The 2011 NFL Draft, scheduled for 8 pm ET on Thursday, is sure to feature multiple confounding trades and bizarre moments, which most mock drafts don't dare to project. SB Nation's Brian Galliford and Dan Kader did just that in their final 2011 mock draft, however, forecasting five trades -- two of which of course involve the New England Patriots.
The Atlanta Falcons don't make any trades here, but they do go for a safe offensive line pick instead of going after one of those assorted defensive linemen they've been mocked over and over. Galliford:
Adrian Clayborn would be a serious consideration here, but Mike Pouncey is a plug-and-play starter that could be the team's future at the center position, as well. He's a safer pick.
As a rookie, Maurkice Pouncey made the Pro Bowl and would've started in the Super Bowl if not for injury. While his brother might take a while longer to adapt to playing center, if that's where he ends up, he's still a strong option for a team that could lose one of its starting guards during this very weird offseason.
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