2011 NFL Mock Draft: Are Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert Top 10 Locks?
In just 70 short days, all eyes will be on Radio City Music Hall in New York City, as the bright lights of prime time will showcase the next step in the lives of the best college football athletes.
So who will the Carolina Panthers take with the No. 1 pick? Will Heisman trophy and BCS National Champion quarterback Cam Newton be drafted in the top 10? Or will Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert be taken before the Auburn star?
How about the Super Bowl XLV Champion Green Bay Packers. Who will they take in the upcoming draft that will help them soar to a possible repeat?
While the NFL season may in fact be long over, it's never too early to get a jumpstart at the possible standout athletes that will round out the 2011 NFL Draft.
You may want to keep some of these names in mind, as many players in this year's draft class could very well become not only a household name in a couple years, but realistic superstars in the NFL.
Here is a look at a mock draft of the first round.
1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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Arguably the best defensive tackle in the draft, Nick Fairley will almost certainly take both his talents and his new hardware (the Lombardi Award) to Carolina becoming the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
With former coach John Fox now in Denver, Panthers new head coach Ron Rivera will be nothing but excited with Fairley roaming his defensive lines for at least the half decade.
2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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The Champ Bailey Era in Denver may have indeed ended this past season, as the future of the 10-time Pro Bowler looks very bleak in a Broncos uniform with his pending free agency. Regardless to whether Bailey walks out of the Mile High City or not, LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson is the logical choice with the second overall pick.
New Broncos head coach John Fox is known for pushing defense, which makes Peterson and Denver a great fit. Don't worry Denver fans, with Peterson looming at cornerback, it will sometimes feel like Bailey never left.
3. Buffalo Bills: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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After Fairley and Peterson are taken, it's hard to see Buffalo passing a defensive end some even predict could still go No. 1 in Clemson undergrad Da'Quan Bowers.
If there is any team in need of a good pass rusher on defense, it's Buffalo. Bowers, the leader in sacks this past season would certainly help the Bills finally have a guy they could look for to make a realistically huge impact.
One thing is for sure, I don't think Buffalo can mess this first round pick up as bad as drafting running back C.J. Spiller last season. I can see them printing his last name on the backs of Bills jerseys now.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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With no answer to what the future will hold for wide receivers Chad Johnson and Terrell Owens, Georgia star wideout A.J. Green seems like the logical choice for Cincinnati at No. 4.
If Johnson and T.O. do return to The Queen City though, what a receiving core it will be for not only Bengals fans, but for quarterback Carson Palmer as well.
I'll take any of the three wide outs on my fantasy team.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
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I honestly cannot think of any player who has risen on virtually every draft board as much as Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller. And why not?
He certainly stood out at the Senior Bowl a couple weeks ago, helping the South hold the North to just 10 points on offense. Miller should have no problem transitioning to Arizona's 3-4 defense, the same defensive set Texas A&M uses.
The climb to the top for the former 2009 NCAA sacks leader will most likely stop here though, but there still are some that have Miller getting picked higher than fifth. There's no doubt the Cardinals won't be complaining with Miller possibly still on the board at No. 5.
6. Cleveland Browns: Marcell Dareus, DL, Alabama
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With A.J. Green off the board, the Browns will almost surely go defense with their No. 6 pick and likely take Alabama standout defensive lineman Marcell Dareus.
While it still isn't clear whether the Browns and new head coach Pat Shurmur will move to a 4-3 defense next season, Dareus would add more young depth and strength to a young nucleus of defensive players. In his past two seasons with the Crimson Tide, Dareus has recorded 11 sacks and even won the Defensive MVP title at the 2010 BCS National Championship—defeating Texas and what could be teammate Colt McCoy.
With a team Cleveland, they must find a way to keep building with the high draft picks each year. Last year with the No. 7 overall pick, the Browns drafted former Florida cornerback Joe Haden, which turned out to be a pretty solid pick. Let's hope Cleveland can make it two years in a row this time around.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
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He may have missed the entire 2010 season due to lying to investigators, but I have a hunch nobody will doubt the overall talent of defensive end Robert Quinn come draft day.
Quinn, the former runner up for the 2009 ACC Defensive Player of the Year Award, still has the ability to become a top 10 pick in the draft. While some teams may overlook the Tar Heel, San Francisco could sure use a new young face to their defense, one that has the necessary tools to become a solid NFL pass rusher.
8. Tennessee Titans: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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Well, there goes the first quarterback off the board—and he's not named Cam Newton, but rather former Missouri star Blaine Gabbert. With Vince Young now out of Tennessee, the Titans need to find a guy to become in a sense the new face of the franchise, and it very well could be Gabbert.
Why Gabbert over Auburn quarterback Cam Newton? While some fans may disagree, I personally think the Titans would like to shy away from a quarterback like Newton, as he is very similar Vince Young. Sometimes a change in style is good, but we'll see come draft day.
With Kerry Collins as the only true NFL quarterback on their roster, Gabbert in a Titans uniform definitely makes sense as he would be able to take over on offense fairly soon.
Also on a side note, the last time Tennessee had the No. 8 pick in the first round was back in 1982 (when they were the Houston Oilers). Why is this important? Because the player chosen with the eighth pick that year was Hall of Fame offensive guard Mike Munchak—the new head coach for the Titans.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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The second best cornerback in this year's draft class, former Nebraska standout Prince Amukamara is still without a doubt a legitimate top 10 pick. Dallas could very well be the place Amukarmara could call home for a longtime if he is there at No. 9.
With a weak secondary, the Cowboys seems like a very logical landing spot for the 2010 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Cowboy fans, get ready for a possible longtime reign of Prince Amukamara in Big D.
10. Washington Redskins: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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Maybe it's just me, or maybe Auburn quarterback has been telling us something the whole time.
Wearing No. 2 in his only season with the Tigers, is he destined to be the second quarterback taken in the draft?
The two-time BCS National Champion and 2010 Heisman Trophy winner has fallen and climbed the big boards, but if Newton is still available with the tenth pick, the Redskins would be the ideal fit for both the team and head coach Mike Shanahan, who is in search for his franchise quarterback.
With the future of current Washington quarterback Donovan McNabb in limbo, Cam Newton could essentially step in and become the new face of the Redskins and more than likely start right away.
Newton has been all over the top 10 in many mock drafts, but one has to wonder if his overall image will in fact drop him a few slots come draft day.
One thing is for certain, Cam Newton will make the most headlines on April 28 no matter where he ends up being taken.
11. Houston Texans: Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri
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Just a sophomore at Missouri, defensive end Aldon Smith is still one of the best defensive draft prospects in this year's draft class, so much so that he could fall just out of the top 10 to Houston with the 11th pick overall.
Smith had an outstanding freshman season with the Tigers, recording a total of 64 tackles and led the team with 11.5 sacks—good for ninth best in the entire NCAA. The former 2009 Big 12 Defensive Newcomer and Freshman of the Year, Houston's weak defense sure could use a young stud like Smith in a Texans uniform right away.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas
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Could be somewhat of a stretch with the No. 12 pick, but with the two top quarterbacks off the board, the Vikings and head coach Leslie Frazier may have no choice but to go with the next best available QB in Arkansas' Ryan Mallet.
He may not be the best QB in the draft, but the 6'6'', 238 pound Mallett is certainly not someone to overlook either, leading the Razorbacks to two bowl games and shattering numerous school records in his two years at Arkansas. He would give Minnesota fans new hope and could fit in well with Percy Harvin and the rest of the Vikings offense.
13. Detroit Lions: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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For just the third time in the past 10 years, Detroit will be drafting outside the top 10 in the first round in 2011. The Lions key to success is based around one player: wide receiver Calvin Johnson (aka Megatron). In order for Detroit to get the ball to the superstar wide out, quarterback Matthew Stafford will need more time in the pocket.
Introducing former Colorado Buffaloes offensive tackle Nate Solder, who would be a great fit on the Lions offensive line. The 6'9'', 315 pound First Team All-Big 12 in 2009 will almost certainly become a staple for many years to come, no matter he lands in the NFL.
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford needs a new toy to play with at receiver. With A.J. Green long gone off the board, the next best receiver the Rams will have their eyes on is Alabama wideout Julio Jones.
He will not only add all the essentials of a No. 1 receiver, but may very well become one of the best wide receivers in the game over the next few seasons.
I could see a Bradford-to-Jones combo in the NFL for a longtime.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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With a very thin running back class, former Alabama and Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram looks like he will be the first halfback off the board this April, likely chosen by the Miami Dolphins.
Why Miami? Because both current Dolphin running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are free agents, with no clear cut answer if either player will call South Beach their home in 2011. Ingram could be a steal at pick 15, as he is a guy the Dolphins can plug right into the running back position from day one.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
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Jacksonville could use all the help they could get on the defensive line. The former 2010 Big Ten Defensive Player and Lineman of the Year, Ryan Kerrigan may just be that guy.
The all-time Big Ten leader in forced fumbles, Kerrigan could really shore up a battered Jaguars defensive line with the likes of current Jacksonville right defensive end Aaron Kampman still a question mark due to injury.
He should be there at No. 16, but whether the Jags will look elsewhere on the draft board is still up in the air.
17. New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
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With their first of two picks in the first round, the Patriots and Bill Belichick will probably look to upgrade the defensive end position. At No. 17, there probably won't be a better pass rusher with more potential left on the board than former California Golden Bear Cameron Jordan.
Jordan opened eyes at both the Senior Bowl and practices before hand a couple weeks ago, which has caused his stock to rise over the last few weeks. With New England already running a 3-4 defense, Jordan could very well come right in and bolster the Patriots defense next year with his experience.
18. San Diego Chargers: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
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A 2010 All-Pac 10 First Team standout, former UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers would add to Chargers young core of depth at the linebacker position.
This past season with the Bruins, Ayers recorded a total of 68 total tackles, four sacks, and also added two interceptions. He would definitely transition well into the NFL, especially fitting in with San Diego's 3-4 defense.
He will absolutely be player the Chargers will have an eye on in the middle of the first round with the pick 18.
19. New York Giants: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
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I can tell you one thing, if former Miami Hurricane cornerback Brandon Harris falls to the Giants at No. 19, he would not only step in and contribute right away, but could realistically become one of the legitimate steals of the first round.
Harris broke out on to the scene in 2009 in his sophomore season, where he totaled 55 tackles along with one sack and two interceptions. After the season he was named First Team All-ACC, dropping to a Second Team selection this past season.
Regardless, the Giants would be very excited with a cornerback of Harris' caliber.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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When it comes to the Buccaneers, there is really no reason to draft a guy on the offensive side of the ball early in the first round. Rather, Tampa Bay should turn their attention to defense and bring in one of the best defensive ends in the draft, Adrian Clayborn.
The former Iowa Hawkeye was not only a NCAA consensus first Team All-American this past season, but the MVP of the Orange Bowl as well. Clayborn managed to put up a total of 122 tackles over his last two years at Iowa, also adding 17.5 to his resume during that time span as a Hawkeye.
If the Bucs do take him at No. 20, he would definitely be someone to build their entire defense around for many years to come.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
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While the 6'5'', 280 pound offensive tackle may need to gain some weight before playing in the NFL, Tyron Smith is still someone who would interest many teams—including the Kansas City Chiefs.
Making the playoffs this past season, the Chiefs game plan on draft day will more than likely consist of buying more pocket time for quarterback Matt Cassel. While Kansas City wide receiver did lead the entire NFL with 14 touchdowns in 2010, there is always room to upgrade when it comes to the offensive line.
The former USC starter, Smith will hear his name called somewhere in the middle to late picks in the first round. Will he be calling Arrow Head Stadium his home next year? It's definitely a high possibility.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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The 6'7'', 327 pound offensive Wisconsin Badger Gabe Carimi is definitely someone most teams would love to see on their offensive line come 2011. With pick No. 22, the Indianapolis Colts may look to nab the 2010 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year with their first round pick.
Carimi also won the Outland Trophy this past year, as he was awarded for being the best interior lineman in the NCAA. For Peyton Manning and the Colts, the former Badger would add a nice youth to the already tough line on offense.
It's hard to see Carimi fall any further from a mid-first round pick on draft day.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
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For the always mobile quarterback Michael Vick, he could never use enough protection. Former Boston College offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo could become that extra protection for Vick and the rest of Philadelphia's offensive line.
Castonzo, a four starter with Boston College would fit right on to any team, as the 6'7'', 308 pound tackle could start from day one. Look for him to make some serious noise in 2011.
24. New Orleans Saints: Cameron Heyward, DT, Ohio State
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The Saints at No. 24 will either look for the best available player, or an impact player on defense. New Orleans could essentially land both if they draft Ohio State defensive tackle Cameron Heyward.
The 6'5'', 288 pound Buckeye posted great stats during his senior year in 2010, reaching a new career high in total tackles with 48, adding four sacks and an interception along with it.
With drafting Heyward, the Saints would add another above average pass rusher to their already solid defense. It seems like a possible fit for the former Buckeye if you ask me.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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Will there be a locker waiting for Jake Locker in Seattle? I think so.
It seems like every year that mock drafts have the Seahawks taking a quarterback—this year is no different. Once claimed to be the top QB in the 2011 draft class last year, Washington star Jake Locker has fallen a bit, but still will more than likely be drafted late in first round.
Locker would become the new face of the franchise in Seattle, something that many fans would say is long overdue. He may have had a rough final season with the Huskies, but there are still some NFL teams that will be willing to take a flier on the 22-year old—most notably Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.
If there was a year the Seahawks would draft a quarterback, it would be this year as Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck is a free agent and will more than likely sport a different uniform next season.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
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The former Utah standout cornerback Brandon Burton could find himself into the first round on draft day, with the possibility of heading to Baltimore. With the Ravens, Burton would benefit from being acclimated with current Baltimore cornerback Chris Carr, who could in a sense show Burton how the position needs to be played in the NFL.
As a former Ute, Burton recorded a career total of 97 tackles and three interceptions. He is definitely a guy who could fly under the radar at Radio City Music Hall, and could hold the last laugh against the teams who passed on him when Burton finally makes it.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
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It was just six years ago the Falcons owned the same 27th pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, taking three time Pro-Bowler Roddy White out of the University of Alabama-Birmingham. That turned out pretty well didn't it? Maryland wide out Torrey Smith would add yet another potential outstanding receiver for quarterback Matt Ryan and the Atlanta offense.
Smith, the ACC career kick return yard record holder, recorded over 1,000 yards receiving this past season along with a team leading 12 touchdowns. The 2010 All-ACC First Team wide out would no doubt become the Falcons No. 2 receiver behind White in a year or so.
If I'm Atlanta, I would jump all over the idea of drafting Smith.
28. New England Patriots: Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida
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With their second pick and final pick in the first round, New England will most likely switch their attention to the offensive line, where Florida offensive lineman/center Mike Pouncey should be there late in the first round.
Pouncey, the twin brother of Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, would bring the Patriots a young new face to the aging offensive line. While quarterback Tom Brady never really has a problem getting rid of the football, Pouncey would add much needed versatility on the line as he would come in and help one of the NFL's best teams quickly.
If the Pats do in fact take him, the twin brothers could very well play each other in the AFC Championship game next year?
29. Chicago Bears: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
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We all know the Bears defense has been one of the best over the past few seasons, so what Chicago needs is another target for quarterback Jay Cutler. Pittsburgh wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin could be the answer with pick 30.
Baldwin, the 2009 First Team All-Big East, went over 1,000 yards receiving on 54 receptions and added eight touchdowns for the Panthers this past season—only as a sophomore.
Cutler-to-Baldwin in the Windy City? Looks like it has a realistic chance to happen on draft day.
30. New York Jets: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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When it comes to defense, what better team to be drafted to than the New York Jets. For Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt, this may in fact come true on April 28. With the Badgers last season, Watt led the team with seven sacks, 21 tackles for losses, three forced fumbles, and was second on the team with 62 total sacks on the season.
The consensus first team All-Big Ten and All-American second team by the Associated Press, Watt will certainly be a guy that could make a significant impact in New York from the very beginning.
And you thought the Jets D couldn't get any better. Adding the former Wisconsin star at pick 30 would only add to New York's elite defense attack.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
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It wouldn't hurt if the Steelers looked to add a cornerback to upgrade their secondary next season. Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith looks like he could very well wind up in Black & Yellow in 2011, where the All-Big 12 standout would bolster the great Steel Curtain defense.
Smith may in fact be someone who we may see rise up the mock draft boards as the NFL draft approaches. For now though, he is still a lock to be drafted in the first round.
32. Green Bay Packers: Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois
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The Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers may want to look running back with the last pick in the first round, as there still is some uncertainty as to how healthy Ryan Grant will be come next season.
With Alabama halfback Mark Ingram as the only running back off the board so far, Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure could be a real steal at the end of the round. Leshoure as a junior with the Fighting Illini racked up 1,697 yards and 16 touchdowns on just 281 yards (Averaging over six yards a carry).
It should be interesting to see what Leshoure can do in the upcoming NFL Combine later this month.
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