NFL Draft 2011: Andrew Luck, Cam Newton and Other Names To Know for 2011

It's never too early to start thinking about how teams can improve for the following season.

With the influx of collegiate talent headed to the NFL in 2011, there is a firm opportunity for bottom-feeding teams to make an about face in an immediate fashion.

Quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Cam Newton have firmly established themselves on the radar, but what other players are going to be more talked about as April nears?

Patrick Peterson, CB LSU

Peterson plays with a swag that most cornerbacks simply don't have.

He's best when he lines up on the line in press coverage, which is sure to appeal to any NFL team looking for help in the secondary. Although he has a tendency to lose his man in zone coverage, he is an above average athlete who has fantastic hands, which should create plenty of interceptions.

Possible Destinations: Denver, Buffalo, Arizona

A.J. Green, WR Georgia

This kid is as close to a can't-miss selection as humanly possible.

A prolific standout during his tenure at Georgia, Green has excellent height with considerable speed. Well-respected by teammates and coaches, the wide receiver has the type of resume that NFL general managers and coaches drool over. 

He's not going to get past the first three selections.

Possible Destinations: Cincinnati, Buffalo

Nick Fairley, DE/DT Auburn

With a gaping hole on the defensive line, Fairley would be a perfect fit in Buffalo.

At 6'4" and 300 lbs, Fairley is an absolute bulldozer who has made a huge impact on Auburn's defense. Although he isn't the sexiest of options because he plays on the line, he'd make an instant impact with any unit regardless of where he winds up.

Possible Destinations: Buffalo, Denver

Robert Quinn, DE/OLB North Carolina

Quinn plays with great leverage and with a strong initial punch. While he has room to improve in both the pass rush and the run game, he moves well laterally and is very versatile which should allow him to fit into any defensive scheme.

Dedicated and passionate about the game, Quinn's more about potential than proven production at this point, which could make him a great fit for a team willing to roll the dice.

Possible Destinations: Arizona, Dallas

Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska

It's a little off topic, but Amukamara has the best name in all of sports.

As for his corner skills? They're elite. While he might not be the prospect that Peterson is, he's not very far behind. He possesses the best ballhawking skills of any defender in the collegiate ranks, but doesn't gamble and get burned often.

He'll be an immediate starter wherever he lands.

Possible Destinations: Dallas, Houston, San Francisco

Cam Newton, QB Auburn

Newton needs no introduction. The Heisman Trophy winner may not be the most skilled QB in the draft, but there isn't a prospect at any position with as much hype as this guy has.

San Francisco, here's your franchise quarterback.

Possible Destinations: San Francisco

Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama

Although he leaves something to be desired against the run, Dareus is excellent against the pass. With a quick first step and great agility given his massive frame (305 lbs), Dareus should fill the defensive tackle position nicely for one of the teams in need.

Possible Destinations: Houston, Cleveland

Jake Locker, QB Washington

He used to be a shoe in for the number one pick; now, not so much.

After an extremely poor end to the season that had every talent evaluator raising red flags, Locker just doesn't look ready to start at the next level quite yet.

The Seahawks might have signed Charlie Whitehurst to a ludicrous contract, but that's not going to prevent them from taking their true QB of the future.

Possible Destinations: Seattle

Mark Ingram, RB Alabama

Okay, so he didn't win the Heisman Trophy again, but can you really deny this kid's talent?

A tough runner and willing learner, Ingram won't be selected until the latter half of the first round, but that's just fine with him. He'll likely land on a team with some already established pieces, and will find success because of it.

With phenomenal intangibles and his eyes set on the ultimate prize, Ingram will be a great addition to any team that selects him.

Possible Destinations: Miami, New England