NFL Draft 2011: A Second Look at the First 16 Picks

Here’s an updated look at the first 16 picks of the upcoming 2011 NFL Draft.

1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

I’m starting to entertain the notion that Cam Newton will be the pick, but haven’t been fully convinced yet.

Previous Pick: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

2. Denver Broncos: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

Still think bolstering the pass rush is priority No. 1 for the Broncos.

Previous Pick: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

3. Buffalo Bills: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

The Bills need a QB in the worst way. They also need a buzz. I know it’s not apples to apples, but if Blake Griffin can make the Clippers relevant, Newton can give the Bills hope.

Previous Pick: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

Green still seems to be the guy for Cincinnati. He should make Carson Palmer happy.

Previous Pick: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

As much as the Cardinals need to boost their pass rush, they need a QB. Gabbert is considered the best QB prospect in the draft.

Previous Pick: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

6. Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

With Cam and Blaine jumping into the top five, Cleveland gets a steal with Quinn.

Previous Pick:  Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A & M

7.  San Francisco 49ers:  Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Peterson slides a little, which works into San Francisco’s favor. He could be the top talent on the defensive side of the ball.

Previous Pick: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

8. Tennessee Titans: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Once Cam and Gabbert are off the board, the Titans turn their attention to defense.

Previous Pick: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

Cowboy fans would be elated if Prince was still on the board when Dallas is on the clock.

Previous Pick: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

10. Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

The Redskins have a major shortage of skill position players so Jones is still the pick.

Previous Pick: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

11. Houston Texans: Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A&M

The Texans need to add an outsider pass rusher. Miller’s stock is rising.

Previous Pick: Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri

12. Minnesota Vikings: Tyron Smith, T, Southern Cal

The Vikings will have to address the quarterback position elsewhere. Whoever that person is, he will need better offensive line play.

Previous Pick: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

13. Detroit Lions: Aldon Smith, DE/LB, Missouri

The Lions have a better line that I originally figured. Smith should have no problem getting to the quarterback given all the attention Suh will receive.

Previous Pick: Anthony Castonzo, T, Boston College

14. St. Louis Rams: Cameron Jordan, DE, California

They need to add a WR, but that can wait. No change here. The Rams add Jordan to improve their pass rush.

Previous Pick: Cameron Jordan, DE, California

15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

Uncertainty at running back will lead the 'Phins to select the former Heisman Trophy winner.

Previous Pick: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

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.

Previous Pick: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa 


Click here to see picks 17-32.