2011 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting All 32 1st Round Picks, Including Cam Newton

As the college football season is coming to a close, everyone starts to think ahead to April and the 2011 NFL Draft.  

The draft is always full of surprises and usually brings some controversy. Sometimes the draft leads to boos from fans, and sometimes it leads to massive jersey sales.

As we near the NFL draft, here is a projection of all 32 first-round picks in the 2011 NFL Draft.

WalterFootball.com was referenced in this article.

1. Carolina Panthers: Andrew Luck

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal ellude Jack Tyler #58 of the Virginai Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. STanford won 40-12. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/

Luck is a sophomore quarterback out of Stanford that is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation.  He is in a pro-style offense already and will transition well to the pro game. 

He is a smart player and has had great numbers for the season.  He has thrown 3,338 yards and 32 touchdowns while only throwing eight interceptions on the year.

He is athletic and has great throwing mechanics, he will go No. 1 in this season's draft, if he declares.

2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 20: Patrick Peterson #7 of the Louisiana State University Tigers breaks up a pass intended for Korvic Neat #28 of the Ole Miss Rebels at Tiger Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Gett

Peterson is a lockdown corner in the college game and is the best one in the country. He has a ton of speed and is possibly the best cornerback to come out of college in a long time.  

While playing for LSU this season, the junior has had 129 tackles and seven interceptions.  He would be a great addition to the Broncos' struggling defense as Denver starts to rebuild everything.

Peterson will be a player that will play for a long time in the league and is a great investment. 

3. Buffalo Bills: Nick Fairley

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 04: Nick Fairley #90 of the Auburn Tigers cheers during pregame warmups before facing the South Carolina Gamecocks during the 2010 SEC Championship at Georgia Dome on December 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Ge

Nick Fairley is a great defensive lineman out of Auburn. Fairley is a junior and if he decides to come out of college to enter the draft, he would be a great addition to what is an awful the Bills defensive front.

Fairley has had a breakout year in 2010, recording 11 sacks on the season. 

He will be in the spotlight this coming Monday as he is playing in the National Championship against the Oregon Ducks.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: Julio Jones

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide stiffarms Chris Rucker #29 of the Michigan State Spartans during the Capitol One Bowl at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Im

Julio Jones really improved his draft stock after his performance against the Michigan State Spartans in the Capital One Bowl.  The junior wide receiver from Alabama is a difference-maker and will be the perfect fit for the Cincinnati Bengals.  

This season, Jones has caught 78 receptions for 1,133 yards and seven touchdowns.  The 6'4" Jones will be a perfect fit in Cincinnati Bengals because of the reports that Chad Ochocinco will not be back with the team next season.

Bottom line is, the Bengals need someone for Carson Palmer to throw to, and a big target like Jones would be a perfect option.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Cameron Newton

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Cam Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers looks to pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This may be a long shot, but what do the Cardinals have to lose after a dismal season.  They need to find another quarterback that can actually win, and Cam Newton could be their guy.

Newton is not your typical running quarterback, he has great mechanics and his arm is as good as anyone's.  Newton has passed for 2,589 yards and 28 touchdowns on the season, while running for 1,409 yards and 20 touchdowns.

He will be able to throw the ball to Larry Fitzgerald and will be a great player for the Cardinals in the future, plus we know that he knows how to play under the pressure of money.

6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green

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AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: A.J. Green #8 of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Green is a great wide receiver for Georgia and has played extremely well this season.

He has caught 57 passes for 848 yards and nine touchdowns on the season.  He is 6'4" and would give Colt McCoy someone to pass to.

Green will be a great pro receiver with his speed and his ability to catch everything that comes his way.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Robert Quinn

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 19: Robert Quinn #42 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates after a sack with teammate Marvin Austin #9 against the East Carolina Pirates at Kenan Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by St

Quinn was declared ineligible this season, but that does not stop him from being a great NFL draft pick for the 49ers who are desperate on the defensive front.

In 2009, Quinn recorded 86 tackles including 11 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Quinn is a great player and should go to the 49ers this year, depending on how he performs at the Combine.

8. Tennessee: Stephen Paea

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EUGENE, OR - DECEMBER 03: Running back LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks rushes with the ball past tackle Stephen Paea #54 of the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium on December 3, 2009 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)

Paea is a huge man, and a great defensive tackle from Oregon State.  Paea weighs 311 pounds and is a human wrecking ball.

He has recorded 45 tackles and six sacks on the season and is a great player.

Paea will be a great fit for the Titans and will make some serious noise right away as a rookie.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara

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LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 26: Prince Amukamara #21 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers misses a chance at an interception from Scotty McKnight #21 of the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half of their game at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Lincoln, Neb

Prince has had a great career at Nebraska and is the second best cornerback in the draft this season.  He will be an asset to any NFL team and would be a perfect fit for the Cowboys' struggling defense.

Amukamara had 155 tackles including three forced fumbles and five interceptions.

He can lock down receivers and has great speed and brains.  Look for Amukamara to have a great career wherever he ends up.

10. Washington Redskins: Da'Quan Bowers

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Michael Dyer #5 of the Auburn Tigers against Da'Quan Bowers #93 of the Clemson Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Da'Quan Bowers had a phenomenal season where he dominated offensive lineman from all around the nation.

On the season, Bowers led the nation in sacks recording 16 on the year and 67 tackles.

Bowers is the type of defensive lineman you want on your NFL team, he is strong and fast, and he hits like a freight train.

The Redskins are in desperate need of a great defense player, and this is their best bet in the draft.

11. Houston Texans: Marcell Dareus

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 02: Marcell Dareus #57 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Dareus is a great defensive tackle for the Albama Crimson Tide.  Dareus was suspended for two games this season, and still had great numbers.

The huge Dareus had 33 tackles and five sacks this season.

He would really help the Texans on the line and provide a great big body to stuff the running backs.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Locker

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SEATTLE - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies passes against the Stanford Cardinal on October 30, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Jake Locker is a senior from Washington who could have went into the draft last season, but decided to stay in school.  By doing that, his draft projection has dropped as he hasn't had as great of a season.

This season he has thrown 2,265 yards and 17 touchdowns while only throwing nine interceptions.

Locker will be a great quarterback if he can figure out how to win games, and get his head on straight.  He could be the franchise quarterback the Vikings have been searching for.

It's going to be a toss up between Mallet and Locker for this draft pick.

13. Detroit Lions: Ryan Kerrigan

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Dan LeFevour #13 of the Central Michigan Chippewas is tackled by Ryan Kerrigan #94 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 20, 2008 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/

Ryan Kerrigan was one of the best defensive players in the country this season, but widely overlooked because he played for the God-awful Purdue Boilermakers.  

Kerrigan had 70 tackles and 13 sacks in his senior season with the Boilermakers.

He has Dwight Freeney-type speed around the corner.  Getting Kerrigan and Suh on the same team would create a nightmare for offensive line coaches all over the league.

14. St Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon

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STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 05: Wide receiver Justin Blackmon #81 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys warms up before the college football game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys defe

Blackmon is a 6'1" sophomore receiver out of Oklahoma State, and man, is he a player.  Blackmon has been one of the best receivers in the country and didn't even play a full schedule.

Blackmon caught 111 passes for 1,782 yards and 20 touchdowns this season—now that is beast mode.

As he is going to go to the draft this season, it seems like the Rams would be a perfect fit for him, as they need someone to catch the passes from Bradford.  The two would make an excellent duo through the years.

15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide scores a touchdown during the Capitol One Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Image

In 2009, Mark Ingram had an incredible season, winning the Heisman Trophy and winning a national title. What more could a player ask for?

In 2010, Ingram's numbers dropped off as he faced a few injuries, and he shared time with Trent Richardson.  Ingram had 875 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2010, in what was a disappointing season for the Tide.

The Dolphins running game is not great and is featuring some over-the-hill backs.  Ingram would be a great fit for Miami.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Janoris Jenkins

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 30: Janoris Jenkins #1 of the Florida Gators looks over the offense during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field on October 30, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Jenkins would do a lot for the struggling Jaguars.  The Jaguars are in a division with two of the best quarterbacks in the league, and the secondary is very important to them.

In his junior season at Florida, Jenkins had three interceptions and 43 tackles.

He has the ability to cover anyone, which is important in a division that depends so much on the pass.

17. New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan

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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 16: Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans eludes the rush of Cameron Jordan #97 of the California Golden Bears during the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 16, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Har

Jordan is a big defensive lineman that would fit the New England Patriots scheme extremely well, and help them defend the run.  

This season, Jordan had 51 tackles including six sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss.  

He has been playing great and is very versatile when it comes to playing any position on the line.  He would be a great fit for the Patriots.

18. San Diego Chargers: Von Miller

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SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 19: Linebackers Shawne Merriman #56 and Larry Hart #59 of the San Diego Chargers celebrate a turnover against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium on September 19, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 38-13. (Pho

Von Miller will be that guy that will replace Shawne Merriman as he is now long gone and out of the organization.  Although Miller played end in college he would be a great hybrid outside linebacker for the San Diego defense.

Miller is a hard-nosed player and had 10 sacks this season, but had 17 the year before.  He is a beast and will be great for the Chargers.

This guy screams San Diego, as he is that type of player.

19. New York Giants: Travis Lewis

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Travis Lewis #28 of the Oklahoma Sooners reacts at the end of the game against the Connecticut Huskies during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ro

Man, this draft has been loaded with defensive talent and Lewis is no different.  Lewis who comes out of Oklahoma will be a perfect fit for the aging New York Giants defense.

They need someone to step up and play linebacker and Lewis could be that guy. Lewis has had a very solid career at Oklahoma and wants to continue that.

If he decides to come out this season, he will be a great addition for New York.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Akeem Ayers

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PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Akeem Ayers #10 of the UCLA Bruins makes a catch in front of Dwight Roberson #59 and Cameron Collins #5 of the Oregon State Beavers at the Rose Bowl on November 6, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Image

Ayers is linebacker right now, but could easily step down and play some defensive end.  The Bucs are a very young team and will look to add to their defense.

Ayers will be a great guy to compliment their strong inside rush and will be a great player on the outside of their defensive line.

The Bucs are in a tough division, and need all the help they can get on defense to stop the high-powered offenses. 

21. Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Mallet

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks to pass in the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by

Ryan Mallet is a great quarterback out of Arkansas.  He has shown the ability to make big throws and will be a great professional quarterback.

Mallet has thrown for 3,592 yards and 30 touchdowns on the season, while only throwing 11 interceptions.

If he decides to leave, it would be a great move to draft Mallet as their future QB. He isn't ready to start yet in the NFL, but a year behind Hasslebeck could do him wonders.

22. Kansas City Chiefs: Jon Baldwin

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PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 23: Jon Baldwin #82 of the Pittsburgh Panthers is tackled by Brandon McGee #21 of the Miami Hurricanes on September 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Baldwin is a great receiver that plays for Pittsburgh.  He is tall and big, which creates a huge advantage when you throw in his speed.

The Chiefs are lacking that big-name receiver that they need.

Baldwin had a decent year catching 52 passes for 810 yards and five touchdowns.

23. Indianapolis Colts: Derek Sherrod

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 15: J.C. Brignone #70 and Derek Sherrod #79of the Mississippi State Bulldogs get ready on the line of scrimmage during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 15, 2008 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

All of the experts are expecting the Colts to get Peyton Manning some protection in this draft.  To this, they must turn to Derek Sherrod of Mississippi State.

Sherrod is a great protector and would be the perfect left guard for Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.

After a season of all kinds of pressure being put on Manning, it's time for a new blindside man.

24. Philadelphia Eagles: Mike Pouncy

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 01: Tim Tebow #15 of the Florida Gators hugs teammate Mike Pouncey #55 after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisana Superdome on January 1, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Yet another offensive lineman will be drafted in the first round, this time being Mike Pouncy.  Pouncy is a big man out of Florida.

Pouncy will provide the Eagles with the ground game that is needed to protect Michael Vick.

Vick will need more protection as he gets older, and this will provide more of that for him, as well as getting the team a better chance at running the ball.

25. Green Bay Packers: Adrian Clayborn

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TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 28: Defensive end Adrian Clayborn #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes waves to fans as he walks off the field after defeating the Missouri Tigers in the Insight Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. The Hawkeyes defe

Clayborn is a big defensive end out of Iowa.  He didn't have a great season, but will do well in the pros if he gets his head on straight.

This season, Clayborn had only four sacks after having 11 last year.

His work ethic is being questioned, but it's worth taking a chance on such a great talent.

26. New Orleans Saints: J.J. Watt

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Defensive lineman J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers defends a pass by quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansez

Watt is a huge defensive tackle out of Wisconsin.  He has had a great few season with the Badgers and will do well in the NFL.

As a tackle, Watt had six sacks on the season and was constantly causing ruckus in the backfield for runners.

Watt will be a great fit for the New Orleans Saints.

27. New York Jets: Drake Nevis

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 07: Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is tackled by Drake Nevis #92 and Jai Eugene #4 of the Louisiana State University Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox

The Jets will likely move up, but if they stay at this spot they should take Nevis.  Nevis will give them a bigger presence on their already great defense.

Nevis is a great tackle that has had six sacks on the season.

Nevis would do well in the Ryan defense and will be a great player if they decide to take him in the draft.

28. Baltimore Ravens: Justin Houston

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ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 27: Justin Houston #42 of the Georgia Bulldogs sacks quarterback Tevin Washington #13 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Sanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Ravens are a great team and are known for their defense, so why not try to make that aging defense into a young one again.

Houston would be a great defensive end and has had an incredible junior season recording 11 sacks and 20 tackles for loss. 

Houston is a dominant underrated player, he will be a steal at this point.

29. Chicago Bears: Anthony Castonzo

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears is chased out of the pocket by the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 2, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The Bears have something going finally and it all starts with Jay Cutler and Mike Martz.  To be successful, however, the Bears need to protect Cutler.

Anthony Costonzo could be that franchise blindside guard that could give Cutler more time.

After being knocked around all season, it's time for a big move on Cutler's protection.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Gabe Carimi

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 10: Offensive lineman Gabe Carimi #68 of the Wisconsin Badgers blocks against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 10, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Ben Roethlisberger, and they need to continue to protect him.  

Anyone who has watched the Wisconsin Badgers this season, they have a wonderful offensive line and it is led by Carimi.

Carimi is a big man and can really block.  He will be great this season starting as rookie if he is needed.

31. Atlanta Falcons: Lance Kendricks

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 18: Lance Kendricks #84 of the Wisconsin Badgers catches a pass against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Camp Randall Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin defeated Arizona State 20-19. (Photo by Jonathan Da

Kendricks is a great tight end and Tony Gonzalez is getting old.  He would be a great fit for the Falcons and would provide a huge target for Matt Ryan.

Kendricks caught 43 receptions for 663 yards and five touchdowns for the Badgers this season.

He can also block, which is a big plus for the Falcons.  Kendricks is the perfect fit for the Falcons.

32. New England Patriots: Jordan Todman

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EAST HARTFORD, CT - NOVEMBER 27: Jordan Todman #23 of the Connecticut Huskies carries the ball around the Cincinnati Bearcats defense on November 27, 2010 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut. The Huskies defeated the Bearcats 38-17. (Photo

Jordan Todman is a great running back out of Connecticut.  He has declared he will be forgoing his senior season to pursue the draft.

The Patriots need a full-sized runner and Todman would be that.  

Todman rushed for 1,695 yards and 14 touchdowns on the season.  He is a great pick, and if he is available don't be surprised if the Patriots take him.