2011 NFL Mock Draft Round 1: Does Cam Newton Go in First Round?
It's been two weeks now since I last updated my mock draft, which means it's time for that to change!
And a lot of change has taken place since I last posted a mock.
Many teams have moved down (Kansas City, Miami, Houston) and many teams have moved up (Oakland, Atlanta, New York Jets) in the ranks.
As always, the order of my picks are based on current record. Just because the Jets are picking last doesn't mean they will be in or win the Super Bowl.
Did I just give away who's picking last? I think I did!
Without any further ado, enjoy my mock.
With the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select...
1. Buffalo Bills (1-8): Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford
1 of 33
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 235 lbs.
40 time: 4.76
Stock: No. 1 pick
Buffalo may think they have something with Ryan Fitzpatrick under Chan Gailey's system, but it is sadly mistaken.
It seriously shocks me when a Bills fan tells me that they should pass up on Andrew Luck in order to draft a defensive lineman like Marcell Dareus.
Judging by how well Sam Bradford has done with St. Louis, Buffalo should and will take Andrew Luck with the first pick in the draft.
Try to tell me differently and I will argue with you until my fingers can't type another word.
2. Carolina Panthers (1-8): A.J. Green, Wide Receiver, Georgia
2 of 33
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 212 lbs.
40 time: 4.49
Stock: Top-five pick
With DeAngelo Williams out for the year, Carolina could very well end up with the first pick in the draft. Where we stand now, I have them going second, obviously.
Steve Smith has been injured and inconsistent over the last few years with the Panthers, which leaves them with almost no targets for Jimmy Clausen or Matt Moore to throw to.
A.J. Green could be the next Calvin Johnson, so the Panthers' future on offense looks very bright.
3. Detroit Lions (2-7): Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, LSU
3 of 33
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 222 lbs.
40 time: 4.42
Stock: Top three pick
Detroit's passing defense lacks a strong presence, which no one man, woman or child can deny.
They currently rank 17th in the league, which isn't terrible, but with a lockdown cornerback like Patrick Peterson on the board, you can't pass him up.
Peterson will be a tremendous cornerback from the get-go. Detroit's defense continues to get better with the top defensive player in the draft on their squad.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals (2-7): Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End, Clemson
4 of 33
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 275 lbs.
40 time: 4.64
Stock: Top-five pick
I didn't expect the Bengals to be very good this year, but I also didn't expect for them to be this awful. Two wins through nine games for a team that made the playoffs last year is surprising.
With that said, Cincinnati needs to improve their pass rush. Antwan Odom has only played in four games this year, missing several due to suspension.
Da'Quan Bowers has dominated each and every offensive lineman he's faced this year. With 13.5 sacks to his name, Bowers has leaped into the top five.
5. Dallas Cowboys (2-7): Marcell Dareus, Defensive Lineman, Alabama
5 of 33
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 309 lbs.
40 time: 4.95
Stock: Top-five pick
Dallas somehow, someway defeated the New York Giants on the road this past Sunday, which drops them from the third to fifth pick.
Nonetheless, the Cowboys are still an awful team, but primarily on defense. Their front seven has been a huge weakness all year long.
Marcell Dareus is the top player available, which is usually an attractive sight for the Cowboys.
6. Arizona Cardinals (3-6): Robert Quinn, Hybrid Linebacker, North Carolina
6 of 33
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 268 lbs.
40 time: 4.64
Stock: Top-five pick
While a quarterback like Ryan Mallett would be intriguing at this juncture, Arizona still likely has faith in either Max Hall or John Skelton.
The Cardinals offense has struggled due to Chris "Beanie" Wells being injured, Anquan Boldin being traded in the offseason and Kurt Warner's retirement.
Arizona needs a pass rusher, badly. Joey Porter will likely call it quits within the next couple years, and Robert Quinn would be a tremendous fit with the Cardinals.
7. San Francisco 49ers (3-6): Nick Fairley, Defensive Lineman, Auburn
7 of 33
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 298 lbs.
40 time: 4.93
Stock: Top-10 pick
I don't believe the 49ers will go with Ryan Mallett with this pick, simply because they will likely invest in Troy Smith for a few years.
Smith has a near 117 quarterback rating, which is obviously a very high number. While he may not be able to win them a Super Bowl, he's proven he can win.
San Francisco's defensive line has two studs in Justin Smith and Aubrayo Franklin, but the left side of their line is filled by the underachieving Isaac Sopoaga.
8. Cleveland Browns (3-6): Allen Bailey, Defensive Lineman, Miami
8 of 33
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 288 lbs.
40 time: 4.79
Stock: Top-15 pick
Not many Cleveland fans liked this pick in my last mock draft, but I'm not sure why. Do you honestly believe that the Browns have a good defensive line?
Many people who aren't Cleveland fans wouldn't likely even know a name on their defensive line.
Allen Bailey would be a great 3-4 defensive end for the Browns, who would continue to improve on the defensive side of the ball.
9. Denver Broncos (3-6): Prince Amukamara, Cornerback, Nebraska
9 of 33
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 200 lbs.
40 time: 4.49
Stock: Top-five pick
The Denver Broncos are known for not being able to stop the run or run with the ball, but I don't have them going with something to fix that in the first round.
A player like Adrian Clayborn would be intriguing, but he's definitely a better fit for a 4-3 defense.
With Champ Bailey's contract expiring after this season, the Broncos could be left without one of the best cornerbacks of all time.
10. Minnesota Vikings (3-6): Ryan Mallett, Quarterback, Arkansas
10 of 33
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 238 lbs.
40 time: 5.12
Stock: Top 10 pick
The Vikings will most likely fire Brad Childress, which would be the right move for the future of the franchise. Often, a new head coach means a new quarterback.
Brett Favre is almost a lock to retire at the end of this season, thus leaving the Vikings to either re-sign Tarvaris Jackson, start Joe Webb, sign a free agent, make a trade or draft a quarterback.
Ryan Mallett is a great quarterback with a very strong arm that would allow Minnesota to be one of the best passing offenses in the league, along with a dynamic running game.
11. Washington Redskins (4-5): Julio Jones, Wide Receiver, Alabama
11 of 33
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 220 lbs.
40 time: 4.49
Stock: Top 15 pick
Washington's struggles may be due to poor coaching, injuries or its lack of offensive weapons for Donovan McNabb to throw to.
With McNabb receiving a five-year extension recently, I do believe that Washington will keep Donovan through the 2011 season, at least.
If he stays, the Redskins will need targets for him to throw to. Joey Galloway on the outside is no longer going to cut it.
12. Houston Texans (4-5): Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, Florida
12 of 33
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 186 lbs.
40 time: 4.52
Stock: Top-15 pick
The Houston Texans started out the season very hot, but ever since then they have started to fizzle, moving to last place in the AFC South.
Houston has great talent on the offensive side of the ball, but its defense lacks strength, mainly in the secondary.
Janoris Jenkins is a cornerback on the rise that would pair nicely with Houston's first-rounder in 2010, Kareem Jackson.
13. St. Louis Rams (4-5): Adrian Clayborn, Defensive End, Iowa
13 of 33
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 286 lbs.
40 time: 4.79
Stock: Top 20 pick
The St. Louis Rams have been arguably the most surprising team this year, which is due to their first overall pick this year, Sam Bradford.
Even though the Rams are getting better by the week, they still have plenty of weaknesses that need to be cured.
Chris Long is a solid defensive end, but James Hall, on the opposite side, is getting up there in age. Adrian Clayborn could very well end up being the starter by the beginning of the 2012 season.
14. San Diego Chargers (4-5): Cameron Jordan, Defensive Lineman, California
14 of 33
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 285 pounds
40 time: 4.85
Stock: Top 25 pick
San Diego is getting better and it will continue to get better once Malcom Floyd comes back from injury and when Vincent Jackson returns from suspension.
The Chargers defense has been very solid this year, which is a surprise considering the lack of stars they have.
Jacques Cesaire, one of San Diego's current starting defensive ends, is not starting material. He could be replaced immediately by Cameron Jordan.
15. Miami Dolphins (5-5): Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama
15 of 33
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 215 lbs.
40 time: 4.48
Stock: Top 15 pick
The Miami Dolphins are known for their stellar 1-2 punch at running back, but with both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams slated for free agency this offseason, the Dolphins could be in big trouble.
Ricky Williams initially intended to retire after this year, but he feels as though he still has some gas left in the tank.
I believe the Dolphins should let Ricky go, retain Ronnie and look to draft either Mark Ingram or Ryan Williams in the first round.
16. Seattle Seahawks (5-4): Brandon Harris, Cornerback, Miami
16 of 33
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 195 lbs.
40 time: 4.45
Stock: Top-20 pick
The Seattle Seahawks are currently ranked 28th against the pass, giving up nearly 273 yards per contest.
Outside of rookie Earl Thomas, the Seahawks lack a strong presence in their secondary. They drafted Walter Thurmond in the fourth round this year, but he won't cut it.
Brandon Harrishas slipped a little bit on my board, but he's still a solid pick for a team that needs him the most.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4): Ryan Kerrigan, Defensive End, Purdue
17 of 33
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 263 lbs.
40 time: 4.82
Stock: Top-15 pick
Aaron Kampman, a year after tearing his ACL, went on to tearing his other ACL very recently. It's very possible he may call it quits very soon.
The Jaguars shouldn't have the record they do, simply because their team isn't as good as their record indicates.
Jacksonville's pass rush is pedestrian, at best. The Jags need a defensive end like Ryan Kerrigan who can get to the quarterback in a hurry.
18. New England Patriots (5-4): Akeem Ayers, Hybrid Linebacker, UCLA
18 of 33
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 254 lbs.
40 time: 4.68
Stock: Top 20 pick
The Patriots are getting a little angrier each and every time the Raiders win. With Oakland's bad luck, they may go on a serious losing streak coming up.
New England's defense, which is composed of mostly young talent, will continue to add new blood to that side of the ball.
Akeem Ayers is a great pass rusher, who will combine with Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes and either Rob Ninkovich or Jermaine Cunningham.
19. Kansas City Chiefs (5-4): Von Miller, Hybrid Linebacker, Texas A&M
19 of 33
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 232 lbs.
40 time: 4.56
Stock: Top-25 pick
The Kansas City Chiefs continue to improve on both sides of the ball, but they lack a strong pass-rusher outside of stud Tamba Hali.
Mike Vrabel is currently one of the starters at outside linebacker, but it's very likely that he'll retire very soon, as he should.
Von Miller is one of the more well known hybrid linebackers eligible for the draft. He'll be a great fit on the Chiefs defense.
20. Tennessee Titans (5-4): Travis Lewis, Outside Linebacker, Oklahoma
20 of 33
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 232 lbs.
40 time: 4.53
Stock: Top 25 pick
My pick will stay the exact same from last time because the Titans linebacking core is still one of the weakest in the league.
Gerald McRath is a young player with tons of potential, but do they really have another strong presence in the front seven?
Travis Lewis is a stud that will be able to make the Titans much better against both the run and the pass.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3): Justin Houston, Defensive End, Georgia
21 of 33
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 263 lbs.
40 time: 4.73
Stock: Top 30 pick
Although he may be undersized to play defensive end, Justin Houston could very well end up playing on the defensive line once he's in the NFL.
Tampa Bay currently ranks 31st against the run this year, giving up nearly 144 yards per game. Obviously, things need to change.
The Buccaneers have two studs at defensive tackle in Gerald McCoy and Brian Price, but they need a strong defensive end like Houston.
22. Baltimore Ravens (6-3): Brandon Burton, Cornerback, Utah
22 of 33
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 185 lbs.
40 time: 4.49
Stock: Late first
Name both of the Ravens starting cornerbacks. Time's up. Were you able to do it?
Baltimore's two current starters at cornerback are Chris Carr, who is best known for returning punts and kicks, and Josh Wilson.
It's clear that the Ravens need help in the secondary, and Brandon Burton would be the man to support the cause.
23. Green Bay Packers (6-3): Aaron Williams, Cornerback, Texas
23 of 33
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 192 lbs.
40 time: 4.49
Stock: Top 20 pick
The Packers released Al Harris less than a month ago, and Charles Woodson will be 35 years old in September.
Green Bay often takes the best player available, and that will be the case in the 2011 draft as well.
Aaron Williams is a great cornerback with plenty of potential. However, he may choose to stay in college, like many expect.
24. Indianapolis Colts (6-3): Derek Sherrod, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State
24 of 33
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 305 lbs.
40 time: 5.22
Stock: Top-20 pick
The Colts defense isn't as good as the offense, but Indianapolis often looks for offensive talent in the first round.
Charlie Johnson, one of the Colts' current starting offensive tackles, is a free agent this offseason, which means he may walk.
Derek Sherrod is the best offensive tackle in one of the worst classes in NFL draft history.
25. Philadelphia Eagles (6-3): Bruce Carter, Outside Linebacker, North Carolina
25 of 33
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 230 lbs.
40 time: 4.57
Stock: Top 25 pick
The Eagles almost never draft a linebacker in the first round, but I feel as though Andy Reid will break that trend in 2011.
Ernie Sims hasn't been good in nearly three years, which will likely mean the Eagles will let him walk in free agency.
Bruce Carter is one of the best defensive players in next year's draft, despite his stock being so low. He will impress many at the combine.
26. New Orleans Saints (6-3): Greg Jones, Linebacker, Michigan State
26 of 33
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 235 lbs.
40 time: 4.64
Stock: Late first round
It may be a little early for Greg Jones to go, but he's the best linebacker available for the Saints to choose from.
New Orleans wanted to take Jerry Hughes in the first round this year, but the Colts took him with the pick prior.
Greg Jones can play either outside or inside linebacker, but he will likely be outside in the NFL.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3): Mike Pouncey, Guard, Florida
27 of 33
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 310 pounds
40 time: 5.29
Stock: Early second round
In the 2010 draft, Pittsburgh took one of the best center prospects to come along in a long time, Maurkice Pouncey.
This year, the Steelers still need offfensive line help, especially if Willie Colon can't come back healthy next season.
Mike and Maurkice Pouncey right next to each other would make for one of the more fascinating stories in NFL history.
28. New York Giants (6-3): Ras-I Dowling, Cornerback, Virginia
28 of 33
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 200 lbs.
40 time: 4.54
Stock: Top 25 pick
Aaron Ross can never seem to be fully healthy, which will be a huge problem for the Giants if they don't have another strong cornerback who can replace him.
The Giants also allowed Jon Kitna to throw for well over 300 yards against them. New York can't afford to do that poorly against an old quarterback.
Ras-I Dowling is a big cornerback that will be able to cover some of the bigger receivers that he will have to go up against in the NFC East.
29. Chicago Bears (7-3): Anthony Castonzo, Offensive Tackle, Boston College
29 of 33
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 308 lbs.
40 time: 5.06
Stock: Late first round
With Ryan Kerrigan off the board, Chicago will go after the offensive lineman that they desperately need if they want Jay Cutler to have a healthy career.
The Bears have given up the most sacks this year, which could be due to Chris Williams missing many games or them just being terrible in general.
Anthony Castonzo would be a great fit on Chicago's offensive line. With that said, I still think they will need a solid guard in order to keep Jay Cutler upright more often.
30. New England Patriots (7-2): Cameron Heyward, Defensive Lineman, Ohio State
30 of 33
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 285 lbs.
40 time: 4.92
Stock: Early second round
While it's obvious that Cameron Heyward should have come out last year, I still believe he will be drafted in the late first or early second round.
As I mentioned earlier, New England is looking to get younger on the defensive side of the ball. They already took a pass-rushing linebacker, so now it's time for a 3-4 defensive end.
Cameron Heyward has lacked consistency all season long, but he looked solid against the Iowa Hawkeyes this past Saturday.
31. Atlanta Falcons (7-2): Kyle Rudolph, Tight End, Notre Dame
31 of 33
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 260 lbs.
40 time: 4.64
Stock: Late first, early second
I'm very skeptical as to whether or not Falcons fans will like this pick, but if the Falcons reach the Super Bowl, Tony Gonzalez may very well retire.
Even if he does play another year, Atlanta will need a replacement for the future. That replacement could be Kyle Rudolph.
Michael Palmer does have potential to be good in the NFL, but he hasn't done enough this season to show me that.
32. New York Jets (7-2): Jonathan Baldwin, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh
32 of 33
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 225 lbs.
40 time: 4.48
Stock: Top 20 pick
Braylon Edwards will be a free agent after this season comes to an end, and I believe the Jets will let him walk away from the team.
Without Edwards, New York is left with Santonio Holmes, who is a good receiver, but the Jets will need a target on the opposite side.
Jonathan Baldwin is a gigantic receiver with plenty of potential. The Jets would be getting a steal with the last pick in the first round.
Who I Left Out
33 of 33
Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver
He's a great receiver, but not many teams in the first round will be in need of a receiver. If the Falcons decide to take Baldwin, Floyd could end up going to the Jets.
Jake Locker, Quarterback
Another player with plenty of potential, but he's now a serious risk after a very disappointing season with the Washington Huskies.
Cam Newton, Quarterback
I don't think he comes out this year, but if he does, he may go in the first round.
Ryan Williams, Running Back
He could end up being better than Mark Ingram in the pros, but not many teams will need a running back in the first round. Look for him to get taken early in the second.
Ryan Broyles, Wide Receiver
His talent is undeniable, but his size will be taken into account. I don't think size is everything for a receiver, though. Take a look at what DeSean Jackson and Steve Smith have done in the NFL.
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