2011 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Newton, Mark Ingram and Nick Fairley's Future NFL Homes

Big-name college players are usually the talk of the NFL draft in the months leading up to the special occasion. 

Sometimes these talented athletes are considered locks, but for other players, many speculate whether or not they have what it takes to do it at the next level. With that said, here are my predictions of where and when Cam Newton, Mark Ingram and Nick Fairley will be drafted. 

Cam Newton

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers warms up prior to their game against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo

Buffalo Bills: Third Overall

The Bills have been miserable to watch for the last couple of years, and while Ryan Fitzpatrick did a decent job in Buffalo last season, he is not the answer to their problems. The Bills can really use a star-caliber player, and Newton has the potential to be a great NFL quarterback. 

The 6'6'', 250-pound Newton passed for 2,854 yards last season while throwing for 30 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. He also ran for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns. These numbers don't lie. Newton is an incredible talent with the ability to beat teams through the air or on the ground. Newton is often seen as another version of Vince Young, but I think that people are really underestimating his passing ability. He throws a nice, accurate ball and knows how to get the ball down the field. 

One thing that is undeniable about Newton is that he is a winner. He has that innate quality deep down that no ordinary player has. Newton is going to do whatever it takes to be a good NFL quarterback because winning is all he knows. 

Mark Ingram

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide scores a touchdown during the Capitol One Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Image

Miami Dolphins: 15th Overall

The Dolphins are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, but at this point in the draft, I'm assuming both Newton and Blaine Gabbert will be gone. The Dolphins' best bet would be to give Henne another year or address their need in free agency. 

Ingram would be a nice pick at the midway point of the first round for the Dolphins. Mark won the Heisman Trophy two seasons ago, and last season he rushed for 875 yards and 13 touchdowns. He put up very impressive numbers in limited time, being that he was battling injuries early in the year. 

With the Dolphins losing Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown to free agency, Ingram makes a lot of sense for the organization. 

Nick Fairley

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Nick Fairley #90 of the Auburn Tigers reacts during their Tostitos BCS National Championship Game against the Oregon Ducks at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen

Carolina Panthers: First Overall

The Carolina Panthers have many positions on the football field that they need to fill, but grabbing a defensive tackle would be a great start for them. In last year's draft, the Lions went with Ndamukong Suh and immediately became a much better football team. A premier defensive tackle can anchor a defense and dominate a football game. 

Fairley is probably not the most talented player in the draft, but he is a very capable No. 1 pick. Players like A.J. Green and Da'Quan Bowers may be more talented, but don't make as much sense for the Panthers. Fairley racked up 56 tackles and 12 sacks last season for the Auburn Tigers. He also had a tremendous game against Oregon to help bring the national title back to Auburn. 

Fairley may have a mean streak, but he is a fantastic player and will make Carolina fans very happy for a long period of time.