2011 NFL Mock Draft 1st Round: Saints Draft Da'Quan Bowers over Mark Ingram

The draft is just hours away and teams are working the phones as they attempt to nab a player that is on the wish list. For the New Orleans Saints, they are at the mercy of other teams in front of them.

The Saints draft No. 24 overall and unless they can trade up, they will have to pick what is left over. Luckily for the Saints, they will be able to take advantage of medical reports.

Da’ Quan Bowers and Mark Ingram have both been labeled as injury risks, due to medical concerns and previous injuries. This has caused their draft stock to drop and the Saints will be ready to swoop in and grab a player that could lead them to a Super Bowl in 2012.

Here is the Rest of Round 1:

1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, Auburn

The NFL Draft day smokescreens are out, but the Panthers will make Newton the No. 1 overall pick.

2. Denver Broncos: Marcel Dareus, Alabama

Recent Mock drafts have the Broncos grabbing Von Miller, but the need is at defensive end.

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

This pick has serious upside and that is what the Bills organization needs right now.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, Georgia

The Bengals are down with Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco and you have to start somewhere. There are more veteran quarterbacks available in free agency than wide outs with potential.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri

I still believe the Cardinals will trade this pick, but if they don’t Gabbert is the right fit.

6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, Alabama

The Browns should draft defense, but they are fixated on wide receiver and Julio Jones is worth the pick.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, LSU

The 49ers are another likely trade target, but if Peterson is around he will be a great addition to the team.

8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, Auburn

If a team has any chance of grabbing a first-round bust, it’s the Titans with this pick.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, Nebraska

Recent mock drafts have Amukamara dropping like a rock, but teams will regret passing on him.

10. Washington Redskins: Robert Quinn, North Carolina

The Redskins get a potential All-Pro and top performer with Quinn.

11. Houston Texans: Aldon Smith, Missouri

The Houston Texans need defense in the worst way and this is a good start.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Locker, Washington

The Vikings will be looking to trade and stay active. They need help on the offensive line, but can’t miss a QB.

13. Detroit Lions: Tyron Smith, USC

The Lions missed out on a top cornerback, so the next best thing is protecting the fragile Matthew Stafford.

14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget, Illnois

The Rams will want to trade up, but don’t have the ammo. This pick will work out just fine.

15. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Mallett, Arkansas

The Dolphins will pass on offensive line and running back to replace Chad Henne

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue

Jack Del Rio and the Jags front office love this pick and he will be around.

17. New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan, California

The Patriots may have to trade up to get Jordan. His stock is rising but the Pats have the picks to make the move.

18. San Diego Chargers: Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple

The Bolts need help on defense and will have options at this spot, which is a bit surprising.

19.  New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, Boston College

The Giants need line help and he is the best out there.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: J.J. Watt, Wisconsin

If Watt slips this far the Bucs will make this pick in about 10 seconds.

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin

The Chiefs could grab a nose tackle here but improving the running game is a need.

22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, Colorado

Solder is quick enough to keep up with this offense and bring the running game back to life.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, Colorado

Smith will fit in nicely with the Eagles and give them one of the best secondaries in the game.

24. New Orleans Saints: Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson

Mark Ingram is another option, but Bowers is a game changer. Falling this far makes him a steal and he has the potential to lead the league in sacks in year one.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Andy Dalton, TCU

The Seahawks will not chance waiting on a quarterback and they like Dalton.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Akeem Ayers, UCLA

I am convinced that the Ravens will trade, but if not, Ayers is a good fit.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Adrian Clayborn

The Falcons could draft offensive line, but the need for defense is pressing.

28. New England Patriots: Mike Pouncey, Florida

The Patriots will most certainly trade this pick, but if not look for Belichick to keep drafting Gators.

29. Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State

Somewhere Jay Cuter is smiling.

30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, Baylor

Taylor is a big bruising defensive player with attitude, perfect match.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Williams, Texas

The Steelers are going to have some turnover at cornerback and Williams is a good fit.

32. Green Bay Packer: Mark Ingram, Alabama

The Packers get a steal with Ingram dropping this far in the draft. If the Packers can run the ball it will only make Aaron Rodgers better.

The draft is coming up and it may be some of the late round players that make the difference in years to come.

Matt Regaw is a B/R Featured Columnist and the founder of BookieBlitz.com, your one-stop shop for sports articles, previews and predictions. Feel free to contact Matt at [e-mail].