2011 NFL Draft Notes and Rumors for All 32 Teams: What Will Dallas Cowboys Do?

Throughout this offseason, I have compiled a list of team and player notes for the upcoming draft. The majority of them are from local newspapers, as beat reporters often gain a better sense of a team’s plans than, oh I don’t know, ESPN.

Keep in mind at least some of this information is bound to be “fluff,” but it’s still possible and valuable to get a sense of teams’ intentions.

1. Carolina Panthers (2-14)

Cam Newton appears to be heavy, heavy favorite
Blaine Gabbert does not appear to be option
Nick Fairley not a legitimate option
If they go defense, it will be Marcell Dareus or Patrick Peterson (Dareus looking more likely), but quarterback still the favorite

2. Denver Broncos (4-12)

Worked out Von Miller and considered an option
Dareus looks like heavy favorite if he’s still on the board
Not much Peterson talk

3. Buffalo Bills (4-12)

Initially rumored to be targeting a quarterback, but now Von Miller looks like favorite
Cam Newton will probably be pick if he is available, but unlikely

4. Cincinnati Bengals (4-12)

Have eyes on Prince Amukamara, but probably too early
Rumors all over the place: some beat writers say Gabbert, others say A.J. Green, others say Patrick Peterson
I would say A.J. Green now favorite

5. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)

Initial reports said Blaine Gabbert the pick, but Von Miller supposedly higher on their board
Also high on Patrick Peterson

6. Cleveland Browns (5-11)

Fairley a BIG option here,
Initially heard they WILL target D-Lineman, but apparently AJ Green still in play
Latest rumors say they are targeting A.J. Green, Von Miller and Patrick Peterson

7. San Francisco 49ers (6-10)

Linked to Robert Quinn
Peterson reportedly No. 1 on their board
Don’t rule out Amukamara

8. Tennessee Titans (6-10)

Quarterback an option, but rumors they won’t possibly pass on Fairley

9. Dallas Cowboys (6-10)

Peterson No. 1 on board, but won't have past No. 5 for him
Tyron Smith still possible, but J.J. Watt and Anthony Castonzo also possible, even at No. 9
Will target Watt, Castonzo or Carimi if they trade down

10. Washington Redskins (6-10)

No interest in running back
Said to be targeting a wide receiver or running back

11. Houston Texans (6-10)

Love Justin Houston
Amukamara probably the favorite
Said to be targeting a defender even ahead of Julio Jones, with Aldon Smith also an option

12. Minnesota Vikings (6-10)

Mixed signals on Jake Locker
Robert Quinn, DaQuan Bowers and Ryan Kerrigan all possible
Latest news is they want Gabbert but will take Bowers if they can’t get him, but some think Locker the real favorite

13. Detroit Lions (6-10)

Interested in Nate Solder and Anthony Castonzo, but only if top CB isn’t available
Do they consider Amukamara or Jimmy Smith “top” CB?
Latest news is DaQuan Bowers and Aldon Smith are favorites

14. St. Louis Rams (7-9)

Really, really high on Julio Jones
Word is they’ll take a D-Lineman if Jones off board, unlikely to trade up
Interest in Ryan Kerrigan
Latest news is Corey Liuget is not only an option, but the favorite
Not high on Cameron Jordan

15. Miami Dolphins (7-9)

Is quarterback possible?
Mark Ingram logical, but other needs
Many reporters saying they would be “shocked” if Ingram the pick

16. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8)

Heavy Kerrigan interest

17. New England Patriots (14-2)—from Oakland (8-8)

Won’t take JJ Watt because of agent
Interest in Pouncey (maybe later pick)
Could trade this pick, and if they move up they like Robert Quinn and Julio Jones

18. San Diego Chargers (9-7)

Cameron Heyward a target
Almost 100 percent a DE or OLB
Interest in Jordan, Muhammad Wilkerson and Watt
Also REALLY like Kerrigan, however, and he appears to be favorite if still on board

19. New York Giants (10-6)

Appear set to take top-rated offensive tackle
Like Mark Ingram a lot
Heavy interest in Ben Ijalana
Like Akeem Ayers

20. Tampa Bay Bucs (10-6)

Will take Bowers if he falls

21. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)

Could be in market for OT if they move Brandon Albert to OG

22. Indianapolis Colts (10-6)

Derek Sherrod interest

23. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)

Really like Amukamara
Jimmy Smith interest appears real

24. New Orleans Saints (11-5)

Initial report: ”almost 100 percent to take Wilkerson”
Now reportedly like Cameron Heyward and a cornerback (probably Jimmy Smith)

25. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)

Definitely not high on Locker, but really like Ryan Mallett and he is a legitimate option here
Really like Christian Ponder and Andy Dalton
VERY high on Jimmy Smith

26. Baltimore Ravens (12-4)

Sherrod interest
Houston interest
Lots of interest in Wilkerson, and he is the favorite
Liuget, Reed and Heyward also possibilities, but definitely looks like a front seven defender

27. Atlanta Falcons (13-3)

Love Houston
Beat reporters say Akeem Ayers and Kyle Rudolph the targets

28. New England Patriots (14-2)

Initially looked like WR here but now trade appears likely
Torrey Smith, Jonathan Baldwin still possible
Mark Ingram looks very likely here if they stay in pick
Akeem Ayers interest

29. Chicago Bears (11-5)

Carimi interest
Said to have Sherrod interest and worked him out, but then GM said they don’t have first-round grade on him
Heavy contingent at Brooks Reed’s Pro Day
Liuget on radar
Mike Pouncey might be the favorite
Marvin Austin a fit and they have shown interest

30. New York Jets (11-5)