2011 NFL Mock Draft: Top 10 Picks
Draft day is only one week away. This will be a great and memorable day for those participating in the event, but it will be overshadowed by impending lockout. Despite the lockout disputes, the show must go on. Who will be slated as the top 10 picks in this year's draft?
With so many mock draft predictions, it is easy for one to get confused. I have decided to only focus on the first 10 picks, since these will most likely be the players who will make the most immediate difference for their teams next season.
10. Julio Jones, WR Alabama
1 of 10
"With the tenth pick, the Washington Redskins pick...Julio Jones."
Jones helped lead Alabama to an undefeated record and the 2010 BCS National Championship two seasons ago. A favorite target for quarterback Greg McElroy, Jones was the 2008 SEC Freshman of the Year and a 2010 AP All-American.
Last year, Jones caught 78 passes for 1,133 yards and seven touchdowns. Many draft analysts compare him to Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowler Larry Fitzgerald. Jones will be a great target for Donovan McNabb, or whomever will play quarterback for Washington this year.
9. Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska
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"With the ninth pick, the Dallas Cowboys choose...Prince Amukamara."
Amukamara is undoubtedly one of the best defensive players in the draft. Patrick Peterson is Dallas' first choice, but they will pick Amukamara if Peterson is selected earlier. Amukamara was a 2010 All-American, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Jim Thorpe Award finalist. He will seek to help lead Dallas back to prominence.
8. Nick Fairley, DT Auburn
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"With the eighth pick, Tennessee selects Nick Fairley."
After transferring to Auburn in 2009, Fairley was the 2010 Lombardi Award winner. Fairley had five tackles and one sack in the national championship game against Oregon. Fairley's draft stock has drastically decreased in the previous few weeks due to his bad attitude and body size.
However, his excellent play throughout the 2010 season, as well as his efforts in the championship, solidify his place among the top 10 picks. Tennessee hopes Fairley will be the next Albert Hainesworth, except without the drama.
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.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
7. Robert Quinn, DE/OLB North Carolina
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"With the seventh pick, San Francisco selects...Robert Quinn."
Are they crazy? Quinn missed the entire season because of his lying to investigators regarding travel expenses and jewelry. But despite his past, Quinn is slated to be a top 10 pick. San Francisco has nothing to lose and will most likely select Quinn.
6. A.J. Green, WR Georgia
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"With the sixth pick in the 2011 NFL draft, Cleveland selects...A.J. Green".
Despite missing the first four games of the season because of an NCAA violation, A.J. Green still managed to catch 57 passes for 847 yards and 9 touchdowns. When the season begins, the Browns will be pleased that Green will not be another draft bust—a thing Cleveland has grown accustomed to.
5. Von Miller, DE/OLB Texas A&M
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"The Arizona Cardinals select...Von Miller."
After leading the nation in sacks during his junior year, Miller switched to a 3-4 outside linebacker. He had 10.5 sacks while battling through an early foot injury. He was a first-team All-American and winner of the 2010 Butkus Award. He will bring experience, persistence and hard work to the Arizona Cardinals as they look to rebuild their defense.
4. Patrick Peterson, CB LSU
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"With the fourth pick, Cincinnati selects...Patrick Peterson."
Peterson entered the 2010 season on every watch list known to man—and he did not disappoint. In the first game of the season, Peterson set school records for punt returns and kickoffs. He was a pivotal part of the Tigers' top-10 season. He was a recipient of the 2010 Bednarik Award, Thorpe Award and SEC Defensive Player of the Year Award. Peterson was also a first-team All-America selection.
Cincinnati needs major help right now. A year after making the playoffs, they have fallen apart on both the outside and the inside. Peterson is the boost they need.
3. Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri
8 of 10
"With the third pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Buffalo selects...Blaine Gabbert." Many consider the 6'5", 235 pound Gabbert to be the best player in the draft. He may very well be. Gabbert led Missouri to a 10-3 record. He had 301 completions, with a quarterback rating of 127.3. He also threw 16 touchdowns, with only 9 interceptions. He seems to be the perfect man to fit into Buffalo's offense.
2. Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama
9 of 10
"With the second pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Denver selects...Marcell Dareus." Dareus is another player who missed games due to NCAA violations. But despite this infraction, Dareus was top-notch defensively. He had 34 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He is best remembered for his performance in the 2010 BCS National Chapmionship Game, in which he was named MVP. He will help Denver with his ability to slide inside the and around his blocker.
1. Cam Newton, QB Auburn
10 of 10
"With the first pick in the 2011 NFL draft, Carolina selects...Cam Newton." The 2011 NFL Draft will be the "Cam Newton Show". Carolina will undoubtedly go with the "safe choice" by picking Newton, a player who is predicted to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Newton is the winner of the 2010 Heisman Award. Newton led the Tigers to an SEC championship, as well as the BCS National Championship. He was the 2010 AP Offensive Player of the year, as well as SEC Offensive Player of the Year. Carolina will have a good balance between Newton and Jimmy Claussen.
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.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
