2011 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft: Round 2, Pick 36

Our annual 2011 NFL Mock Draft, with picks made by each of SB Nation’s NFL team bloggers, is in full swing. The latest pick in to the podium: the Denver Broncos, at No. 36 overall.

John Bena of MileHighReport.com explains the choice, and our own Dan Kadar reacts to it, after the jump. Make sure you’re grading this pick for the Broncos, and checking out Mile High Report for all of your Broncos needs.

John Bena explains: This writer did not submit an explanation.

Dan Kadar reacts: With the second pick in this mock, Denver took Texas A&M pass rusher Von Miller. Although that is probably unlikely, they would desperately need to get one of the better defensive tackles in the second round. That’s exactly what Austin represents.

Going into the 2010 season, Austin was considered by many as a first-round player. But after sitting out the whole season due to suspension, Austin had to show in the East-West Shrine Game and in workouts that he’s still that player. He is, for the most part. Austin can move around as well as any interior lineman in this year’s class, and is quick for his size. The issue he still faces is about his work ethic. Working out is easy. Translating it consistently to game day is another story. At North Carolina, Austin too frequently took plays off or seemed to go half speed. Is that a good fit for Denver’s rebuilding defense?

It’s a great positional fit. Whether he becomes the player many expect is up to Austin himself. [Marvin Austin Scouting Report]