2011 NFL Mock Draft With Highlights: Dynamic Underclassmen Alter First Round

First-round NFL mock drafts are being constantly shaken, not stirred, by dynamic underclassmen declaring for the NFL.

Players such as Nick Fairley, Cam Newton, Patrick Peterson and Da’Quan Bowers are sure bets to go in the top half of the round.

Now that more underclassmen are announcing their desire to go pro, we are beginning to see them sneak into the bottom of half of mocks.

Here’s the newest look at how April’s NFL Draft could potentially shake out.

1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley, Auburn DT

New head coach Ron Rivera knows defense wins championships. Fairley is a ferocious defensive lineman with a mean streak and non-stop motor.

Right now, he seems to be a can’t-miss player if he can keep that intensity up in the NFL. He will open things for linebacker Jon Beason.

2. Denver Broncos: Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson DE

With Elvis Dumervil returning in 2011, the Broncos draft Bowers to boast a fantastic pass rushing duo to attack the opposing AFC West quarterbacks.

The Broncos need a ton of help on defense, and while Patrick Peterson is a popular mock pick, Bowers’ pressure up front will help the secondary unit.

The Broncos are also the front-runners to retain Champ Bailey.

3. Buffalo Bills: A.J. Green, Georgia WR

The Bills continue to build one of the most explosive young offenses in the league. Green will join wide receiver Steve Johnson to create a dynamic pass catching duo, which will also send Lee Evans to the slot, where he could potentially thrive.

These receivers will open things for sophomore running back and 2010 first-round draft pick C.J. Spiller, who had a disappointing rookie campaign.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: Marcell Dareus, Alabama DL

The Bengals actually have a very talented defense; they simply underachieved last year.

Marcell Dareus will create a ton of pressure up front, which will make a world of difference for the rest of the Cincinnati defensive unit.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, LSU CB

Arizona ends up with arguably the steal of the draft in Peterson at No. 5. Ken Whisenhunt opts to avoid overpaying for a quarterback after drafting Max Hall and John Skelton last year.

Peterson rounds out one of the most talented secondary units in the NFL as he joins Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Adrian Wilson and Kerry Rhodes.

6. Cleveland Browns: Prince Amukamara, Nebraska CB

After selecting Joe Haden last year, Cleveland locks up the cornerback positions for the next decade as they try to compete against the likes of Chad Ochocinco, Anquan Boldin, Mike Wallace and Hines Ward within the division.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Robert Quinn, North Carolina DE

New head coach Jim Harbaugh decides not to put all of his eggs in one basket by drafting a quarterback.

Instead, he builds his defense with Robert Quinn, who will greatly assist the best defensive player in the league, linebacker Patrick Willis.

8. Tennessee Titans: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri QB

The Vince Young experiment failed, so head coach Jeff Fisher decides to draft a more conventional quarterback.

Kerry Collins won’t last forever. Gabbert is a smart quarterback who could do very well in the Titans offense.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Aldon Smith, Missouri DE

Aldon Smith will blow people away at the combine, and Jerry Jones will be one of his biggest followers.

Smith could wreak havoc for the Cowboys. He and DeMarcus Ware will cause nightmares for opposing quarterbacks.

10. Washington Redskins: Cam Newton, Auburn QB

One of the most talented players in this draft class, Shanahan takes the chance with Newton’s incredible playmaking ability.

Shanahan is the type of coach who could help Newton thrive in the NFL, and Newton has all of the tools necessary to do so.

11. Houston Texans: Akeem Ayers, UCLA LB

The Texans have so many needs on defense, it’s not even funny. They have a nice core but injuries have set them back big time.

Akeem Ayers can step in from Day One. He will be an excellent playmaker in the NFL.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Ryan Mallett, Arkansas QB

Tarvaris Jackson is not the answer.

I wouldn’t rule the Vikings out of taking a chance on somebody like Vince Young or Donovan McNabb in the offseason, but for now, Ryan Mallett is the guy I’m giving them.

Mallett has a strong mallet, which is beneficial for receivers Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice.

13. Detroit Lions: Tyron Smith, USC OT

The Lions need to find a way to keep franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford healthy.

If so, they could make a serious run at the division title with Stafford, Jahvid Best, Calvin Johnson and Ndamukong Suh.

Smith has the talent to be the best offensive lineman in this draft.

14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, Alabama WR

Sam Bradford displayed remarkable accuracy and poise in his rookie season.

The Rams desperately need to provide him with a playmaker if they want to take over the division.

Jones is the second-best option behind A.J. Green.

15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, Alabama RB

Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are not expected to return. I still think Chad Henne deserves another chance.

Mark Ingram is the best running back in this year’s draft class and is the workhorse back the Dolphins desperately need to run behind their big, powerful offensive line.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue DL

Jacksonville made huge strides this season and almost won the division.

In order to keep competing with the high-powered offenses of the AFC South, they need to continue to bolster the defensive line to create pressure on Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub.

Ryan Kerrigan will provide an immediate impact.

17. New England Patriots (via Oakland Raiders): J.J. Watt, Wisconsin DL

The Patriots seem to suffer injuries on the defensive line each season.

Watt is a smart, excellent player and will fit in perfectly for Belichick on the line.

18. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Heyward, Ohio St. DL

The Chargers defense played well last season but must add pieces to keep that momentum in 2011.

Cameron Heyward is a fantastic prospect who will greatly help the already solid pass rush of the Chargers.

19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, Boston College OL

The Giants offensive line is aging rapidly.

In order to protect their investments, the Giants draft Castonzo, one of this year’s best offensive linemen.

Castonzo has the ability to step in immediately if the Giants suffer another injury.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, Iowa DL

The Buccaneers suffered injuries late in the season, but this defense is starting to really come together.

With the offense set for the next decade with Josh Freeman, LeGarrette Blount and Mike Williams, Tampa Bay needs to focus on defense.

Adrian Clayborn and Gerald McCoy will be an excellent tandem on the line for the next decade.

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Von Miller, DL, Texas A&M

After the Chiefs were manhandled against the Baltimore Ravens, it's back the drawing board.

Still, the Chiefs have a great offense in place for years with Matt Cassel, Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe.

The AFC West has top-notch playmakers in Philip Rivers, Darren McFadden and possibly Tim Tebow. Von Miller will be an excellent addition to the solid Chiefs defensive unit.

22. Indianapolis Colts: Derek Sherrod, Mississippi St. OT

Peyton Manning was hit more this season combined than in years past.

The Colts suffered so many injuries this season but need to make sure Manning stays upright.

Derek Sherrod is one of the premier offensive linemen in the draft and will be warmly welcomed by Peyton Manning.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Houston, Georgia LB

The Eagles have one of the most explosive offenses in the game with Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek.

Although they could use an upgrade on the offensive line, building a stronger defense is the way to go.

Justin Houston is has supreme athleticism with the playmaking ability the Eagles defense needs.

24. New Orleans Saints: Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin OL

The Saints need help on both the offensive and defensive line.

At the moment, nothing is more important than making sure Drew Brees is protected.

The Saints continue making this a first round dominated by offensive lineman as teams realize they need to keep its star players healthy.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, Washington QB

Pete Carroll needs his quarterback of the future, as neither Matt Hasselbeck and “Clipboard Jesus” Charlie Whitehurst are that man.

Seattle nation is lucky Jake Locker, a top prospect last season, falls all the way to No. 25.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Williams, Texas CB

The Ravens secondary was torched throughout the season. It’s actually surprising Dwayne Bowe didn’t have a bigger game in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

The Ravens have a great core on offense and defense, but they are in desperate need of a quality corner. Aaron Williams will step in immediately as a rookie.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Harris, Miami CB

The Falcons had a “bend-but-don’t-break” defense all year. Personally, I wasn’t that impressed with the unit overall.

I think adding another corner would do wonders for the unit overall, as Brandon Harris could make it one of the more complete secondary units in the league.

28. New England Patriots: Stephen Paea, Oregon St. DT

The Patriots continue upgrading their defensive line, as the rest of the unit is set for the next decade.

Belichick is believes he can find an offensive lineman later in the draft, so defensive tackle is the way to go here.

Paea is an excellent candidate and could even go much higher in the draft.

29. New York Jets: Allen Bailey, Miami DL

The Jets have a fantastic defense, but in order for Rex Ryan to maintain his relentless blitzing, he needs quality defensive linemen..

In comes Allen Bailey, who will be a force from Day One on this Jets unit.

30. Green Bay Packers: Cameron Jordan, California DE

Cornerback Tramon Williams has stepped up in the playoffs, and the Packers already have two great linebackers in Clay Matthews and A.J. Hawk.

The Packers draft Cameron Jordan to create pressure on the line for the rest of the defensive playmakers, as the Packers build one of the scarier defenses in the league.

31. Chicago Bears: Mike Pouncey, Florida OL

The Bears have needs at several positions, but I still believe offensive line is the biggest. In Mike Martz’ offense, the Bears must keep quarterback Jay Cutler upright.

They will only go as far as he takes them, and in order for him to take them back to the playoffs next year, he needs to be on the field and not the sidelines.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Nate Solder, Colorado OT

The Steelers seem to suffer injuries on the offensive line each year.

They need to limit the hits quarterback Ben Roethlisberger takes each season as he gets older.

Nate Solder is a fantastic prospect who will not only add depth, but be able to start right away.