2011 NFL Mock Draft: Is Cam Newton a First-Round Talent?
2011 NFL mock draft is here with a second go-around and we've gone back and adjusted the draft order and taken a look back at the first projections.
Some players are rising and Cam Newton is one of them. Newton is the Heisman Trophy winner and his stock is going through the roof at this point, but is he a first-round talent? Will some team take a chance on him, and where will they do it?
Inside, I answer that question and project the entire first round. Any thoughts or comments? Make sure to leave them below.
No. 1: Carolina Panthers: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
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Last Time: No. 3
Why He Goes Here: The Carolina Panthers clearly need a quarterback in the worst way and Andrew Luck is the best guy on the board. After that, the quarterback situation in the draft gets a bit sketchy; Luck is the only surefire prospect on the board.
What His Role Is: He may have to take over right away and be the man for the Panthers, but he can't be worse than Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen have been this year. Steve Smith has lost his patience and called out Clausen this week in the media. It's fun times in Carolina.
Pick Change: Yes. Last time I had A.J. Green of Georgia heading to the Panthers, but, while Carolina could use another wideout, quarterback is clearly the biggest need for the Panthers.
No. 2: Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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Last Time: No. 7
Why He Goes Here: The Cincinnati Bengals have aging wideouts and need to stock up for the future, and A.J. Green is the best wideout on the board here. He's a great playmaker, and learning from some of the best wideouts in the game will help him.
What His Role Is: If the Bengals keep Terrell Owens, Green will learn from Owens and Chad Ochocinco. Combined with Jordan Shipley, the Bengals could have one of the best young wideout tandems in football.
Pick Change: Yes. Last time I had the Bengals taking Ryan Mallett, but he's not even close to being worth the second pick in the draft.
No. 3: Denver Broncos: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
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Last Time: No. 4
Why He Goes Here: The Denver Broncos are a total mess right now and their defense just got obliterated by the Arizona Cardinals. That sounds like enough reason for drafting a defensive playmaker to me. Denver needs to do something there and if the next coaching staff goes away from the 3-4, Robert Quinn makes a lot of sense.
What His Role Is: He's going to have to come in right away and be a playmaker on the defensive line. The Broncos have some playmakers there but they need all the help they can get.
Pick Change: No. I had Quinn going to Denver last time and I don't see why he doesn't end up there now.
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No. 4: Detroit Lions: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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Last Time: No. 5
Why He Goes Here: The Detroit Lions have a stud defensive lineman and now it's time to upgrade the secondary in this draft, especially with a defensive-minded head coach in Jim Schwartz. Petersen is arguably the best cornerback in the draft and should be a top pick.
What His Role Is: He's going to have to come in right away and make plays. Detroit is going to throw him out there and see what he can do.
Pick Change: Yes. I had Detroit taking another defensive lineman before, but now I think the Lions will look to upgrade a shaky secondary.
No. 5: Buffalo Bills: Marcel Dareus, DE, Alabama
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Last Time: No. 1
Why He Goes Here: With Andrew Luck off the board, it's time for the Buffalo Bills to look elsewhere in the draft, and Marcel Dareus is a stud defensive lineman and would bring a big presence to a Buffalo defense that is pretty shaky at times.
What His Role Is: He's going to play big minutes from the start and Buffalo is going to be relying on him to make plays out of the gate for the Bills.
Pick Change: Yes. Last time I had the Bills taking Andrew Luck and, as you can see, that's not an option at this point.
No. 6: Arizona Cardinals: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
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Last Time: No. 8
Why He Goes Here: Have you watched the Arizona Cardinals this year? The quarterback play is simply terrible and Arizona may take a risk here and go with Mallett, a guy who has physical skills that will allow someone to finally get the ball to Larry Fitzgerald.
What His Role Is: He's going to compete for the starting job and I wouldn't be shocked to see him starting in Week 1 if he ends up in Arizona.
Pick Change: Yes. I had the Cardinals looking to go with a corner to strengthen a weak pass defense, but with how bad their quarterbacks are, Arizona may have no choice.
No. 7: Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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Last Time: No. 2
Why He Goes Here: The Dallas Cowboys clearly need a cornerback after being torched by DeSean Jackson in Sunday night's game. Their secondary is a big weakness this year and is a big area of need.
What His Role Is: He would come in and be put out there from day one for Dallas; I don't think he would be held out. The Cowboys would have him learn on the fly and learn from the growing pains he'll go through.
Pick Change: Yes. It's a small change, however, as I had the Cowboys taking Patrick Peterson, who's no longer on the board, in the first round.
No. 8: San Francisco 49ers: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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Last Time: No. 6
Why He Goes Here: The San Francisco 49ers quarterback situation this year has been nothing short of a dumpster fire. Alex Smith has melted down yet again and it's clear that whoever takes over in San Francisco will have to start over with a new quarterback.
What His Role Is: He's going to compete for the starting job and, given who his competition will be, will possibly be starting in Week 1.
Pick Change: Yes. Last time I had the 49ers taking a cornerback but the best two are off the board in this draft.
No. 9: Tennessee Titans: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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Last Time: No. 20
Why He Goes Here: With Vince Young having another total meltdown, it's clear that his time as the starting quarterback has come and gone for the Tennessee Titans. Cam Newton would be a bit of a risk at this spot, but the Titans need to shake things up.
What His Role Is: He would probably sit to start his career in Tennessee, but if the Titans struggled, I wouldn't be shocked to see him get playing time, much like Young did at the start of his career.
Pick Change: Yes. I had the Titans looking at a defensive end last time around but the Vince Young situation changed everything for Tennessee.
No. 10: Washington Redskins: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
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Last Time: No. 16
Why He Goes Here: If you've watched the Washington Redskins this year, it's clear that they don't have a lot of playmakers to get the ball to. Donovan McNabb doesn't have many people who can stretch the field and allow him to air it out.
What His Role Is: He's going to have to draw some attention off of Chris Cooley and get down the field to make plays for whichever quarterback is on the roster.
Pick Change: Yes. Last time around I had the Redskins taking Christian Ponder, but at this juncture he's probably not worth the selection.
No. 11: Houston Texans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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Last Time: No. 13
Why He Goes Here: The Houston Texans have been pathetic on defense this season, something that's been fairly obvious to anyone who's watched any Texans games this season. Nick Fairley would help pressure the quarterback and take some pressure off of the secondary.
What His Role Is: He's going to have to come in and make some plays by pressuring the quarterback and helping to stop the run. The Texans will need him to make an impact early and often in his rookie year.
Pick Change: Yes. Last time I had the Texans taking a corner to help with that atrocious pass defense, but Fairley has been rising up the board and makes a good pick at this point.
No. 12: Minnesota Vikings: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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Last Time: No. 9
Why He Goes Here: The Minnesota Vikings have struggled on defense this year, especially with the pass rush, and Da'Quan Bowers would be a beast of a player to get at this point. He's been shooting up the draft board and could go a lot higher than this.
What His Role Is: He's going to have to come in and take some pressure off of Jared Allen, who's had a bad year given the level he had been playing at the past couple of years.
Pick Change: Yes. Last time around I had the Vikings taking Jake Locker, but he's not on the board so that kind of messes that plan up.
No. 13: Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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Last Time: No. 10
Why He Goes Here: The one thing the Cleveland Browns are missing is a big target for Colt McCoy to throw to. Julio Jones would be an instant upgrade at the position and would help take the pressure off of Peyton Hillis in the running game.
What His Role Is: He'd come in and automatically be the go-to guy in the passing game and would be looked at to make big plays week in and week out in Cleveland. Josh Cribbs would also be happy to see Jones next to him in the lineup.
Pick Change: No. I had Jones landing in Cleveland last time and he's still a perfect fit for the Browns at this spot.
No. 14: New England Patriots (Via Oakland): Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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Last Time: No. 17
Why He Goes Here: The New England Patriots could keep stocking up a young defense and Adrian Clayborn would be a great player to have in that lineup. It never hurts to have more young talent and, with the Patriots having two first-round picks, taking Clayborn here would be a great move.
What His Role Is: Clayborn would play a limited role in the Patriots defense as he rotates in and out in Bill Belichick's defense. Belichick is a great defensive mind and he'll find the perfect role for Clayborn in the Patriot defense.
Pick Change: Yes. Last time I had New England taking a running back, but with Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis emerging, there's no reason to go there.
No. 15: Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Iowa
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Last Time: No. 12
Why He Goes Here: The Seattle Seahawks have really purged the defensive line under Pete Carroll and now it's time to rebuild it. Ryan Kerrigan is a great player and he's going to make an impact in a line where there's not much competition for a spot.
What His Role Is: Given the lack of big time players on the Seahawks defensive line, he should come in and make an immediate impact and get a lot of playing time.
Pick Change: Yes. I had Seattle looking to strengthen the offensive line, but it looks like the Seahawks will need to make defense a priority in the draft.
No. 16: San Diego Chargers: Von Miller, DE, Texas A&M
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Last Time: No. 11
Why He Goes Here: The San Diego Chargers have missed having a playmaker who's a hybrid type of player for a long time, and that's Von Miller in every sense of the word. The Chargers could use a player with his talents in that defense.
What His Role Is: Remember Shawne Merriman? He was a beast before his knee injury and I would expect to see him step into that type of role in San Diego.
Pick Change: Yes. However, I still had the Chargers taking a defensive end in the other mock draft, now the player has changed from Allen Bailey to Miller.
No. 17: Indianapolis Colts: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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Last Time: No. 24
Why He Goes Here: The Indianapolis Colts have some weaknesses on the offensive line, a sentence I never thought I'd write, and now it's time for them to restock and get some young talent on that line in front of Peyton Manning.
What His Role Is: He's going to get put in the lineup right away and he's going to get groomed on the fly. The Colts do a great job of coaching players up and it will only be a matter of time before Indy turns him into a productive player.
Pick Change: Yes. I had the Colts taking an offensive lineman, but the change in draft position has Indy getting a better lineman.
No. 18: Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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Last Time: No. 15
Why He Goes Here: The Miami Dolphins really need a running back. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams aren't the answer and Mark Ingram is a Heisman Trophy winner who can make a huge impact for them.
What His Role Is: He's likely going to be either the starting running back or platooning with Brown and Williams in the offense. Either way, I think he's going to get a lot of touches in the offense as Miami tries to get him up to speed.
Pick Change: No. I had Ingram going to the Dolphins in the last draft and I still don't see why Miami wouldn't take him.
No. 19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
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Last Time: No. 19
Why He Goes Here: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could really use an upgrade at the linebacker position and, given how that young defense is playing, Akeem Ayers makes great sense here. The Bucs are lucky to get him here as the Tennessee Titans could have taken him higher in the draft.
What His Role Is: He's going to step in and play right away, learning on the fly how to make an impact. Sometimes that's a good thing, and Ayers should become a great player for Tampa Bay if he lands there.
Pick Change: Yes. I had Ayers going to Tennessee in the last draft, but I did have Tampa Bay taking a linebacker.
No. 20: Green Bay Packers: Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
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Last Time: No. 30
Why He Goes Here: The Green Bay Packers do have good corners, but they're aging and this would be a good spot to plan for the future. Running back may be an option if you're the Packers, but Janoris Jenkins is a solid player and could be a good prospect for Green Bay.
What His Role Is: If he ends up in Green Bay, he's going to sit back and learn from players like Charles Woodson and grow as a player, only coming in for action in certain packages. It's a good way to get him mentored and some playing time.
Pick Change: Yes. I had Green Bay taking a cornerback in the last draft, but Jenkins is available this time around and he's the best option.
No. 21: St. Louis Rams: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
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Last Time: No. 21
Why He Goes Here: The Rams are building up their team and the defense is clearly an issue as the New Orleans Saints ripped them to shreds, as did Detroit earlier in the season. Allen Bailey can come in and be a beast on the line with Chris Long.
What His Role Is: He's going to come in and get playing time right away, and he's going to form quite the duo with Chris Long, as they'll help shape the future of that defense.
Pick Change: Yes. I had the Rams taking a wideout with their pick in the last draft and, while that's an option, the defense is a bigger concern at this point.
No. 22: Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
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Last Time: No. 22
Why He Goes Here: The Kansas City Chiefs have a total beast in Dwayne Bowe at this position but he can't do it all by himself. The Chiefs have a great running game and it's time to beef up the passing attack and give Matt Cassel more options.
What His Role Is: He would come in to Kansas City and automatically crack the starting lineup and be a productive player in an offense that is seemingly growing every week with Matt Cassel under center (excluding this past Sunday without him).
Pick Change: Yes. I had the Chiefs going to the defensive side of the ball and taking a linebacker, but with how well Cassel is playing, maybe it's time to help him out some more on offense.
No. 23: Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
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Last Time: No. 14
Why He Goes Here: While the Jacksonville Jaguars may try to address the defensive end position, which has long been a big-time problem for the Jags, it's not like the corners have been great either. I think Brandon Harris would be an instant upgrade and help Jacksonville out.
What His Role Is: Harris would come in and automatically see some playing time and learn on the fly. Jacksonville could use a player with his skill set and he could develop into a very strong player.
Pick Change: Yes. I had the Jags taking a defensive lineman the first time around but now I'm feeling a corner for Jacksonville.
No. 24: Chicago Bears: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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Last Time: No. 18
Why He Goes Here: Jay Cutler is seeing opposing lineman in his sleep at this point and the Chicago Bears need to do something to protect him. He's a sitting duck back there and Chicago needs to keep its major investment upright.
What His Role Is: He would come in and automatically see playing time. I mean, with how bad that line has been at times, how could he possibly be worse than what's been in front of Cutler so far this season?
Pick Change: Yes. Originally I had Chicago focusing on defense and going with a defensive end, but with how bad the line has been, something has to be done.
No. 25: New York Jets: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
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Last Time: No. 26
Why He Goes Here: The New York Jets are all about defense and getting a big, strong guy like Cameron Heyward will be a great way to get some young talent into a defense that is one of the best in the league. I'm sure Rex Ryan can find a way to use him.
What His Role Is: I think Rex Ryan will coach him up and get him into some certain situations during games and have him come along slowly before cutting him loose down the line.
Pick Change: Yes. I had the Jets going with a linebacker in the last draft but I made some adjustments this time around.
No. 26: New York Giants: Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma
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Last Time: No. 31
Why He Goes Here: The New York Giants don't have very young linebackers and adding Travis Lewis would be a great addition. He's a playmaker and finds his way around the ball, something that is perfect for a defense like New York's.
What His Role Is: If he goes to New York, he'll learn from the veteran leadership that's all over that defense and then he'll come along slowly before being worked into a starting role as a playmaker.
Pick Change: Yes. I had the Giants taking a corner in the first round, but with the change in pick I feel like the priority could shift to a linebacker.
No. 27: Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
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Last Time: No. 29
Why He Goes Here: As you saw last night, the Baltimore Ravens aren't the same type of defense they used to be. The Ravens got beaten down on defense in the second half before making a big play to close out the game. Baltimore needs to start preparing for the future.
What His Role Is: He'll probably see some consistent playing time as he comes along but he certainly won't be a bench warmer for the Ravens. It's not the same defense it used to be and a young corner can help turn things around.
Pick Change: Yes. I had the Ravens going to the offensive line in that last draft but with how the defense has aged over the season, I think it's time Baltimore look in that direction.
No. 28: New Orleans Saints: Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
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Last Time: No. 25
Why He Goes Here: The New Orleans Saints don't really pressure the quarterback as much as they'd like and could use some playmakers on that defense, especially with some of the ballhawks they already have on the roster.
What His Role Is: I could see Justin Houston getting some pretty good playing time with the Saints and he'd come along slowly and make some mistakes but round into a pretty solid player for New Orleans.
Pick Change: Yes. However, I did have New Orleans taking a linebacker in the last draft. The player has just changed at this point.
No. 29: Philadelphia Eagles: Anthony Castonzo
29 of 32
Last Time: No. 23
Why He Goes Here: The Philadelphia Eagles have struggled at times to protect the passer and Michael Vick got beaten up on Sunday night. Philly has to do a better job of protecting the quarterback and Anthony Costanzo would do a good job of filling that gap.
What His Role Is: Costanzo will come in right away and find a role in the starting lineup as Andy Reid and company coach him up in his rookie year. He'll get better as the year goes on and he really can't be worse than what's already there in Philadelphia.
Pick Change: Yes. I had the Eagles taking a corner in the last draft, which is a direction Philly could take, but protecting Vick should be the top priority this offseason.
No. 30: Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
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Last Time: No. 32
Why He Goes Here: The Pittsburgh Steelers really struggle on the offensive line and have for years. It's time for Pittsburgh to step up and try and protect Ben Roethlisberger. Some of it is on him getting rid of the ball quicker, but you need to protect the quarterback.
What His Role Is: In Pittsburgh, where the line seems to always struggle, I think he'll find a spot in the lineup and he'll play through the growing pains that all young rookies seems to go through. He cannot struggle to the point that he's worse than some of the people that have played on the line for the Steelers.
Pick Change: Yes. I had the Steelers taking a cornerback in the first round, a move that wouldn't shock me with how much Pittsburgh loves defense.
No. 31: Atlanta Falcons: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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Last Time: No. 28
Why He Goes Here: When you're one of the best teams in football and you get down to this slot in the draft, sometimes it boils down to the best player available. Protecting your franchise quarterback never hurt things either.
What His Role Is: He'll be brought along slowly and he'll learn the system and then work his way into the lineup. Atlanta isn't going to throw a rookie in there and risk getting Matt Ryan killed behind him.
Pick Change: Yes. I had the Atlanta Falcons taking a wideout to help out Roddy White in the passing game, but I'm shifting the prediction a bit here.
No. 32: New England Patriots: Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
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Last Time: No. 27
Why He Goes Here: We know how much the New England Patriots love the defensive side of the ball and, with Devin McCourty playing out of his mind right now, getting another young corner would help solidify that secondary for years to come.
What His Role Is: Bill Belichick has shown that he's not afraid to throw his young players into the fire this year and I think the same would apply with Ras-I Dowling. He would get good experience and Belichick would groom him into a good player like he did with McCourty.
Pick Change: Yes. I had the Patriots taking a defensive end with their second pick in this round but with New England going in that direction earlier, there's no need for that now.
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