LestersLegends.com

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There isn’t a more polarizing figure in the 2011 NFL Draft than Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett.
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He has thrived in the SEC the past two seasons throwing 62 touchdown passes with just 19 interceptions. He threw for 357 yards against Alabama, but his three interceptions cost his Razorbacks the chance of upsetting the #1 Crimson Tide. He was knocked out of the Auburn game, but was able to come back the next week to beat Houston Nutt’s Mississippi. He led an amazing comeback in the Sugar Bowl, only to have it fall short when he threw an untimely interception. Mallett is a complete mixture of brilliant and bonehead that has NFL teams at odds when it comes to his prospects at the next level.
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Physically there is not question that he has what it takes to play at the next level. At 6’7″, 238 pounds, Mallett certainly passes the eyeball test. When he unleashes his cannon, there are no concerns that there are any NFL passes that he can’t make. Unfortunately for Mallett, there are other factors that NFL teams consider. Sure he’s a big kid with a big arm, but he also has a reputation of being a big party boy. It’s those concerns that have teams wondering if he has the makeup to be a franchise quarterback.
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Mallett did not handle himself well at the NFL Combine. There were rumors circulating about his rampant drug use. He is reported to have admitted his drug use at the Combine. While that doesn’t automatically make Mallett a failure, it doesn’t stop the questions from echoing loudly. Even if he did party it up at school, that doesn’t mean he won’t take the NFL serious. While Matt Leinart was a party boy gone bad, Jim McMahon was able to have a respectable career. Big Ben isn’t necessarily the best person to be compared to from a moral standpoint, but his success on the field cannot be called to question. The point is you don’t have to be squeaky clean like Kurt Warner to be a good NFL quarterback.
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Where Mallett lands is anybody’s guess. The earliest I could see him go is number ten to Washington. Daniel Snyder is brazen enough to make that pick. The Vikings at 12, the Dolphins at 15, the Jaguars at 16, and the Seahawks at 25 are also in need of a quarterback. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tennessee would be willing to give the Patriots the 39th pick and additional compensation to move up to 28 if  Mallett is still on the board. If Washington passes on a quarterback with their first pick, they could possibly move up to get him as well.
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Mallett’s success will depend on his landing spot. If he lands in Minnesota with Percy Harvin or in Miami with Brandon Marshall, he is more likely to experience early success. If he goes to Washington or Jacksonville, he may struggle. I would think he’d prosper in Seattle as Pete Carroll has the demeanor to work well with a guy like Mallett.
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Physically I think Mallett has the makings of a Pro Bowl NFL quarterback. I’m just a bit leery about his mental makeup. My guess is I have that in common with 32 NFL teams.
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Click here to see my most recent 2011 NFL Mock Draft.

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Here’s a seventh look at the upcoming 2011 NFL Draft. Click here for my final 2011 NFL Mock Draft.
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1.  Carolina Panthers:  Cam Newton, QB, Auburn:  All signs seem to be pointing towards Cam Newton as the number one pick. I’m not sure it’s the right decision, but the Panthers will have to live with it.
Previous Pick:  Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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2.  Denver Broncos:   Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama:  Dareus almost seems like a lock. He fills a need at defensive tackle for the Broncos. Fixing their defense, a priority for John Fox, starts on the defensive line.
Previous Pick:  Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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3.  Buffalo Bills:  Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A & M:  Now that Cam Newton isn’t even a possibility Miller seems like an obvious choice for the Bills.
Previous Pick:  Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A & M
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4.  Cincinnati Bengals:  Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri:  Closing a door on the Carson Palmer era, the Bengals take a shot at a new franchise quarterback.
Previous Pick:  Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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5.  Arizona Cardinals:  Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU:  Pairing Peterson with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie would give the Cardinals one of the best cornerback duos in the league.
Previous Pick:  Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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6.  Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia:  I’m going back to Green. He’s too big of a talent at a position of need for the Browns.
Previous Pick:  Robert Quinn, LB/DE, North Carolina
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7.  San Francisco 49ers:  Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska:  With Sam Bradford coming off an unbelievable rookie season the Niners will need to improve their secondary.
Previous Pick:  Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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8.  Tennessee Titans:  Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn: Fairley was once in the conversation for the number one pick. He did not have a strong showing at the Combine. He looked good at his Pro Day though, solidifying him as a top ten pick.
Previous Pick:  Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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9.  Dallas Cowboys:  J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin:  The Cowboys wanted to nab one of the top two corners in the draft, but have to turn their attention elsewhere.
Previous Pick:   J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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10.  Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama:  With A.J. Green off the board, I’m back to Jones going to Washington. They desperately need playmakers.
Previous Pick:  A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

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Allen Bradford is a hybrid. A running backer if you will. The 2005 Parade All-America all-purpose MVP was as dominant playing linebacker at Colton High School as he was playing running back. Though he made the switch to running back at USC, he never lost that linebacker mentality. He has the size (5’11″, 242 lbs) to run over you and the speed (4.53 forty time) to go past you.
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Bradford was the number one linebacker in the nation when he became a Trojan. He was young and he wanted to play. More importantly he wanted to be a team player. While his career at USC may not have gone as planned, you never heard a complaint. He just worked hard knowing that he would get his shot. When asked about playing special teams at the NFL level Bradford said he would welcome it with open arms. He added that he “first made a buzz on special teams while at SC”.
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Allen is well aware that the lifespan of a running back is around three years. He said it’s only in part because of injuries. A lot of guys can’t contribute on special teams so they become expendable. Bradford knows that he brings value to a team because he’s able to play on all of the special teams units.
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He’s not going to complain about sitting behind running backs on the depth charts either. He stated he already did that at SC. He’s willing to learn from the veterans and be ready when the time comes for him to deliver. That’s exactly what he did at USC. After just 42 carries from 2006-2008 Bradford received a heavier workload in 2009. He responded with 668 yards and eight touchdowns on 115 carries (5.8 ypc). It looked like he would get a chance to really handle the load last year, but he had only four double-digit carry games.
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When he did get additional carries he more often not delivered. He struggled against Stanford with 33 yards on 13 carries, but he scored. He ran for 131 yards and a score against Minnesota. Bradford destroyed Washington to the tune of 223 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He saved the best for last though. Bradford may not have made a big splash when he first came to USC, but he sure left with a bang. He mauled rival UCLA for 212 yards, including a nifty 73-yard touchdown run. He added a 47-yard touchdown catch as well.
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Bradford talked about being a physical runner. That’s spillover from his linebacker days. When asked if he would rather run around someone or over somebody, he said “I don’t run, I attack”. How can you not like that answer? He fashions himself a physical runner. Like Jim Brown he wants to be the one attacking. He wants to be the one inflicting pain. Don’t let him fool you though. He’s not just a three yards and a cloud of dust back. Bradford has the moves and the wheels to break big plays.
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His favorite players growing up were Jerry Rice and Ray Lewis. Both players have an unbelievable work ethic. That’s exactly what Bradford brings to the table. He’s going to work hard and do the little things.
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Bradford is expected to be a mid-to-late round draft pick. While he doesn’t have a preference to where he goes, he said he would welcome a reunion with Pete Carroll in Seattle. He still has a good relationship with the coach. He also enjoyed his time with Lane Kiffin.
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The NFL has a reputation of having diva players that are all about the attention. The fast cars. The money. Allen Bradford is not that guy. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to make his team better. He’s not out there looking for the attention. Sure, he may by a car when he signs, but Allen said the first thing he’s going to buy is a big bed with a soft mattress. I suppose after attacking defenders and making vicious hits on special teams that makes a lot of sense.
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Thanks to NFLTouchdown.com and Synergy Sports International for the opportunity to interview Allen Bradford.

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Since the NFL Draft first started in 1936, it has grown more popular every year, evolving into a three day extravaganza. Millions of fans watch the NFL Draft live or monitor it online as they anxiously wait to hear their favorite teams draft picks. In the days leading up to the NFL Draft, thousands of football experts weigh in with their opinions and mock drafts. Now, DraftDays.com is giving football fans a chance to join in the fun in the Draft Days Mock Draft Contest.
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The Draft Days Mock Draft Contest allows fans to make their own draft picks in the 2011 NFL Draft. Fans can attempt to predict all the draft picks of their favorite NFL team and all the players selected in the first round of the draft. Fans can even play general manager and try to build the best rookie team for the 2011 NFL season.
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Entry into the Draft Days Mock Draft Contest is free, and entrants have a chance to win some great prizes, such as a trip for two to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl or a $10,000 cash prize. For more information, including contest rules, terms, and conditions, visit www.draftdays.com.

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Marcell Dareus to the Broncos just makes sense. They ranked 31st in the league against the run last year giving up 154.6 rushing yards per game. Denver allowed a league-high 26 rushing touchdowns. They also tied for the second worse yards per carry average at 4.7 ypc. Because they were unable to get a solid pass rush, ranking dead last with just 23 sacks, they were also vulnerable to the pass. The Broncos gave up 236.3 passing yards per game, which ranked 25th in the league. They tied for 24th with 26 passing touchdowns allowed. Denver allowed more total yards and total points than any other team in the league.
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It’s no wonder they have the number two pick in the draft and a new, defensive-minded head coach. Elvis Dumervil’s return from a torn chest muscle should help their defense. He had 17 sacks in 2009 and he should immediately help their pass rush. Adding a force like Dareus who stands at 6’4″, 318 pounds with good quickness would help them get them stuff the run.  Teams could also be forced to double-team him, which would help their pass rush. If the Broncos are able to get to the quarterback faster the corners don’t have to hold their coverage as long. It’s really a trickle down effect.
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But what if he’s gone? Carolina has major issues on defense as well. Granted their offense is in more dire need of a makeover, but what if they deem both Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert not worth the risk of the number one pick? What if they don’t want to go with a cornerback or a receiver with the top pick. What if they steals Marcell Dareus right under Denver’s nose?
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Trading down would make sense. There are a number of teams that would be interested in adding a potential franchise quarterback. Dallas would love to get their hands on Patrick Peterson in case both he and Prince Amukamara are selected before it’s their time to take the podium. The Niners would be a nice team to deal with if they wanted to take Newton or Gabbert. You could then take consolation prize Nick Fairley.
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If they don’t trade out of the two spot I think they have to go with Patrick Peterson. With Tim Tebow it doesn’t make sense to draft Newton. You already have a physical specimen at quarterback. If  John Elway believes Gabbert is a franchise quarterback, perhaps he goes in that direction. That doesn’t help you next year and there is no telling if Gabbert will be any better than Orton is. A.J. Green or Julio Jones are options, but you already have Brandon Lloyd, Eddie Royal, Demaryius Thomas, Jabar Gaffney, and Eric Decker. Wide Receiver just isn’t an area of need.
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That brings us to Peterson. Champ Bailey will turn 33 this summer. How nice would it be to pass the torch to Peterson. He could learn from one of the greatest corners in league history while improving their porous pass defense.
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What would you do if you were calling the shots for Denver and Marcell Dareus went number one overall?

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The Panthers were 2-14 last year. Their 196 points scored last year was the lowest in the league by a mile. They scored 75 fewer points than an inept Cleveland Browns offense. That’s nearly five fewer points per game than the league’s second worst scoring offense. Their 143.1 passing yards per game was nearly 40 fewer than an Arizona team that is desperate for a quarterback change. Clearly the Panthers need better play out of their quarterback. The question is will it be Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert, or Jimmy Clausen?
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So how bad was Jimmy last year? He completed 52.5 percent of his passes with three touchdowns and nine interceptions. He had a 58.4 passer rating. In his defense he had just one legitimate target (Steve Smith) in the passing game, and he actually had fewer fantasy points in non-PPR leagues than David Gettis. Smith will turn 32 in May and is on the downside of his career. An intriguing option would be to select Georgia WR A.J. Green with the number one pick. He is the top receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson and the Panthers could take a quarterback in the third round to compete with Clausen.
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The Panthers struggled on the defensive side of the football as well. They ranked 26th with 25.5 points allowed per game. Carolina allowed the tenth most rushing yards per game (123.8). Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus won’t help you score points on offense, but he would certainly beef up their defense. If he commanded double teams, it would open things up for everybody else. The Panthers could also consider Patrick Peterson, but cornerbacks traditionally have not gone that high in the draft.
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Without a second round pick it seems unlikely that the Panthers go in any direction other than quarterback. It will most likely come down to a decision between Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton. Sorry Jimmy. Gabbert is a safer choice while Newton has more  upside. Not only does Newton have incredible athleticism, but he has the ability to put butts in the seats and increase merchandise sales. If the lockout continues, that revenue stream would be desirable.
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If I were pulling the trigger on the Panthers’ first pick I would go with A.J. Green. I’d bring  back Matt Moore once the lockout is over and have an open competition at quarterback. If you struggle again this year, perhaps you land Andrew Luck next year.
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What would you do if you were calling the shots for the Panthers?

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Here’s a sixth look at the upcoming 2011 NFL Draft. Click here for the most recent mock draft.
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1.  Carolina Panthers:  Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri:  I could see the Panthers going with Marcell Dareus with the pick, giving Jimmy Clausen one more chance. As my pal Walter Cherepinsky of  WalterFootball.com often points out, a new regime often means a new quarterback.  Gabbert is the best in show.
Previous Pick:  Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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2.  Denver Broncos:   Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama:  Dareus dramatically improved his stock at the NFL Combine showing good size and speed. Plus, he fills a need at defensive tackle for the Broncos. Fixing their defense, a priority for John Fox, starts on the defensive line.
Previous Pick:  Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabam
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3.  Buffalo Bills:  Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A & M:  I’ve had Cam Newton here the past few mocks, but the more I think about it, the more trouble that could be. Cam Newton and Buffalo just don’t mesh. He wants a bigger stage.
Previous Pick:  Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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4.  Cincinnati Bengals:  Cam Newton, QB, Auburn:  Well Cincinnati isn’t New York or L.A., but it will have to do for Mr. Newton. The Bengals can start an new era with Newton and trade Carson Palmer when a collective bargaining agreement is reached.
Previous Pick:  Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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5.  Arizona Cardinals:  Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU:  Pairing Peterson with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie would give the Cardinals one of the best cornerback duos in the league.
Previous Pick:  Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A & M
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6.  Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn, LB/DE, North Carolina:  Passing on A.J. Green may be a mistake, but Cleveland needs to improve its pass rush. I think if they decide to go with a receiver that Julio Jones would be the pick as he better fits their offense.
Previous Pick:  A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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7.  San Francisco 49ers:  Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska:  With Sam Bradford coming off an unbelievable rookie season the Niners will need to improve their secondary.
Previous Pick:  Robert Quinn, LB/DE, North Carolina
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8.  Tennessee Titans:  Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn: Fairley was once in the conversation for the number one pick. He did not have a strong showing at the Combine. He looked good at his Pro Day though, solidifying him as a top ten pick.
Previous Pick:  Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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9.  Dallas Cowboys:  J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin:  The Cowboys wanted to nab one of the top two corners in the draft, but have to turn their attention elsewhere.
Previous Pick:   Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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10.  Washington Redskins: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia:  I had the Skins going with Julio Jones, but A.J. Green was off the board in those scenarios. They could still end up with Jones if Dallas decides to move out of the ninth slot when Prince comes off the board.
Previous Pick:  Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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11.  Houston Texans:  Akeem Ayers, DE/OLB, UCLA:  The Texans’ switch to a 3-4 defense creates a need for an rush linebacker. Ayers made up some ground lost during the NFL Combine at his Pro Day.
Previous Pick:  J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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12.  Minnesota Vikings:  Julio Jones, WR, Alabama:  The Vikings will most likely lose Sidney Rice. Adding burner Julio Jones to pair with Percy Harvin gives the Vikings offense a jump start. They’ll address their quarterback needs in the second round.
Previous Pick:  Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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13.  Detroit Lions:  Tyron Smith, T, Southern Cal:  The Lions offensive line wasn’t terrible last year, but Jeff Backus will be 34. It’s time to look to the future to protect Matthew Stafford’s blind side.
Previous Pick:  Tyron Smith, T, Southern Cal
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14.  St. Louis Rams:  Aldon Smith, DE/LB, Missouri:  They need to add a WR, but that can wait. Adding Aldon Smith to boost their pass rush makes sense.
Previous Pick:  Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri
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15.  Miami Dolphins:  Jake Locker, QB, Washington: I had the Dolphins taking Ponder in my last mock, but that was when Jake Locker was off the board. Locker had a nice Pro Day, which could have solidified a top 15 pick.
Previous Pick: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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16.  Jacksonville Jaguars: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa:  The Jags have struggled to find the right mix at defensive end. They managed just 26 sacks last year, which was second to only Denver.
Previous Pick:  Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa