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

Here’s a third look at picks 1-16 for the upcoming 2011 NFL Draft.

1. Carolina Panthers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Nick Fairley and Da’Quan Bowers have too many question marks to become the first pick in the draft. Cam Newton is still a possibility, but the Panthers would be better suited taking the top quarterback prospect in the draft.

Previous Pick:  Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

2. Denver Broncos:  Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Dareus dramatically improved his stock at the NFL combine.

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: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

4. Cincinnati Bengals:  Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

A.J. Green may prove be too talented to pass up, but the Bengals had just 27 sacks last year.

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

5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A & M

Miller is a freakish athlete that could immediately improve Arizona’s pass rush.

Previous Pick: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

What a turn of events for the Browns. Suddenly they find themselves with the opportunity to take a game-changing wide receiver. All of a sudden Colt McCoy has a chance.

Previous Pick: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

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

Peterson still makes sense for the 49ers. He could be the top talent on the defensive side of the ball.

Previous Pick: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

Finally the slide stops for Fairley. With Gabbert and Newton off the board, it only makes sense to improve on the defensive side of the ball.

Previous Pick: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

In this scenario Prince is both available and sensible for the Cowboys.

Previous Pick: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

10. Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

The Redskins have a major shortage of skill position players so Jones is still the pick. He burned up the track on a broken foot.

Previous Pick: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

11. Houston Texans:  Robert Quinn, LB/DE, North Carolina

I must have been drinking when I projected Von Miller in the last mock. Quinn gives them the outside linebacker they’ll need to convert to a 3-4 defense.

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

12. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Locker, QB, Washington

The Vikings are not going to trade for Kevin Kolb or Kyle Orton. They aren’t going to find their answer at quarterback via free agency. They could try to trade down and take Locker later, but with so many teams in need of a quarterback, they may be best served taking Locker at 12.

Previous Pick: Tyron Smith, T, Southern Cal

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

I’m beginning to think the Lions may still need to improve their offensive line to protect Matthew Stafford, but I’m sticking with Aldon Smith to improve their pass rush.

Previous Pick: Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri

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 Fins 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.