seahawks taking a quarterback — Ryan Mallet — in an effort to replace Matt Hasselbeck in the long-term. In his mock draft 2.0, however, Kiper reversed course, staying on the offensive side of the ball, but projecting the Seahawks would take Florida offensive lineman Mike Pouncey.

Kiper’s reasoning for the Seahawks drafting Pouncey is simple and sound; Seattle needs a run-game, and a strong left side of the offensive line would go a long way towards getting it going.

When Seattle was at its best, it was a running team built behind the left side of Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson. The Hawks addressed the tackle position in last year’s draft, adding Russell Okung for the left tackle spot. Pouncey, who has good bloodlines and good smarts as an interior blocker, can help at either guard or center.

When healthy, Okung can be one of the best around, making an impact on the game with both his run- and pass-blocking. But the Seahawks are still missing that Hutchinson-type player — the guard that has the ability to compliment their strong left tackle.

It’s not the first, and likely won’t be the last, time we’ve seen Pouncey projected as the Seahawks first-round pick. Though his ability to reliably snap the ball in the shotgun was much-maligned in 2010, he’s a solid blocker, and versatile enough to be a plug-and-play lineman at either center or guard. With Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert likely off the board well before the Seahawks pick, finding a quarterback that isn’t a high-risk pick in the first round seems unlikely, making Pouncey an excellent “Plan B.”

For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Newton No. 1 Overall Pick In Chad Reuter's Latest Mock Draft

As they do every week, CBS Sports’ Chad Reuter and Rob Rang released their latest 2011 NFL mock drafts, updating their projections after the happenings of last week. One player, Auburn’s Cam Newton, shot up the boards, with Reuter projecting that the Carolina Panthers will use the No. 1 overall pick on Newton. Carolina, if you’ll remember, was a lock to take Stanford’s Andrew Luck, the consensus best pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, before Luck chose to stay at Stanford for another year.

The pick comes with a caveat, according to Reuter, and it may not be Carolina that lands Newton. Instead, the Panthers could dangle the prospect of a trade out to see which teams bite.

Newton’s physical attributes and personality will entice at least one team enough to make a deal with Carolina for this pick. Even the Panthers could pick up Newton, as new head coach Ron Rivera was not on board when the team selected Jimmy Clausen last fall.

Keep in mind, if a new collective bargaining agreement isn’t in place and the owners choose to lock the players out, draft day trades could only involve picks, not players. Because of that, the odds of a trade for the No. 1 overall pick seem low, with teams having to give up a haul of picks both now and in the future to supplement the inability to trade away immediate impact players. The labor negotiations could throw a wrench into what’s typically a busy draft, with teams wheeling and dealing throughout the three days.

For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper, Todd McShay Talk Quarterbacks And Big Boards

Mel Kiper and Todd McShay are getting into individual breakdowns with two months to go to the draft and the quarterbacks were first on the table. From Blaine Gabbert to Cam Newton to Jake Locker, McShay and Kiper analyzed which of the top 5 quarterbacks have the biggest upside, hold the biggest risks and may be the sleep of the draft. The answers, while not surprising, give us a baseline to work with.

Surprisingly, Locker was just kind of there, not being mentioned in any of the three categories each spoke of. Locker was second on McShay’s board, and just below that on Kiper’s. Were I nail down Locker as a high-upside, high-risk or sleeper candidate, I’d throw him in the high-risk. At the same time, he does have a high upside, as well.

Newton was the big winner for Kiper as the NFL Draft analyst pegged him as the guy we’d look back on in a few years and call the best quarterback of the class. McShay went the easiest route, choosing Gabbert as the high-upside pick.

If Newton wasn’t the guy McShay thought would be the sure-fire best, it’s easy to see why he placed him in the high-risk category. In doing so, he said Newton had the tools, butsome of those intangibles may or may not be there. The transition to the NFL-style was also a question mark. Kiper, on the other hand, chose Ryan Mallett, the cannon-arm quarterback from Arkansas. It’s clear Mallett has the physical tools, but what goes on between the ears has been called into question, making him a risk pick.

As for the sleeper, both agreed: Andy Dalton is the man for the job. Dalton has seen his stock rise quickly lately, moving all the way up to fifth on both ESPN analysts’ Big Boards, putting him into the second round, most likely. Dalton has those intangibles many value so much, but it’s the physical tools in question. He could, however, be a second round steal.

Though none of it is a surprise, it’s always interesting to hear the differing opinions about these top-5 quarterbacks. As the draft nears, each will be put under the microscope as teams try to figure out whose skills will translate to the NFL.

For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: First, Second Round Picks For Seattle Seahawks In Latest Mock Draft

With the NFL scouting combine coming, the latest 2011 NFL mock draft from SB Nation has expanded, spanning both the first- and second-round this time around. The picks are, once again, changing, with Cam Newton shooting up the boards and into the top-10, ahead of Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert. Newton impressed last week at a workout in front of the media, giving him a mock draft boost in the first update since.

For the Seattle Seahawks, the first round pick has changed again this time around. Instead of a quarterback, offensive lineman or defensive lineman, the Seahawks are projected to take a cornerback in the first round. It’s a name I haven’t seen before, but is an intriguing pick.

Seattle Seahawks: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado. Despite its surprising playoff run, the Seahawks are still sufficiently lacking in overall talent that they can get away with taking the best player here.

And, of course, since we’re working with two rounds, we can also take a look at the Seahawks’ second pick at No. 57. SB Nation projects Seattle will take an offensive lineman in the second round, addressing an immediate need in an effort to shore-up pass protection and run-blocking.

57. Seattle Seahawks: Rodney Hudson, OG, Florida State. NFL scouts are concerned about Hudson’s playing weight, but he’s too talented to last much further than this point in the second round.

Hudson sounds like a high-upside guy with questions, and could be a great fit with that second-round pick.

Though a cornerback from Colorado and an offensive lineman from Florida State may not be “sexy” picks, both fill needs and seem to fall in line with the Seahawks needs. That can all change with the NFL combine coming up as players look to impress. We’ll see plenty of draft stock movement in the next few weeks, but should come out of it with a better idea of which prospects are rising, which are falling and who could end up in Seattle.

For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper Praises Cam Newton, Picks Apart Jake Locker

Mel Kiper hasn't released a second 2011 NFL mock draft since dropping his first version on the world back in January, but he has made changes to his "Big Board" and picked apart some of the top prospects recently. On Friday, it was Cam Newton and Jake Locker in his cross-hairs, but both received strikingly different reviews. Newton, fresh off his workout in front of the media was praised by Kiper while Locker, fresh off a less than Stellar Senior Bowl performance, was picked apart.

Here's the video from ESPN.

Kiper opines Newton could find himself in the top-10, if not the top-five. It's the intangibles -- and the football smarts -- that will determine how high Newton goes, according to Kiper. While Newton's physical skills are clearly outstanding, it's going to take working through the interview process for teams in the top-10 to be completely sold on spending a high pick on the former Auburn quarterback.

Locker, on the other hand, drew a less than glowing review. After Todd McShay dropped Locker all the way down to the No. 25 spot, headed to the Seahawks, Kiper said he agreed with the assessment, and said Locker is falling right out of the first round. Kiper cited Locker's completion percentage and disappointing senior season while saying it's possible Locker falls to the second round. At the same time, Kiper said Locker going in the second round isn't necessarily a bad thing and doesn't mean he'll never make it in the NFL.

For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker, Stephen Paea Slide Out Of The Top 32

For different reasons, two local prospects are sliding as the 2011 NFL Draft approaches. One of those prospects — Jake Locker — has questions about his accuracy, mechanics and football IQ, if you will. The other, Stephen Paea, suffered an injury at the Senior Bowl, and has seen his stock fall because of it, leaving him outside the first round. As we’ve seen this week, the mock drafts have reflected both prospects’ falling stocks, with each sliding all the way out of the first round.

Over at CBS Sports, Rob Rang updated his “Big Board” on Friday, and a few names are noticeable absent. Both Locker and Paea are out of the top 32. Paea is out because of the injury, something Rang noted. With Locker, however, he doesn’t offer an explanation in the post. Considering what’s gone on in the last two weeks, it’s not hard to figure out.

Is it a death blow that Locker is falling with two months to go before the draft? Not at all. In fact, Locker has plenty to gain and not a ton to lose with the NFL combine and individual workouts coming up. There’s no way Locker falls past the early to mid second round, but he can shoot up draft boards with strong workouts. And with the workouts come the interviews, as well, something Locker will clearly excel at.

What we’re seeing with Locker recently is the hype colliding with realism. Yes, his physical tools are outstanding — he’s definitely a gifted athlete. But at the same time, there are questions about his ability to play quarterback that he simply cannot shake.

For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Newton Has Strong Workout, Lands In Todd McShay's Top-10

Auburn quarterback Cam Newton has moved around in plenty of 2011 NFL mock drafts, sliding either into the top 10 or near the end of the first round. At one point, Newton slid all the way to No. 25, projected to be taken by the Seattle Seahawks. But Newton took to the field in California today for a workout in front of a variety of media members, drawing rave reviews for his performance. It was enough that those in attendance, including ESPN analysts, were astounded by his performance — in a good way — with some calling him an easy top-five pick.

Along with those reviews came Todd McShay’s latest mock draft — the third version this year. In it, McShay projected Newton would land in the top 10, going to the Washington Redskins with the 10th pick in the draft. It’s not unexpected, and about where the average mock draft has had him up so far, but that could all change in a hurry.

Keep in mind Newton only worked out in front of the media — a very calculated move. Scouts have yet to get a look at him in workouts, though that will come later. Instead, Newton is working to build a buzz, and it worked like a charm today as those in California had nothing but good things to say as early reviews roll in.

Could Newton find himself in the top 5? Will his stock continue to rise ahead of the 2011 NFL Draft? Right now, it sure looks that way.

For more on the draft, check out our mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Taiwan Jones Impresses, Called Electrifying Open-Field Runner

It’s taken some time, but draft analysts are starting to take a closer look at Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones — and the results have been outstanding for Jones. As with any FCS-level player, there’s a bit of an unknown when judging how skills will translate to the NFL, purely based on the level of competition. In Jones’ case, though, his game-breaking ability trumps all, and has him moving up mock draft boards on the double.

CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang finally got around to watching Jones’ game-film and came away impressed. Not only did he have high-praise for Jones, he called him the most electrifying open-field runner in the draft.

Doing film on #EWU Jr RB Taiwan Jones. Wow. The most electrifying open-field runner I’ve seen this year. At RB or WR. FCS or FBS.

That’s saying a lot from someone who knows the ins-and-outs of the draft and has studied a good amount of the 2011 draft class. Jones’ draft stock continues to rise as a result, and he’s listed as a mid-round pick despite recovering from a foot injury and rehabbing ahead of the draft.

Though his durability has been called into question, there’s no doubt Jones can be a game-breaking running back when healthy. It’s that ability to get into the open-field and make people miss that’s trumping all for Jones, and should have him continuing to rise ahead of the draft.

For more stock updates, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker Sees Stock Continue To Fall

More than a week after the Senior Bowl, reviews are still rolling in, with many analysts still picking out winners and losers from the college all-star games. To recap, Jake Locker was off-and-on in Senior Bowl practices before completing 6-10 passes in the game itself on Saturday. Those practices, however, are what mattered in the eyes of scouts, and Locker didn’t do much to endear himself to NFL teams from a physical standpoint. Because of that, he’s seen his stock fall in the mock drafts, even sliding all the way out of the first round in many.

National Football Post’s Wes Bunting reviewed all the college football all-star games on Tuesday and his evaluation of Locker wasn’t glowing. He concluded that it’s tough to see a team spending a first-round pick on the former Washington quarterback, with his neck-up ability the biggest sticking point.

However, when watching him throughout the week of practice I just can’t understand how you can take a guy with so many inconsistencies in his game in the first round. He never seemed to have a great grasp on the offense as he rarely seemed in control and really struggled to quickly decipher information vs. strictly cover one and cover three looks. He’s got it physically, but from the shoulders up it’s a different story and his week in Mobile was just a further exclamation point on everything I saw on tape from the guy this past season.

Bunting was the analyst that called Locker a “reps quarterback” at the Senior Bowl, saying it would take a serious amount of development and practice work for him to succeed at the NFL-level. While many analysts had a tough time nailing down where Locker would land before, there’s been a near-unanimous agreement now that he’s simply not a first rounder.

Of course, all that could change in the next two months with the combine, interviews and individual workouts. If the Senior Bowl was any indication, though, Locker has some serious work to do.

For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker, Seattle Seahawks Meet Again

Another week means another round of mock drafts as analysts try to project the first 32 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft. Jake Locker saw his draft stock fall last week following an inconsistent Senior Bowl performance in which scouts questioned his accuracy and mechanics. This week, however, Locker is back in the first round of at least one mock draft, and his landing spot should make plenty of Washington fans happy.

SB Nation’s latest 2011 NFL mock draft has Locker heading to Seattle with the 25th pick in the draft. The reasoning follows the same line of thinking we’ve seen all along: the Seahawks need a quarterback and would be happy to take any of the top-four, should they fall to pick No. 25.

It’s easy to just slide any quarterback into this spot, but Locker would be a great pick for Seattle. The USC connection is there, no one questions Locker’s intangibles and raw talent, and Matt Hasselbeck’s presence affords Locker the time he needs to develop.

Though Locker would have time to develop in Seattle, that time would still be short. In all likelihood, Matt Hasselbeck will be around another year, but will he be able to play at a high-level for much longer than that? If not, Locker would have to develop quickly in an effort to be ready to take the reins in 2012 and beyond. With all the questions surrounding his mechanics and ability to make the right reads, it’s tough to see Locker as anything more than a long-term project, needing plenty of reps and work to transform into an NFL quarterback.

For the latest, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Ryan Kerrigan An Option For Seattle Seahawks, According To One

Yet another defensive lineman has been thrown into the mix for the Seattle Seahawks in the latest round of mock drafts. We’ve seen interior linemen — Corey Liuget, Stephen Paea and more — projected as the Seahawks pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, but we haven’t seen many pass-rushing defensive ends. Cameron Heyward was one, but the prevailing sentiment is that the Seahawks need a quarterback or defensive tackle.

With the roll-out of National Football Post’s NFL Draft Central came another round of mock drafts. In the latest from NFP, Ryan Kerrigan, a defensive end from Purdue, is the Seahawks pick in the first round. According to the scouting report, he’s a versatile prospect with the ability to play end or slide inside and play tackle in certain situations.

Possesses a good-sized frame for the position and looks comfortable lining up at both defensive end spots. Will even kick inside to tackle on third down and has the ability to create pressure inside as well. Isn’t the most natural of benders and struggles to completely sit into his stance

Kerrigan has pluses and a few things to work on, but he looks like a suitable defensive line prospect. Judging by the quarterbacks that may be available late in the first round, choosing a defensive lineman may be the best bet for the Seahawks, and there’s plenty available. Overall, this is a loaded draft class along the line, both in top-end talent and depth throughout the draft. If the Seahawks scouting department can pick one out of the bunch, it seems likely we’ll see one taken off the board at 25.

For the latest from the various projections, check out our 2011 NFL Mock Draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper Drops Jake Locker After Senior Bowl Performance

While reviews of Jake Locker’s Senior Bowl performance were mixed at the time, it appears he did more to hurt his stock than help it in Alabama last weekend. Locker was inconsistent throughout the week of practices, struggling with his footwork and accuracy at times. In the first round of mock drafts after the Senior Bowl, Locker’s stock took a significant hit, with many analysts dropping him out of the first round. The latest draft expert to drop Locker out of the upper-echelon of draft prospects was none other than Mel Kiper.

Kiper, ESPN’s draft guru and resident hair expert, wasn’t impressed with Locker, dropping the former Washington quarterback, and Alabama quarterback Ryan Mallett, down on his NFL Draft Big Board. As of today, Locker is outside of the top-25, a discouraging omen for his chances in April’s draft. He did, however, quantify the statement, saying Locker had plenty of time to recover (via Christian Caple of the Seattle PI).

Each has tremendous talent and upside, but these two also have question marks, and have some work to do during the workout process over the next two months to bounce back.

Locker has some work to do ahead of the draft, but will have plenty of chances to improve in the eyes of NFL scouts. Between the combine, individual workouts and the ever-so-important interview process, there’s a good chance Locker will redeem himself and improve, though it’s likely he’ll still be the third- or fourth-best quarterback prospect in the 2011 draft class.

It’s his character and work ethic — something that will shine through during interviews at the combine and otherwise — that increases the likelihood that a team falls in love with him. Even though he may be a borderline first-rounder now, by the time the draft rolls there’s a good chance someone snatches him up in the first 32 picks.

For the latest on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Ryan Mallett As Polarizing As Jake Locker

The quarterbacks in the 2011 NFL Draft have been impossible to nail down, with nearly every mock draft arranging them in different orders, going to different places. Blaine Gabbert seems to be the only certainty, as the first quarterback off the board, but his destination is still all over the map. Working down the line, Ryan Mallett and Jake Locker continue to be unknown quantities, with some placing one or the other in the top 10 and others not having either as a first-round pick.

Mallett, originally thought of as a Seattle Seahawks target, is just as polarizing as Locker, who has been all over the map in projections following the 2010 season. Over at CBS, Rob Rang and Chad Reuter are unable to form anything resembling a consensus. Rang has Mallett in the top 10 as the second quarterback off the board right now. He sees Mallett as a building block for a Tennessee Titans franchise that’s in desperate need of something new.

Clearly, Adams is starting over, and will need a new leader on the field. Mallett’s leadership has been questioned but has the arm strength and ability to contribute early in his career.

On the other hand, Reuter doesn’t see Mallett as a first-rounder at all, dropping him all the way out of his mock draft this week. In fact, Reuter doesn’t see either Locker or Mallett in the first round, knocking both out, leaving just two quarterbacks — Cam Newton and Gabbert — in the first 32 picks. Seeing only two quarterbacks in the round is surprising considering the affinity for the position that’s typically prevalent in the first round of the draft.

Keep an eye on where Mallett and Locker move as the draft nears. Is it possible neither end up in the first round? To me, it seems highly unlikely.

For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker Falls Out Of Both CBS Drafts

While reviews of Jake Locker’s week at the Senior Bowl were mixed, it appears two mock draft experts felt Locker had an atrocious week in Alabama, as evidenced by the latest incarnation’s of their respective draft projections. Locker was up-and-down at the Senior Bowl, struggling with inconsistency but also putting together a 6-10 performance in the game itself. He left the game with as many questions as he came into it with as scouts wondered about his footwork, mechanics and ability to make all the throws necessary to be a successful NFL quarterback.

On Monday, when CBS Sports released both of its latest mock drafts, one player was conspicuously absent. Both Rob Rang and Chad Reuter left Locker out of the first round. Just one week ago, Locker was inside the top-20, only to become a borderline first-0rounder after the Senior Bowl.

Washington senior QB Jake Locker looked the part of an athletic quarterback, but the inconsistent accuracy on display over the past two seasons was readily apparent during the week of practices. Even if Locker isn’t selected early in the first round, a team will likely be enticed to jump from the early second round into the No. 25-32 range to take a chance on his upside.

We could be looking at a Tim Tebow situation, where a team trades up into the bottom-half of the first round to snatch Locker. After many analysts praised Locker following his junior year, with one even tabbing him as the No. 1 overall pick, it’s surprising how far he’s fallen. At the same time, life isn’t over for Locker, and he still has plenty of time to convince a team to take a shot on him when April’s draft rolls.

For the latest projections, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker Right In The Middle Of The First Round

It seems like Blaine Gabbert is the only quarterback the mock draft experts can agree on ahead of the NFL draft. Gabbert has been the first quarterback off the board in every mock draft for the better part of the month, rising in the rankings after opting to forgo his senior year at Missouri. After that, though, it gets more complicated, with Cam Newton, Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett all jockeying for position as analysts try to project where each fits in the first round of the draft.

Though Locker had an inconsistent week at the Senior Bowl, the latest 2011 NFL mock draft from SB Nation projects he’ll be the second quarterback taken, coming off the board smack-dab in the middle of the first round.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Jake Locker, QB, Washington: It was an up-and-down week for Locker at Mobile, as the Washington signal-caller got mixed reviews, to say the least. He’s still in play for Jacksonville, who might consider him if all of the draft’s best senior defensive linemen are off the board.

Jacksonville holds the 16th pick in the draft, but hasn’t been connected to a quarterback until now. In this week’s version of the mock draft, the four quarterbacks are falling fast, with Gabbert coming off the board first at No. 12 pick, Locker at No. 16 and Cam Newton at No. 25, to the Seahawks. Ryan Mallet is the odd-man out, falling to the second round.

Still, that Locker is still projected as a mid-round pick after an up-and-down week at the Senior Bowl is encouraging. With plenty of time to refine his mechanics and improve his accuracy ahead of the draft, Locker still has a chance to move up and improve his draft stock in the next two months.

For more on projects, check out our mock draft StoryStream. For more on Locker’s week in Alabama, check out our Senior Bowl StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Newton The Seahawks' Pick In One Draft

The pick of the day would be a long shot, at best, for the Seattle Seahawks. Following the Senior Bowl, the latest mock drafts look like they’ve had a bomb dropped on them, with picks scattered about in places we’d never expected them to be. Quarterbacks have gone flying, falling out of the top 10, and defense is ruling the day. Most surprising of all: Cam Newton is available late in the first round.

Because Newton, the 2010 Heisman trophy winner, is around when the Seahawks pick at No. 25, SB Nation’s 2011 NFL Mock Draft has him headed to Seattle, though they do quantify the statement.

Cam Newton will probably not be available this deep into round one. That’s putting it mildly. Without projecting trades, however, he slides to a QB-needy Seahawks team that would likely sprint the card bearing his name to the podium.

It’s hard to believe Newton would fall all the way to 25th considering the significant amount of hype about his abilities ahead of the draft. Newton is a physical specimen, possessing the size to run over defenders and a cannon for an arm. Like the rest of the quarterbacks in the draft, Newton also has questions surrounding his game. Many wonder if he can be an accurate passer or if he can transition to a pro-style after working in the spread.

For the latest mock drafts, check out the rest of our StoryStream as we try to figure out who the Seahawks will take when April’s NFL Draft rolls around.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Has Jake Locker Fallen Out Of The First Round?

Washington quarterback Jake Locker is in Mobile, Alabama this week, going through workouts in front of a bevy of scouts and analysts as he attempts to boost his draft stock at the Senior Bowl. Though many have said Locker improved each day, he didn’t exactly get glowing reviews overall, leaving with more questions than answers. The biggest question now: has Locker played himself out of the first round?

One analyst, Russ Lande, has been a staunch critic of Locker and can’t fathom the quarterback going in the first round. He sees mechanics issues with Locker’s release and accuracy that doesn’t appear to be improving at all.

I may wind up being wrong about this, but I don’t see how University of Washington QB Jake Locker will be selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. His passing mechanics continue to be a big issue. He rarely put together two accurate passes in a row and his release point needs to be adjusted.

In the latest SB Nation 2011 NFL mock draft, Locker was projected to be the Seahawks pick. If it’s true Locker has hurt his stock enough to scare teams away from using a first round pick on him, would the Seahawks reach and grab Locker with the 25th pick? With as many questions as there have been about him, it’s clear the risk is high, but the reward — if he’s able to miraculously figure it out — could be great, as well.

For the latest mock drafts, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Corey Liuget Among Defensive Tackle Prospects At No. 25

The Seahawks need help on both the offensive and defensive lines, that much has been clear. By the time the NFL Draft rolls around, the team should have a clear priority of what positions it intends to target — whether it be quarterback, offensive line, defensive line or otherwise. One of those, the defensive line, keeps popping up over and over again in mock drafts, with Corey Liuget showing up more than once, as well.

Liuget is a big body in the middle from Miami. In 2010, he recorded 63 tackles — 12.5 of which came for a loss — and 4.5 sacks. It’s not just the numbers, though they’re good, but the size. At 6-foot-3 300 pounds, Liuget has the size and strength to anchor the middle of the defense with Brandon Mebane.

The Sports Agent Blog projected the Seahawks would take Liuget in their latest mock draft, noting the need for a defensive tackle.

With the high odds of Stephen Paea going to the Colts, the Seahawks need to get a hold of a DT in the draft. Whether it is Liuget or Drake Nevis, they need one. I am a firm believer that everything starts in the trenches.

Keep in mind this could all change with Stephen Paea’s injury, suffered at the Senior Bowl. It’s clear the Seahawks will be looking for a lineman at some point, and defensive tackle may be the deepest position in the first round of the draft.

For the latest mock drafts from around the Internet, check out our mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Stephen Paea's Injury And How It May Affect The Seahawks

Oregon State defensive lineman Stephen Paea has been projected as the Seattle Seahawks' pick in at least on mock draft this week, but may have severely hurt his draft stock at the Senior Bowl. It’s not because of an underwhelming performance — he was outstanding, as always — but because of an injury suffered sometime during the Monday workouts. Paea never showed apparent signs of the injury, but wasn’t at workouts on Tuesday, either.

First, the mock draft itself. Drafttek has the Seahawks taking Paea with the 25th pick in the draft because of his ability to clog the middle and give Seattle a boost on the defensive line.

After watching the first two Senior Bowl practices, Paea is not a NT, but a penetrating 3-technique DT which is exactly what the Seahawks need — push up the middle. Outside of Kentwan Balmer at DE, the Seattle DL is made up of a bunch of guys named Fred — put Paea next to run-stuffer Colin Cole and you immediately improve MLB Lofa Tatupu’s performance

On the injury front, CBS Sports passed along word that trainers fear Paea has a torn meniscus.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported that Paea was sidelined because he was undergoing an MRI on his knee for a possible torn lateral meniscus. I’ve since confirmed with multiple sources at the South practice this afternoon that this, is indeed, the case.

Any injury, and especially one to the knee, that occurs as prospects are preparing for the draft has a significant chance to shakeup the draft. Should the initial fears be confirmed with the MRI, it’s very likely Paea sees his stock plummet.

It’s a shame Paea was injured at the Senior Bowl — a time when prospects are trying to raise their draft stocks in what is, essentially, a glorified all-star game. We’ll keep you posted on the injury and keep track of what it does to Paea’s draft stock, and how it affects the Seahawks pick, as details become available.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Mike Pouncey Could Be A Great Fit In Seattle

Quarterback has been the focus for the Seahawks in many mock drafts, but are there bigger areas of need? We’ve seen defensive lineman, running backs and even cornerbacks pop up, but CBS Sports’ Rob Rang went a different route this week. It’s the middle of the offensive line — the heart of the offense — that needs help, and he addressed that in his latest mock draft.

In his latest mock draft, Rang has the Seahawks taking Florida center Mike Pouncey with the 25th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Pouncey projects as a guard at the next level, and is among the upper-echelon of offensive lineman. Rang does, however, quantify his statement, saying the Seahawks should think about drafting a quarterback if one of the top-four are available.

Should one of the upper-echelon quarterbacks fall to Seattle at this spot, the Seahawks would be wise to think about their future. Rather than panic if they aren’t however, the team can address its weakest link – interior offensive line play

The Seahawks do need help on the line, especially at the guard spots. Russell Okung has been solid, when healthy, on the outside, but the rotating cast of characters on the rest of the line were problematic for the Seahawks. It shows in the rushing offense that averaged 89 yards per game and in the pass protection that, at times, was shoddy at best.

Pouncey was a name I heard floated earlier this weekend and agreed with. There aren’t many interior lineman that could be considered first-round quality, but Pouncey is one. If he’s around and there isn’t a quarterback the Seahawks are in love with at No. 25, he’d be a solid pickup.

Stay tuned to our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream for the latest look at the projections ahead of April’s draft.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker The Latest Seahawks Pick

You knew it had to happen sometime. This week, Jake Locker is the flavor of the day for the Seattle Seahawks, just a week after Mel Kiper said his sources were telling him the Seahawks preferred Ryan Mallett to Locker in the 2011 NFL Draft. In today’s newest NFL mock draft, Locker is the pick for the Seahawks, heading to Seattle with the 25th pick in the draft.

With Locker at No. 25, Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett exits the first round. SB Nation is projecting only three quarterbacks taken in the first 32 picks — Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert and Locker. Gabbert is first off the board, as expected, heading to Tennessee with the eighth pick.

The reasons for the Seahawks to pick Locker are simple. The Seahawks need a quarterback of the future and Locker could be that answer, according to SB Nation. With Hasselbeck likely back in a Seahawks uniform next year, Locker would have time to develop without the pressure of taking the reins right away.

Pete Carroll has made it very clear that Matt Hasselbeck will be his starting quarterback heading into the 2011 season. Locker is a highly talented, local prospect that the team can groom behind Hasselbeck as its long-term starter.

While that’s the pick for this week, there’s a good chance Locker’s draft stock soars beyond the Seahawks reach. In the 2011 Senior Bowl, he’ll have a chance to impress this weekend, going through the rigor of NFL-style practices ahead of the game.

For all the analysis and picks, check out SB nation’s 2011 NFL mock draft.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Taiwan Jones A Fifth Round Pick, Could Shoot Up The Board

In confirming Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones was, indeed, an early entrant in the 2011 NFL Draft, CBS Sports’ Rob Rang, one of the best draft gurus around, took a look at the potential upside of Jones ahead of the draft. There was some confusion as to whether or not Jones had actually declared on Monday when the full list of players granted a special exemption — those that chose to forgo college eligibility — didn’t include his name. Jones is the definition of a sleeper right now, but could spring to life if his foot heals and he can put the concerns about his durability to rest.

As of now, Rang and CBS have Jones as a fifth-rounder. Though he’s in the bottom half of the draft right now, that could all change in the span of a few months.

Jones, a former cornerback, possesses a combination of speed and elusiveness that quite frankly is rare at the the FCS level. He is currently rated as a 5th round pick by NFLDraftScout.com, but if he can prove his health to scouts at the Combine, he could skyrocket up draft boards.

Jones’ health is a legitimate concern, however. In 2008, he broke his fibula. In 2009, it was a variety of injuries ranging from a hip flexor to an injured shoulder. Finally, in 2010, he broke his foot during the Eagles playoff run, missing the final two games of the season.

When healthy, there’s no doubt Jones has the potential a diamond in the rough for whichever team drafts him. If he can wow scouts with his athleticism, Jones has a chance to easily jump into the top-half of the draft and have an immediate impact in the NFL.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker Goes Early In Todd McShay's, Not A First-Rounder In Mel Kiper's

Looking at the various 2011 NFL mock drafts, it’s clear the experts have no idea where to put Washington quarterback Jake Locker right now. An illustration of how difficult it’s been to peg where Locker may end up lies in the two most recent ESPN mock drafts, submitted by Todd McShay and Mel Kiper. At best, there’s a 25 spot swing, with one projecting Locker as a high first-rounder and the other pegging Locker as a second-rounder.

Todd McShay has Locker off the board at No. 8. The lack of top-end quarterback prospects in the draft helps Locker here, according to McShay. Even though he calls Locker a reach at No. 8, he justifies it by saying the Tennessee Titans have a need at quarterback and Locker may fill it. Only Blaine Gabbert grades out high-enough to be taken in the top-10, but it’s likely he’s off the board by the eight pick. That leaves Locker, Ryan Mallett and Cam Newton for the Titans, and McShay feels Locker is the best option here.

Right now, Locker isn’t a first-rounder, according to Mel Kiper. In his first mock draft, Kiper projected the Seattle Seahawks would take a quarterback. With the choice between Ryan Mallett and Jake Locker, though, Kiper felt the Seahawks would choose the former, based on what his sources are telling him. Though he doesn’t have Locker in the first round right now, he hedges by saying the Seahawks attitude could change and Locker could see his stock improve down the line.

Where will Locker end up? It’s almost a certainty that he’ll overcome the questions about his accuracy as he wows scouts ahead of April’s draft. There’s no denying Locker’s character and his physical tools are outstanding. Someone in the top-half of the draft will snatch him up as his stock continues to rise.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper, Todd McShay Disagree About Top-Five, As Expected

Mel Kiper released his first 2011 NFL mock draft on Wednesday, pegging Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley as his No. 1. Of course, it wouldn’t be mock draft season if ESPN’s Todd McShay didn’t respond (note: insider article). Not surprisingly, McShay and Kiper disagree about every pick in the top five.

McShay has A.J. Green, and not Marcell Dareus, in his top five.. Kiper has Dareus as the No. 3 pick, while McShay has him outside the top five, instead inserting Green as the No. 4 pick, heading to the Cincinnati Bengals. Green may be the most talented player in the draft class, but teams also tend to shy away from wide receivers at the very top of the draft, as well.

McShay has Da’Quan Bowers as the No. 1 overall pick. The top-two picks are swapped in his draft, with Nick Fairley as the No. 2 pick. These two seems to be interchangeable at the moment, and either could end up hearing their name called first in April. It will be interesting to see whether Fairley or Bowers can distance themselves in workouts.

Kiper has Blaine Gabbert heading to Arizona with the fifth pick, McShay has him heading to Buffalo with the third pick. Either way, Gabbert is in line for a substantial payday. Both the Bills and Cardinals have a need at quarterback, and Gabbert appears to be distancing himself from the rest of the elite quarterbacks — Cam Newton, Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett — as the draft inches closer. Should he fall to Arizona, it looks like the Cardinals will snap him up, putting two young quarterback prospects with high upsides in the NFC West.

It’s clear who the top five or six prospects are in the 2011 NFL Draft. McShay and Kiper will continue to revise, re-rank and debate which draft is right and which player is the prize of the draft all the way up until April 28, when it all gets underway in New York. Stay tuned to our StoryStream for the latest updates as drafts continue to be mocked and players continue to be scrutinized.

Check out our own 2011 NFL mock draft at SB Nation for another point of view.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker Or Ryan Mallett For The Seattle Seahawks?

If the 2011 NFL Draft plays out how Mel Kiper expects it to, the Seattle Seahawks will be left with an interesting decision with the 25th pick. According to Kiper, two quarterbacks should be available late in the first round, one of which has become sort-of a hometown hero. At No. 25, Kiper has the Seahawks selecting Ryan Mallett, quarterback from Arkansas, over Jake Locker, the hometown kid from the University of Washington.

We’ve seen Locker all over the board thus far and it’s more than possible that he rises in the rankings between now and April. Would the Seahawks pass on the hometown prospect with off-the-charts athletic ability for the kid with the cannon arm from Arkansas? The choice is an intriguing one, taking into account where each would project.

Both Locker and Mallett have questions about their ability to make reads and throw an accurate ball. There’s no question Mallett has a Howitzer attached to his should, but he’s shown the tendency to get a bit squirrelly at times, as well.

Locker, on the other hand, returned for his senior year at Washington despite having his name thrown around as a top-10 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. A rough outing against Nebraska in September, and inconsistency throughout the season, noticeably hurt his draft stock, but shouldn’t knock him out of the first round. Playing behind a patchwork line, and with multiple injuries, appeared to hamper his ability in 2010, giving him room to boost his stock between now and April. He’s the type of player that should shine in a combine situation and may impress enough to move up.

It’s still early, but Kiper projecting the Seahawks to take Mallett when Locker is available is an interesting sign of just how far Locker has fallen. You can read more about Kiper’s reasoning at Bob Condotta’s blog at the Seattle Times.

For another view of the draft, check out SB Nation's 2011 NFL mock draft.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper Releases First Projections

It’s that time of the year. With his perfectly manicured hair in-tow, Mel Kiper rolled out of hiding — where he’s likely been poring over tape while methodically working maintaining his Big Board — to release his first mock draft of the year. Consider it a warmup on Kiper’s part as he and Todd McShay get to work to settle their draft grudge match once and for all — or at least until next year when they do it all again. Tis the season.

Here’s a quick peek at his mock draft. For the rest, you’ll need an insider account.

Nick Fairley vaulted into the No. 1 overall spot. A dominant performance in the BCS Championship pushed Fairley to the No. 1 spot in many drafts and Kiper’s was no exception. Without Andrew Luck, the draft is wide open, and it looks like Fairley stands to gain the most. Also in the mix: Patrick Peterson and Marcell Dareus.

The top of the draft is defensive lineman heavy. Calling it loaded with lineman may even be an understatement. Where the draft lacks in top-end left tackles, it makes up for on the other side of the ball. Fairley leads the way, with Marcell Dareus and Da’Quan Bowers joining him in the top-five. If the Seahawks are looking for a defensive lineman this year, the depth in the first round might just be to their benefit. There’s plenty of high-caliber prospects to go around.

Blaine Gabbert is the first quarterback off the board, taken in the top five. The other beneficiary from Luck’s decision to stay in school, Gabbert’s decision to enter the draft early looks like it’ll pay off in the form of a top-five, or top-ten at the worst, pick. Gabbert may be the most NFL-ready quarterback in the draft, simply by virtue of having the least amount of questions surrounding his ability. Cam Newton, Jake Locker and, perhaps, Ryan Mallet are also in the mix here.

Kiper’s draft is the first of many out of ESPN and signals the beginning of the yearly war between the ESPN draft gurus as the experts scramble to try and nail down each and every first round pick. For more on the draft, check out our own 2011 NFL mock draft at SB Nation. It’s free and free is good!

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Projections Have Brandon Harris Headed To Seattle

We’ve seen three schools of thought — defensive linemen, quarterbacks and running backs — when it comes to projecting which position the Seattle Seahawks will target with the 25th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. On Tuesday, another position of need was added to the mix — cornerback. The Seahawks pass defense was downright terrible in 2010, allowing opponents to pass for just under 250 yards per game.

SB Nation’s latest 2011 NFL mock draft, which had been projecting Seattle would take a quarterback, changed it up on Tuesday, instead choosing a cornerback for the Seahawks. Here’s a look at how it shakes out.

This week, Brandon Harris, a cornerback out of Miami, is the Seahawks projected pick in SB Nation’s mock draft. Harris is a talented athlete that opted for early entry into the draft following the season. In 2010, he finished with 44 tackles, 10 passes defensed and an interception. With Kelly Jennings likely heading toward free agency, the Seahawks need some depth at the position, even with Walter Thurmond III likely stepping into a starting role.

While Harris is listed as the Seahawks pick — for now — there are other options if the draft shakes out anywhere near how SB Nation projects. In their mock draft, Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett would both still be on the board, making it hard to believe the Seahawks would pass on either player. Would the Seahawks opt to go with a defensive back over a quarterback they could develop for the future or a defensive lineman that fills an immediate need?

With plenty of talent in the first round, the Seahawks have options, despite falling to the 25th pick after an impressive playoff run. With prospects hitting the field for workouts ahead of the draft, expect these early mock drafts to change dramatically in the coming months, leading up to April’s NFL Draft in New York. For now, it’s fun to look at the options and dissect the positions of need to get a better idea of which direction the Seahawks head when the draft does finally roll around in April.

Stay tuned to our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream for the latest look at the projections ahead of April’s draft.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Defensive Line Prospects On The Board For Seattle Seahawks

The past weekend cleared up plenty of questions about the 2011 NFL Draft, making it easier to start predicting what may happen in April. We know the Seattle Seahawks will pick 25th in the draft after a second round loss to the Chicago Bears. The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft has also passed, giving us a final list of prospects to work with. Instead of guessing which players are in or out, we now have a concrete list of players to work with.

With all the movement this weekend, lets take a look around at what’s out there on Monday morning.

CBS Sports’ Rob Rang: Red Bryant’s ACL injury exposed a lack of depth on the Seahawks’ defensive line, and Rang thinks the team will use the 25th pick to add another body to the mix. In his latest mock draft, Rang likes Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward at No. 25, believing he could bolster the Seahawks run defense.

DL Red Bryant, starring as a five-technique defensive end, helped the Seahawks emerge as one of the better run-defending teams in the NFL. Once he was lost to injury, however, Seattle’s run defense slipped appreciably. Don’t expect Seattle to rely on Bryant’s recovery from an ACL tear

CBS Sports Chad Reuter: Staying on the defensive line, Reuter went with a defensive tackle at No. 25. Cory Liuget, out of Illinois, impressed in the Illini’s bowl game and would give the Seahawks another big body to play alongside Brandon Mebane.

So far, almost every mock draft has had the Seahawks picking either a defensive lineman, quarterback or running back. It doesn’t appear that trend is about to change anytime soon, with each position appearing to be a need both now and in the future.

Stay tuned as we continue to try to figure out what the Seahawks may do when April’s NFL Draft rolls around. For more information, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Taiwan Jones A Mid-Round Sleeper

Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones declared for the 2011 NFL Draft on Friday, and is already creating a buzz in the draft world. Playing at the FCS level, his exposure is lacking, but he makes up for it with eye-popping athleticism. In 2010, he garnered FCS All-American honors, rushing for over 1,700 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Eagles.

Not mentioned much before declaring, Jones is already on his way up, and could continue to rise ahead of April’s draft. CBS Sports already updated its rankings, moving Jones way up in its prospect rankings. Jones is now the No. 13 running back in the draft, projected as a fourth round pick. He’s right there with some of the bigger names you’ll recognize, including Jacquizz Rodgers, John Clay and Kendall Hunter. Not bad for a local kid from a small school — albeit one that just took over the national spotlight with its FCS Championship win.

We’ll keep an eye on where Jones' stock moves ahead of the draft, but it’s already looking like he could surprise as more discover who he is, and get a look at some of his game-film.

Stay tuned to our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream for the latest on Jones and others ahead of April’s NFL Draft.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Newton And Nick Fairley Declare, But Boast Very Different Draft Stocks

Behind strong performances from Cam Newton and Nick Fairley, the Auburn Tigers walked away from Glendale, Arizona on Monday with the BCS Championship. Next year, however, they’ll lose both stars, as each has reportedly declared for the 2011 NFL Draft ahead of Saturday’s deadline for early entry. Though each played a starring role in Auburn’s championship, their draft stocks couldn’t be more different.

Cam Newton is the toughest draft pick to nail down. Depending on where you look, he’s either a top-five pick, or somewhere outside the top-10. Nobody can figure out how to project him, with only one year of experience to work with. With Andrew Luck opting to stay at Stanford, the quarterback class took a step back, with none of the four top-flight quarterbacks distancing themselves from the pack yet. If Newton can perform at individual workouts ahead of the draft, and wow scouts with his physical ability, he could be that top quarterback. But with all the unknowns surrounding him, it’s nearly impossible to predict where he’ll go.

Nick Fairley, on the other hand, is almost assuredly a top-three pick. Fairley dominated the BCS Championship, leaving a lasting impression on all those that watched. There's almost no chance he falls out of the top-five, and it's possible he jumps into the mix for the No. 1 overall pick. Fairley is simple too good at the defensive tackle spot, for teams to pass on him when April rolls around. In that regard, it’s easy to predict where he’ll end up.

Which of the two Auburn stars will have the most success in the NFL? The experts seem to believe it’s Fairley, judging by where his draft stock is compared to Newton’s. But if Newton pans out at the next level, his upside is through the roof and he could turn out to be the better player five or 10 years down the line.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterback Prospects Jockey For Position As Blaine Gabbert Rises

The quarterback position continues to be the hardest one to peg in the 2011 NFL Draft after Andrew Luck opted to stay at Stanford for one more year. Without the consensus top quarterback, and No. 1 overall pick, the quarterback class took a hit, with the remaining prospects all facing question marks. Every 2011 NFL mock draft seems to have a different opinion on where the top quarterbacks will land, but Blaine Gabbert appears to be emerging as a favorite as the draft picture comes into focus, though there’s a spirited about about which quarterback NFL teams will fall in love with in April.

Here’s a look at the top quarterbacks and where they’re projected to go.

Blaine Gabbert: The Missouri quarterback decided to come out early, and has seen his stock rise significantly throughout the year. With Luck gone, and the rest of the quarterbacks shrouded in uncertainly, Gabbert is looking more and more like the top guy.

CBS Sports’ Chad Reuter had this to say about Gabbert, noting he may climb all the way to No. 1 overall by the time the draft rolls around.

One personnel boss thought Gabbert could end up the first overall selection. Physically and as an athlete, he’s very similar to Alex Smith (first overall, 2005). He will also have to transition from a spread system to a pro-style offense, like Smith. His arm strength and quick release are more similar to Joe Flacco, however, which may allow him to have more success than Smith has had with the 49ers over the past six seasons.

Jake Locker: An up-and-down season appeared to hurt his draft stock, calling into question whether it was wise for Locker to return to Washington for his senior year in 2010. Still, Locker’s physical tools are likely to impress ahead of the draft, and many mock draft experts have Locker as an early first round pick, perhaps even in the top-10. His inconsistency in the passing game, and tendency to throw into coverage or be fooled by coverage, leave questions about his game. When it comes to the draft, however, potential rules the day, and Locker has plenty of it.

Cam Newton: Like Locker, Newton faces questions about his passing. In the BCS Championship, Newton completed a career-high 20 passes. Think about that. He had never completed 20 passes in his 12 games at Auburn, typically only throwing the ball 17-20 times in a game. His legs are a weapon and his size is tantalizing, but can he become an NFL-level passer? Again, his potential is the upside, but it remains to be seen how his passing will translate to the NFL.

Ryan Mallet: Possessing the strongest arm in the draft, Mallet wows observers with sheer power. He does, however, have a tendency to force throws and be fooled by coverages. In the Sugar Bowl, he showed off that arm strength, but also threw a costly interception to end the game.

With mock drafts rolling in, here’s a sampling of how where each is projected to go.

Rob Rang:
Blaine Gabbert, No. 7 to San Francisco
Cam Newton, No. 8 to Tennessee
Ryan Mallett, No. 10 to Washington
Jake Locker, No. 25 to Seattle

Chad Reuter
Blaine Gabbert, No. 3 to Buffalo
Jake Locker, No. 10 to Washington
Cam Newton, No. 12 to Minnesota
Ryan Mallett, not in the first round

SB Nation
Cam Newton, No. 7 to San Francisco
Blaine Gabbert, No. 10 to Washington
Ryan Mallett, No. 25 to Seattle
Jake Locker, not in the first round

You can clearly see each of these four are highly-debated, with little consensus about the top quarterback. With the first round typically a quarterback bonanza, it’s still likely all four are taken early in the draft, perhaps before the Seattle Seahawks even get a chance to step to the podium.

For the latest on the NFL Draft, stay tuned to our 2011 NFL Mock Draft StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker Rises Into The Top 10, Seattle Seahawks Pick Uncertain

Sporting News has another fun 2011 NFL mock draft, projecting the Seattle Seahawks will take a wide receiver. Among the many mock drafts out there, quarterbacks, running backs and defensive tackles seems to be the three positions of need identified for Seattle going forward, but wide receiver is a new one. Washington quarterback Jake Locker also makes an appearance as his stock steadily climbs as we inch closer to April’s draft.

Here’s how it breaks down, according to Sporting News.

Jake Locker is the seventh pick, heading to NFC West rival San Francisco. Came Newton’s stock fell this week, bumping Locker into the top10 as the second quarterback taken. Both the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers are projected to take a quarterback, with Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert listed as the Cardinals’ pick. Ryan Mallett leapfrogged Newton as well, going 10th to the Washington Redskins. Expect the quarterbacks to continue shuffling around as each showcases their skills in workouts and the combine.

Michael Floyd is listed as the Seattle Seahawks pick, but Floyd will be returning to Notre Dame. The beauty of early mock drafts, released before the Jan. 15 deadline for early entries, is the fluid nature of the prospects involved. Floyd has been a consensus first-rounder, but opted to stay at Notre Dame one more year. Still, it’s interesting to see a wide receiver as the pick for Seattle, which may have greater needs for both the present and future.

With the quarterback shuffle well underway, expect Locker’s draft stock to continue to fluctuate, with expects trying to balance potential performance and his present development level. There’s no question his upside is sky-high, but how it translates at the NFL level is something scouts will continue to examine under the microscope ahead of April’s NFL Draft.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: NFC West Draft Order, Picks And Projections

The poor strength of the NFC West in 2010 means the division gets a chance to reload/rebuild in April, picking early in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Two teams — the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals — pick in the top 10 and the third picks inside the top-15. Only the Seattle Seahawks, winners of the NFC West, pick late in the first round, a reward for making a playoffs.

What is the competition looking like and which players are on the table for each team in the draft? Let’s look at the latest 2011 NFL mock draft.

Arizona Cardinals: The No. 5 pick in the draft awaits the Cardinals, who finished the season at 5-11. SB Nation has Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara heading to Arizona with that pick as the Cardinals try to shore up their secondary. Amukamara is the second best corner in the draft, behind Patrick Peterson, a potential No. 1 overall pick out of LSU.

San Francisco 49ers: With the seventh pick in the draft, the 49ers have a shot at one of the top-flight quarterbacks. After a 2010 season with Alex and Troy Smith splitting the duties, its clear where the position of need for the Niners is. With that in mind, the latest mock draft has Auburn quarterback Cam Newton headed to the Niners, giving new head coach Jim Harbaugh a dual-threat weapon under center.

St. Louis Rams: With Sam Bradford continuing to progress and impress, the Rams are moving in the right direction. With the 14th pick in the draft, St. Louis will likely snag another weapon for Bradford, who desperately needs receivers as St. Louis puts his talents to use. Michael Floyd, out of Notre Dame, is the pick in the latest mock draft, giving Bradford a No. 1 option out wide.
(Edit: Malcom Floyd is staying at Notre Dame. St. Louis will have to look for other options at No. 14.)

Seattle Seahawks: Quarterback? Running back? Defensive line? The Seahawks have plenty of positions to fill, but don’t yet know where they’ll pick in the draft. As of now, Seattle would pick 25th, though it’s subject to change should Seattle continue to advance in the NFL playoffs. With that 25th pick, Seattle is still projected to take a quarterback, either Ryan Mallett or Jake Locker, depending on which is available.

With the NFC West in position to grab early-round talent in the draft, perhaps the division won’t always be the laughing stock of the NFL. Then again, that laughing stock division just shocked the New Orleans Saints in the playoff and boasts one of the best young quarterbacks in the lead. With early picks in the draft, expect the talent level to increase in the division.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Nick Fairley, Cam Newton Stock Watch After BCS Championship

On college football’s biggest stage, the BCS Championship, two potential top-10 picks had a chance to impress on Monday night as the Auburn Tigers squeaked by the Oregon Ducks. Auburn boasted a duo of players projected by many 2011 NFL mock drafts to be in the top-10, and in the running to be the No. 1 overall pick. Nick Fairley, Auburn’s highly touted defensive tackle, and Cam Newton, Heisman trophy winner, brought home a win, but did they improve their draft status? Will they be moving up or down in the next round of mock drafts? Let’s take a look.

Here’s where each stood, along with where their BCS Championship performance could push them.

Nick Fairley: The star of the show for an Auburn defense that shutdown Oregon’s high powered attack, Fairley had a great game for the Tigers. He was a disruptive force in the middle, and looked damn-near unblockable all night as he hauled down Darron Thomas and LaMichael James in the backfield. Already projected as the No. 11 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft by SB Nation, Fairley likely boosted his stock high enough to receive consideration as a No. 1 overall pick. Can he unseat Da’Quan Bowers? After impressing in the BCS Championship, Fairley is in the discussion.

Cam Newton: The Auburn quarterback, and Heisman winner, was plagued by inconsistency against the Ducks, especially in the passing game. Newton completed 20-34 passes for 265 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, but it was the throws he didn’t make that raised some eyebrows. More than once he missed wide open receivers, and he did so at every level. His touch on the deep pass was off, he missed a man coming out of the backfield and his medium range throws were hot-and-cold.

Projected to be the No. 7 pick, headed to the San Francisco 49ers, Newton is still a work in progress. There’s no denying his physical tools, and his ability to scramble, but he has to clean up his throws to make an immediate impact. The Niners need someone who is ready now, and Newton has a way to go to show that he’s that guy.

With college football over, the attention now turns to the draft as players declare and get set for workouts. Stay tuned to our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream for the latest movers and shakers ahead of April’s 2011 NFL Draft.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Newton's Draft Stock Could Improve In BCS Championship

Auburn quarterback Cam Newton already has the hardware — a Heisman trophy — and is looking to add a BCS Championship to his collection of awards tonight as the Tigers battle the Oregon Ducks tonight in Glendale, Arizona. With the BCS Championship on the line, Newton is also playing for a chance to bump his draft stock even higher, leaving a lasting impression in what may be his final college game. With plenty of mock drafts suggesting Newton is a top-10, even top-five, pick, could Newton take over the No. 1 spot vacated by Andrew Luck.

Here’s a look at where Newton is right now.

CBS Sports’ Chad Reuter: Newton is projected as the No. 12 pick in Reuter’s mock draft, heading to the Minnesota Vikings. It’s the lowest projection of Newton out there, and could change for the better with a strong BCS Championship performance.

CBS Sports’ Rob Rang: This is probably the highest you’ll find Newton projected. Rang has the Auburn quarterback as the No. 3 pick in the draft, taken by the Buffalo Bills. In this scenario, Newton is already inching his way to the top, on the heels of A.J. Green and Marcell Dareus.

Fanhouse: Newton is the second quarterback off the board here, going to the San Francisco 49ers with the seventh pick. Fanhouse has Ryan Mallett ahead of him, going to the Buffalo Bills with the third pick. Mallett failed to blow anyone’s socks off in his bowl game, leaving question marks about where he projects come draft time.

SB Nation: Another vote for Newton to the 49ers. This time around, he’s the first quarterback taken, heading to San Francisco to fill a position of need.

With Newton hovering around the top-10, a strong performance against a ball-hawking Oregon defense could be what propels Newton into the upper-echelon of prospects. Without Luck, the door is wide-open for Newton to impress, pushing his draft stock high enough to entice teams with top-5 picks.

Catch Newton and the Auburn Tigers as they take-on the Oregon Ducks in the BCS Championship, tonight at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN. For more mock draft updates, check out our 2011 NFL Mock Draft StoryStream. For the latest on tonight’s game, check out our BCS Championship StoryStream.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker Could Fall To Seattle Seahawks

Washington quarterback Jake Locker is one of the hardest players to peg in the 2011 NFL Draft. Looking around at various 2011 NFL mock draft’s, Locker’s fluctuates so much, it’s hard to get an idea of where he’ll go. On Monday, however, at least one mock draft has Locker going to the Seattle Seahawks with the 25th pick in the draft, perhaps exciting fans in Seattle.

Take a look at the two 2011 NFL mock drafts put out by CBS Sports. Both analysts, Rob Rang and Chad Reuter, know the ins-and-outs of NFL front offices and can give great insight into the draft process.

Rob Rang has Locker going to Seattle at No. 25. Rang believes Locker will fall far enough for the hometown team to snatch him up. Right now, before any offseason workouts take place, Locker is a bit of an unknown. His physical tools are great, he’s got the speed to be a dual-threat, but his quarterback IQ, if you will, is tough to peg. Rang has three quarterbacks in the top-10, and Locker as the fourth off the board, going to Seattle.

Chad Reuter has Locker going to Washington at No. 10. This seems to be the prevailing theory about Locker. Washington needs a quarterback, Locker’s stock will likely rise and it seems he’ll be off the board early when April rolls around. One of Jake Locker or Ryan Mallett will probably see a first round slide, but it’s tough to pick which one. Both have amazing physical tools, but still need some development time.

If Locker does happen to slide to the Seahawks, would they — or should they — snatch him up? We’ll find out more as draft time gets closer, but you’d have to think Pete Carroll would be taking a look at him when the time comes.

For more NFL mock drafts and analysis, stay tuned to our StoryStream leading up to the NFL Draft in April.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Revised Draft After First Weekend Of NFL Playoffs

The first weekend of the NFL playoffs is over, changing the order of the draft and allowing us to take another look at a few 2011 NFL mock drafts. With early entries flowing into the draft, and Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck opting to stay in school, we’ve got a better idea of what players will actually be available in April. The Seahawks will now pick 25th or lower, after an incredible win on Saturday, decreasing the options available for the Seattle front office.

Here’s a look at a few tidbits of interest in the latest 2011 NFL mock draft from SB Nation.

It’s still Ryan Mallett for the Seattle Seahawks. Even though the Seahawks fell to No. 25, Brian Galliford is projecting Mallet will fall with them. The pick hasn’t changed for the Seahawks, despite the change in draft position.

Jake Locker still isn’t in the first round. Locker is the hardest player to peg right now. Some drafts have him as a top-10 pick, others have him as a borderline first-rounder. Where will he go? Odds are Locker impresses in the offseason workouts and finds himself in the early-mid first round.

Blaine Gabbert is now a top-10 pick. We expected Gabbert to shoot up the board and he did, helped along by Luck’s decision last week. Gabbert is now projected to be the 10th pick in the draft, heading to the Washington Redskins. Odds are he won’t fall far enough for the Seahawks to have any shot at him.

Those are the big movers and shakers, as well as notes of interest for the Seahawks. We’ll be back with more NFL mock draft analysis here, in our StoryStream. Check back for the latest throughout the week.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: More Early Entries Flood Into The Draft, Changing Mock Drafts

For an underclassmen projected to go in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, the choice is usually easy. The money and glamor of the NFL almost always outweigh the risk of another year in college, especially if the mock draft experts are projecting a prospect as an early pick. With the deadline fast approaching, early entries continue to make their intentions known, and today was no exception.

Here’s a look at some of the underclassmen that have declared and where the 2011 NFL Mock Drafts have them going.

Rahim Moore, UCLA Safety: Moore has been called the best free safety in the draft, but his place in the mock drafts varies, depending on where you look. CBS Sports’ Chad Reuter has Moore going 18th, while Rob Rang doesn’t have Moore in the first round. The same is true for SB Nation’s mock draft, which doesn’t list Moore.

Julio Jones, Alabama WR: The top wide receiver not named A.J. Green, Jones is a sure first rounder. Both Rang and Reuter have Jones going to St. Louis at No. 12, while SB Nation has him at No. 6. A good choice by Jones, who has done it all at Alabama.

Marcell Dareus, Alabama defensive lineman: Dareus could be the first or second defensive lineman off the board; a likely top-five pick. Rang has him at No. 2, Reuter has him at No. 5, to Arizona, and SB Nation has him at No. 8. Seems like a no-brainer choice to come out.

Mark Ingram, Alabama RB: Another no-brainer, Ingram has done it all at Alabama. From winning the Heisman trophy and national championship, the Crimson Tide have been good to him. Ingram is likely a top-20 pick and one of the first running backs off the board, perhaps even falling to the Seattle Seahawks.

Check back for the latest NFL mock draft shakeups as underclassmen continue to decide between school and the NFL ahead of next Saturday’s deadline.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Ryan Mallett, Blaine Gabbert Or Cam Newton As The Top Quarterback?

Andrew Luck’s decision to stay at Stanford left analysts scrambling for a new quarterback prospect to latch on to. Depending on who you believe, that quarterback will either be Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett or Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert by the time the NFL Draft rolls around in April. With mock draft artists scrambling to account for the lack of Luck in the draft, it’s clear the quarterback class is lacking without the Stanford quarterback leading the way.

CBS Sports analysts Rob Rang and Chad Reuter were, surprisingly, in agreement about the top quarterback off the board. It’s not Mallett, Gabbert or Locker at the top of their boards, but is Auburn quarterback, and Heisman winner, Cam Newton. Each analyst has Newton going No. 3 overall to the Buffalo Bills.

After Newton, the two begin to disagree. Each has Blaine Gabbert heading to San Francisco with the seventh pick, but Rang projects Ryan Mallett to the Tennessee Titans at No. 8, where the Seattle Seahawks would have picked had they missed the playoffs. Reuter, on the other hand, has Locker as the next quarterback off his board, going 10th to the Washington Redskins. Mallett is projected to be the No. 12 pick by Reuter, taken by the Minnesota Vikings.

And where does Rang have Locker heading? To the Seattle Seahawks with the 21st pick, of course. There’s a significant gap between where Rang places the first three quarterback — in the first 12 spots of the draft — and Locker, at No. 21. Is he a bit of a project? He likely will be. Would it be a feel-good story for the hometown kid? Most definitely.

No Luck, no problem, as the draft moves on without the Stanford signal-caller. Unfortunately, the shockwaves from his decision to stay at Stanford will reverberate all the way up until the NFL Draft in April.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Running Back Prospects For Seattle Seahawks

When perusing various 2011 NFL mock drafts ahead of this year’s NFL Draft, it’s clear there’s three schools of thought for the Seattle Seahawks. The first, and most obvious, pertains to the quarterback spot. With Matt Hasselbeck aging and Charlie Whitehurst an unknown, if a franchise quarterback is on the board, the Seahawks should jump at the chance. The other concerns the defensive line. With the front seven struggling against the run, the line has been a spot of clear need in 2010.

With defensive tackles and quarterbacks out of the way, the focus turns to the running back spot. The Seahawks have struggled in the run game for the better part of the last decade, unable to find the right combination in the backfield to sustain a viable rushing attack. Does the 2011 NFL Draft offer a chance to grab a running back of the future? Let’s take a look.

Mikel LeShoure: CBS Sports’ Chad Reuter has LeShoure heading to the Seahawks in his latest mock draft. While Seattle did trade for Marshawn Lynch, Reuter doesn’t believe he’s the answer in the backfield for the Seahawks.

Last April, Buffalo surprised some by taking C.J. Spiller to eventually replace Marshawn Lynch. The Seahawks may not want Lynch as their primary back, either.

Mark Ingram: The Alabama running back is in the draft, having reportedly declared on Thursday. A former Heisman trophy winner that has the potential to be a franchise back for the Seahawks? Sounds like a good plan to me. SB Nation’s Mocking the Draft makes a comparison to an Alabama running back of old while projecting Ingram to the Seahawks.

Seattle needs playmakers, and they have a log-jam of mediocre running backs. It worked out pretty well for them the last time they took an Alabama running back at this point in the draft.

Looking at all the mock drafts around, it’s clear these three distinct schools of thought are the only ones around right now. It’s either defensive tackles, quarterbacks or running backs for the Seahawks. Which will end up winning-out when the Seahawks step to the podium on the last weekend of April is anyone’s guess, but odds are it will be one of these three positions.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Defensive Tackles For Defensively Challenged Seattle Seahawks

Moving on from the quarterback spot, a know deficiency for the Seattle Seahawks, there’s another area of great need. In 2010, it became abundantly clear the Seahawks needed help along the defensive front, specifically in the interior. In Brandon Mebane, Seattle has an underrated defensive tackle that can be both a space eater and penetrator. But, in the interest of depth and in an effort to boost the talent level, plenty of updated 2011 NFL mock drafts have the Seahawks getting defensive with the 21st pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

We begin at Fanhouse, where the draft has been updated, taking into account Andrew Luck’s decision to stay at Stanford. Fanhouse’s mock draft version 1.1 has the Seahawks taking a versatile defensive lineman out of Miami: Allen Bailey. Included is a quick scouting report.

Whether it’s on the outside or the inside of the defensive line, the Seahawks need players that can get after the quarterback. Bailey, who has the size and speed to excel either rushing from the edge or from the interior, should be an instant upgrade at any of the four spots along Seattle’s line.

Draftek also went defensive, pegging another lineman as the Seahawks choice at No. 21. Draftek analyst Michael Schottey thinks 6-foot-3 285 pound defensive end Adrian Clayborn, out of Iowa, is the answer to Seattle’s pressing needs.

Seattle’s defense actually got worse in 2010 and a lot of that was mediocrity on the defensive line. Pete Carroll needs to get that fixed ASAP and a top prospect like Adrian Clayborn is a great start. Clayborn isn’t the premier pass rusher (at least this year) that a lot of scouts thought he was. But, he’s a great all-around DE and will do a lot for your team on all three downs

Stay tuned to our StoryStream as we continue to break down the latest NFL mock drafts and the prospects that may be available when the Seahawks step to the podium at the NFL Draft.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Andrew Luck's Decision Quickly Making Waves As Revised Drafts Roll In

We expected Andrew Luck’s decision to stay at Stanford would drastically change the 2011 NFL mock draft landscape and it did just that on Thursday. With Luck, the consensus No. 1 pick, out of the draft, the first round looks like it had a bomb dropped on it. The domino effect is substantial, with quarterback Jake Locker benefiting the most.

Fanhouse released a mock draft shortly after Luck’s decision, updating their previous draft to reflect Thursday’s developments. Here are the biggest shakeups.

Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green is now the No. 1 pick in the draft, heading to Carolina. Green has the most talent, and is listed as the No. 1 prospect in the draft, but would’ve taken a backseat to Luck. That’s not longer the case.

Ryan Mallett is the first quarterback off the board in Fanhouse’s mock draft, going to the Buffalo Bills with the third pick. Quite the leap for a quarterback with plenty of questions, but a huge arm.

Cam Newton is now in the top-10, going to the San Francisco 49ers with the seventh pick. Previously, Newton was in the mid-upper first round, but gets a boost with Luck gone, as well.

Jake Locker goes to the Washington Redskins at No. 10. Washington needs a quarterback and Locker has the tools to impress in the upcoming combine. After Locker returned to the Washington Huskies for his senior year, his stock began to plummet from underwhelming performances. With no Luck, Locker shoots back into the top-flight quarterback discussion

Blaine Gabbert is off the board at No. 15, heading to the Miami Dolphins. That makes it four quarterbacks in the top-15 and, effectively, kills any chance the Seattle Seahawks have at a “name” quarterback.

It’s easy to see how Luck choosing to stay at Stanford has caused a major shakeup in the 2011 NFL Draft. We can now throw out everything we thought we knew, starting from scratch to build a draft without the Stanford quarterback. For the Seahawks, it’s likely bad news, as the depth at that position in the draft takes a serious hit, making finding a quarterback in the late first round a tough task.

2011 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Jake Locker Enters The Picture

It was only a matter of time before a 2011 NFL mock draft took the logical leap and connected Jake Locker to the Seattle Seahawks. Hometown kid? Check. Outstanding athlete? Check. Quarterback, fitting the Seahawks needs? Check. It’s likely Locker, barring a meteoric rise in his draft stock, will be available when the Seahawks pick in the late first round, giving Pete Carroll some interesting options.

Let’s take a look at few of the mock drafts floating around so far.

CBS Sports’ Rob Rang made the Locker to Seattle jump. With the Seahawks quarterback situation in flux, why not the hometown kid?

With a run on quarterbacks early, the Seahawks may find one still on the board here or simply focus their attention on weak offensive and defensive lines should the top passers be gone. Locker’s inefficiency despite four starting seasons makes him quite the polarizing figure among scouts

Sports Agent Blog went a completely different route with the Seahawks pick, instead going with a defensive tackle. Seattle’s run defense has been atrocious, and the need is surely there. That need, according to the blog, could be filled by Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.

If the Seahawks can grab Marcell Dareus with the 21st pick, that would be a steal. It’s evident that the ‘Hawks need front-four help and Dareus is as good as they come. The guy is simply un-blockable. He possesses all the tools needed for an elite NFL defensive tackle.

A defensive tackle at 21 would mean the Seahawks are heading a different route at the quarterback spot, either staying with Charlie Whitehurst, drafting a mid-round project or finding a quarterback in free agency.

With plenty of decisions to make and three months of evaluation time, there will be plenty of movement ahead of the draft. Expect the Locker to Seattle rumblings to increase as we inch closer.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Ryan Mallett Stock Watch After Bowl Game

Did Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett help or hurt his NFL Draft stock with his performance in the 2011 Sugar Bowl? Against a bruising Ohio State defense, Mallett showed off his arm strength at times, but also struggled with the pressure the Buckeye defense applied. The lasting memory, like it or not, was Mallett’s interception deep in Ohio State territory as time was winding down to seal the Sugar Bowl for the Buckeyes.

With Mallett likely available when the Seattle Seahawks pick in the late first round, and projected to head to Seattle in the latest NFL Mock Draft, let’s see where his stock lies. Over at SB Nation, Brian Galliford took a look at how theBCS Bowls affected some of the top draft picks this year.

Mallett will be an early draft selection based simply on his golden arm. Athletically, mechanically and mentally, Mallett has a long way to go, and scouts will seriously question his ability to pick up a pro offense coming out of Bobby Petrino’s simple-read, quarterback-friendly system. There’s a lot to like about Mallett’s physical abilities, and a lot more to be wary of when discussing his intangibles. People are still projecting him as a first-round pick, but don’t be shocked when Mallett goes the way of Jimmy Clausen circa 2010 should he declare.

Not exactly a shining review, but also confirms what many thought. Mallett has a big arm, but seems to be lacking in accuracy and reads. His arm strength is a huge draw, but Mallett is still a project. Whichever team ends up with him will likely have to spend time to develop him, teaching him how to make reads at the NFL level while working on his ball placement.

Once again, it further confirms that finding a franchise quarterback in the late first round is going to be a tough task for the Seahawks.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Early Entries Beginning To Trickle Out

With just 10 days to go until the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the 2011 NFL Draft, we’re starting to get a better idea of what pool of talent will be available. It’s a big week for many draft-eligible underclassmen as those projected to go early in the draft decide whether to stay in school or leave early. These early-entrants will have an effect on the mock drafts leading up to the real thing in a few months.

So far this week, here’s what we’ve seen.

Da’Quan Bowers: The Clemson defensive end is reportedly in the draft. Bowers is, according to the prospect rankings and mock drafts, the top defensive end and a likely top-five pick. It was a no-brainer for Bowers to declare.

Kyle Rudolph: A talented tight end from Notre Dame, Rudolph was hamstrung (get it!) with a hamstring injury in 2010. Despite missing much of the season, he’s in. If he can stay healthy, he could do great things. That health, however, has been in question for quite some time.

Blaine Gabbert: The Missouri quarterback is in and likely in the first round. He won’t be mentioned in the same league as Andrew Luck — and nobody will — but Gabbert could be one of the first quarterbacks off the board.

Akeem Ayers: Another no-brainer. Ayers is one of the most talented players in the Pac-10 and was clearly ready for the jump to the next level. Ayers finished 2010 with strong stats from his outside linebacker position and is likely a first round pick come April.

The biggest name of all, Andrew Luck, has yet to decide whether he’ll stay one more year at Stanford or make the leap to the NFL. With 10 days left until the deadline, expect plenty of action from underclassmen as players choose between education and college or the money of the NFL.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Sugar Bowl Up And Down For Ryan Mallett

For a moment during Tuesday night's Sugar Bowl, it looked like Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett was poised to lead the Razorbacks to the biggest comeback win in Sugar Bowl history. Once again, however, as he had countless other times, Mallett forced a throw while under pressure and paid a price. Ohio State linebacker Solomon Thomas stepped in front of Mallett's pass with under a minute to go and the Buckeyes killed the clock, winning 31-26.

With the latest NFL mock draft projecting Mallett as the Seahawks pick at No. 21 in the 2011 NFL Draft, Seattle fans should have been paying attention. We learned Mallett's mobility is a glaring weakness and his decision-making is suspect at times. And his completion percentage? Mallett finished the game completing 24-47 passes, just a hair above 50 percent. His receivers didn't help him, but that's not the kind of number that inspires confidence.

Mallett's draw is his arm strength. Legend has it he can step-up and throw 75 yards on the fly. But with that great arm strength comes an overconfidence that could be his downfall. It appeared, at times, Mallet thought he could fit the ball into any window, something that's plagued him his whole career. It's almost as if he has a high-powered rifle attached to his body, but no idea how to shoot it.

While his arm strength is enticing, it's clear Mallett isn't the kind of top-end quarterback Andrew Luck is. He's got the potential to be a quality, NFL-level starting quarterback, but that completion percentage and his decision-making should make teams wary.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Orange Bowl Solidifies Andrew Luck's Place At The Top

Typically, college football bowl games become meaningless exhibitions with little at stake. On Monday night, in the Orange Bowl, the Stanford Cardinal came in with something to prove. The Cardinal did just that, cruising to a 40-12 win over the Virginia Tech Hokies in Miami. But it was the game of one player, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, that stood tall above the rest.

Should he declare for the 2011 NFL Draft, Luck would likely be the No. 1 overall pick. Even before he hit the field on Monday, Luck had franchise quarterback written all over him. But against Virginia Tech, in front of a national audience, Luck put on his surgeon gloves and went to work, dismantling the Hokie defense with clinical precision.

Luck’s line to finish the game? 18-23 for 286 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. That still doesn’t explain the show he put on. Under pressure, he eluded defenders and threw on the run. In the fourth quarter, Luck faced pressure, got out of it and hit Cody Fleener with a strike for a touchdown. It was a play that had scouts foaming at the mouth.

While the Seahawks search for a franchise quarterback, it’s looking more and more like Luck is the prize of the 2011 NFL Draft. Now all we have to do is hope one of the other, almost-top-end quarterbacks is around when Seattle steps to the podium in April.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Alternatives For Seattle

The latest 2011 NFL mock draft has Ryan Mallett heading to the Seattle Seahawks at No. 21. It’s true Seattle does have a pressing need for a quarterback of the future, with Matt Hasselbeck on the decline and Charlie Whitehurst’s status uncertain, but is Mallett the answer. The Arkansas quarterback has plenty of tools, but has, seemingly, slid under the radar in 2010 after picking up plenty of offseason hype.

Let’s take a look at a few of the others that may be available when the Seahawks number comes up in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Jake Locker: The Washington Huskies quarterback is a ball of athletic ability and potential, but has yet to live up to the hype on the field. There’s no question Locker is an amazing athletic, possessing a strong arm and game-breaking speed, but is he a quarterback? NFL general managers will put him through the meat-grinder in the offseason in hopes of getting a better look at his potential.

Blaine Gabbert: The Missouri quarterback isn’t a first round selection as of now, but all that could change as the draft draws closer. Gabbert could even be the second quarterback off the board, depending on how his workouts go. He’s in the draft, having declared after the Tigers' bowl game, and is an intriguing prospect. Keep an eye on Gabbert as we head toward April.

Aside from the top quarterback prospects, Andrew Luck and Cam Newton, it’s a muddled mess of quarterbacks with question marks. Gabbert, Mallett and Locker could all be in the mix when Seattle heads to the podium at No. 21, but may not be the type of players that could contribute right away. We will, however, find out more about all these prospects as offseason workouts and the NFL Scouting Combine commence following bowl season.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Pac-10 Players Aplenty In First Mock Draft

The Pac-10 suffered through a down year, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of NFL Draft prospects in the current class. Whether it be Andrew Luck, a potential No. 1 pick, or a host of others in the first round, the Pac-10 has talent. In the latest 2011 NFL mock draft, you don’t have to look far to see the Pac-10’s impact on the 2011 NFL Draft.

Here’s where some of the players fall in the mock draft.

Andrew Luck: The Stanford quarterback, should he declare for the draft, is listed as the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Luck is the type of player that could be a franchise quarterback, stepping in right away.

Akeem Ayers: The UCLA linebacker is listed as the No. 18 pick in the first round, heading to the New York Giants. Ayers has plenty of potential and performed well as a mainstay in the Bruins defense.

Stephen Paea: Winner of the Pac-10 defensive player of the year in 2010, Paea is a force inside for the Oregon State Beavers. He possesses a big body and strength to clog holes while also creating havoc with his ability to get into the backfield. The mock draft has Paea being taken by the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 24.

Jurrell Casey: Another defensive tackle, this time from USC. Casey is listed as the No. 31 pick in the first round, heading to the Atlanta Falcons.

With months to go until the draft and the NFL Scouting Combine still upcoming, expect plenty of changes in the mock draft ahead of the real NFL Draft in April.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterbacks Few And Far Between

Should he declare for the 2011 NFL Draft, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is the clear, consensus No. 1 pick in the draft. Looking beyond Luck, and picking through the 2011 NFL mock draft, it’s easy to see why this isn’t the year to find a quarterback of the future. Of the top picks — Luck, Cam Newton, Jake Locker, Ryan Mallett — only one, Luck, doesn’t have serious questions.

The order these quarterbacks are taken in the latest mock draft breaks down like this.

No. 1: Andrew Luck: Obvious choice here. If Luck comes out early, the Carolina Panthers will quickly snatch him up. He’s just that good.

No. 12: Cam Newton: Newton had a stellar, Heisman-winning season at Auburn in his first year. With questions surrounding his eligibility, there’s little doubt he’d come out. But is his athletic ability, playing against college competition, masking deficiencies that will show at the NFL Level?

No. 21: Ryan Mallett: A system quarterback is how Mallett was describe. He’s got a strong arm and passes the eye-test, but has seemingly fallen off the radar.

N/A: Jake Locker: Not in the first round right now. I’d expect that to change as Locker impresses at workouts. Again, Locker is a physical specimen, but there are questions about his ability to read a defense and decision making. The intangibles are there, but is the ability to be a quarterback at the next level?

Stay tuned as we run down the mock draft in the next few months ahead of the true NFL Draft in April.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Draft Order Gives Seahawks A Chance At A Quarterback

While Charlie Whitehurst may have performed well enough to snatch the Seattle Seahawks a playoff berth on Sunday night, it's clear the team still needs a franchise quarterback. A win over the St. Louis Rams was great for the present, but also means the Seahawks fell 13 spots in the 2011 NFL Draft, hurting their chances of grabbing a top-tier quarterback. In one of the first mock draft's of the year, SB Nation set about to figure out which teams would talk which players throughout the first year. The news, for Seattle, wasn't bad at all.

With quarterback the most glaring need, it appears, the mock draft has the Seahawks taking Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett. After starting the year with plenty of hype, Mallettt flew under the radar for much of 2010. Is he a franchise, cornerstone quarterback? Probably not.

21. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas (JR). Sorry, Charlie Whitehurst. You may have helped the Seahawks win the NFC West, but yeah, you're not the long-term answer for Pete Carroll. Mallett's a nice value selection at this point, and could be a good system quarterback in the NFL.

Check out all 32 selections in the first of what will be many 2011 NFL Mock Drafts.