NFL Draft 2011 Results: Recapping Draft Picks 5-8

The 2011 NFL draft results are in for picks five through eight, and let me tell you, there are some surprises.

The NFL draft is never without some reaches, but we had some early that have me thinking it is going to be a great day to be a quarterback.

There was a trade that saw the Atlanta Falcons get a future star wide receiver and the Titans shouted loud and clear that they needed a QB.

As the draft continues, the action is just heating up. So let's break down the next four athletes and what they will mean to their new teams.

The NFL draft, where shock and awe happen.

Arizona Cardinals Take Patrick Peterson at No. 5

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 1: Defensive back Patrick Peterson of LSU works out during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

There is no doubt the Arizona Cardinals need some help. This is a team without a quarterback or a player on defense that will not be receiving their retirement checks sometime soon.

The Cardinals chose to go with defense with their first pick in the draft. I would have enjoyed a quarterback here as well. The Cardinals are in dire need of one immediately. But it is hard to find fault with this pick.

Patrick Peterson is by far the best athlete on the board. He has power and speed that makes him a true gem in the draft.

It may be a while before he matures into a shutdown corner. I am confident that he will surely become one. For the time being, we will have to be content to watch his stunning, game-changing punt returns.

Atlanta Falcons Take Julio Jones at No. 6

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a long reception against the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

We had our first trade of the draft at No. 6. The Atlanta Falcons sent some picks to the Cleveland Browns to make a huge leap on the board.

Jones made giant strides when he showed true talent at the NFL combine. He came in with a hurt foot and still managed to wow scouts with his blazing speed.

He is tough and passionate about the game. The Falcons will be extremely hard to defend next season.

San Francisco 49ers Take Aldon Smith at No. 7

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 23: Aldon Smith #85 of the Missouri Tigers in action against the Oklahoma Sooners at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbia, Missouri. The Tigers beat the Sooners 36-27. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Image

San Francisco ignored the fact that their answer at quarterback was sitting there in Blaine Gabbert. Instead, they went with a gritty player on defense.

I like it.

Aldon Smith is the kind of guy that every defense wants in their front seven. He will brings intensity to the line and will make sure that no quarterback goes unchecked.

It is now clear that the 49ers, under Jim Harbaugh, are set to build a defensive team that can rival the best in football.

Tennesee Titans Take Jake Locker at No. 8

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Quarterback Jake Locker of Washington runs a passing drill during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

There is a quarterback run taking place in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft. Jake Locker was poised to be drafted in the first round.

This is much earlier than I had him.

Locker was considered a top-tier pick in last year's mock drafts before he decided to stay at Washington.

He is still the same swift-footed QB that is unafraid of getting a little physical with his running. Locker is a born leader that can right the ship in Tennessee.

It just may take a couple of tumultuous years.