NFL Mock Draft 2011: Who Will the Panthers Take First Overall?
1. Carolina Panthers—DT Marcell Dareus
This team has so many holes that I do not think they can actually make a bad pick. While I think the best way to go would be to take QB Blaine Gabbert, I find it hard for them to admit they were wrong on Jimmy Clausen so soon. I see them taking the best player on the board.
2. Denver Broncos—OLB Von Miller
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Miller has impressed a ton with his workouts. The Broncos are transitioning to a four man front and ranked dead last in sacks last year. Miller is a dominant pass rusher coming off the end so this pick makes the most sense to me.
3. Buffalo Bills—QB Blaine Gabbert
There has been some speculation that Cam Newton will be taken here, but I doubt it. Not only is Gabbert the more pro-ready quarterback, but he does not have a questionable past. There also has been some speculation that current QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is supposed to be the QB of the future, but I think the Bills are smart enough to realize that would not be a wise move.
4. Cincinnati Bengals – QB Cam Newton
With Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco likely on their way out the door, it would not be surprising to see them take A.J. Green or Julio Jones with their first pick. However, with the Bengals past in taking character issue players and their need for a QB after Carson Palmers latest trade demands, Newton just seems to fit the bill.
5. Arizona Cardinals—CB Patrick Peterson
Peters0n is hands down the best corner in the draft. If they take Peterson to team up with Rodgers-Cromartie, they could have one of the best cornerback tandems in the league.
6. Cleveland Browns—WR A.J. Green
In Cleveland, the number one priority needs to be helping their young QB Colt McCoy to develop and the best way to do that is to draft a top wide receiver in Green, whom they so desperately need.
7. San Francisco 49ers – CB Prince Amukamara
Many may consider this one a stretch, but I do not see Peterson on the board for them and corner is their biggest hole. Amukamara is still a viable option, so why not?
8. Tennessee Titans—DE Da’Quan Bowers
I would usually say Nick Fairley here, but after the bad luck the Titans have had with poor character guys lately (Vince Young, Albert Haynesworth), I do not see them taking another risk so soon.
9. Dallas Cowboys—OT Tyrone Smith
Tony Romo needs some more protection as evidenced by last year. Another way they could possibly go is with Bowers if he manages to fall to the ‘Boys at nine.
10. Washington Redskins—DE Robert Quinn
The Redskins produced the 25th most sacks last year and they need someone to line up opposite of Brian Orakpo.
11. Houston Texans – DE J.J. Watt
The Texans need help on defense across the board and what better way to start than dynamic line anchor, Watt?
12. Minnesota Vikings – OT Anthony Castonzo
It was incredibly evident that the Vikings need help on the offensive line after Favre got beat up and Peterson’s YPC went down.
13. Detroit Lions – DT Nick Fairley
Many might find it hard to see Fairley fall this low, but somehow I do. The Lions would take him without any hesitation.
14. St. Louis Rams—WR Julio Jones
There is not one other picks that makes an ounce of sense compared to this one. Bradford needs a receiver and here one is.
15. Miami Dolphins—RB Mark Ingram
The Dolphins are in need of a shot of youth in their running back group. I think they will give Chad Henne one more year to prove himself as a starting QB.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars—DE Aldon Smith
The Jaguars had the second-least sacks last year and with a little help from the deepest end class we have seen in years, Smith should fill the void.
17. New England Patriots from Oakland—DE Cameron Jordan
As injuries and age took their toll last year, the Pats take Jordan as part of their act to remodel the defense.
18. San Diego Chargers—DE Muhammed Wilkerson
The Chargers do not really have holes anywhere, but Wilkerson should come in and help get this team back to elite status right away.
19. New York Giants—OG/C Mike Pouncey
The Giants are going to view the second coming of Maurkice Pouncey first hand.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—OLB Akeem Ayers
The Bucs need a pass rush off the outside and Ayers fills the need.
21. Kansas City Chiefs—OT Nate Solder
They need to shore up the run blocking and it starts with drafting Solder.
22. Indianapolis Colts—OT Gabe Carimi
The line is aging and not much would make Manning happier than some reinforced protection.
23. Philadelphia Eagles—CB Jimmy Smith
The Eagles need another cornerback to go alongside Asante Samuel.
24. New Orleans Saints—DE Adrian Clayborn
Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams likes to bring the blitz, but it was not very effective last year with a weak pass rush. Clayborn fixes that.
25. Seattle Seahawks—QB Jake Locker
Hasselbeck will only play one more season for the Seattle and Locker is the same style player, so what better fit is there?
26. Baltimore Ravens—DE Cameron Heyward
The Ravens defense is getting very old and in need of an influx of young talent.
27. Atlanta Falcons—DE Ryan Kerrigan
The Falcons haven’t finished with more than 31 sacks in either of their last two years.
28. New England Patriots—WR Leon Hankerson
Now that Moss is gone, the Patriots need another wide receiver for the future. If they take Hankerson, they can develop a nice three headed monster with Wes Welker and Brandon Tate.
29. Chicago Bears—DT Corey Liuget
The Bears need a new cog in the middle and if Liuget falls to them, I don’t see them passing.
30. New York Jets—DT Phil Taylor
They need to solidify their defensive line.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers—CB Brandon Harris
If they had a weakness last year, it was a shut down corner and Harris could develop into that.
32. Green Bay Packers—OLB Brooks Reed
Reed is a great off-the-edge rusher who will take some pressure off of Clay Matthews.
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