2011 NFL Mock Draft: 1st-Round Draft Picks from Cam Newton to Robert Quinn

It seems like last year’s draft was so much stronger than what this year seems like it will be. The lockout is putting so much stress on teams to make selections in the draft that they most likely would not have under less-strenuous circumstances.

First-year head coaches such as John Harbaugh are being forced to either look to the draft and make a huge gamble on one of the quarterbacks prospects or pray to the football Gods that the lockout will not be too far extended and they will be able to work through free agency to get a more seasoned quarterback, such as a Carson Palmer or Kevin Kolb.

Or maybe even the Titans' Vince Young, who, after great rookie year, struggled in subsequent years.

So many teams are being crippled by the lack of agreement between the owners and the players, and that will put a sense of urgency on this year’s draft class.

Rookies will not be able to train or learn their new coaches’ systems adequately, nor will veterans hanging in the balance of free agency be able to breathe a sigh of relief because of such an uncertain future.

Potnetial first-round picks

Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton

Denver Broncos: Nick Fairley

Buffalo Bills: Von Miller

Cincinnati Bengals: Julio Jones

Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert

Cleveland Browns: Patrick Peterson

San Francisco 49ers: Robert Quinn

Tennessee Titans: Tyron Smith

Dallas Cowboys: Mike Pouncey

Washington Redskins: AJ Green 

Houston Texans: DaQuan Bowers

Minnesota Vikings: Justin Houston  

Detroit Lions: Aldon Smith  

St Louis Rams: Prince Amukumara 

Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram

Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan