With just hours remaining until the start of the 2011 NFL Draft, the draft pundits are starting to release their final mock drafts. Mel Kiper, of course, is one of the most famous, and people always seem to react to what Kiper has to say.
Kiper has Cam Newton going first overall to the Carolina Panthers, followed by linebacker Von Miller to Denver, Marcel; Dareus to Buffalo, wide receiver A.J. Green to Cincinnati and cornerback Patrick Peterson to Arizona.
That leads us to the Browns, who would have to be disappointed one of the top-of-the-line talents didn’t fall to them. That said, Kiper thinks Julio Jones would be the best ‘consolation prize’ in the 2011 Draft.
“Jones is by far the best consolation prize in the draft, as the Ohio franchises combine to clear the board of the top wideouts. This is a guy Colt McCoy will love. Jones’ size and speed combination is the best in the draft at the position and his development as a wideout over the past year shows a determination and work ethic that will be loved by the coaching staff. The Browns need a true No. 1 at wide receiver, and if healthy, Jones can be that guy. A gifted athlete, what you love about Jones is that he blocks as hard as he runs routes. He played hard while in pain last season at Alabama.”
Kiper has also said in the past that Jones is the best blocking wide receiver he has ever graded.