NFL Draft 2011: Who Would Each of the 32 Teams Take First Overall?
Every year that your favorite team doesn’t win it all, you look ahead to the draft. You speculate who will be left by the time your pick finally comes around and you somehow find yourself envying the worst teams in the league.
Imagine if your team traded for the number one pick on April 28th. Who would they take? Who should they take? I took the time to project a first overall pick for each of the league’s 32 teams, enjoy.
1. Carolina Panthers: Marcell Dareus DT/DE Alabama
1 of 32
It doesn’t make any sense to take a QB with your first pick two years in a row. No QB in this class is valuable enough to give up on the former number one recruit out of high school, Jimmy Clausen. If Andrew Luck had declared, things may be different, but this year’s QB class simply isn’t worth it. The Panthers need to address their defense which allowed 25.5 points per game in 2010.
Marcell Dareus makes the most sense. At 6’3” 320, posting a 4.93 forty, he could dominate up the middle in Carolina for years.
2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus DT/DE Alabama
2 of 32
If the Panthers take Dareus at number one, the Broncos will likely opt for Auburn DT Nick Fairley at number two overall. This shows how bad their D-line needs help. John Fox will look to move to a 4-3 as the new head coach and Dareus would prove a vital piece in this transition.
Fairley is a tier below Dareus. Denver likes the Auburn DT but Dareus is undoubtedly the safer pick.
3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller LB Texas A&M
3 of 32
Ryan Fitzpatrick isn’t as bad as people think and if he is, the Bills might get a shot at Andrew Luck in next year’s draft. The Bills most glaring issues are on the defensive side of the ball, and regardless of whether they were to pick at number one or number three, Von Miller should be the selection. Miller could make an immediate impact as a pass-rushing linebacker and improve a promising defense.
If the Bills are smart they’ll take Miller with their third-overall pick. Even if they were first overall, he’s a perfect fit.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
4. Cinncinati Bengals: Cam Newton QB Auburn
4 of 32
The Bengals need a quarterback now and Blaine Gabbert is the best in the class. However, the upside of Cam Newton is undeniable. The Bengals are known as a team willing to take risks (Terrell Owens in 2010) and if they had the first pick overall, they would take a chance on Newton.
National Champion and Heisman Trophy winner, Newton carries an arrogance and swagger that parallels many players on the current roster. It would be a perfect fit as the Bengals would take on an ‘us against the world mentality.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri
5 of 32
The Cardinals need a QB just as bad as the Bengals. The only difference is Arizona’s guy is Blaine Gabbert. They’ve already showed strong interest in the Missouri product and there is even talk of them trading their first and second round picks to get him. Gabbert would likely start for Arizona right out of college. He could have a solid shot at success considering the weak competition in the division.
The fact that the Cardinals are discussing the possibility of trading up for Gabbert assures us that he’d go one overall if they had the pick.
6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green WR Georgia
6 of 32
The Browns saw some success in 2011 on the shoulders of RB Peyton Hillis. As the season went on, opposing defenses keyed on Hillis. As a result, the Browns offense deteriorated. Colt McCoy showed a lot of potential despite having no real weapons at WR. A.J. Green is the highest regarded WR prospect since Calvin Johnson. He would give the Browns offense the versatility they need to succeed in a tough AFC North.
Picks like Dareus and Miller would be tempting at one, but Mohammed Massaquoi led Brown’s receivers with 483 yards in 2010. TE Ben Watson led the team with 763.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri
7 of 32
The 49ers need a franchise QB. Jim Harbaugh already tried to recruit Blaine Gabbert out of high school for Nebraska and would love to work with him at the NFL level. Alex Smith isn’t and will never be the answer and Troy Smith showed character issues in 2010 that would suggest he doesn’t have what it takes to start in the NFL.
Gabbert would fit nicely in San Francisco. Harbaugh is implementing a new offense and what better way to do it than with a new QB. If the 49ers had pick number one, Gabbert would be making a lot more money next year.
8. Tennessee Titans: Cam Newton QB Auburn
8 of 32
The Titans have a new head coach in Mike Munchak. If they had the number one pick, they’d have a new QB in Cam Newton. The Titans have a history of drafting players in spite of character issues; Pacman Jones, Vince Young, Albert Haynesworth, etc. Newton would be a strong continuance of this trend.
He could be the agile, hard-throwing winner of a QB that Tennessee had hoped Vince Young would be. This would open up running lanes for RB Chris Johnson.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Peterson CB LSU
9 of 32
Dallas definitely needs help in their secondary. Michael Jenkins didn’t look good at all in 2010 as he was abused by opposing offenses. Terrence Newman will be heading into his 9th season at corner if there is even a season in 2011 and has been taking physical abuse from receivers. In 2010 they had the 26th ranked passing defense in the league. LSU corner Patrick Peterson could cover the leagues better receivers and take a lot of pressure off the rest of struggling secondary.
He’s far and away the best corner in the draft. He’s a playmaker, and that’s exactly what Jerry Jones would look for at number one overall.
10. Washington Redskins: Cam Newton QB Auburn
10 of 32
The Redskins need a quarterback. They’ll likely try to address this issue in later rounds or via trade. However, if they had the first pick overall, I expect Shanahan would side with Cam Newton. The Auburn QB’s potential far outweighs any doubts that Shanahan would have in his own coaching abilities.
He’d make sure Newton reached his full potential as he would spend a majority of the season behind someone like Rex Grossman.
11. Houston Texans: Marcell Dareus DT/DE Alabama
11 of 32
The Texans were supposed to make a surprise playoff appearance in 2010. Instead, they allowed 26.7 points per game on their way to a disappointing 6-10. Their offense should continue to perform in 2011 so they’ll likely address the defense come April 28th. If they had the first overall pick then Marcell Dareus would be their guy. Alongside Mario Williams the Texans D-line would be one of the best in the league.
The Texans will go defense no matter where they pick in round one.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri
12 of 32
For the Vikings, the quarterback position is the biggest question mark heading into 2011. Tavaris Jackson and Joe Webb don’t have the talent to control this potentially high-power offense. They’d love to have either Gabbert or Newton, but if they had the choice, Gabbert would make the most sense. Gabbert ran a pro-style offense in high school and should transition to the NFL faster than Newton.
The Vikings may trade up and take a QB later in the first. Seeing as the offense seems to be lacking only at QB, it would be a special year for Viking fans if they had one overall.
13. Detroit Lions: Patrick Peterson CB LSU
13 of 32
The Lions looked a lot better in 2010 and could be on the verge of their first winning season in more than a decade. The Lions biggest problem last year was stopping the big play. Patrick Peterson would definitely be a vast improvement on this front. The addition of Peterson would create a lot of options for defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham as they wouldn’t have to double-team receivers as much.
The Lions offense is almost there. Their defense is improving, 21st in the league in 2010, but they still have a long way to go.
14. St Louis Rams: A.J. Green WR Georgia
14 of 32
The combination of Sam Bradford and A.J. Green would prove lethal. Bradford had an excellent rookie season with only limited talent at the WR position. The addition of Green would give Bradford a big athletic target he could depend on. Stephen Jackson may be toward the end of his career but he’s still one of the league’s best backs.
Green would be the difference for the Rams and would likely be enough to win them a division if there’s football in 2011.
15. Miami Dolphins: Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri
15 of 32
Chad Henne was supposed to be the answer. He’s proven mediocre at best. If the Dolphins want to compete with the Jets and Patriots in the east then they’ll need to upgrade the QB position. This might not be the year to do it. If they had number one, it would be Gabbert. Sporano’s job is on the line now. The Dolphins wouldn’t want to wait for Cam Newton.
The Dolphins could take a QB in one of the later rounds. If they were first overall, it would be a no-brainer.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cam Newton QB Auburn
16 of 32
David Garrard has been a solid QB for the Jaguars for the past few seasons. However, he’s likely past his prime and isn’t the quarterback of the future. If the Jags had their choice, they’d likely go with Newton as they have time to develop a QB. Newton would have the opportunity to learn under Garrard, who would be a great mentor for the rookie.
GM Gene Smith likes to draft educated athletes with strong characters, but if the Jags had a chance at Newton he might take a chance.
17. Oakland Raiders: Patrick Peterson CB LSU
17 of 32
The Raiders would love another chance with the first overall pick following the train wreck that was JeMarcus Russell. If they had their chance, I’d like to think they wouldn’t want to make the same mistake. Stud corner Nnamdi Asomugha is facing free agency and Patrick Peterson would be the perfect replacement.
The Raiders traded their pick to the Patriots so they’ll be without a first rounder. It’s usually hard to predict what Al Davis will do in the draft but Peterson would make a lot of sense at number one.
18. San Diego Chargers: Marcell Dareus DT/DE Alabama
18 of 32
The Chargers made some noise toward the end of their 2010 campaign but came up short of the playoffs. If the offense stays together they’ll have no problem putting points on the board and the San Diego pass defense has remarkably improved. If the Chargers were at one overall they’d have a lot of trouble passing on Marcell Dareus. The Alabama tackle would further improve one of the league’s most improved defenses.
The Chargers will probably address the D-line with the 18th overall pick, if they were sitting at one that wouldn’t change.
19. New York Giants: Von Miller LB Texas A&M
19 of 32
The Giants linebacking corps is suspect at best. Keith Bulluck won’t be around for long and the rest of the group has a relatively low ceiling. Von Miller would be the pick that could put the Giants back atop the NFC East. He would take a lot of pressure off the Giants talented front four.
The Giants will either look to either improve the front of their defense or the offensive line at nineteen. If they had the first pick overall, Miller would be a Giant.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcell Dareus DT/DE Alabama
20 of 32
Marcell Dareus has the skill set to put the Bucs over the top. They need the most help at defensive end and he’d make the switch for the Bucs. Dareus led the Crimson Tide with 6.5 sacks despite missing two games. The Bucs are one of the leagues rising teams and just a few pieces away from playoffs.
They’ll address the defensive end position regardless of where they pick.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: A.J. Green WR Georgia
21 of 32
The Chiefs looked good in 2010 behind Jamaal Charles and the league’s best rushing offense. If they want to take the next step they’ll need an additional playmaker on offense. Dwayne Bowe has emerged as an elite receiver. Imagine what he could be with A.J. Green lined up across the field. Matt Cassell would immediately put up Pro Bowl numbers. This new passing game combined with Jamaal Charles in the backfield would result as one of the most dominant offenses in the league.
The Chiefs will look to address the WR position at some point during the draft and prospects like Green are rare.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Marcell Dareus DT/DE Alabama
22 of 32
Robert Mathis could be gone by next season and the Colts defense cost them a playoff victory in 2010. They’ll most likely address this need with the 22nd pick, but they’d do the same with the first. Marcell Dareus would be a force to reckon with up the middle for Indy. The offense has been carrying this team as of late and it’s about time the defense picks up some of the slack.
Peyton Manning might need a little help on the offensive line, but Dareus would improve this defense exponentially.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Patrick Peterson CB LSU
23 of 32
The Eagles defense was supposed to be one of the league’s best in 2010. Instead, they were middle of the road as the offense flourished. Corners Ellis Hobbs and Dmitri Patterson will probably be gone by next season. The combination of Patrick Peterson and Asante Samuel would immediately become one of the league’s best.
The Eagles will likely go for defense regardless of where they pick but it wouldn’t be surprising to see them address the offensive line.
24. New Orleans Saints: Trade
24 of 32
The Saints need help at RB more than any other position. There’s no one worth the first overall pick so I’d assume the Saints would trade the pick if they had the chance. Pierre Thomas is a solid option but he couldn’t stay healthy in 2010 so a move needs to be made fast and soon. The Saints touted the league’s 28th rushing offense last season.
The Saints would trade their first pick and end up somewhere in the middle of the first-round. They could then draft a guy like Mark Ingram who could learn behind a smart veteran like Pierre Thomas.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Cam Newton QB Auburn
25 of 32
The Seahawks had a nice run in 2010, but Matt Hasslebeck is in the twilight of his career. If they were given the chance to pick first on April 28th, they’d go with Newton. Pete Caroll is known for his unconventional play calling and his trick plays. Newton would be an extremely attractive option for Carroll who could do a lot with the versatile QB.
The Seahawks will be looking for a QB on draft day. Newton would be an ideal fit.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Patrick Peterson CB LSU
26 of 32
The Ravens’ pass defense was 20th in the league in 2010, uncharacteristic of the franchise. Pat Peterson would address the team’s biggest need immediately. The Ravens’ defense is solid but aging and the young shutdown corner from LSU would prove to be the perfect remedy.
The Ravens also have holes at center and safety but Peterson would be the best value at number one.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Marcell Dareus DT/DE Alabama
27 of 32
The Atlanta Falcons have the tools to compete for years to come. Overall they’re a balanced team but they could use help at the defensive end position. Dareus has the athleticism to play the position and would make an immediate impact surrounded by the talent that’s already a part of the Falcon’s defense.
Like most NFL teams, there are holes on the offensive line. However, the fact that this year’s class lacks dominating talent at the position, most teams would choose a higher value with the pick.
28. New England Patriots: Patrick Peterson CB LSU
28 of 32
Devin McCourty was a nice surprise in the Pat’s secondary during 2010. He pulled in 7 INTs and was a candidate for defensive rookie of the year. That being said, they still need help in the secondary. The Patriots managed the league’s best record along with the league’s 29th ranked pass defense. The addition of Peterson would create a dominating CB tandem for a decade.
The Pats have two first round picks and they’re expected to address their secondary with one of them.
29. Chicago Bears: Trade
29 of 32
The Bears are almost there. They exceeded expectations in 2010 and were just a TD away from the Super Bowl. If they want to continue their success in 2011 then they’ll need to address their offensive line. Jay Cutler took a beating last season and it is far and away the team’s most glaring need.
If the Bears were one overall they’d probably trade down and take a guy like USC tackle Tyron Smith around the tenth pick.
30. New York Jets: A.J. Green WR Georgia
30 of 32
The Jets made another playoff run behind Rex Ryan and his defense, but they need to improve at the WR position. Holmes and Edwards both showed inconsistency to go along with their success last season. Mark Sanchez needs a sure target if he is to continue his success. A.J. Green would be that guy.
Green is the best receiver in the class, hands down. A combination of Green and Holmes could take Sanchez to the next level.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcell Dareus DT/DE Alabama
31 of 32
The Steelers need some help on the offensive line. Seeing as there isn’t any overwhelming talent at the front of this year’s class, they’d likely opt for Dareus if they didn’t trade the pick. Dareus would contribute to an already dominant defense and keep the steel curtain strong for years to come.
Unless someone falls to Pittsburgh that shouldn’t, they’ll be looking to address the o-line at thirty-one.
32. Green Bay Packers: Patrick Peterson CB LSU
32 of 32
The Packers won it all in 2010 and have the pieces to continue to dominate for the next few years. Charles Woodson had to leave the Super Bowl due to injury and will soon accept the fact that his career is winding down. Patrick Peterson would be the replacement that could keep the Packers running in stride.
Even the Super Bowl champs have their needs. The offense is pretty much set so they’ll probably go defense regardless of where they pick in the first.
be sure to follow me on twitter www.twitter.com/Nick_Marro
and please comment below!
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
