2011 NFL Draft Results: 5 Teams That Took the Biggest Risks During NFL Draft

In the NFL draft, there is always some risk and reward involved with prospects.

But some teams go above and beyond being risky, perhaps moving into the arena of being reckless.

For me, the Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings took the biggest risks in the 2011 NFL draft.

If their picks turn out, they will be deemed geniuses, like the Houston Texans were after a couple years of passing up Reggie Bush and going with Mario Williams with the No. 1 selection in the 2006 draft.

If their prospects fail, however, first-round picks have a chance of setting back a franchise at least a couple years, if not more (ask the San Francisco 49ers, i.e., QB Alex Smith).

Here are the five teams that took the biggest risks, who they selected and why they were risky picks.

5. Minnesota Vikings: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Quarterback Christian Ponder of Florida State looks on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

With the 12th overall selection in the 2011 NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings proved they were looking for a quarterback, regardless of who fell to them.

With Cam Newton, Jake Locker and Blaine Gabbert off the board, the Vikings selection was viewed by some as an act of desperation, picking the best available quarterback regardless if they thought he was going to be their leader for the future.

The Vikings lost Brett Favre this offseason to "retirement" and backup Tarvaris Jackson is not the answer.

I like Christian Ponder, but selecting him at No. 12 was a bit much.

4. Tennessee Titans: Jake Locker, QB, Washington

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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)

Obviously, the Titans believed Washington QB Jake Locker was their guy to supplant Vince Young under center, passing up Missouri's Blaine Gabbert.

Gabbert was widely considered one of the top two QBs in the draft, and some had Locker going to the Seattle Seahawks at No. 25, a spot in the draft where many believed he belonged.

Not only did the Titans go with the unpopular pick, they surpassed defensive tackle Nick Fairley, who could have seriously helped them in the interior.

They better hope Locker becomes a star in the NFL.

3. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Cam Newton, #1 overall pick by the Carolina Panthers holds up a jersey on stage after he was picked during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Not only was Auburn quarterback considered a boom-or-bust prospect with tremendous potential mixed in with character concerns and accuracy concerns in the pocket, the Carolina Panthers selected him No. 1 overall over Blaine Gabbert and some thoroughly enticing defensive prospects (LSU corner Patrick Peterson, Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus come to mind).

Newton could become a star in the NFL and be the best QB that comes out of the 2011 NFL draft, but he could also be a flop.

The Panthers took a big chance on him at No. 1.

2. Seattle Seahawks: James Carpenter, G, Alabama

The big risk here is that the Seahawks could have addressed their QB situation with someone like Andy Dalton, Colin Kaepernick or Ryan Mallett.

They also could have addressed their secondary with Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith.

They did neither, instead curiously opting for Alabama offensive guard James Carpenter, who wasn't considered a first-round talent in many draft circles.

Not only does Carpenter have to justify his selection at No. 25, the Seahawks have to justify ignoring two primary needs in the first round and some enticing prospects at those areas of concern.

1. Atlanta Falcons: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Julio Jones, #6 overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons, holds up a jersey on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

It's not that Julio Jones was a risk at No. 6, it's that the Falcons gave up so much to get him and he wasn't even a primary need for them given they have star receiver Roddy White already.

The Falcons not only traded their No. 27 pick, second-round pick and fourth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for No. 6, but they also gave them their 2012 first- and fourth-round picks.

It doesn't make sense given the Falcons had the opportunity even at No. 27 to nab a solid defensive end that they desperately needed or help their pass rush.

They not only ignored their primary need, they hindered their chances of adding some difference-makers this year and next year in the draft.