NFL Draft 2011: Out of Luck, Who Do The Carolina Panthers and The Top 10 Pick
No Andrew Luck, no problem. The Carolina Panthers have a huge decision to make, but it hasn't gotten harder just because of Luck staying in school. It only has become harder for the teams behind them.
The ten teams at the top of the draft board will have to decide what they are going to do with their pick from now until April 28th. With the likes of Patrick Petterson, Mark Ingram, Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert, Nick Fairley, and Marcell Dareus.
Here are the first ten picks of the 2011 NFL Draft.
1. Carolina Panthers Select DT Nick Fairley From Auburn University
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Ndamukong Suh Jr. or as everyone calls him Nick Fairley. The best person on the board has to go to Carolina, because the Panthers cannot pass up on his talent. He will bring an immediate impact to a poor defensive line.
He brings a little bit of a mean streak, very active hands, excellent burst, and the ability to play against the run and pass. He will immediately be the best defensive player on the Panthers and will open up lanes for the linebackers to attack running backs and the quarterback.
2. The Denver Broncos Select DE Marcell Dareus From The University Of Alabama
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The Denver Broncos need help with their pass rush and Dareus brings a great pass rush skill set that will benefit the defensive line. The Broncos can play him standing up as a DE/OLB and also in the three point stance.
They might take Patrick Petterson, but they should resign Champ Bailey and make sure the defensive line gets the added boost it lacked last year.
3. The Buffalo Bills Select DE Da'Quan Bowers From Clemson
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The reason the Buffalo Bills lost most of their games was because of lack of pressure on the quarterback and rushing defense. They had the third best pass defense which is the reason they aren't taking Patrick Peterson with this pick and the 32nd ranked rush defense which is perfect for Da'Quan.
He is the best pure pass rusher and the Bills will be able to trust him, since the Bills failed with the Aaron Maybin experiment. He will make the line better, because he will eventually draw double teams. His presence will also help the secondary out.
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4. The Cincinnati Bengals Select CB Patrick Peterson From LSU
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The Cincinnati Bengals had the 14th best pass defense, but could use some extra help and Peterson would make the pass defense even better because of his size and speed. He would also bring a big boost in special teams.
The rush defense wasn't great either, but the linebackers were hurt off and on all season. If you could get a healthy defense and then add Peterson on top of that, they might have one of the best defenses in the league.
5. The Arizone Cardinals Select QB Blaine Gabbert From Missouri
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The Arizona Cardinals were a mess this year at quarterback and Gabbert is the most NFL ready in the draft now that Andrew Luck isn't in the draft. He would be an immediate upgrade over Max Hall, John Skelton, and Derek Anderson.
Looking at Gabbert's game, he resembles Aaron Rodgers the way he plays the game. He is mobile, has a cannon of an arm, and is deadly accurate. He brings the play making ability at quarterback that the Cardinals haven't had since Kurt Warner retired.
6. The Cleveland Browns Select WR A.J. Green From The University Of Georgia
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The Browns have found their quarterback with Colt McCoy, now if only he had someone to throw to. Cleveland's pass offense was ranked 29th this season and needs a major upgrade at wide receiver.
Insert A.J. Green.
Green brings speed, size, great hands, and excellent route running. All of which are needed for Colt McCoy to succeed in Cleveland. They would become best friends on the football field and would add an excellent one-two punch for the offense with Colt's legs and A.J.'s play making ability.
7. The San Francisco 49ers Select CB Prince Amukamara From Nebraska
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The 49ers struggled against the pass last year ranking 24th in pass defense. Nate Clements play is declining and they are in need of secondary help. They couldn't produce enough turnovers in the secondary and need someone who can bring that immediately.
So why not draft the best ball-hawking cornerback in the draft in Prince Amukamara. He would bring instincts that resemble Patrick WIllis, amazing ball skills and anticipation.
8. The Tennessee Titans Select OLB Von Miller From Texas A&M
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What a disappointing and weird season the Tennessee Titans had. Vince Young is gone. Chris Johnson didn't rush for 2000 yards and Cortland Finnegan got into a boxing match with Andre Johnson.
The major need for the Titans is at linebacker and the best linebacker is OLB Von Miller.
He is a solid tackler and is known as a pass rusher, but he is also very good at zone coverage. He would thrive in the Titans system and would add a boost to the somewhat weak linebacker corp.
9. The Dallas Cowboys Select DE Robert Quinn From North Carolina
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What a disappointing season for the season for "America's Team". The defense was just awful, mainly for the lack of pressure on the quarterback and rush defense.
The ideal fit for the system is Robert Quinn. If he decides to show up at workouts, he will be a great pure pass rusher for the Cowboys. He has a quick burst and excellent footwork. He would add a much needed boost at defensive end for Dallas.
10. The Washington Redskins Select QB Cam Newton From Auburn
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The Donovan McNabb experiment has come to a close. In comes the next quarterback for the Redskins.
Mike Shanahan has a "thing" about quarterbacks and he would love to have a young quarterback to call his own. So the Redskins draft Cam Newton with the expectations that he can be the franchise quarterback, they thought McNabb would be.
Newton brings great athleticism, underrated accuracy, but he is still a project. The Redskins will take the time and develop Newton into their next franchise quarterback. It isn't the safest pick, but it is one the Redskins need to make.
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