NFL Mock Draft 2011: Will the Carolina Panthers Select Cam Newton at No. 1?
With the NFL Draft just weeks away, teams are zeroing in on prospects that could help their teams in the 2011 season and beyond.
The Carolina Panthers currently hold the first overall pick and have been considering as many as seven players with that pick. When draft day comes will they take one of those seven players, or will they try to find a team that wants to trade up?
As of right now, only one team has multiple picks in the first round, the New England Patriots. Unfortunately for teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins, it doesn't appear that teams will be able to trade their players on draft day due to the lockout.
On April 28th, when your favorite team is on the clock, which future NFL star will they select?
Matt Faulconer is a Bleacher Report Featured Columnist for the NFL and the Washington Redskins. He has served as an intern for the site as well. He also contributes his writings on the North Carolina Tar Heels to the fan site, TarHeelCoalition.com. He has had articles featured on partner sites such as Philly.com (The Philadelphia Inquirer).
You can reach Matt Faulconer by e-mail at matt.faulconer.br@gmail.com with any questions and concerns.
1. Carolina Panthers
1 of 32
Cam Newton (QB, Auburn)
Plain and simple, Cam Newton is the best prospect in this draft. He is not the most NFL-ready quarterback available, but Blaine Gabbert may not be that guy either.
In all honesty, this is the most wide open draft in quite some time. With so many options, the Panthers would likely prefer to trade out of this pick. The problem is that no team is going to want to trade up to that top spot, unless there is some player that really stands out to a team in the lower half of the top ten.
Newton has all the talent to be successful in the NFL. He is big, strong, fast, and has a big arm. His accuracy has come into question at times, but the same can be said for Gabbert. Newton need will to learn how to play under center, and will be forced to learn a pro-style offense, if he can do that he will be a successful quarterback.
While he is not the most NFL-ready player in the draft right now, the Carolina Panthers are not equipped to win right now, so developing a QB that could lead this team for a decade is the right move.
2. Denver Broncos
2 of 32
Marcell Dareus (DT, Alabama)
The Denver Broncos have a significant need across the entire defensive line. They had problems both rushing the passer, and defending the run last season.
Selecting Dareus with the No. 2 overall pick, would be a great pick for John Elway. Dareus is the best overall defensive lineman in the draft, and is certainly the safest pick of them all.
He is both a good run stopper and a good pass rusher and gives 100 percent on every play, something that Elway will certainly appreciate.
Denver will consider Nick Fairley with this pick, however, he has been known to take plays off and is not as effective at stopping the run. Fairley has a higher ceiling than Dareus, but the floor is much, much lower, as he has boom or bust potential.
3. Buffalo Bills
3 of 32
Blaine Gabbert (QB, Missouri)
Blaine Gabbert had a very impressive combine, which may have secured him a top-five selection by either the Panthers, Bills, or Cardinals.
The Bills have needs on the offensive line, and they need a pass rusher, so Nick Fairley and Robert Quinn would also be options.
However, Gabbert has the potential to be a very good NFL quarterback, which is very tough to pass up at the No. 3 pick.
Gabbert is smart, mobile, and has a strong arm. While he played in the spread in college, he may actually be a better fit for a pro-style offense (he originally committed to Nebraska to run a pro-style offense until Bill Callahan was fired). Like Newton, his accuracy is shaky at times, especially on deep balls.
By selecting Gabbert this year, the Bills have the ability to let him learn from one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league, in Ryan Fitzpatrick for a season before taking command of the offense.
Buffalo is not a team on the verge of breaking through, however, they are a young team and if they can keep adding assets, they could become a force in the next three to five years.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals
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A.J. Green (WR, Georgia)
Peter King recently reported that Julio Jones passed A.J. Green on the Bengals' draft board, but that could simply be a cover.
The Bengals need a receiver, since they exiled Chad Ochocinco, and will not have Terrell Owens back next season either.
Cincinnati is also going to need a quarterback, with the whole Carson Palmer fiasco that has been going on this offseason. However, Gabbert and Newton have both come off the board by the fourth pick, so the Bengals settle for the best player on the board, A.J. Green.
Green will immediately make an impact at the receiver position, and will be a driving force behind their passing game in the future. While Julio Jones is also a good receiver, his injury riddled college career, and shaky hands will force the Bengals into selecting A.J. Green.
The Bengals may be looking to select a quarterback in the second round, which could end up being Ryan Mallett or Colin Kaepernick. Either of those quarterbacks will certainly appreciate having A.J. Green lining up out wide to catch passes.
5. Arizona Cardinals
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Von Miller (OLB, Texas A&M)
Von Miller, like Gabbert, shot up draft boards after the bowl season ended. Miller was originally projected to go in the middle of the first round, and immediately shot up a top-five prospect.
Miller is the most pure outside linebacker in this year's draft, and will certainly fit in Arizona's attacking style defense. He will provide an instant pass-rushing threat, and should be able to hold up well in coverage.
Finding players as NFL-ready as Miller are tough and the Cardinals will enjoy having him on the field next season.
Like the Bengals, the Cardinals could also use a quarterback, but will likely look to bring in a veteran quarterback once the lockout ends. Donovan McNabb, Marc Bulger, and Kevin Kolb are all players that could see themselves heading to Arizona after the lockout.
6. Cleveland Browns
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Robert Quinn (DE/OLB, North Carolina)
Quinn was expected to emerge as a potential No. 1 pick after his combine workout. His workout was very solid, but was not as stellar as some expected.
Quinn made up for that at his pro day, as he looked like the player that everyone thought he could be and may have secured himself a top-ten selection.
He is very versatile and as a rare combination of both speed and size. He is still somewhat of a raw talent, but can certainly emerge as a star pass rusher in the NFL.
While the Browns will be tempted to select Julio Jones, as they need a star receiver, Quinn fills a more pressing need for the Browns.
Cleveland will likely attempt to add that receiver depth in the second round, with a player like Torrey Smith.
7. San Francisco 49ers
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Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU)
San Francisco lands the steal of the first round when they select Patrick Peterson with the seventh pick in this year's draft.
Peterson has been the best available player on many analysts big boards this offseason, and is the safest pick in the draft. He is going to be a shut-down corner at the NFL level, and is also versatile enough to play free safety.
As one of the fastest players in the draft, Peterson has that blend of speed and athleticism that teams look for in a corner. He has the size to matchup against No. 1 receivers, and the speed to stay with them.
His intangibles are unmatched by any other corner in this draft, and by many of the corners already in the NFL.
8. Tennessee Titans
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Nick Fairley (DE/DT, Auburn)
Fairley is the premier pass rusher from the defensive tackle position in this year's draft. He is strong and athletic and certainly has the potential to be one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL.
His character has come into question, as well as his work ethic, thus the reason for his slide to the eighth pick.
Fairley has the highest ceiling of all the defensive line prospects, but also has the lowest floor, which makes him a risky pick.
Luckily for Fairley, the Tennessee Titans have a need on the defensive line, and have done a remarkable job with developing lineman in the past.
The Titans were successful in making Albert Haynesworth into a premier defensive tackle, so they should have no problem doing the same with Fairley.
9. Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
Prince Amukamara (CB, Nebraska)
The Cowboys two biggest needs are at cornerback and on the offensive line. The fact that there are not any premier lineman in this year's draft, this makes the decision easy for Dallas.
Amukamara has all the intangibles to be successful in the NFL, and will likely turn into a pro-bowl corner. With Dallas struggling against the pass all season last year, Dallas could add Amukamara to Terrance Newman to create one of the better cornerback duos in football.
Amukamara is not the ball hawk that Peterson is, however, he excels at locking down on his man and not giving up a lot of space.
Dallas' poor pass defense should immediately improve with the addition of Amukamara, making them a threat to win the NFC East once again.
10. Washington Redskins
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Julio Jones (WR, Alabama)
With the tenth pick, the Redskins don't have many options except to select Julio Jones with this pick. Washington will likely attempt to trade down with a team looking to move up and add the star receiver from Alabama.
However, if they cannot get enough out of St. Louis, they will likely remain where they are and add Jones to the mix.
Jones is a future star receiver in the NFL and the Redskins certainly have a need at that position. With Santana Moss unsigned, and the only relevant receiver on the roster being Anthony Armstrong, the Redskins will need to add a receiver in the draft at some point.
Jones is an excellent run blocker and works hard on every play, something that Mike Shanahan will certainly appreciate. His biggest issue in college was his durability and his shaky hands. The Redskins will be hoping that his injuries are behind him, and that Keenan McCardell will be able to help him on his pass catching abilities.
One thing the Redskins will certainly appreciate about Jones is his toughness, as he worked out at the combine with a fractured foot, and played through Alabama's game against South Carolina with a broken hand, while hauling in double-digit catches.
11. Houston Texans
11 of 32
Da'Quan Bowers (DE, Clemson)
Bowers appeared to be in the running to be selected as one of the first three players, however, his knee injury and less than stellar pro-day has caused his stock to slip.
He is one of the better pure pass rushers in the draft, and Wade Phillips should be able to utilize him in Houston.
Bowers fills a need for the Texans, as their pass rush has yet to find a compliment across from Mario WIlliams. Bowers could certainly fill that role once he recovers from his knee injury.
Selecting a player with top-three potential outside of the top ten could prove to be one of the bigger steals on draft day.
12. Minnesota Vikings
12 of 32
Tyron Smith (OT, USC)
The Vikings have needs on both the offensive and defensive lines, as well as the quarterback position. The Vikings never went out and found a backup plan in the two years they had Brett Favre, and are now paying the price.
The Vikings have been taking a long, hard look at Jake Locker, however the 12th pick is way too high to select Locker. Minnesota may look to trade down here and pick up Locker near the end of the first round, while adding an additional pick.
However, if they stand pat, they should select Tyron Smith. He is the most athletic tackle in the draft, and should be able to play the right or the left side. He is a solid run blocker also and should help in opening up more holes for Adrian Peterson.
No matter what the Vikings look to do with their quarterback situation, adding another tackle to the fold, should help them protect whoever is under center.
13. Detroit Lions
13 of 32
Anthony Castonzo (OT, Boston College)
Detroit's secondary has been awful for the past few seasons, and they desperately need help at that position. This certainly makes them another team that may trade down to look at adding a corner near the end of the first round.
If Detroit stays where they are, adding an offensive lineman would certainly help prevent further injury to injury prone quarterback, Matthew Stafford.
Stafford has been on his back a lot during his first few NFL seasons, and the Lions need to do a better job of protecting their franchise cornerstone.
Anthony Castonzo is the most NFL-ready lineman in the draft. He does not have the upside of guys like Nate Solder or Tyron Smith, however, he can come in and play at a high level right away.
Detroit needs a player who can make an immediate impact on the offensive line, and Castonzo can be that guy.
14. St. Louis Rams
14 of 32
Corey Liuget (DT, Illinois)
St. Louis is desperate to add a receiver for Sam Bradford, unfortunately for them Julio Jones and A.J. Green are off the board. As mentioned previously, the Redskins may target the Rams as a team to trade with on draft day, if Julio Jones is still on the board at No. 10.
If St. Louis is unable to pull that off they select Corey Liuget with this pick. Two months ago Liuget was projected as a second-round player, and has since risen up draft boards. He outperformed players like Aldon Smith and Cameron Jordan at the combine, and may have secured his stock as the fifth best defensive lineman in the draft.
St. Louis definitely needs help at the defensive tackle spot, especially with both Gary Gibson and Clifton Ryan entering free agency. Adding Liuget fills a need, and adds a talented young player to the fold for the Rams.
15. Miami Dolphins
15 of 32
Mark Ingram (RB, Alabama)
This pick has pretty much been a consensus pick among everyone for months now, and things don't appear to be changing.
Mark Ingram will be leaving Alabama as a Heisman Trophy winner, to take his talents to South Beach. Miami has expressed interest in quarterbacks, such as Jake Locker, but it doesn't make sense for Miami to take him at the 15th pick.
Ingram is NFL-ready and could explode in Miami's running game. He has experience running the wildcat from his days in Alabama, and could excel in Miami's version. With Ricky Williams getting older and Ronnie Brown likely on his way out of town, Miami has to find a runner in this year's draft.
Ingram is not the fastest back available, but provides everything else teams look for in a star running back. He has great downfield vision, hits the hole quickly, and stays low to the ground.
At this point, it is pretty much guaranteed that Ingram doesn't fall past Miami.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
16 of 32
Aldon Smith (DE/OLB, Missouri)
Smith is to the point where analysts are starting to lock Smith in as a member of the Jaguars. Jacksonville needs help rushing the passer, after they were horrible pass rushing team last season.
Smith is still very raw, but has as much potential as any player picked ahead of him. He will likely only play as a situational pass rusher in his first couple seasons, as he continues to develop.
Had Smith stayed at Missouri for another season, he likely would have been a top five pick in next year's draft.
However, Smith made the decision to leave school early and will find him developing as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
17. New England Patriots
17 of 32
J.J Watt (DE, Wisconsin)
J.J Watt will be a perfect addition as a 3-4 defensive end for the Patriots. He is one of the hardest working players in the draft, and has an excellent motor, both are traits that the Patriots value.
The Patriots front seven struggled at times last season, so they will certainly be looking to make improvements at both linebacker and on the defensive line. Watt will certainly help the Patriots to turn around their defensive line, and should help in both stopping the run and getting to the quarterback.
While the Patriots could also use a receiver and a cornerback, there are no players available that are worth taking at this pick. With that in mind, it would not shock anyone if the Patriots traded down from this pick.
18. San Diego Chargers
18 of 32
Cameron Jordan (DE, California)
While a lot of people have Muhammad Wilkerson on the rise, Cameron Jordan will still be the selection here for San Diego.
Jordan has a bit more athleticism than Wilkerson, and has a bit more upside. Jordan played in a 3-4 scheme at California and should not have much trouble adjusting to San Diego's defensive scheme.
He is a strong and athletic player, that should be able to make an immediate impact at the NFL level.
If the Chargers don't feel that Jordan or Wilkerson are going to make the impact they desire, they will likely look to improve their offensive line by adding Nate Solder.
19. New York Giants
19 of 32
Akeem Ayers (OLB, UCLA)
Ayers would be a perfect fit for the Giants, as Keith Bullock is 34 years old and is entering free agency. The Giants could also use help on the interior of their offensive line, which would also make Mike Pouncey a legitimate possibility at No. 19.
Ayers is a top 15 talent, that struggled in some of his workouts over the past two weeks. However, the skill set is there and the tape on him certainly indicates that he is a very athletic player. He needs to work on his pass coverage abilities, but he should not have many problems rushing the passer in the NFL.
Again, Nate Solder could hear his name called with this pick also, as the William Beatty has struggled to this point in his career.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
20 of 32
Adrian Clayborn (DE, Iowa)
It is no secret that Tampa needs help on the defensive line, especially at the end position. Clayborn was a player that was projected to be a top ten pick at the beginning of the season, however had his stock fall with a down year.
Clayborn certainly has the skill set needed to be an elite defensive end, for some reason though, his production was down.
Tampa was only 30th in the league in sacks last season, and Clayborn should help in rushing the passer. He recorded 11 sacks in his junior year and has the potential to be a good pass rusher in the NFL. At this point in the first round, Clayborn is a good value pick for the Buccaneers.
21. Kansas City Chiefs
21 of 32
Mike Pouncey (OG/C, Florida)
Casey Wiegmann has informed the team that he is considering retirement and is supposed to announce his decision prior to the draft of his decision.
Even if Wiegmann decides to return for another season, the Chiefs will definitely need help on their interior line. Wiegmann is going to be 38 years old when the season starts, so this will be his last season, if he does return.
On the other hand, guard Brian Waters is 34 years old. Pouncey is capable of playing both guard positions, as well as center. That is a luxury that the Chiefs could use, considering the age of their interior lineman.
Scott Pioli, from his days with New England, understands the value in having a lineman that can play all three interior positions. He also understands that it is best to add Pouncey before it becomes an absolute necessity.
The other option for the Chiefs is to snag Phil Taylor, the big time nose tackle from Baylor. If the Chiefs do trade down, expect them to be looking at picking up Phil Taylor with their first pick.
22. Indianapolis Colts
22 of 32
Gabe Carimi (OT, Wisconsin)
The Colts definitely need help on their offensive line, and adding Carimi to the fold would be a perfect fit. Carimi is very well-polished, and also has solid upside. The Colts are not getting any younger and need to add the player that can help them now, that player is Carimi.
Nate Solder has more upside of the top two tackles still available. However, as mentioned, the Colts are not the youngest of teams and need to win now, thus adding the player that is more NFL-ready is a must for Indianapolis.
Peyton Manning's window of opportunity to win another Super Bowl is running thin, and the Colts need to add some players in this year's draft that can step up and get the Colts back to the promise land.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
23 of 32
Nate Solder (OT, Colorado)
Solder is a good pick for the Eagles here, who need some work on their offensive line. They surrendered over 50 sacks last season, and could use help at the right tackle position.
Solder could easily step in and play right tackle for the Eagles, while he develops into a left tackle. He has the most upside of any offensive tackle outside of Tyron Smith, who went off the board much earlier.
He has to work on his technique and his consistency, but Andy Reid will do his best to coach him up, while Vick continues to avoid sacks with his legs.
24. New Orleans Saints
24 of 32
Justin Houston (DE, Georgia)
In the weeks leading up to the combine, there were some who thought that Houston could transition to a 3-4 scheme in the NFL as an outside linebacker, the position he played in college. However, it appears that scouts are now referring to Houston as best fit for a 4-3 defensive end.
He had an impressive combine, and has the size and speed necessary to be a very efficient pass rusher in the NFL. Gregg Williams will be able to maximize Houston's talent and turn him into a dominant pass rusher from the defensive end position.
Houston is also capable of dropping into coverage from a defensive end position, which should help the Saints in showing opposing teams some different looks.
25. Seattle Seahawks
25 of 32
Jake Locker (QB, Washington)
Jake Locker just makes sense for Seattle with the 25th pick. Charlie Whitehurst didn't impress many people during his starts in 2010, and doesn't appear to be the quarterback of the future.
Seattle should look to bring back Matt Hasselbeck on a one or two year deal, while Locker develops, if possible.
Locker has a huge arm, and is both strong and mobile outside the pocket. His accuracy has come under question after this past season, when he entered the season as the top ranked quarterback prospect.
Landing in Seattle would be an ideal situation for Locker also, if Hasselbeck returns. He would be able to learn the system and improve on his flaws for a season, while having a veteran quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck to teach him the ropes.
26. Baltimore Ravens
26 of 32
Jimmy Smith (CB, Colorado)
The Ravens proved they needed a corner last season, when they let Ben Roethlisberger tear their secondary to threads in the second half of their playoff matchup.
Brandon Harris was a guy that was projected to go at this pick previously, however, his stock has fallen a bit, while Smith has had outstanding workouts.
Smith looks the part of a shut-down corner, and could come in and make an immediate impact for the Ravens in 2011.
The only concern with Smith is his off-field problems. He was arrested with an alcohol charge as a minor, he failed a few drug tests, and skipped the Senior Bowl. However, the Ravens haven't shied away from these types of players in the past and with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed around, they have no reason to worry.
27. Atlanta Falcons
27 of 32
Ryan Kerrigan (DE, Purdue)
The Falcons could use help rushing the passer, and Kerrigan is very effective in that part of his game. He led the country in tackles for loss in the 2010 season, and performed well at the combine.
He does not have the athleticism of the guys that were selected ahead of him, but he is a hard worker and has good technique. When Kerrigan is able to get his hands on an offensive player, he is generally able to bring him down with his strength.
He may have to work harder at the NFL level, however, a solid combine should have secured him a first-round selection.
28. New England Patriots
28 of 32
Brooks Reed (OLB, Arizona)
Again, the Patriots need to upgrade their front seven. They started that process by selecting J.J. Watt earlier in their draft to sure up their defensive line, and they finish that with their next selection.
Brooks Reed is a very athletic player that should be able to use his quickness to shine as a pass rusher for New England.
Reed is the type of player that the Patriots would love to get their hands on, as he has a high football IQ and is very athletic.
Adding these two players should sure up their pass rush, as they can focus on adding secondary help or a receiver with the 33rd overall pick.
29. Chicago Bears
29 of 32
Muhammad Wilkerson (DT, Temple)
Wilkerson is far from a household name at this point, and Bears fans may not be too excited about this pick. At No. 29, Wilkerson is a steal for the Bears, as he has been climbing draft boards in recent weeks and has been projected in the top 20 by mock draft gurus, such as Todd McShay.
Chicago definitely needs help on their offensive line, and may try to trade up to get one of the premier tackles in the draft, such as Solder or Carimi. At this point, Derek Sherrod is the best tackle available, and he would be a reach.
Chicago definitely needs help on their defensive line, and Wilkerson still fills a need for Chicago, albeit not their biggest need.
30. New York Jets
30 of 32
Phil Taylor (NT, Baylor)
With the Jets releasing Kris Jenkins, they will need to bring in a new starting nose tackle this offseason. Adding Phil Taylor would fill that need immediately for Rex Ryan.
Taylor comes with some character concerns, as he was charged with assault while he was still at Penn State. The Jets though don't appear to be a team that will shy away from character concerns, especially with a talent like Phil Taylor.
Taylor is the best nose tackle in the draft, and premier nose tackles that weigh more than 300 pounds and have the mobility of Taylor are tough to find.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers
31 of 32
Derek Sherrod (OT, Mississippi State)
Pittsburgh needs some more help on their offensive line and Sherrod should provide them just that. Sherrod was a left tackle at Mississippi State, however, the Steelers may be able to use him at both tackle and guard.
Sherrod certainly has the more upside than both Danny Watkins and Orlando Franklin, but may not have the versatility. Most scouts are uncertain on whether or not Sherrod has the skill set to play guard in the NFL, but if the Steelers think he can play both positions, he will certainly be picked ahead of Watkins and Franklin.
The potential is there with Sherrod, and at this point in the draft, upside matters.
32. Green Bay Packers
32 of 32
Cameron Heyward (DE, Ohio State)
The biggest need for Green Bay entering the draft is at the defensive end position. Cullen Jenkins appears to be on his way out of Green Bay, so they will certainly need some help across the defensive line.
Heyward should be able to step in and help fill that void. He is a big time pass rusher, that many thought would put up bigger numbers this past season at Ohio State.
The potential is there with Heyward, as was evident by his big game against Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl. Like Fairley, Heyward has been known to take some plays off, something that likely hurt his production this past season. However, when he gets to Green Bay, he won't be allowed to do that, as players like Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson will not allow it.
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