2011 NFL Draft: Top 10 Picks to Avoid

There are 1,000 mock drafts out there telling you which hot new commodity your team should select come April 28. Choose wisely and suddenly you're no longer a bottom feeder—you're a contender.

However, few, if any, of the draft charlatans tell you which fledgling pros your team should avoid, because as quickly as the right pick can change the fortunes of a franchise, the wrong one can prove disastrous for years to come. 

No. 1 Carolina Panthers - Patrick Peterson, DB, LSU

Really Panthers, a defensive back? Who's the last DB to lead his club to the Super Bowl or even the postseason? Roll the dice and go for a quarterback, because as we've seen possessing a franchise signal caller is typically the first step at raising the Lombardi Trophy. Go for Auburn's Cam Newton or Missouri's Blaine Gabbert.

No. 2 Denver Broncos - Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M

There are still quarterbacks in the pocket passing against the Broncos. Denver's pass rush wasn't much of one. The Broncos were last in the league with a meager 23 sacks. A havoc making defensive end, like say Alabama's Marcell Dareus, is what's needed at Mile High.

No. 3 Buffalo Bills - Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Take a look at Ryan Fitzpatrick's numbers; they weren't bad. The 28-year-old threw for 3,000 yards, 23 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 13 games. Imagine what he could accomplish with some higher-grade weapons like Georgia's A.J. Green.

No. 4 Cincinnati Bengals - Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

Don't do it Bengals. Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't controversy followed Newton throughout his career. Good thing there's no head cases in your locker room, or front office. Patrick Peterson is the smart choice here, but it's doubtful he'll still be on the board.

No. 5 Arizona Cardinals - Anybody but Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert

Arizona needs to convince Larry Fitzgerald to stick around. So unless the Cardinals believe they can trade for a signal caller take whichever of the aforementioned duo is left.

No. 6 Cleveland Cavaliers - A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

Who exactly is going to throw Green the ball? Keep solidifying the defense with Von Miller to compete in the rough and tumble AFC North. 

No. 7 San Francisco 49ers - Patrick Peterson, DB, LSU

The second time Mr. Peterson appears on this dubious list. He'd be a good fight for a few of the teams selecting a bit up the list. Nebraska's Prince Amukamara would be a better fit the league's 24th ranked passing defense.

No. 8 Tennessee Titans - Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

Fairley blew offensive lines up real good this season, but there's questions about his motor (whatever exactly that is). Reminds some about another defensive lineman from the SEC who may have stepped on an opponent's head while a Titan. Shoot for another defensive end or pass rushing linebacker, Tennessee—like Wisconsin's J.J. Watt.

No. 9 Dallas Cowboys - Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

After missing all of last season with the Tar Heels due to lying to the NCAA, Quinn's talent still propels him near the top of many draft boards. Will he be able to handle the madhouse that is Big D? The Cowboys had difficulty rushing the ball last season. An offensive lineman like Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi or Florida's Mike Pouncey would help to balance the offense and protect Tony Romo.

No. 10 Washington Redskins - Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

Washington doesn't have a big play receiver. The Redskins also don't have a pass rush, dependable running back, franchise quarterback, etc...Little Danny Snyder likes to make a splash, so Washington will likely pick an offensive player, and unless that's a quarterback it's a mistake. Take Clemson's Da`Quan Bowers to help with the 3-4 defense Mike Shanahan installed upon his arrival in D.C.