2011 NFL Draft: Breaking Down the First 16 Picks

Here’s an expanded first look at the upcoming 2011 NFL Draft.

1.  Carolina Panthers:  Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn:  This is a copycat league. The two most successful rookies last year were QB Sam Bradford and DT Ndamukong Suh. Since Luck isn’t in the mix, the Panthers will take the best DT in the draft.
Previous Pick:  Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

2.  Denver Broncos:  Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson:  Elvis Dumervil’s return will improve the pass rush, but the John Fox will want to add some insurance. Assuming Bowers kills it at the combine, he’ll likely be a top two selection.
Previous Pick:  Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

3.  Buffalo Bills:  Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU:  I originally had the Bills taking Marcell Dareus out of Alabama, but Peterson is too talented to pass on. This is a passing league and having a corner that can lock horns with the most talented wide receivers is a must.
Previous Pick:  Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

4.  Cincinnati Bengals:  A.J. Green, WR, Georgia:  Speaking of talented receivers, Green is basically a can’t miss prospect. The Bengals have a dire need at the position.
Previous Pick:  A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

5.  Arizona Cardinals:  Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina:  There isn’t a quarterback in the draft that would put the memory of the Matt Leinart experiment behind the Cardinals. They need help pressuring the quarterback and Quinn is one of the premier options.
Previous Pick:  Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

6.  Cleveland Browns:  Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A & M:  The Browns had just 29 sacks last year, so adding Miller, who dominated during the Senior Bowl, makes sense as they transition to a 4-3 defense.
Previous Pick:  Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

7.  San Francisco 49ers:  Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska:  The best talent in this draft is on the defensive side of the ball. Amukamara is a shade behind Peterson, but is easily considered one of the best corners available.
Previous Pick:  Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

8.  Tennessee Titans:  Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri:  Vince Young had his moments for Tennessee, but ultimately, it didn’t work out. The Titans need to a franchise signal caller and Gabbert, at least pre-combine, is the top rated QB available.
Previous Pick:  Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

9.  Dallas Cowboys:  Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama:  I originally had Adrian Clayborn in this slot, but with Von Miller jumping into the top 10, the Cowboys end up with Dareus to bolster their defensive front.
Previous Pick:  Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

10.  Washington Redskins:  Julio Jones, WR, Alabama:  The Redskins need a new quarterback, but more importantly, they need some weapons for that new quarterback to thrive, especially if Santana Moss bolts via free agency.
Previous Pick:  Cam Newton, QB, Auburn 

11.  Houston Texans:  Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri:  The Texans are making the switch to a 3-4 defense with the hiring of Wade Phillips. They will need outside pass rushers in their new scheme. Smith is the top outside linebacker on the board.

12.  Minnesota Vikings:  Cam Newton, QB, Auburn:  The Vikings need a quarterback in the worst way. Ryan Mallet seems to be shooting himself in the foot. Perhaps Jake Locker can give Newton some competition, but I think the Vikes will fall in love with Newton’s size, leadership and athleticism.

13.  Detroit Lions:  Anthony Castonzo, T, Boston College:  The Lions have to protect Matthew Stafford if they ever want the former number one pick to survive a full season. Castonzo, the top tackle in the draft, will be the pick.

14.  St. Louis Rams:  Cameron Jordan, DE, California:  The Rams need to add talent at receiver, but if Green and Jones are off the board, the Rams would be reaching at 14. They have a need at defensive end and Jordan fits the bill.

15.  Miami Dolphins:  Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama:  The Dolphins have let the cupboard go bare, as Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are both free agents. My guess is Ricky comes back and Ronnie departs. Ingram can come in and share the load with Ricky.

16.  Jacksonville Jaguars:  Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa:  The Jags have struggled to find the right mix at defensive end. They managed just 26 sacks last year, which was second to only Denver.

Click here to see picks 17-32.