2011 NFL Draft: 5 First Round Prospects Who Will Be Big-Time Busts

It happens every single draft: a player with so much talent, hype, and potential, but they fall flat on their face in the pros—it's something that doesn't change. 

In my opinion, several players in the 2011 NFL draft class have bust written all over them, and scouts and draft "experts" simply don't see it. 

I have stated several times before, I am not an expert, but I consider myself an expert fan—a fan with strong insight and great knowledge of the NFL.

Here are my predictions of five top prospects that will fall flat on their faces in the NFL and receive the infamous label of a "bust."

This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @TonySantorsa.

5. Nick Fairley, Defensive Linemen, Auburn

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Nick Fairley #90 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates a sack against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian

Auburn's defensive tackle Nick Fairley has bust written all over him. 

The two-year player at Auburn only had one productive season, and I'm labeling him as a "one-year-wonder."

Prior to playing for Auburn his final two years of college, he was a transfer from Junior college where he only started two games prior joining Auburn's football program. 

Many scouts and draft experts, including myself, are labeling Fairley as being "lazy" with a very poor work ethic. Also, according to a report by Adam Schefter, Fairley "missed his flight to the Combine, missed a team meeting there, and was late for a team interview at his Pro Day."

A player who's showing irresponsibility and possible commitment issues that's ranked this high in the draft should definitely raise multiple red flags—not to mention his lone successful year at Auburn.

I would stir clear from Fairley. 

4. Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End, Clemson

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Defensive lineman Da'Quan Bowers of Clemson sits on the bench during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Clemson's defensive end, Da'Quan Bowers, was once considered to be a candidate for the first overall pick of the 2011 NFL draft—that's not going to happen this year. 

Bowers has a huge black cloud floating around him lately, and it's his right knee.

During the NFL's scouting combine in Indianapolis, Indiana, Bowers only lifted due to his right knee—even though according to his agent Joe Flanagan that there are no major issues with the knee. 

Bowers had minor surgery on his right knee back in January and his agent described it as just minor "repairs."

While playing at Clemson, Bowers as a phenomenal athlete and a premiere defensive end. However, he's got one big issue.

And it's his right knee. 

3. Blaine Gabbert, Quarterback, Missouri

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

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

Where did all the hype surrounding former Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert come from? He's not that good. 

Gabbert put up decent numbers at Missouri over three years of play: 40 touchdowns, 18 interceptions, 6,822 yards, and completed only 60.8 percent of his passes. 

If you ask me to describe Gabbert, I'd say that he's an athletic Drew Bledsoe—but not as talented as Bledsoe in passing means. 

Gabbert's accuracy is very inconsistent, and it gets worse when pressure is being put on him—significantly worse. I've watched game film on this guy over and over again, and he's yet to impress me. Sure, he's made all the NFL throws, but he has made multiple idiotic and simply scary passes during his career. 

And lastly, Gabbert's footwork is anything but average, especially when he's on the run. 

Gabbet is a raw piece of talent, and will need a lot of grooming in order to develop into an NFL quarterback. 

2. Jake Locker, Quarterback, Washington

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies drops back to pass during the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the Huskies 4

Some how, some way Washington quarterback Jake Locker is going to sneak into the first round—and he will disappoint. 

I want to ask all of the NFL scouts who believe in Locker this one question: "How can you expect a quarterback who only completed 53.9 percent of his passes to get any better at the next level?"

Seriously—the talent level in college football is obviously much less, and shouldn't future NFL quarterbacks be lighting up the sky with passes against amateur competition? I think so.

Locker is one naturally gifted player, don't get me wrong. But, his mechanics are just so awful that is going to take a couple seasons to get him "fixed." 

1. Cameron Newton, Quarterback, Auburn

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers scrambles against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Peters

Am I the only one predicting "the year of the quarterback busts?" Seriously—every single "top-end" quarterback prospect does not impress me.

If Newton somehow goes in the top five, I want to know how on Earth a player who's only had one great season, in a spread-offense with very poor throwing mechanics, be selected that high?

For crying out loud, former Florida Gators' quarterback Tim Tebow, who is arguably the most unique quarterback to ever play the game wasn't even drafted that high.

Auburn's Cameron Newton is so vastly over-hyped and will most likely be a bust. 

Newton played in Auburn's spread-style offense which all of the passing players only have a few options, and Newton would nearly always throw to the first option—and all of those passes were "high percentage" ones. 

At the 2011 NFL combine, Newton threw the ball horribly. He is very inaccurate and has very poor mechanics.

If you ask me, if you need a quarterback, I'd hang out and wait for Iowa's Ricky Stanzi or TCU's Andy Datlon—or hell, I'd wait until next season.