2011 NFL Draft: Cam Newton and the Top 10 Offensive Players
The 2011 NFL draft is loaded with talent that plays the defensive side of the ball, like Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers and LSU's Patrick Peterson.
Plus, the predicted first overall draft pick, quarterback Andrew Luck, decided to head back to Stanford for one more year, even though his coach didn't.
With that said, the 2011 NFL draft does have some offensive talent.
Let's look at the 10 best offensive players in a defensive-minded draft.
Cam Newton
1 of 10
Cam Newton went from possibly suspended after allegations that his dad wanted to sell his talents to winning the Heisman Trophy to then winning the national championship.
Along the way, he put up some big time numbers, throwing for 30 touchdowns and rushing for 20 more.
Newton is no stranger to attention and scrutiny, so don't expect him to be rattled by the bright lights of the NFL.
ESPN has Newton going at pick No. 28, while CBS has him at 11.
Newton will have a Mark Sanchez-like start to his career.
I don't mean on the football field.
After signing with IMG Worldwide, the management and branding firm, expect to see Newton in an underwear ad or two.
A.J. Green
2 of 10
Georgia Bulldog A.J. Green, WR, has been drawing comparisons to two of the NFL's best playmakers, Larry Fitzgerald and Randy Moss.
Scouts say he is quick and explosive off the line and able to beat defenders, plus he has long arms and great hands to make the catch.
Such skills helped him score the second most touchdowns in Georgia Bulldog history with 23.
Green also faced controversy after being suspended for selling his jersey for $1,000.
Expected to go in the top five, Green should make a lot more than that in the NFL.
If they play next season.
Blaine Gabbert
3 of 10
Deciding to leave Missouri a year early, there are some questions concerning Blaine Gabbert's experience level in game time situations.
But Gabbert's potential to be a special player has never been in question. He was recruited by most every major program out of high school, and now, despite the questions, he will likely be the first QB to hear his name called.
The 6'5", 235-pound Gabbert runs a 4.72 40-yard dash.
Scouts like his arm and ability to throw accurately, plus the confidence to play at the next level.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Julio Jones
4 of 10
Julio Jones, playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide, had 78 catches last season.
A projected top 10 pick and maybe the second best receiver in the draft, Jones is a big target at 6'4", 211 pounds.
According to CBS Sports, Jones is more physical than the average WR, great at blocking for teammates downfield, and scouts like it.
Furthermore, he is quick with the ball in hand, able to gain yardage after the catch.
Anthony Castonzo
5 of 10
The big guys play offense too.
Anthony Castonzo made a name for himself at Boston College as a freshman after switching from TE to the O-line and earning a starting spot.
At 6'7", 305 pounds, the big-handed Castonzo shows good mechanics on the pass block and solid strength on the run block.
What scouts like, though, is the big fella's quickness and ability to change direction.
Projected first rounder.
Mark Ingram
6 of 10
Mark Ingram of the Alabama Crimson Tide, originally from Flint, Michigan, is more compact than a Flint B-40 at 5'10", 215 pounds, and running a 4.48 40-yard dash, Ingram is probably faster then that old car too.
Ingram averaged just under six yards per carry for the Tide and scored 13 touchdowns.
Scouts like the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner's low center of gravity and powerful legs, making him the perfect option when teams need to stuff the ball for a short gain.
Ingram also shows good vision and a knack for finding holes in the defense.
Jake Locker
7 of 10
Though Jake Locker of the Washington Huskies has shown some inconsistency in his ability to perform and did not have great stats in his senior season, throwing nine interceptions, the NFL seems convinced of his ability to play at the next level.
Locker has great arm strength to match his running ability.
Factor in his baseball skills, as Locker was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels, and there is no question he is a tremendous athlete.
Mikel Leshoure
8 of 10
The Fighting Illini's RB Mikel Leshoure gained 1,697 yards and 17 touchdowns on 281 attempts without a single fumble last year.
So it makes sense that the junior would want to test his abilities in the NFL.
Leshoure is big for his position at 6'1", 230 pounds, but that makes him all the harder to take down.
Randall Cobb
9 of 10
Randall Cobb averaged about 12 yards per catch playing WR at the University of Kentucky.
Cobb also did some rushing damage at Kentucky, gaining 424 yards in 55 attempts.
He is not very big, under six feet tall, but he is quick.
Expect Cobb to play special teams in the NFL, returning kickoffs and punts.
Mike Pouncey
10 of 10
Seeing as how every offensive possession begins with the center, let's give Mike Pouncey of the Florida Gators some credit.
At 6'5", 305 pounds, Pouncey knows how to use his body efficiently to make key blocks.
Pouncey has experience playing both sides of the ball, giving him helpful knowledge over most players.
Plus, his brother Maurkice Pouncey plays center for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")