Carolina Panthers 2011 NFL Draft: The Art of Mocking

This week, we will take a look at a mock draft from one of my favorite mock draft sites in walterfootball.com

I have been following his mocks for the better part of three years, and while they are not always 100 percent accurate, they are some of the best in the business and provide an extensive mock draft database for hardcore fans like you and me to get some kind of consensus on what our favorite team will do.

Round 1: Cam Newton

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

Cam Newton at No. 1 overall: This is the popular pick, but we all know that the A.J. Green bandwagon led by Panthers owners Jerry Richardson is quickly filling up.

Either way, it looks like Newton and Green have created significant space between themselves and other No. 1 hopefuls Patrick Peterson and Blaine Gabbert.

Round 2: No Pick

Handout/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - CIRCA 2010: In this handout image provided by the NFL, Armanti Edwards of the Carolina Panthers poses for his 2010 NFL headshot circa 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by NFL via Getty Images)

No pick/Armanti Edwards: This pick was traded last year when the Panthers acquired Armanti Edwards.

Edwards still has some hope as a slot/possession receiver but it is painfully obvious that this was a blown trade.

Round 3: Orlando Franklin and Drake Nevis

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MIAMI - OCTOBER 25: Offensive lineman Orlando Franklin #74 of the Miami Hurricanes drops back to block while taking on the Wake Forest Demon Decons at Dolphin Stadium on October 25, 2008 in Miami, Florida. Miami defeated Wake Forest 16-10. (Photo by Dou

Orlando Frankin: Walterfootball has the Panthers picking guard Orlando Franklin at the beginning of the third round, and his rationale is sound.

The Panthers cannot afford to let Newton get beat up like they let Clausen last season.

Drake Nevis: Walterfootball has the Panthers taking defensive tackle Drake Nevis with the last pick of the third round.

It is a position of need for the Panthers and makes a ton of sense.

He is the sort of explosive pass rusher than can help bring the Panthers D back to respectability.

Round 4: Brandon Burton

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SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 20: Wide receiver DeMarco Sampson #1 of the San Diego State Aztecs makes a catch over cornerback Brandon Burton #27 of the Utah Utes at Qualcomm Stadium on November 20, 2010 in San Diego, California. Utah won 38-34. (Photo by Steph

Brandon Burton: Walterfootball has mocked cornerback Brandon Burton to the Panthers at the start of the fourth round.

This pick makes sense, as the Panthers need some cornerback depth, especially if Richard Marshall is not retained.

Round 5: Julius Thomas

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OMAHA, NE - MARCH 20: Julius Thomas #1 of the Portland State Vikings goes up for a rebound against the Kansas Jayhawks during the Midwest Region first round of the 2008 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on March 20, 2008 at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Nebr

Julius Thomas: Despite the addition of Jeremy Shockey to the roster, Walterfootball has the Panthers drafting a potential long-term solution at the tight end position in Round 5 with a possible selection of Julius Thomas.

Thomas is still raw as a converted basketball player, but we like the precedent set by other former hoops players turned tight ends.

Round 6: Vincent Brown and Dion Lewis

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SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 20: Wide receiver Vincent Brown #80 of the San Diego State Aztecs celebrates after his first touchdown of the game, on a ten yard reception in the first quarter against the Utah Utes at Qualcomm Stadium on November 20, 2010 in San Di

Vincent Brown: Walterfootball has the Panthers selecting wide receiver Vincent Brown with their first pick of the sixth round.

He notes that the new regime owes nothing to Brandon LaFell, Edwards and David Gettis and will likely look to draft a player who fits what they want to do with the offense.

Vincent Brown is possession-type receiver that is suited for the slot.

Dion Lewis: Walterfootball has the Panthers selecting Pitt running back Dion Lewis with their second pick of the sixth round, noting that if DeAngelo Williams bolts via free agency, the Panthers will likely look to acquire depth through the draft.

Dion Lewis, despite his small stature, has the makings of a very good No. 2 back.