Hey, the NFL season is over. We know what order most NFL teams will draft in, excepting of course those teams whose slot in the draft will be determined by their playoff performances. So, that makes it mock draft season and our friends at SBNation.com have taken their first stab at a 2011 NFL Mock Draft.
Of course, it is ridiculously early and we really don't know all of the underclassmen who will declare for the big event. Have to start somewhere and sometime, though, so why not now?
The New York Giants pick 19th, and in SB Nation's first effort they have the Giants taking UCLA outside linebacker, Akeem Ayers, a junior. SB Nation says Ayers "has the coverage ability to excel in Perry Fewell's zone schemes."
That might be so. I will admit upfront that I really have not begun any draft study, but if I was the Giants I would be praying to find an offensive lineman with this pick who could step right into the lineup in 2011. I don't care what spot on the line, just the best player.
The Giants have issues at center with Shaun O'Hara aging and facing achilles surgery, veteran guard/center Rich Seubert went down Sunday with what might be a career-ending knee injury and there are still huge questions about all three of the players the Giants used at left tackle this season. If a starting-caliber player is available, this is the Giants biggest need.
SB Nation has the New York Jets selecting 28th and taking Miami-FL defensive end Allen Bailey, a stout run defender. Again, who knows at this point. I wonder, though, if Rex Ryan would be able to pass up a quality pass rusher at outside linebacker or a big-time wide receiver to help Mark Sanchez.
-- Be sure to follow Mocking the Draft for all your 2011 NFL Draft coverage.