2011 NFL Draft: 5 First Round Surprises You Won't See Coming

The NFL draft is possibly the most talked about sporting event in April.  Every man, woman and child has their opinion on the NFL draft and we can't get enough of it.  In fact, it wouldn't surprise me to see President Obama show his draft board on ESPN.

The anticipation before your team's first-round draft pick is the most agonizing 10 minutes of your life.  You will either be clapping or booing.  You will either be jumping for joy or crying in your favorite jersey.  You will either be talking about how great the pick was at your office the next day or you will call in sick from work with a hangover. 

To say that the NFL draft affects our lives for three days is quite an understatement.

Here is a look at five surprises that could happen in the first round that could make you happy or mad.

5. J.J. Watt Is the First Defensive Lineman Drafted

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MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 16: J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates a sack against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Camp Randall Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin defeated Ohio State 31-18. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Imag

J.J. Watt had a breakout season at Wisconsin, but is considered the third or fourth best defensive lineman in this draft.  He has the right size and quickness that you want from a first-round lineman.  He also has a tremendous motor and desire to get after the quarterback.  He is currently projected as a top 20 pick, but don't be surprised if he is the first defensive lineman drafted.

Both Da'Quan Bowers and Robert Quinn have major questions surrounding them.  Bowers was an early candidate for the first overall pick but has been slipping down draft boards recently due to his inability to "audition" for NFL teams because of knee surgery.  Quinn missed the entire 2010 season due to a suspension and has some character issues that need to get figured out.

Don't be surprised if a team like Tennessee or Dallas takes Watt, even though Bowers and Quinn are still available.

4. Marcell Dareus and Nick Fairley Get Drafted First and Second

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 02: Marcell Dareus #57 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Most mock drafts have Marcell Dareus and Nick Fairley both getting drafted in the top 10 and some drafts have one of theses two defensive tackles getting picked first.  Both are big and strong lineman who had impressive seasons at their respective schools.  They both have a disruptive style of play and create numerous matchup issues.  However, they both have the probability to be huge busts if drafted this high.

They both have had questions come up about their work ethic, and if they aren't placed in a strict environment they could have issues staying focused.

The Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos hold the first two picks and each of those teams defenses need major help.  Neither team has a defensive lineman like Dareus and Fairley, and each player has the potential to be a premier player in the league.

If Carolina isn't sold on a quarterback and the Broncos start rebuilding their defense, look for Dareus and Fairley to jump off the board quickly.

3. The Cleveland Browns Don't Draft Julio Jones

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a long reception against the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Look at that picture.  How could you not want that man on your football team.  Everyone knows that Cleveland's biggest need is a true elite receiver and there are only two sure receivers in this draft, A.J. Green and Julio Jones.  A.J. Green could possibly get drafted with the first pick, but he certainly won't drop to the sixth pick, where the Browns currently sit.  Jones is a physical receiver, has great speed and is ultra competitive.  He is a prototypical receiver with the only knock on him being his ability to stay healthy.

There are only two ways I see the Browns not drafting Jones.  First, Jones is already gone by the sixth pick.  This doesn't seem likely, but it could happen.  Second, the Browns decide to take a defensive player like Von Miller or Prince Amukamara instead of Jones.

If Jones is still available with the sixth pick, but one of the better defensive players is still around, watch for the Browns to pass on Jones and pick up a receiver in the second or third round.

2. Cincinnati Trades Carson Palmer and Drafts Blaine Gabbert

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TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers drops back to pass during the Insight Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Sun Devil Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. The Hawkeyes defeated the Tigers 27-24. (P

Carson Palmer has threatened retirement from the NFL if he isn't traded.  Although his play has been on the decline for the past few seasons, there are still many teams that would love to have him as their quarterback.  The Bengals aren't sure if Palmer is being serious, but they can't take any chances.

Gabbert is considered the safest quarterback pick in the draft this season.  He has the arm strength you want with a starting quarterback and the accuracy to make all the throws in the NFL.  He won't beat you with his legs, but he is good at scrambling from pressure and making plays with his arm on the run.  He is a player that will take time to realize his full potential, but could be a quality starter in the league.

Look for a team like Minnesota or Miami to make a move on Palmer before the draft.  Both teams are in need of a quarterback and there might not be one worth picking with the 12th or 15th pick.

If the Bengals think Palmer is serious with his threats and they can get a second or third-round pick for him, look for the Bengals to make the trade and start over at quarterback with Blaine Gabbert.

1. Cam Newton Waits Until the Second Round to Hear His Name Called

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Cam Newton looks on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Carolina, Buffalo, Arizona, San Francisco, Tennessee, Washington, Minnesota and Miami all need to figure out their quarterback situation. 

Cam Newton has been the most talked about player in the draft and the reviews about him are all over the place.  No one doubts his physical ability and athleticism, but his character is a major turn off for many teams.  Newton could possibly revolutionize the quarterback position due to his running and throwing abilities, but he also has the biggest bust factor out of any player in the draft.  He hasn't shown leadership or maturity, two very key factors that teams look for in a franchise quarterback.

If each of the above teams finds a quarterback in free agency or via trades, or if they decide to take a quarterback in the later rounds, they could all pass on a player like Newton.  He probably has the most overall talent of any quarterback in this years draft, but there are too many questions surrounding him.

We have seen quarterbacks that were supposed to be drafted early slip in recent years, but look for Newton to fall very far all the way into the second round where Carolina or Buffalo will pick him up.