2011 NFL Draft Results: 5 Picks Who Are Worth the Risk

The NFL draft is winding down and (if the lockout nonsense ever ends) we'll start to find out in a few months if these rookies were worthy of their selections, be it first overall or Mr. Irrelevant. 

And we'll also find out if some of the players that teams "gambled" on prove their doubters wrong and reward the teams that chose them.

This year's draft seemed loaded with those types of players who had either on off the field "baggage."  Here are the five players who will ultimately make their coaches, the media, and the fans forget all about those issues...and leave several teams sorry the passed them up.

No. 5: Jake Locker, QB, Tennessee Titans

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies looks on during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on September 18, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Selected: First round, eighth overall

It was a major surprise to see Locker go this early, but since many projected him as a first round pick (some as high as 12th to Minnesota) it wasn't quite as astounding as people have made it seem.

Sure, the Titans would have been better off trading down a dozen or so spots and making this pick, but they might not have lost out on him there. Or maybe just no one would pay their price.

But in the end this pick will prove worth it.

He had a somewhat down senior year and struggled with his completion percentage. But he didn't have nearly the same level of talent in his offense that Cam Newton, Andy Dalton or even Christian Ponder and Blaine Gabbert had.

He'll sit behind Kerry Collins for most of next year, but with his athleticism (4.5 speed) he'll give the Titans the leadership and big play ability they need.

No. 4: Aldon Smith, DE, San Francisco 49ers

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: NFL Commissoner Roger Goodell poses for a photo with Aldon Smith, #7 overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers, during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty I

Selected: First round, seventh overall

Like Locker, this is only a potential risk because of where they made the pick. Most experts saw him as middle of the first round pick, not inside the top 10.

But you've got to like Jim  Harbaugh's thought process here. He's in it for the long haul, which is something he can afford since he's a rookie head coach coming off a great college career in the area. (And his NFL career doesn't hurt.)

Smith has unbelievable athleticism and will "grow into his body" like all the experts are hoping.

It might not be for two or three years, but this is the type of player who someday will contend for the NFL sack title or even a Defensive Player of the Year.

No. 3: Jon Baldwin, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 05: Jonathan Baldwin #82 of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers catches a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats on December 5, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Ge

Selected: First round, 27th overall

Prior to the draft there was a lot of knocking Baldwin. That hasn't stopped with his selection in the first round.

Some of the experts out there criticize him for calling out his teammates and coaches at Pitt. While that isn't the right way to go about venting, if this was another player, they might praise him for being "a competitor who just wants to win so badly!""

As far as the on the field stuff, there are complaints about his long striding and perhaps being a combine wonder. 

But he isn't being asked to carry an offense in Kansas City. Not only do the Chiefs have the NFL's best running game, but Dwayne Bowe emerged as a premier player last season as well.

Baldwin may never become Jerry Rice. But he doesn't need to be.

No. 2: Christian Ponder, QB, Minnesota Vikings

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RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 28: Christian Ponder #7 of the Florida State Seminoles drops back to throw a pass against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on October 28, 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Street

Selected: First round, 12th overall

Look, there's really no denying that Ponder was a reach here: even if he turns out to be the next Sammy Baugh, he probably could have been had a 10-15 spots later, if not the second round.

The questions about his accuracy and durability dropped him out of the same class as Jake Locker and Andy Dalton.

But that doesn't mean he isn't a capable player.

He's walking into a truly awesome setup with Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin, Visanthe Schiancoe, a good offensive line and maybe Sidney Rice. Depending on who they bring in to be the veteran placeholder, Ponder could be under center sometime late next season.

No. 1: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Michael Dyer #5 of the Auburn Tigers against Da'Quan Bowers #93 of the Clemson Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Selected: Second round, 51st overall

The knee is obviously a major concern and ultimately it could cost him years off his career.

But that didn't stop Jevon Kearse from making a major impact in a short time span.

Let's assume Bowers misses all of next season. When he returns he'll be in a great setup that features Adrian Clayborn coming into a second year and Gerald McCoy coming into his third season.

Don't be surprised if Raheem Morris just lets him ease in to the defense and do nothing but rush the quarterback. With his specialty, he's the type of player who can produce 12-15 sacks a season.

Even if he only has three or four years of top level production, it should be worth it if it produces a Super Bowl title.