The latest edition of SB Nation’s weekly 2011 NFL mock draft is out, with the Senior Bowl providing a little bit more clarity about a few of the upperclassmen. Texas A&M Aggies LB Von Miller might’ve made himself millions with his practice week, and LSU Tigers CB Patrick Peterson somehow boosted his stock without even playing.
Auburn Tigers DT Nick Fairley is down as the No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers for the third week in a row, with his buzz only growing as the NFL Combine approaches.
The Atlanta Falcons get a wide receiver again, but this time it’s Maryland Terrapins WR Torrey Smith. He’s not as imposing as last week’s selection, Pittsburgh Panthers WR Jon Baldwin, but he’s capable of taking over games. Witness the 14-catch, 224-yarder he put on N.C. State this year. He’s also the ACC’s all-time kick return yardage leader and has the most insanely detailed Wikipedia page possible. Seriously, compare it to Fairley’s page.
I’d feel more comfortable with Smith than with Baldwin, as there seem to be no major concerns about his work ethic, but Smith is still only a redshirt junior. The Falcons have preferred to draft seniors as of late.
Elsewhere around the NFC South: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers get Iowa Hawkeyes DE Adrian Clayborn for the third time, while the New Orleans Saints get Georgia Bulldogs LB Justin Houston for the second time. Sorry, Dawgs fans.