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2011 NFL Mock Draft: Defensive Linemen Everywhere

SB Nation's latest mock draft has the Panthers taking Auburn defensive lineman Nick Fairley first overall. After that, it has the Broncos taking North Carolina defensive lineman Robert Quinn, and that's the first time I've ever seen Quinn that high. After that it's yet another defensive lineman, Alabama's Marcell Dareus. It has Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers, a potential first overall pick, falling to the Browns at No. 6, which shows just how much uncertainty there still is at this point.

SB Nation has Pitt's Jon Baldwin falling to the Falcons at No. 27, but notes that Baldwin could be a "combine star," given his athleticism. With a bunch of offensive linemen going off the board in the second half of the first round (Anthony Castonzo, Gabe Carimi, Nate Solder, and Derek Sherrod), SBN has USC's Tyron Smith falling to the Steelers at No. 32:

The Steelers continue to win football games despite a patchwork offensive line that lacks athleticism across the board. Pittsburgh's program would allow the highly talented Smith the time he needs to bulk up and hone his technique.

If Smith falls that far, that pick makes sense, although it will be interesting to see if the Steelers pass on Florida's Mike Pouncey, Maurkice's twin brother. SB Nation doesn't have him going in the first round.

Photographs by dizfunk used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.