NFL Draft 2011: 10 Players Who Can Help the Carolina Panthers
The 2011 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and the football world is abuzz with the age-old question: "Who will be the first overall pick?"
This year, the Carolina Panthers have the number one pick. In terms of drafting on team needs, there are multiple directions in which they could go. With Ron Rivera now the teams new head coach, the Panthers can now focus on the variety of positions that need improvement.
As of now, the Panthers' most pressing needs are: quarterback, wide receiver and all across the defense.
Here are 10 players they should consider taking first going into draft day.
No. 10: Ryan Mallet, QB
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The chance Ryan Mallet goes first overall is slim to none. Still, he could be worth a look considering the lack of talent at the QB position in Carolina.
Mallet would give the Panthers the big quarterback they need under center, and his arm strength would only help. However, his big size slows his footwork, and for a team with an offensive line that gives up plenty of sacks, he could be too much of a risk.
Still, the first overall pick has surprised us before, so don't rule this out completely.
No. 9: Blaine Gabbert, QB
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For the longest time, scouts have been touting Gabbert as the most NFL-ready quarterback. If that is indeed the case, the Panthers need to jump at the opportunity to draft him.
Gabbert didn't throw at the Combine, which hurts his chances slightly, but he still shows tremendous leadership abilities and is an incredibly accurate passer. Plus, he has some mobility as well.
Yet, if the Panthers do indeed draft Gabbert, they must be patient. He is a young quarterback who would be coming into an offense with a declining receiving corps, so the team would be wise to bring in talent at that position as well.
No. 8: Patrick Peterson, CB
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The Panthers need a spark on defense, particularly in their secondary. The perfect man for the job is Patrick Peterson, a cornerback who had an amazing three seasons at LSU.
Peterson has good size for a corner at 6'1" and 219 pounds, and listen closely when I say this: The kid is fast. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds.
Combined with his 38 inch vertical leap and great hands, Peterson would be a great fit and a top leader on a defense that is in need of a franchise player.
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No. 7: A.J. Green, WR
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Currently, the Panthers top receivers (if you can call them that) are an aging Steve Smith and David Gettis. Needless to say, an electrifying talent is needed. A good fit for this need could be A.J. Green.
Green has decent size for a receiver at 6'4" and 212 pounds, but questions linger about his commitment to excellence. He flat out admitted to reporters at last week's NFL Scouting Combine that preparation is a weakness of his, which of course hurts his stock a bit.
Still, for a team that needs a momentum-shifter on offense, Green might be worth the gamble. Don't be surprised if the Panthers find him more attractive come draft day.
No. 6: Marcell Dareus, DT
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For the past two seasons, Marcell Dareus has dominated at the defensive tackle position for the University of Alabama. With the need for help on the defensive line, Carolina would be a perfect desination for him.
Dareus may seem slightly undersized for a tackle at 6'4" and 306 pounds, but he packs a mean punch on the blitz. He has the ability to rip through offensive lines and force bad plays from the opposing offense, and can hit quarterbacks with the power of an express train.
With Ron Rivera looking to improve the Panthers defense rapidly, look for him to take a good long look at Dareus.
No. 5: Da'Quan Bowers, DE
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Da'Quan Bowers is considered the best defensive end in this year's draft class. Unfortunately, he was unable to showcase his talents at the Combine because he was recovering from knee surgery. Still, the Panthers should consider taking him in their efforts to improve the team.
Last season, Bowers recorded 67 tackles and 16 sacks for the Clemson Tigers, showing great speed and power behind each of his hits. If paired with Charles Johnson at defensive end, along with a top defensive tackle brought in via the draft or free agency, the Panthers defensive line could be set for years to come.
If Bowers stays healthy and has a good Pro Day, the Panthers would be foolish not to consider him.
No. 4: Robert Quinn, DE
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At 6'5" and 270 pounds, Robert Quinn ran an excellent 40 yard dash at the Combine, clocking in at 4.73. That's pretty incredible considering how he missed all of 2010 due to suspension. Along with his teammate Marvin Austin, he was suspended for accepting improper benefits.
Despite his predicament, Quinn has not slowed down and has shown great determination in his efforts to get back on the playing field. Even better, he has taken full responsibility for his previous actions.
"I made a selfish mistake that me and my team, my family and coaches paid a price for," Quinn said. "God gave me a talent, and in a second, he can take it away from me."
With a mature perspective on his actions, and skills that make him one of the top pass rushers in the draft, the Panthers should give Quinn a look if they choose to move forward with a more defensive approach.
No. 3: Nick Fairley, DT
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Nick Fairley is listed at 6'5" and 298 pounds. At the Combine, he ran the 40 yard dash in 4.86 seconds. Needless to say, that turned a lot of heads considering his size.
Fairley was the anchor of an Auburn Tigers defense that went undefeated in 2010 and won a National Championship, and the Carolina Panthers need too much help on their defensive line to not consider this young man.
Last season, Fairley recorded 56 tackles and 12 sacks. He plays defensive tackle, but moves like a linebacker. With his amazing footwork and punishing hits, the Panthers should definitely consider taking him with the first overall pick.
No. 2: Julio Jones, WR
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Currently, Julio Jones has a broken foot that will require surgery, and his recovery time is estimated to be about eight weeks. Still, Jones ran the 40 yard dash at the Combine on Sunday. After he did that, his draft stock rose from a mid round selection to a possible top five pick.
Despite his foot injury, Jones ran the 40 in an amazing 4.39 seconds. This is a sign, not only of his great talent at the position, but of his commitment to the game. It shows that in an important game, he'll be ready to play, even if painkillers are the only reason he's standing.
Jones has great size for a receiver at 6'4" and 220 pounds, not to mention great hands. With an upgrade needed at receiver, the Panthers should seriously consider taking Jones if they choose to stick with their current quarterback situation.
No. 1: Cam Newton, QB
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Say what you want about his performance at the Combine being less than perfect. Cam Newton is the best quarterback in this year's draft class. If the Panthers want any shot at returning to the playoffs in the near future, they will take their chances on Newton.
Newton's size and skill give him the tools necessary to thrive in Ron Rivera's system. He has a strong arm and is quite accurate. Most importantly, he has great footwork that can only help him on a team with an offensive line that is still in the development stages.
After a 2-14 season, there is only one direction this franchise can go. To ensure the team heads in that direction, Coach Rivera must insist that Newton be taken with the first overall pick.
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