2011 NFL Mock Draft: Carolina Makes Marcell Dareus the No. 1 Pick

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The Panthers Make Marcell Dareus the Pick

Marcell Dareus burst onto the scene during the BCS National Championship game in 2009 when he had an interception that he returned for a score against Texas. The return included a great spin move that freed him up for the return.

Dareus is a great athlete that is extremely versatile. He has the size and strength to play tackle in a 4-3 but the speed and explosion to play end in a 3-4. I think it is that versatility that makes him such an interesting prospect to consider.

During the combine Dareus really showed that he is worthy of being considered a top overall pick possibility. He didn’t have a great 40 time but he did show some explosion and change of direction in his position drills. He also showed outstanding strength in his bad drills. It is that punch that could make him a real steal.

The good news is that the Panthers have a lot of holes and Dareus helps fill some holes. He not only gives them a great athlete on the defensive line but also a leader in the locker room.

1. Carolina Panthers: Marcell Dareus, DT 2. Denver Broncos: Da'Quan Bowers, DE 3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB 4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR	17. New England Patriots: Nate Solder, OT 18. San Diego Chargers: Adrian Clayborn, DE 19. New York Giants: Gabe Carimi, OT 20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Justin Houston, OLB
5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB 6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR 7. San Francisco: Patrick Peterson, CB 8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT	21. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyron Smith, OT 22. Indianapolis Colts: Danny Watkins, OG 23. Philadelphia Eagles: Mike Pouncey, OG 24. New Orleans Saints: Ryan Kerrigan, DE
9. Dallas Cowboys: J.J Watt, DE 10. Washington Redskins: Cam Newton, QB 11. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, DE 12. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Locker, QB	25. Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Mallett, QB 26. Baltimore Ravens: Rahim Moore, FS 27. Atlanta Falcons: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE 28. New England Patriots: Akeem Ayers, OLB
13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara, CB 14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget, DT 15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB 16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cam Jordan, DE	29. Chicago Bears: Anthony Castonzo, OT 30. New York Jets: Randall Cobb, WR 31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derek Sherrod, OT 32. Green Bay Packers: Jimmy Smith, CB