2011 NFL Draft: A Sixth Look at First 16 Picks

Here’s a sixth look at the upcoming 2011 NFL Draft.

1. Carolina Panthers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri: I could see the Panthers going with Marcell Dareus with the pick, giving Jimmy Clausen one more chance to prove himself. As my pal Walter Cherepinsky of WalterFootball.com often points out, a new regime often means a new quarterback. Gabbert is the best in show.
Previous Pick: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

2. Denver Broncos:  Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama: Dareus dramatically improved his stock at the NFL Combine showing good size and speed. Plus, he fills a need at defensive tackle for the Broncos. Fixing their defense, a priority for John Fox, starts on the defensive line.
Previous Pick: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A & M: I’ve had Cam Newton here for the past few mocks, but the more I think about it, the more trouble that could be. Cam Newton and Buffalo just don’t mesh. He wants a bigger stage.
Previous Pick: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

4. Cincinnati Bengals: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn: Well Cincinnati isn’t New York or L.A., but it will have to do for Mr. Newton. The Bengals can start an new era with Newton and trade Carson Palmer when a collective bargaining agreement is reached.
Previous Pick: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

5. Arizona Cardinals:  Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU:  Pairing Peterson with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie would give the Cardinals one of the best cornerback duos in the league.
Previous Pick: Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A & M

6. Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn, LB/DE, North Carolina: Passing on A.J. Green may be a mistake, but Cleveland needs to improve its pass rush. I think if they decide to go with a receiver that Julio Jones would be the pick as he better fits their offense.
Previous Pick: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

7. San Francisco 49ers: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska: With Sam Bradford coming off an unbelievable rookie season in St. Louis, the Niners will need to improve their secondary.
Previous Pick: Robert Quinn, LB/DE, North Carolina

8.Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn: Fairley was once in the conversation for the number one pick. He did not have a strong showing at the Combine. He looked good at his Pro Day though, solidifying him as a top ten pick.
Previous Pick: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

9. Dallas Cowboys: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin: The Cowboys wanted to nab one of the top two corners in the draft, but have to turn their attention elsewhere.
Previous Pick:  Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

10. Washington Redskins: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia: I had the Skins going with Julio Jones, but A.J. Green was off the board in those scenarios. They could still end up with Jones if Dallas decides to move out of the ninth slot when Prince comes off the board.
Previous Pick: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

11. Houston Texans: Akeem Ayers, DE/OLB, UCLA: The Texans’ switch to a 3-4 defense creates a need for an rush linebacker. Ayers made up some ground lost during the NFL Combine at his Pro Day.
Previous Pick: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

12. Minnesota Vikings: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama: The Vikings will most likely lose Sidney Rice. Adding burner Julio Jones to pair with Percy Harvin gives the Vikings offense a jump start. They’ll address their quarterback needs in the second round.
Previous Pick: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

13. Detroit Lions: Tyron Smith, T, Southern Cal: The Lions offensive line wasn’t terrible last year, but tackle Jeff Backus will be 34. It’s time to look to the future to protect Matthew Stafford’s blind side.
Previous Pick: Tyron Smith, T, Southern Cal

14. St. Louis Rams: Aldon Smith, DE/LB, Missouri: They need to add a WR, but that can wait. Adding Aldon Smith to boost their pass rush makes sense.
Previous Pick: Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri

15. Miami Dolphins: Jake Locker, QB, Washington: I had the Dolphins taking Ponder in my last mock, but that was when Jake Locker was off the board. Locker had a nice Pro Day, which could have solidified a top 15 pick.
Previous Pick: Jake Locker, QB, Washington

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 worst to only Denver.
Previous Pick: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa 


Click here to see Picks 17-32.