NFL Mock Draft 2011!

The NFL Draft is fast approaching, and that means it is time for my annual mock draft!  I will break it up into 3 posts starting with the top 10 picks today.

1. Carolina Panthers 

Marcell Dareus DT, Alabama - The Panthers need a lot of help on the offensive side of the ball but this years draft is lacking in the offensive power of years past, therefore they will go with one of the best defensive players in the draft; Marcell Dareus.  Dareus was simply unblockable in Bama's bowl game against Michigan State, and has since done nothing but help his draft stock.  He is nothing short of a giant at 6'3" and 320 lbs!  In addition to that, their new head coach is a former defensive coordinator.

 2.  Denver Broncos

Da'Quan Bowers DE, Clemson- Last year the Broncos defense could not sack the QB if they were playing 2-hand touch.  When Elvis Dumervil got injured prior to the season the Broncos lost their only good pass rusher.  Last year their leading sack getter had only 5.5 sacks!  It does not matter who is in your secondary when you cannot pressure the QB.   Bowers is a perfect fit for John Fox's 4-3 defense that he will run in Denver.  Adding Bowers and getting Dumervil back from injury should provide the Broncos with a deadly due at DE.

3. Buffalo Bills

Cam Newton QB, Auburn - Every year there is a team that picks an over hyped player and this year is no different... thank you Buffalo.  Head coach-Chan Gailey has always loved playing with QBs that can make plays with their feet.  His best year as an offensive coordinator was with the Steelers in 2001 when he helped Kordell Stewart have the best season of his career.  Also when he coached at Georgia Tech he always had an option QB running the offense.  He will be begging for the Bills to draft Newton!  Newton has all the makings to be Vince Young 2.0, which is never a good thing, but his talent is out of this world and will be the pick for the Bills.

4. Cincinnati Bengals

A.J. Green WR, Georgia-  The Bengals primary need at this point is to give Carson Palmer a reason to stick around.  Chad Johnson is not the same game changing receiver he once was and in his own words it is time for him to "kiss the baby"!  Cincy needs to get Palmer surrounded by more football players and less reality TV stars.  Green is a game changing receiver that will have Palmer smiling again in Cincinnati.

5. Arizona Cardinals

Blaine Gabbert QB, Missouri-  The Cardinals are hurting in a bad way for a QB that can flat play.  They struck out a few years back with Matt Leinart, and now need to take their chances again this year with Gabbert - although I could very easily see them trading for QB Kevin Kolb from the Eagles.  If Kolb becomes a reality, look for them to draft Von Miller, OLB from Texas A&M.

6. Cleveland Browns

Nick Fairley DT, Auburn- The Browns would love to get A.J. Green at this point but because he is gone they will take Fairley.  Its hard to see them passing on Patrick Peterson but they selected James Harden last year and I find it hard to believe a team would invest that much money into such younger players that play the same position.  Fairley will help them rebuild their defense.

  7. San Francisco 49ers

Patrick Peterson CB, LSU- This is the best pick of the draft!  The 49ers get lucky and in my opinion land the best player in this years draft.  Years ago the 49ers signed Nate Clement to be their shut down corner and although he has been good, he has not lived up to his price tag.  Peterson will give them that shut down corner, and when paired with Patrick Willis... let's just say the 49ers defense will be solid for years.

8. Tennessee Titans

Corey Liuget DT, Illinois- This pick is a big time reach but their defense is in need of having a dominate DT.  At this point Liuget is the best remaining DT on the board.  They would benefit to trade down if this is the direction they go but thanks to the labor dispute, this years draft might not include any trades. 

9. Dallas Cowboys

Von Miller OLB, Texas A&M- The Cowboys 2 biggest needs are at DE and OL.  They will go with Miller because he is too good to pass up at this point.  Miller is drawing comparisons to Clay Matthews of the Packers.  Tyron Smith LT from USC would be a better pick but, interesting little fact; Jerry Jones has yet to draft an OL in the first round since he bought the Cowboys.  Also they could look at J.j. Watt DE from Wisconsin or Cameron Jordan DE from Cal.

10. Washington Redskins

Julio Jones WR, Alabama-  The Redskins need a serious upgrade at WR, and Jones will provide that.  A few years ago they attempted to take a couple WRs in Devon Thomas and Malcolm Kelly which have been a complete disappointment.  Neither of those guys have the talent or speed that Jones has.  The Redskins think they have their man in Jason Campbell, and now it is time to get him someone to throw to.