BTB Writers 2011 NFL Mock Draft Exercise (Picks #21-24)

Our previous post saw some of BTB Nation's pet cats finally have their name called. Overall, most members thought that it was a very solid four-pick stint and this should be the primary spot Dallas targets in looking to move back and gain additional picks. Dave was a runaway winner in the poll, plucking JJ Watt for New England. I think Rabble would've gained more votes for selecting Tyron Smith, but it was for the hated New York Giants, so that's pretty understandable. For a recap of the comments for each of the first 20 picks, click on the links below. For a full rundown of the first round to this point, follow the jump.

Picks 1-4 | Picks 5-8 | Picks 9-12 | Picks 13-16 | Picks 17-20

Don't forget to answer the poll as to which writer you feel made the best decision in each post, and use the comments to discuss your take on the individual picks you liked or disliked

Follow the jump for a full recap of round one (to date), the writer's take on their picks and the team needs.

KD's pick:

Kansas City selects OT Anthony Castonzo

The way the draft fell makes this a pretty easy selection for the Chiefs. The 3-4 DT's aren't slotted until the middle to end portion of the second round. Too early for the middle linebackers and centers too. They need a burner wideout to match with Dwayne Bowe, but the next on the list, Jonathan Baldwin is in the similar mold. The mock draft GM isn't a fan of taking the sixth best prospect at a position in round one. So Anthony Castanzo is the selection to help bolster the right side of the O-line for years to come.

Rabble's pick:

Indianapolis selects OT Nate Solder

Indy is desperate for top-tier talent on the OL, and are happy to pick up the man many scouts are saying has the best feet of any of the first-tier OT prospects. Peyton Manning breathes a small, barely audible sigh of relief.

O.C.C.'s pick:

Philadelphia selects CB Jimmy Smith

The Eagles might be more inclined to go offensive line with this pick and get a free agent corner, but their need at cornerback is simply greater given the recent retirement of Ellis Hobbs. The Eagles take the tall (6'2"), speedy (4.42 forty time at 211 pounds) and extremely athletic Smith and will have the corner position locked down for years with a very good CB - if the Eagles can get the guy to play to the level of his talk. Smith has been flying under the radar with two elite corners ahead of him in this year's draft. In any other draft he would likely have been considered the premium choice at corner. As a result, he hasn't gotten the media attention he deserves and doesn't show up on a lot of mocks

Dave's pick:

New Orleans selects DE Adrian Clayborn

With the signing of Shaun Rogers and Pierre Thomas to contracts, I removed DT and RB as top-line needs for the Saints. They are going to roll with Rogers for this year, so I'd work on adding a DT later in the draft or push it off for a year. That left me with DE or LB as big needs. There were a group of guys at this spot who could be had, so really I would want to trade down. But picking from that bunch, I went with Adrian Clayborn. There's been quite a run on DEs/OLBs so far in this mock, so to get quality, the Saints needed to strike now. Clayborn looks to be a strong, anchor-type defensive end, powerful against the run. He had a monster junior season (11 sacks), but a less-productive senior season. Can he rush the passer? That's a question after his senior year, but he should be a run-stopping guy with the potential for sacks.

BTB Mock Draft Results, Team Needs from Drafttek.com