http://nflsoup.com/?p=10051
1. Carolina Panthers (2-14) – Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
When you’re drafting #1 overall, nine times out of ten, you need a quarterback. The story is no different here. Jimmy Clausen isn’t the answer, but the second round pick of 2010 will get a chance to start in 2011 while Ron Rivera grooms Cam Newton for a starting role. Newton isn’t close to being NFL ready, but he does have the ability to be a big time play maker, and with some work on his technique and overall accuracy, he could become a top notch quarterback within two seasons.
2. Denver Broncos (4-12) - Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
The Broncos are rumored to favor Miller slightly over Marcell Dareus. Regardless of the selection, they can’t miss. Grabbing Miller gives them a versatile linebacker who can also put his hand on the ground as a pass rusher, which I think playing him opposite Elvis Dumervil would benefit the Broncos the most.
3. Buffalo Bills (4-12) – Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama
Buffalo’s new 3-4 defense just couldn’t seem to get a pass rush going in 2010. The biggest reason is because of the lack of defensive line mammoths. Dareus gives the Bills the ideal five technique at defensive end to allow guys like Aaron Maybin, Arthur Moats, and Shawne Merriman free to get to the quarterback.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (4-12) – Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
The upset pick here, somewhat like the Darrius Heyward-Bey over Michael Crabtree selection a couple years ago. Jones fits the West Coast Offense of Jay Gruden to a “T”, and he’s the better downfield blocker and YAC guy for the Bengals. They’ll look to add a QB in the second or third round of the 2011 NFL Draft to replace the disgruntled Palmer.
5. Arizona Cardinals (5-11) – Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
The Cardinals are backed into selecting the Best Player Available at five with Patrick Peterson. Peterson could play FS or opposite Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to combine for one of the best potential cornerback tandems in the NFL.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-11) – A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
The speculation has been that A.J. Green will be unavailable. But in this scenario, Colt McCoy gets the Browns #1 wide receiver target in the 2011 NFL Draft. Green’s size and speed combination is a great fit for the West Coast Offense, and gives the Browns a true play maker on offense.
7. San Francisco 49ers (6-10) – Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
While the 49ers could opt to go with Prince Amukamara, I think the overall potential of Robert Quinn causes them to make this selection. Quinn’s overall ability screams 10-15 sacks per season, and if developed properly, he could be one of the best pass rushers in the next few seasons.
8. Tennessee Titans (6-10) – Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
Tennessee may not miss Albert Haynesworth’s attitude, but they surely miss his presence. Fairley gives the Titans a pure penetrating under tackle who can get to the quarterback quickly, and cause backfield disruptions. Fairley’s character may be in concern, but his effect on the field can help the Titans to overlook that.
9. Dallas Cowboys (6-10) – Tyron Smith, OT, USC
The Cowboys’ need for help on the right side is huge. Tyron Smith played right tackle at USC, and will most likely be groomed to play left tackle eventually. But Smith not only helps as a long term solution, but in the short term as he should be able to come in immediately and make an impact on the right side for Dallas as they try to keep Tony Romo on the field for 16 games in 2011.
10. Washington Redskins (6-10) – Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
The Redskins are targeting Jake Locker, Julio Jones, Cameron Jordan and Blaine Gabbert most likely. Gabbert falls to pick 10, and Shanahan jumps all over the bandwagon. Gabbert can run, and throw the ball well down field. He could sit behind Donovan McNabb for a season before being forced to start.
11. Houston Texans (6-10) – Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
With the Texans moving to Wade Phillips’ new 3-4 defense, they struggle to pass on the talented, but raw Aldon Smith. Smith is a natural pass rusher who looks to be everything you look for in a true 3-4 outside linebacker. If anybody can turn this kid into a star, it’s Wade Phillips.
12. Minnesota Vikings (6-10) – Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
The Vikings opt to gain depth at defensive tackle for the future Pat Williams replacement. Liuget is a big, space eating 4-3 nose tackle who can penetrate when needed. He’s excellent against the run, and one of the top defensive tackles on the board.
13. Detroit Lions (6-10) – Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
It’s hard to imagine Prince Amukamara falling out of the Top 10, but in this scenario the Lions strike gold by getting the second best cornerback in the draft. We saw their secondary single-handedly lose them football games in 2010, and it’s time to bring that to an end.
14. St. Louis Rams (7-9) – Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
With A.J. Green and Julio Jones gone, the Rams move onto the next big position of need on the other side of the ball. Spagnuolo takes a risk on the knee issues surrounding Bowers and hopes to make him the next great quarterback terrorist.
15. Miami Dolphins (7-9) – Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
I just can’t see the Dolphins passing on the best guard/center prospect in the 2011 NFL Draft in Mike Pouncey. His best position is at left guard, and with the interior line struggles, the Dolphins can’t afford to pass him up after finishing 32nd in the league in second level yardage by running backs.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8) – Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada
A big rumor on the quarterback homefront is that Jacksonville sees Kaepernick as the ideal quarterback for their franchise. Grooming Kaep behind David Garrard could be an excellent situation for the Jags as they look to move past Garrard’s inconsistency.
17. New England Patriots (from Oakland) (14-2) – Cameron Jordan, DE, California
Cameron Jordan is a Top 10 talent falling right in the Patriots lap at 17. Jordan played in a five technique at Cal, mostly at LDE, and he will play the same, eating space and containing the edge with the Pats. He offers excellent pass rush ability for a true 3-4 DE.
18. San Diego Chargers (9-7) – J.J. Watt, DT/DE, Wisconsin
Addressing the defensive line is a big must for the Chargers who failed to make the playoffs despite having the #1 offense and #1 defense. Watt could come in across from Luis Castillo right away and make an impact.
19. New York Giants (10-6) – Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
The Giants’ man in Castonzo slips to 19, and we know they like their Boston College products. Castonzo can be groomed to start at left tackle in a season or two, and play a bit of right tackle to get his feet wet, immediately.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6) – Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
The Buccaneers want to upgrade one of the defensive end spots and grabbing the pure pass rushing Kerrigan with pick 20 is an absolute steal. Kerrigan is a pure 4-3 defensive end and could play both LDE or RDE for them immediately.
21. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) – Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Branden Albert isn’t the answer, and the Chiefs need a mauling left tackle who isn’t too shabby in pass protection. Solder’s 6’8 frame is ideal for them to eventually plug in to protect Matt Cassel’s blind side.
22. Indianapolis Colts (10-6) – Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
The revolving door at left tackle for the Colts has to be fixed. Gabe Carimi isn’t the best pass blocker, but Peyton Manning’s quick release will help him. Carimi gets an amazing push in the run game, while his pass protection is adequate enough for the offense.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) – Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
The Eagles are praying for Smith to fall. With the lack of depth, it’s clear they need a legit #2 corner across from Asante Samuel. When Samuel went down in 2010, players like Dimitri Patterson were forced to step up and couldn’t deliver consistently. Smith gives the Eagles a physical corner with quick hips that is a Top 15 talent.
24. New Orleans Saints (11-5) – Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
Grabbing the space eater in Muhammad Wilkerson would be ideal for the Saints. Sedrick Ellis is more of a penetrator, and the Saints have had trouble with Remi Ayodele’s consistency.
25. Seattle Seahawks (7-9) – Jake Locker, QB, Washington
I fail to see how Pete Carroll can pass up on grooming Jake Locker behind Matt Hasselbeck. While Locker is a big project, he’s loaded with potential, and a mentor like Hasselbeck could help his game immensely.
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