2011 NFL Mock Draft 5.0: Final First Round Predictions Before the Big Day

1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

2010 Statistics: 2854 yards, 30 touchdowns, seven interceptions

The closer we get to Roger Goodell announcing Carolina's pick, it seems like Cam Newton is becoming the favorite to be the first overall pick in this year's draft.

Carolina has needs at almost every position, but with the worst passing offense last season and the team in need of a playmaker, Newton fits the bill as their top pick.

2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DL, Alabama

2010 Statistics: 33 tackles, five sacks

New head coach John Fox relies heavily on the defensive line in his scheme and will look to do the same thing he did when he took over Carolina in 2002–take the best defensive linemen in the draft.

3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M

2010 Statistics: 68 tackles, 11 sacks, one interception

Arguably the best player in the draft, Miller will bring a pass rush to a Buffalo defense that has struggled for years. While they improved in the secondary, their defensive line and linebackers struggled to put any pressure on the QB.

Luckily for Buffalo, Miller can do just that.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

2010 Statistics: 3,186 yards, 16 touchdowns, nine interceptions

Obviously, Cincinnati has a lot more needs then a quarterback, seeing how they already have Carson Palmer on the roster–for now.

Carson Palmer has said many times he will not play for the Cincinnati Bengals again, going so far as  to say that he will retire before playing for them again. This creates a huge problem, therefore, it's safe to say that the Bengals will bring in a franchise quarterback to take his place.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Quinn, DE/LB, UNC

2010 Statistics: Suspended, and did not accumulate any stats

New defensive coordinator Ray Horton has stated many times he is going to improve their pass rush greatly and you start that by adding pass rushers.

Quinn played defensive end in college, but will fit perfectly as a 3-4 pass rusher.

6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

2010 Statistics: 57 receptions, 848 yards, nine touchdowns

If A.J. Green falls down to Cleveland at No. 6, I'd be surprised if 30 seconds passed on the clock until the Browns selected Green.

Cleveland has not had a high-caliber receiver in years and Green would be an instant impact to this offense that features Colt McCoy and Peyton Hillis.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

2010 Statistics: 42 tackles, four interceptions

Peterson may be the most talented player in this draft–just watch any of his film. If he were to fall to San Francisco at No. 7, this franchise will be doing cartwheels in the war room.

  8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

2010 Statistics: 56 tackles, 12 sacks, one interception

Tennessee hasn't had an intimidating defensive tackle since the days of Albert Haynesworth, so it's fairley obvious that they will go with Nick Fairley here.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC

Even though it's not Mike Pouncey, the Dallas Cowboys will still go offensive line. Smith is an instant upgrade and should be able to start from day one.

10. Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

2010 Statistics: 78 receptions, 1,133 yards, seven touchdowns

Washington showed last season that they need to upgrade every position on their offense and they will do so by drafting Combine-star Julio Jones.

11. Houston Texans: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

2010 Statistics: 70 tackles, 13 sacks, one forced fumble

New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips will help build this defense that was arguably the worst last season. As Houston makes a switch to a 3-4 defense, they will need to add players to successfully make that switch.

Kerrigan played defensive end at Purdue, but he seems to be a perfect fit for a 3-4 outside linebacker.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Locker, QB, Washington

2010 Statistics: 2,265 yards, 17 touchdowns, nine interceptions

It's no mystery that Minnesota will bring in a franchise quarterback this offseason and I believe Locker fits with the Vikings.

Locker, who was expected to be the first overall pick last season, opted to stay at Washington for his senior year and after a rocky season, has dropped out of the top 10.

13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

2010 Statistics: 59 tackles, one sack

After selecting the best defensive linemen in Ndamukong Suh, Detroit will now draft his teammate to continue improving a team that continues to get better and better each season.

14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

2010 Statistics: 63 tackles, five sacks

Even though the move to select quarterback Sam Bradford over Ndamukong Suh with the first overall pick last season ended up being a better one, St. Louis still has a big need at defensive tackle.

While this may be a reach, Liuget will still greatly upgrade the position, giving them a dominant defensive tackle that they have lacked for years.

15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

2010 Statistics: 158 carries, 875 yards, 13 touchdowns

Ronnie Brown's contract is up and he hasn't quite lived up to his second overall pick selection in 2005. Ricky Williams, the longtime Dolphin running back, also has an expired contract and age is starting to catch up with him.

It's time for change at the running back position for Miami. Ingram is the best running back in this draft and should be the selection.

 16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri

2010 Statistics: 48 tackles, six tackles, one interception

Aldon Smith is raw, but has the potential to be a star at the NFL level if he is developed well.

While he could also be chosen by a 3-4 team and developed into a 3-4 pass rushing linebacker, I believe Smith will do best as a 4-3 defensive end.

17. New England Patriots: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

2010 Statistics: 62 tackles, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception

Arguably the most underrated prospect in this draft, Watt is a perfect fit for New England's 3-4 scheme, as he will bring an excellent talent to the NFL level.

18. New York Giants: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Carimi has questions surrounding him, but not particularly negative ones. 

Some believe he is the top offensive linemen in this draft. Carimi can start at tackle or guard, two positions of need for the Giants.

19. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Jordan, DE, California

2010 Statistics: 51 tackles, six sacks, one forced fumble

San Diego has slowly seen their defensive line depart, losing Jamal Williams and Igor Olshansky, while doing nothing to acquire new players to replace them.

Jordan would easily be a top 10 pick in a less-deep defensive end class.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

2010 Statistics: 67 tackles, 16 sacks, one forced fumble, one interception

The fall of Da'Quan Bowers from the first overall pick to  a late-first rounder is unbelievable.

His injuries are the biggest of questions surrounding this prospect and while some believe he may be a one-contract player, others believe that the team selecting him may be getting the biggest steal of the draft.

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor

2010 Statistics: 62 tackles, two sacks

The up-and-coming Kansas City Chiefs will continue to build their defense through the draft, as Phil Taylor will line up besides former Chiefs' first round picks Glenn Dorsey and Tyron Jackson.

22. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Castanzo, OT, Boston College

It's time to start thinking long term for Indianapolis and they will do so in this draft.

Peyton Manning won't be around forever and neither will this aging offensive line.

The Colts will kill two birds with one stone by selecting Castonzo. They can upgrade their aging offensive line and give Peyton Manning better protection as he continues to get older, which means he'll be less likely to have injury problems because he's taking hits.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

2010 Statistics: 50 tackles

It seems set in stone that Philadelphia will select Smith if he's available at number 23, but will he?

His stock continues to vary week-to-week, but I believe this is the perfect fit for both the Eagles and Smith.

24. New Orleans Saints: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

2010 Statistics: 68 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions

New Orleans' disappointed many after the loss to Seattle in the NFC Wild Card game. Just take a look at the run Marshawn Lynch had at the end of that game–this team needs an upgrade on defense.

Ayers may not be the best player available, but he fits a big need. After all, this team has struggled to have a more than average outside linebacker in years.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

2010 Statistics: 68 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions

After losing out on Jake Locker, Seattle could go to Andy Dalton here.

However, I'm not a believe in Dalton being a first round pick, so Seattle will stick with Hasselback for another year and upgrade their defensive line with the selection of Clayborn.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Muhammad Wilkerson, DL, Temple

2010 Statistics: 68 tackles, 10 sacks, one forced fumble

Baltimore will continue to do what they do every season and that's build their defense through the draft.

Wilkerson can player any position along the line and will pair with Haloti Ngata and Terrance Cody to make a ferocious defensive line.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia

2010 Statistics: 56 tackles, 10 sacks, one interception

Atlanta chose a linebacker with their first pick last season in Sean Weatherspoon and will do the same this season, bringing in a more physical and pass rushing threat in Justin Houston.

28. New England Patriots: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor

If it wasn't for his age (27), Watkins could easily be the first offensive linemen taken. Obviously, he's the most NFL-ready with his age and maturity and should be able start right away.

29. Chicago Bears: Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida

His twin brother, Maurkice Pouncey, was selected to the Pro Bowl and was part of the AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. It worked for the Steelers and his brother Mike should have the same success in the NFL.

30. New York Jets: Brooks Reed, OLB/DE, Arizona

2010 Statistics: 47 tackles, seven sacks

There's almost no way head coach Rex Ryan will let Clay Matthews 2.0 slip out of his hands. New York has a huge need for a pass rushing linebacker and Brooks is a perfect fit.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Pittsburgh has a need at cornerback as well, but the value is better for Solder.

32. Green Bay Packers: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

2010 Statistics: 48 tackles, four sacks

When the new labor agreement deal strikes, Green Bay defensive end Cullin Jenkins will become a free agent and isn't likely to return to the Packers.

If Jenkins does leave, Green Bay will have a huge hole to fill on the defensive line and Heyward can come in right away and help replace him.

It's a great pick here for Green Bay, as Hayward is arguably the best 3-4 defensive end in the draft.