2011 NFL Mock Draft: What Happens If the Carolina Panthers Pass on Cam Newton?
It seems to be a foregone conclusion that the Carolina Panthers will use the No. 1 overall pick on Auburn quarterback Cam Newton.
But what if they don't?
The Panthers are not guaranteed to use the top pick on Cam Newton. In fact, it's highly likely they will draft a defensive tackle or cornerback No. 1 overall.
In the 2010 draft the Panthers used a second-round pick on quarterback Jimmy Clausen, leaving them a potential starter at the position for 2011 if they choose to pass on Newton.
With almost every mock draft starting off with Newton heading to Carolina, we're taking a look at what will happen if the Panthers choose someone else.
1. Carolina Panthers
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Marcell Dareus, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
The Panthers need at defensive tackle is paramount to their 2011 offseason. Is it possible they would pass on the electric Cam Newton to fill their hole at defensive tackle?
Yes, absolutely.
The Panthers like their young talent at defensive end, but their roster is lacking playmakers at defensive tackle.
Marcell Dareus is the ideal three-technique defensive tackle. He has the speed, strength and agility to have an instant impact in year one.
Let's not get carried away though. Dareus is not the same level of player as Ndamukong Suh. Expecting him to be would be unfair.
2. Trade: Cincinnati Bengals from Denver Broncos
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Trade: Cincinnati trades picks No. 4, 35 and a 2012 3rd Rounder to Denver for No. 2 overall
Cam Newton, Quarterback, Auburn
The Bengals realize the importance of finding a quarterback to replace long-time starter Carson Palmer. And they are willing to move up to get their next franchise quarterback.
Owner Mike Brown loves two things: offense and attention. Newton brings both elements to Cincinnati.
By trading back two picks the Broncos pick up an extra pick in Round 2 and add a future selection in 2012.
3. Buffalo Bills
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Von Miller, Outside Linebacker, Texas A&M
The Bills sit tight and grab the best outside linebacker in recent memory.
Many compare Von Miller to former Chiefs outside linebacker Derrick Thomas, a comparison we struggle to disagree with.
Miller's 27.5 sacks over the last two seasons at Texas A&M are proof of his ability to dominate from the edge.
He'll be a welcome addition opposite Shawne Merriman at outside 'backer.
Could Buffalo consider a quarterback here? Yes, but we have a strong feeling they will stick with Ryan Fitzpatrick as the established starter in 2011.
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4. Trade: Denver Broncos from Cincinnati Bengals
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Trade: Cincinnati trades picks No. 4, 35 and a 2012 3rd Rounder to Denver for No. 2 overall
Nick Fairley, Defensive Tackle, Auburn
The Broncos move back two spots and pick up another second-round pick, giving them three picks on Friday night. They also add a 2012 third-rounder.
Denver's need for defensive tackles makes their selection pretty predictable. While they would love to find Marcell Dareus on the board John Elway and Brian Xanders are happy to plug Nick Fairley in as their three-technique, pass-rushing tackle.
Look for Denver to add a one-technique, gap-plugger in Round 2.
5. Arizona Cardinals
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Robert Quinn, Outside Linebacker, North Carolina
The Cardinals would be happy to find Von Miller on the board with the fifth pick overall, but that isn't likely to happen.
There are also those in the scouting community who believe Robert Quinn is the better overall prospect at outside linebacker.
We considered predicting a trade here, but the inability to include players in trades currently eliminates the logic in trading the selection.
Arizona finds a very good consolation prize in Quinn.
6. Trade: Tennessee Titans from Cleveland Browns
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Trade: Tennessee trades picks No. 8 and 77 to Cleveland Browns for pick No. 6
Blaine Gabbert, Quarterback, Missouri
The Titans see the 49ers sitting in front of them and know they must move up to secure their next franchise quarterback. And it will only cost them a third-round pick.
Gabbert is a polarizing prospect. Some love him, others believe he is a product of a system at Missouri. Either way, he's viewed as the best quarterback prospect by many.
Tennessee has to replace Vince Young with a quarterback in the draft without free agency so far this offseason. Blaine Gabbert is next in line for the Titans.
7. San Francisco 49ers
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Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, LSU
The 49ers want to see Von Miller here, and would even consider Robert Quinn to play outside linebacker if he were still on the board. There are many very good prospects left that would fill a need in San Francisco.
However, Trent Baalke and Jim Harbaugh simply cannot pass on the talent of Patrick Peterson.
The team has a giant need at quarterback, but they do not seem to love Blaine Gabbert or Cam Newton, the only two passers worthy of a top-10 pick.
Peterson allows San Francisco the freedom to move Nate Clements to safety, keep him at left cornerback or even cut him in a salary-cap move.
Peterson is a lockdown corner who can have an immediate impact for the 49ers.
With 12 selections in the draft, don't be surprised to see the 49ers move up to find their quarterback.
8. Trade: Cleveland Browns from Tennessee Titans
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Trade: Tennessee trades picks No. 8 and 77 to Cleveland Browns for pick No. 6
A.J. Green, Wide Receiver, Georgia
The Browns highest priority this offseason will be finding a No. 1 wide receiver for quaterback Colt McCoy.
By trading back two spots in Round 1 the Browns find their guy and pick up an extra third-round pick.
A.J. Green may not be the perfect fit for the famed West Coast offense but there is no denying his speed, play-making ability and down-field threat.
Green will be Colt McCoy's new best friend.
9. Dallas Cowboys
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Tyron Smith, Offensive Tackle, USC
We previously linked the Cowboys to Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara in this spot, but we're having a change of opinion regarding Dallas.
The Cowboys have two solid cornerbacks in Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins. Neither had a great 2010, but both can play well enough not to hurt the team.
Newman is not a long-term fit in Rob Ryan's defense, but he is a better option than almost any other player available.
Where Dallas really needs help is at right tackle.
Marc Colombo is one of the nicest guys in the world, but he is not a starting right tackle.
Smith has started at right tackle for USC and has the strength to hold up against power rushers. He is also a very good athlete and can get out in front when run blocking.
10. Washington Redskins
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Julio Jones, Wide Receiver, Alabama
Washington would be ecstatic to see Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert on the board, and while we do think Mike Shanahan likes Jake Locker, he doesn't like him enough to draft him No. 10 overall.
Washington would prefer to trade back in this situation but will gladly settle for a wide receiver, especially one as dynamic as Julio Jones.
Jones is an immediate upgrade over Washington's current receiving crew and is a perfect compliment to Santana Moss.
But when will Washington find their franchise quarterback?
11. Houston Texans
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Ryan Kerrigan, Outside Linebacker, Purdue
The Texans will be faced with the difficult decision of drafting the hot-rising defensive end/outside linebacker who is a perfect fit for Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense or drafting a sure-thing cover corner to anchor a weak secondary.
In the end, the pass rush wins out.
Kerrigan's name is soaring up draft boards. He has a very good chance to be a top-10 pick.
A few other names to consider: Prince Amukamara, Cam Jordan and J.J. Watt.
12. Minnesota Vikings
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Prince Amukamara, Cornerback, Nebraska
We do think the Vikings will be tempted by quarterbacks Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett, but in the end this is a Vikings team that is very close to contending for a playoff berth. A rookie quarterback is perhaps not as likely.
If we could predict trades of players, this would be an ideal spot for Kevin Kolb or a package deal to get Carson Palmer and draft picks from Cincinnati.
Until the CBA is renewed, that's not going to happen, though.
The Vikings are not terribly off at cornerback. Cedric Griffin has flashed potential when healthy, which is all too infrequent. Antoine Winfield is a Pro Bowler, but he turns 34 this summer.
Amukamara is simply too good to pass by.
It is also worth mentioning that Minnesota is in a great position to trade back if they can find a buyer.
13. Trade: Jacksonville Jaguars from Detroit Lions
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Trade: Jacksonville sends pick No. 16 and a 2012 third-round pick to Detroit for No. 13 overall
Ryan Mallett, Quarterback, Arkansas
The Jaguars know replacing 33-year old David Garrard needs to happen sooner rather than later. They are making that a reality by giving up a third-round pick in 2012 to move up and draft the enigmatic Ryan Mallett.
Some teams may take Mallett off their board or move him down because of alleged character concerns. Others will evaluate Mallett based on their own interviews with him.
Jacksonville has shown in the past they are willing to go off their own impressions, and sometimes it pays off- like with defensive tackles Terrence Knighton and Tyson Alualu.
Others, like with Reggie Williams, it doesn't.
14. St. Louis Rams
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Cameron Jordan, Defensive End, California
St. Louis needs a wide receiver and might also like to see an outside linebacker here, but they will be ecstatic to find the freakish Cameron Jordan coming off the edge opposite Chris Long.
The Rams offense is much better off than most will acknowledge. With Donnie Avery back in 2012, their wide receiver crew is solid enough to compete in the NFC West. In addition, the 2011 draft class is solid with second-tier talent at wide receiver in Round 2.
What this 2011 class lacks in Round 2 is pass rushers. St. Louis fills a massive need early on.
15. Miami Dolphins
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Mike Pouncey, Offensive Guard/Center, Florida
How many mock drafts do you see that project the Dolphins to draft a running back here? A lot of them.
Not us.
The Dolphins know their offensive line needs help, especially at center and right guard.
Folks in Miami can hope the in-state product can perform as well as twin brother Maurkice did in his Pro Bowl rookie season.
With no second-round pick due to the trade for Brandon Marshall, the Dolphins may be tempted to trade back and add extra picks here.
16. Trade: Detroit Lions from Jacksonville Jaguars
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Trade: Jacksonville sends pick No. 16 and a 2012 third-round pick to Detroit for No. 13 overall
Anthony Castonzo, Offensive Tackle, Boston College
Detroit fans have to be ecstatic that they traded back, added an extra pick in 2012 and still found the draft's best left tackle at No. 16.
Jeff Backus turns 34 this season. Matthew Stafford's two seasons in the NFL have ended with injuries. Offensive tackle is a need here.
Lions fans will tell you they need to focus on defense in Round 1, but we disagree. They do need to add a cornerback and outside linebacker, but this can be done later on.
Grabbing a franchise left tackle must take precedence in a draft loaded with talent at cornerback and outside linebacker in Rounds 2 and 3.
Castonzo ranks as the best tackle on most draft boards. He's a solid, safe pick for the Lions.
17. Trade: San Francisco 49ers from New England Via Oakland
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Trade: San Francisco trades pick No. 45 and 2012 Round 2 pick to New England for No. 17 overall
Andy Dalton, Quarterback, TCU
There will be a run on quarterbacks in the mid-to-late portion of the first round. The question is, who will start it?
In our mock draft the Jaguars kicked things off by trading up for Ryan Mallett. Once the third quarterback comes off the board the fun will begin.
The 49ers send one of their remaining 11 picks to New England, throwing in a second-rounder next year, for the chance to move up and grab the quarterback Jim Harbaugh covets most in the 2011 class.
What's in it for New England? One more pick in Round 2 and a head-start on extra picks in 2012.
18. San Diego Chargers
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J.J. Watt, Defensive End, Wisconsin
The Chargers have many needs they could address here. They want to get better at outside linebacker, replace four free agents at inside linebacker, add a young defensive end, and potentially replace Vincent Jackson at wide receiver.
Thankfully, the Chargers have three selections in the top two rounds.
Watt is the best of the many 3-4 defensive ends in this draft. He is recently receiving notice as a potential top-10 pick
19. New York Giants
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Gabe Carimi, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin
Injuries decimated the Giants' offensive line this year, but this also exposed weaknesses and areas of need. No position needs more attention than offensive tackle.
Building depth at tackle is a need, but the Giants can also look for young players who can eventually start.
Carimi is slightly underrated by NFL analysts and TV scouts, but having seen him first-hand numerous times, it is hard to not be impressed with Carimi's ability on the blind side.
He is a dominant force in the run game and he has the tools to become an elite pass protector.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Adrian Clayborn, Defensive End, Iowa
At one point this year, we had Adrian Clayborn rated as our No. 1 overall player. That was until he decided to play poorly down the stretch and cause many to question his work ethic and character.
A dominant end in 2009, Clayborn was average in 2010.
When watching Clayborn on film, you can walk away amazed or disappointed. We believe teams will look hard enough at his 2009 film to be thoroughly impressed.
If you are running a 4-3 defense, you have to consider Clayborn among the best defensive ends in the class.
21. Kansas City Chiefs
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Derek Sherrod, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State
The Chiefs starting right tackle in 2010, Barry Richardson, was terrible in pass protection.
For the Chiefs to go from AFC West champions to a playoff winning team they must protect Matt Cassel better.
Derek Sherrod is their answer.
The Chiefs have needs at nose tackle, outside linebacker and wide receiver but can focus on upgrading these positions in rounds 2-7. They won't find a stud right tackle there.
22. Indianapolis Colts
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Nate Solder, Offensive Tackle, Colorado
Peyton Manning had to feel a little human this season after being beaten into the turf by the Chargers and then the Cowboys.
Even in the playoffs, Manning looked rushed, rattled and scared in the pocket. We can hardly blame him after looking at how terrible the Colts offensive line was this year.
Solder is an elite athlete for a left tackle, a must in the Colts' zone-blocking scheme. He has long arms, a big frame and the footwork to get to the second level and pull on screens and stretch plays.
Solder is rated by almost all draft experts as a late first-round pick. He is a solid tackle with good athleticism, great size and excellent length. He shows ability to play in the NFL as a rookie.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
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Corey Liuget, Defensive Tackle, Illinois
There is a great chance Corey Liuget is drafted in the top 15 picks once the actual NFL Draft starts, he's moving up boards at the right time.
The Eagles would love to have an athletic defensive tackle who can penetrate the offensive line and provide protection for defensive ends Trent Cole and Brandon Graham.
Liuget allows Philadelphia to move on from draft mistakes Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson.
24. New Orleans Saints
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Aldon Smith, Defensive End, Missouri
Smith is normally projected as an outside linebacker for a 3-4 scheme, but we love his ability as a pure pass rusher from a 4-3 defensive end position.
Smith has experience with his hand in the dirt, not dropping back into coverage.
Given the task of attacking the quarterback every down, he could excel. Playing next to big tackles Shaun Rogers and Sedrick Ellis will not hurt, either.
25. Seattle Seahawks
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Christian Ponder, Quarterback, Florida State
The Seahawks’ only signal-caller signed for 2011 is Charlie Whitehurst, and he has not proven to have the talent to become a franchise quarterback in Seattle.
With so many talented passers to choose from in this draft, we believe Pete Carroll will draft the most NFL-ready of the group and the player with the most experience in a pro-style offense.
That player is Christian Ponder.
Andy Dalton might be on their wish list, as could Colin Kaepernick. Also, don't rule out a running back here.
26. Trade: Arizona Cardinals from Baltimore Ravens
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Trade: Arizona sends pick No. 38, 103 and a 2012 4th Rounder to Baltimore for pick No. 26 overall
Colin Kaepernick, Quarterback, Nevada
Arizona must find a quarterback early in the 2011 draft to build around and decide to package their 2011 Round 2 pick (38) and Round 4 pick (103) to the draft-pick heavy Patriots.
Kaepernick is the smart man's Cam Newton. He has the legs to make plays, the arm strength to zing the ball downfield and the pure athleticism to take over games.
Kaepernick is a quietly underrated quarterback in this class. Without the hype of Newton or Gabbert, he will be able to come to Arizona and learn from a great quarterback teacher in Ken Whisenhunt.
The Ravens can afford to move back in to the second round and add the extra picks later in the draft.
27. Atlanta Falcons
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Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End, Clemson
Why would Atlanta draft a defensive end here instead of a wide receiver or tight end?
Need.
John Abraham had a great season in 2010, but he is only going to last another year or two at a high level.
Kroy Biermann has been good, but he is a situational player at best. Neither of the aforementioned ends offer help in stopping the run.
Why is a player many rate as a top-five pick still on the board at No. 16?
A few reasons:
1. We rate Bowers as the No. 16 player overall and have for quite some time.
2. Bowers may not be healthy after knee surgery and could require microfracture surgery.
3. It is very likely that many NFL teams have completely removed Bowers from their draft boards.
Drafting Bowers is a huge gamble, but it could pay off with Pro Bowl results if he can overcome the knee injury that slowed him down this offseason.
28. New England Patriots
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Muhammad Wilkerson, Defensive End, Temple
The Patriots decide to actually use a draft pick instead of trading it and find one of the premier 3-4 defensive ends in the 2011 class waiting for them.
Bill Belichick could go many directions with pick No. 28. They have needs at running back, wide receiver, offensive tackle, guard, defensive end and outside linebacker.
Thankfully they have three second-round picks (so far) in our current mock draft.
Wilkerson will come in and start instantly opposite either Ty Warren, if he's not cut, or newly signed Marcus Stroud.
29. Chicago Bears
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Danny Watkins, Offensive Guard, Baylor
The Chicago Bears hearts will break when Nate Solder, the last of the first-round graded offensive tackles, comes off the board with pick No. 22.
The Bears are faced with the option of reaching for a tackle or wide receiver, or hunkering down at drafting a road-grader at offensive guard.
Danny Watkins might be 26-years old, and he may have a shorter NFL shelf-life than other rookies, but he is also ready to start and play at a high level from week one.
The Bears will plug Watkins in at left or right guard, and could even play him at right tackle if they move J'Marcus Webb to the left side.
30. New York Jets
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Brooks Reed, Outside Linebacker, Arizona
The Jets received decent production from their outside linebacker trio of Bryan Thomas, Calvin Pace and Jason Taylor in 2010- but Taylor has been cut and Thomas/Pace work best in a rotation.
The Jets would also like to get younger, faster and meaner at the position.
Enter Brooks Reed.
He's a one-dimensional bullet off the edge as a pass rusher. Plug him in on passing downs as a rookie and watch out.
Reed will need time to develop in to an every down player, but he'll have time to learn while terrorizing AFC East quarterbacks.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers
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Jimmy Smith, Cornerback, Colorado
The Steelers are one of many teams picking at the end of the first round who would love to see a top offensive tackle, or even a guard, fall to them.
Instead they land a top 15 talent at cornerback, a position with a huge need for a youth movement.
Smith has undeniable talent, but his off-field issues are causing red flags on many draft boards. The Steelers have a strong, established locker room and will have no trouble building Smith up as a player and a person.
32. Green Bay Packers
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Akeem Ayers, Outside Linebacker, UCLA
The Packers will be pressed to draft a defensive end at some point in this draft, same with a running back, but in Round 1 they need a solid compliment to Clay Matthews at outside linebacker.
With Matthews All-Pro ability as a pass rusher the Packers need an athletic player opposite him who can drop into coverage, stop the run and rush the passer when needed.
Akeem Ayers proved at UCLA that he can do all three.
At UCLA Ayers was unstoppable. He leaves with six interceptions, two forced fumbles, 11 sacks and 177 tackles.
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