2011 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Newton and the Top 10 Offensive Weapons in the Draft
As the 2011 NFL Draft approaches, many teams are looking for a game-changing player on the offensive end that can separate them from the pack.
Auburn's Cam Newton might do just that for the team that takes a chance on him in the first round. It doesn't stop there however.
The previous Heisman Trophy winner, Alabama's Mark Ingram, is another offensive threat that has the potential to turn around a team.
Join B/R as we count down the 10 best offensive weapons available in this spring's draft.
Honorable Mention: Kyle Rudolph (Notre Dame)
1 of 13
Notre Dame's Kyle Rudolph only played six games in 2010, but averaged nearly 55 receiving yards per game and racked up three touchdowns.
Arguably the best tight end prospect in the 2011 draft, Rudolph is a potential first rounder, going to a team in need of an athletic and knowledgeable route runner.
Honorable Mention: Patrick Peterson (LSU)
2 of 13
Patrick Peterson makes the list simply because of his return threat. Peterson can score not only on the defensive end, but also on special teams, where he excelled with the Tigers over three seasons.
In his last three seasons at LSU, Peterson has four touchdown returns and seven interceptions. Peterson's speed and strength without a doubt should translate to the next level.
Honorable Mention: Chas Henry (Florida)
3 of 13
Florida's senior punter Chas Henry has been super consistent over his four years at Florida, which included some kicking duty.
Henry averaged more than 45 yards per punt in 2010 and punted for over 2,253 yards total. His longest punt of the season was a 75-yard beauty at Alabama. As a big-legged punter, Henry can be a late-round game-changer for some lucky team.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
No. 10) Jake Locker (Washington)
4 of 13
The Washington quarterback is an experienced and polished signal caller in a pro-style offense. Locker got it done with both his arm and legs in his four years at Washington, passing for more than 7,500 yards in his career, and rushing for more than 1,900 yards in that time.
Locker's strong arm make him a valuable piece to any team and a capable weapon from anywhere on the field.
No. 9) Alex Henery (Nebraska)
5 of 13
Nebraska's Alex Henery is far and away the best kicker available in this year's draft. In four seasons at Nebraska, Henery only missed eight field goals, and only two from inside 50 yards.
Henery's deadly accuracy and strong leg (five field goals from 50 plus yards) make him a solid pick or perhaps a late-round steal.
No. 8) Mark Ingram (Alabama)
6 of 13
The Heisman Trophy winner one year removed, Mark Ingram is arguably the best running back in the draft, however, an injury suffered last season with the Crimson Tide and a lack of break away speed have scouts wondering.
In 2009, Ingram was phenomenal, rushing for more than 1,600 yards and 17 touchdowns while leading Alabama to a National Championship victory.
No. 7) Nate Solder (Colorado)
7 of 13
Nate Solder is a big man, and an athletic man. Why is that important? Because Solder is an offensive tackle on his way to the NFL.
Measuring in at 6'8" and 315 pounds, Solder is a converted tight end who can move unlike any other player at his position. His athleticism should shine in the passing game and he will be quick getting out in front on running plays.
No. 6) Blaine Gabbert (Missouri)
8 of 13
Missouri's Blaine Gabbert has the size and arm strength to make it in the NFL. At 6'5", scouts like what Gabbert brings to the table, as he can see over defenses and make the big throws down field.
Gabbert is coming off of two consecutive 3,000-yard passing seasons with the Tigers, in which he threw for a total of 40 touchdowns.
No. 5) Julio Jones (Alabama)
9 of 13
Ingram's teammate at Alabama, Julio Jones, has looked like an NFL-caliber wide receiver since high school. Jones is 6'4", 220 pounds and has three impressive seasons under his belt with the Crimson Tide.
Jones is coming off of his best season yet in 2010, however, in which he piled up more than 1,100 receiving yards and scored two rushing touchdowns. Jones can dominate nearly any defensive back with his physicality and has the potential to do big things in the NFL.
No. 4) Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State)
10 of 13
Oregon State's dynamic running back, Jacquizz Rodgers, ran the ball and caught the ball for big yards in his three seasons with the Beavers.
At 5'6", Rodgers is extremely difficult to get to the ground, let alone find or catch in the open field. Rodgers has been largely overlooked because of his size, but has the potential to be the best running back in this year's draft.
Rodgers ran for at least 1,100 yards in all three seasons at Oregon State and finished with more than 1,000 receiving yards for his career.
No. 3) Ryan Williams (Virginia Tech)
11 of 13
Williams' health concerns have held him back from becoming a first-round lock. Williams has the size, speed and strength for the next level at 5'10", 205 pounds.
Williams was amazing during the Hokies' 2009 season, when he rushed for more than 1,600 yards (127.3 per game) and 21 touchdowns.
No. 2) A.J. Green (Georgia)
12 of 13
The best wide receiver prospect in the draft hands down, Georgia's A.J. Green is a lock for the top 10 in April's draft.
With 6'4" size, Green has the height and hands to dominate at the next level. In three seasons with the Bulldogs, Green caught 23 touchdowns on just 166 total receptions.
Green's ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage and burn defensive backs down the field make him a dangerous cover and an elite offensive weapon.
No. 1) Cam Newton (Auburn)
13 of 13
Surprise, surprise. Cam Newton rounds out our list of the 10 best offensive weapons available in next month's draft.
Newton is coming off of a incredible season with the Tigers in which he snagged a Heisman Trophy and a national title. Newton's numbers were through the roof as he led Auburn to a perfect season, throwing for over 2,800 yards and 30 touchdowns while rushing for more than 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground.
The hype surrounding Newton is real. At 6'6", 250 pounds, some scouts have compared him to Ben Roethlisberger. Watch for Newton to go in the top 10, considering his stock could improve between now and April.
Patrick Clarke is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and a student at Towson University.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
