2011 NFL Mock Draft: Could a Heisman Propel Cam Newton Into Top 5?
Now that the regular season of college football has come to an end, draft enthusiasts are starting to salivate for updated mock NFL drafts.
We know that Cam Newton's value is at an all-time high after leading the Tigers to the BCS title game. And of course, we expect him to declare for this year's NFL draft.
Newton's been all the talk of college football and a Heisman trophy appears to be a lock for the young quarterback.
Is that award going to further inflate his value? Could a Heisman trophy actually propel Newton the Top 5 of this mock draft?
Let's find out.
32.New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal
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Why He Is Special: He's the son of former NFL player Steve Jordan.
Why He Goes Here: New England needs some help with their pass rush after putting up poor defensive stats this season.
Why He Fits: Jordan is an under-the-radar type player that doesn't get a lot of hype but has a lot of heart and talent. Which makes him a great Bill Belichick pick.
31.Atlanta Falcons: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
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Why He Is Special: Brother of Maurkice Pouncey, a stud offensive lineman for the Steelers.
Why He Goes Here: You've got Matty Ice on this team, he needs protection. If Pouncey is here this late, this is definite steal for the Falcons.
Why He Fits: It's always a good idea to stock up on help at the offensive line position, especially if you're the best team in the NFC.
30.New York Jets: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
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Why He Is Special: Nevis is coming from a great program in LSU. The Tigers develop strong defensive players at this position.
Why He Goes Here: The Jets defensive line is starting to age. They need some young talent to groom and keep them motivated.
Why He Fits: His quickness and great burst will be an asset to their aging line.
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29. New Orleans Saints: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
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Why He Is Special: Only a junior and probably the best tight end prospect in this year's draft.
Why He Goes Here: How much longer can the Saints count on Jeremy Shockey? It's time to start thinking about their future at that position.
Why He Fits: Drew Brees can never use too many pass-catchers in this offense. Adding Rudolph will make this offense even more scary.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
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Why He Is Special: Only a junior but already one of the best corners in the Mountain West Conference.
Why He Goes Here: This is a defensively oriented team but this guy has too much talent to pass up.
Why He Fits: Pittsburgh is loaded with defensive talent but it's never too early to start thinking about the future. Burton is someone that can help them in the future.
27. Chicago Bears: Demarcus Love, OT, Arkansas
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Why He Is Special: He's one of the best offensive linemen in the SEC, protecting Ryan Mallet.
Why He Goes Here: The Razorbacks are getting a lot of air time with their BCS bid. But it's clear Chicago could use better pass protection for Jay Cutler.
Why He Fits: He's got plenty of experience blocking for a quarterback with a rocket arm.
26. Green Bay Packers: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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Why He Is Special: He's not just good at blocking pass rusher or opening up holes for runner, Sherrod is a well-balanced offensive lineman.
Why He Goes Here: With the Packers running game strugging this season, they could use a guy that will help open up running lanes.
Why He Fits: Aaron Rodgers could always use a big body to stand in front him.
25. Baltimore Ravens: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
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Why He Is Special: He's got NFL genes. This Heyward is the son of former NFL running back Craig "Ironhead" Heyward.
Why He Goes Here: Baltimore is a team built around defense and it's always a good thing to stockpile young defensive talent.
Why He Fits: He's fundamentally sound and could develop opposite Haloti Ngata.
24.Philadelphia Eagles: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
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Why He Is Special: He's ready to play and could challenge some of the league's safeties for a starting position.
Why He Goes Here: Offense is not the team's biggest weakness with so many breakout stars in the Eagles offense. Defense is.
Why He Fits: The Eagles secondary gives up plenty of touchdowns and need some depth, it's obvious that could surely use some help.
23. Kansas City Chiefs: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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Why He Is Special: He's got great hands, Solder was a former tight end in his younger years.
Why He Goes Here: The Chiefs offense is their strength and Matt Cassel is starting to gain more confidence throwing the football. Why not add more pass protection depth in case of injuries?
Why He Fits: He probably won't be a guy that they start playing right away but Solder can grow into a role with this team in the future.
22. NY Giants: Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
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Why He Is Special: He's a special athlete with great speed for his size.
Why He Goes Here: The Giants have tried a few names at their linebacker position this year, including veteran linebacker Keith Bulluck. They've had varied results but need new blood in the position.
Why He Fits: New York's defense has been solid this year but new talent doesn't hurt. They can ease Miller into a role with this team.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue
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Why He Is Special: Although he played defensive end in college, scouts can see him playing the outside linebacker position in the professional level.
Why He Goes Here: The true need of the Jaguars is to fill their secondary but with so many top corners going early in this mock draft, they may just fill in their other needs on defense.
Why He Fits: He's a versatile defender that can play end and linebacker for the Jags. He's the next big talent on this board. As an impact defender he goes to Jacksonville.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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Why He Is Special: You're staring at a former Heisman trophy winner. He was also a part of Alabama's national title winning team last year.
Why He Goes Here: LeGarrette Blount may not be the all-purpose back that the Buccaneers envisioned him to be.
Why He Fits: His quick feet and excellent running skills could be a perfect balance to Blount reckless power running game. Tampa could employ a backfield timeshare of Blount and Ingram next season.
19. Miami Dolphins: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
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Why He Is Special: He's got the versatility to play end or tackle at the next level. Bailey is 6'4", nearly 300 lbs and can run the 40 in 4.6 seconds.
Why He Goes Here: What better team to pick up this talented defender than the Dolphins.
Why He Fits: He's a local talent and it should be a much easier transition and adjustment for him if he continues playing pro football in Miami.
18. New England Via Oakland Raiders: Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
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Why He Is Special: After Amukara, Jenkins is the next best cornerback in most draft boards. His value may have dropped a bit this season with the Gators in a rebuilding year.
Why He Goes Here: The Patriots may be among the league's best teams But they still give up a lot of passing yards.
Why He Fits: Jenkins can help their weak secondary, plus if he slips all they way to the Patriots, it should be a no-brainer.
17. St. Louis Rams: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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Why He Is Special: Clayborn is a well-rounded player coming from a program that prides itself on defense.
Why He Goes Here: With the the Rams offensive game steadily improving this season, a defensive pick in the first round would not be a surprise.
Why He Fits: A guy with plenty of heart and go all-out mentality could help bolster their defense.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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Why He Is Special: He's a huge specimen at 6'8" and 320 lbs. But he's also got powerful arms and quick feet to provide ample pass protection as well as help open up running lanes.
Why He Goes Here: Have you seen the Seahawks offensive line? It's a never-ending turnstyle of has-beens and never-was'.
Why He Fits: He can finally help solidify that glaring weakness with his size and talent.
15. San Diego Chargers: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
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Why He Is Special: He's a balanced linebacker with all the tools to become a force in the league.
Why He Goes Here: The Chargers have always been great at developing top linebackers with Junior Seau, Stephen Cooper and Shawne Merriman. Ayers could be next.
Why He Fits: San Diego just shed themselves of Shawne Merriman this season. They'll need to find their linebacker of the future.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
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Why He Is Special: He comes from a great program in Boston College that has a history of developing NFL quality blockers.
Why He Goes Here: Either we can blame Peyton Manning for the Colts' deficiencies this year or blame his weak offensive line. Chances are someone that has won four MVP awards is not the reason this team is losing.
Why He Fits: The weak pass protection of the Colts need new talent.
13. Minnesota Vikings: Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas
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Why He Is Special: The guy is a giant at 6'7" with a rocket throwing arm. Guys with that kind of size and throwing ability don't grow on trees.
Why He Goes Here: Brett Favre is done with the Vikings, believe it. They'll need to find their quarterback of the future.
Why He Fits: Minnesota may hand the reins over to Tarvaris Jackson next season but Mallet should be the youngster they'll develop to become their quarterback. He needs to work on his accuracy and learn to make better decision in the pocket.
12. Houston Texans: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
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Why He Is Special: Only a junior, he's a true NFL prospect worthy of a first-round draft pick. This kid has superstar potential.
Why He Goes Here: Although he's probably only the third best cornerback prospect in most draft boards and probably not a Top 10 talent, the Texans may make the reach to pick up this Longhorn corner based on his potential to become a shutdown corner.
Why He Fits: Houston was among the worst in the league in defending the pass. Even young Williams could be an upgrade for this team if he's added to their weak secondary.
11. Washington Redskins: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
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Why He Is Special: Blackmon took over for Dez Bryant on the Oklahoma State Cowboys team and has turned into one of the best pass-catchers in the country.
Why He Goes Here: Santana Moss is not the answer to their weak passing attack. If they really want Donovan McNabb to be their quarterback, he'll need a receiver.
Why He Fits: He's physical and not afraid of contact. That's exactly what the Redskins need.
10. Cleveland Browns: AJ Green, WR, Georgia
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Why He Is Special: He's the best receiver on most draft boards. Green has already received comparisons to Calvin Johnson for his great size and excellent hands.
Why He Goes Here: Outside of Peyton Hillis, the Browns offense has no other weapons. In fact, most of their receivers have suffered from one injury after another this year.
Why He Fits: The Browns need help from their offense. Having a top wideout with plenty of potential is a start.
9. Tennessee Titans: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
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Why He Is Special: Great athleticism and quickness. This kid is still learning the game after picking it up late and only playing one year of high school football.
Why He Goes Here: Every team needs a powerful force on the defensive line that commands double teams.
Why He Fits: Outside of their quarterback conundrum, Tennessee needs help on defense. If one of the top QB's fall to this spot on the draft, don't be surprised to see the Titans pick one up. Otherwise, it's defense, defense, defense.
8. San Francisco 49ers: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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Why He Is Special: After Andrew Luck, Locker is probably the most NFL ready quarterback in this draft.
Why He Goes Here: Every year, the 49ers find an excuse to keep hanging on to Alex Smith. If Locker is still available at this pick. It's time to say goodbye to their former No. 1 pick.
Why He Fits: The Niners need a quarterback. Troy Smith has been a good short-term fill-in for this team but they will need to develop another young arm sooner or later.
7. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Peterson, CB/S, LSU
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Why He Is Special: He's a 6'1" cornerback with excellent speed that also projects as an NFL safety.
Why He Goes Here: The Cowboys secondary has been very weak this season and could use an upgrade.
Why He Fits: He can play at corner or at safety, his versatility will certainly help the team.
6. Denver Broncos: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
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Why He Is Special: He can play defensive end or outside linebacker. His stock will probably take a dip since he hasn't play in college this season.
Why He Goes Here: The Broncos defense has been lit up by opposing runners this season. Anyone remember their embarrassing defeat to the Oakland Raiders?
Why He Fits: He can help clog up open running lanes with his size and speed. Quinn also has the potential to rack up plenty of sacks.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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Why He Is Special: College football has single-handedly launched the Auburn football program into nationwide prominence this season. He's a highlight play waiting to happen.
Why He Goes Here: There's desperation in Arizona, Derek Anderson and Matt Hall are not going to be the answer. They need someone exciting and will shock the league with this pick.
Why He Fits: The Cardinals have proven that they like taking risks on former Heisman winners (Matt Leinart). Why not Newton? At least he's shown a lot more athleticism at the quarterback position this year than Leinart has shown he entire NFL career.
4. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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Why He Is Special: Arguably the best cornerback on almost every single draft board. He has the size and speed to possibly become a shutdown corner in the league.
Why He Goes Here: Defense is what the Lions desperately need to improve upon, especially at the cornerback position.
Why He Fits: They already have a Nebraska defensive stud on the roster in Ndamukong Suh. They could draft out of the Big 12 powerhouse for a second straight season.
3. Buffalo Bills: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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Why He Is Special: As a high schooler, he was ranked by ESPN as the No. 1 recruit in the nation. He's also the nation's leading sack leader.
Why He Goes Here: The Bills need defense and this is the guy they should go to. He's already an upgrade over anyone that's on the team right now.
Why He Fits: Buffalo gives up well over 160 rushing yards per game and also barely puts any pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Needless to say, this kid will be welcomed with open arms.
2. Cincinnati Bengals: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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Why He Is Special: He has shown that is strong enough to stuff the run and quick enough to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Why He Goes Here: The Bengals defense has been poor to say the least. Their pass rush could use a boost and this guy is solid.
Why He Fits: An influx of young talent on this aging team can only help.
1. Carolina Panthers, QB, Andrew Luck, Stanford
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Why He Is Special: There's already a lot of hype surrounding Luck. Under the tutelage of former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh, Luck has shown he has a great balance of size and ability to play the position at the next level. In fact, we're already hearing comparisons to Peyton Manning.
Why He Goes Here: If you have a chance at drafting a potential franchise quarterback, you go for it. Forget about the second round draft pick the Panthers used on Jimmy Claussen. They can't afford to pass on Luck.
Why He Fits: There should be a lot of changes coming to the team in the offseason. John Fox could be on his way out. And what better way for a new coach to get started with a new team than by drafting his own quarterback.
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