With the Super Bowl now eight days in the rear view mirror, it is understandable for some to go through NFL withdrawal. However, in the spirit of Valentine's Day, SB Nation has decided to give a gift to you, the football fan, with the latest edition of its 2011 NFL mock draft. In anticipation of the upcoming NFL scouting combine, Brian Galliford gives us his projections of the first two rounds of the upcoming NFL draft, which will take place from April 28-30 in New York.
↵Tyron Smith of USC has been climbing the charts. Two weeks ago, Galliford had the offensive tackle slated to go 29th to the Chicago Bears, but now Smith is projected to be picked 18th by the San Diego Chargers. "He has the talent to start at right tackle immediately for the Chargers, sufficient weight or not," said Galliford.
↵UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers is now slated to be picked 19th, two spots lower than Ayers was projected two weeks ago. This sounds like a pick of need for the Giants, as Galliford noted, "The Giants perpetually replenish their defensive line via the draft, but it's about time they concentrated on adding some linebackers." Galliford also projects UCLA safety Rahim Moore to be picked in the second round, the 40th overall pick, by the Cowboys. USC defensive tackle Jurrell Casey is picked to go near the end of the second round, 62nd to the Bears.
↵For more information on these future NFL football players, and more, be sure to read Conquest Chronicles and Bruins Nation.