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First-Ever Mike Mayock 2011 NFL Mock Draft Released

Just in time for the actual event tonight, NFL Network's Mike Mayock released his first-ever 2011 NFL mock draft. In his mock, he has the Detroit Lions selecting Boston College offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo.

Like Mel Kiper, Mayock expects the Lions to start building for the future on the offensive line. He calls picking Castonzo a "no-brainer" and believes the former Boston College Golden Eagle could take over for another former BC player by replacing Gosder Cherilus at right tackle for a year. Then Mayock expects Castonzo to replace Jeff Backus at left tackle in 2012.

Mayock's reasoning is much more sound than Kiper's, especially with Prince Amukamara not available in Mayock's mock. That said, I still don't think the Lions will go for an OT when so much defensive talent is on the board. And if they were to pick Castonzo, I'd expect them to trade down first.

For more coverage of the 2011 NFL Draft (i.e. NFL mock drafts, draft projections, scouting reports, the full NFL Draft schedule, etc.), check out Mocking The Draft, SB Nation's NFL Draft hub, SB Nation Detroit's NFL Draft StoryStream and Pride Of Detroit's 2011 NFL Draft archive.

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