UTTQ 2012 NFL Mock Draft

The 2012 Draft is only days away, and the only guarantees thus far have been in the top two picks. There's multiple rumors about trades and other different scenarios going on, but nothing has occurred just yet. As such, this mock is as much of a toss-up as it has ever been in an NFL mock draft. Here goes nothing:

1. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS--Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

There's been talk for months that Luck would be the guy. In fact, ever since Peyton Manning went down and the Colts started their season on a low note, Luck has been mentioned as the guy who will follow the greatest Indy quarterback ever. It's definitely a tough burden, but with some veteran players still in the fold (Reggie Wayne, Dwight Freeney), Luck could have success in what has undoubtedly been a difficult transition for Colts fans.


2. WASHINGTON REDSKINS (from St. Louis Rams)--Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Griffin has been the ultimate big risk big reward player who became a stud during his junior year at Baylor. He was great in college but many draft experts question the success he will have in the pros. Washington is desperate for an answer at quarterback and traded a bounty of picks to St. Louis in order to secure the services of Griffin (or Luck). This pick is set in stone.


3. MINNESOTA VIKINGS--Matt Kalil, LT, Southern California

The Vikings have been dabbling about taking OSU's Justin Blackmon or LSU's Morris Claiborne, but if they were smart, all they are doing is blowing smoke. The pick here should either be Matt Kalil or, if they aren't sold, a trade. The Vikings need a decent tackle, and Kalil is one of the surest bets in the draft.


4. CLEVELAND BROWNS--Trent Richardson, HB, Alabama

Richardson is one of the best pure players in this draft. All around a strong runner, he could be very successful at the next level. A good guy off the field as well, Richardson can be a game-breaker, as evidenced by his touchdown run in an offensively lacking BCS National Championship game. The Browns could use Richardson or a receiver like Blackmon, but good runners are far more rare in this draft.


5. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS--Morris Claiborne, CB, Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College

Claiborne may be dumb according to the Wonderlic, but on the field he shows the smarts and talent to achieve at the next level. The Bucs current corners include veteran Ronde Barber and E.J. Biggers. Barber could retire at any moment, while talented but troubled corner Aqib Talib is frequent police blotter material. Claiborne is a perfect complement for new acquisition Eric Wright, as the Bucs try to regroup from their 4th place NFC South finish last year.


6. ST. LOUIS RAMS (from Washington Redskins)--Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The Rams get their man in the end, even though earlier teams (namely the Vikings and Browns) could trade out of their spots for a team desperate to snag Blackmon. Unfortunately, that team would be dumb, because the Rams could simply trade down a few spots and take a decent but perfectly good wideout in Michael Floyd, or even Kendall Wright. The Rams need to be smart with this pick, however. Taking a wide receiver would be ideal, but there are many other needs that could be addressed depending on how the top of the draft turns out.


7. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS--Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

The Jaguars have apparently been high on Gilmore for a while, and he will provide great insurance in a defensive backfield consisting of new signee Aaron Ross and the oft-injured Rashean Mathis. Gilmore is without a doubt one of the top corners available, so the Jags will pounce on the chance to get him early.


8. MIAMI DOLPHINS--Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas Agricultural and Mechanical

Tannehill has steadily been rising up draft boards, and the Dolphins believe that they need to secure the quarterback of the future in the first round (another second rounder will surely fail again, right?). Personally, I believe taking Tannehill this high isn't justified, and it's only because he is the third best guy behind the two studs of the draft. There is definitely a drop-off after Griffin, but if the Dolphins really want to break the mold, they'll happily take Tannehill here.


9. CAROLINA PANTHERS--Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science

The Panthers need to address concerns on the inside of the D-line, and what better way than to take one of the top prospects available? Cox has shot up the draft boards and could very well kiss the top-five, but I believe he will "slide" to the Panthers at number 9. Cox definitely has the skills and rigor necessary to bolster the Panther's D-line and continue to keep them close in tight games.


10. BUFFALO BILLS--Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Bills really want Gilmore, but with the Jaguars taking him 3 picks ago, they'll have to settle for Dre Kirkpatrick of Alabama. This may be a reach, but Kirkpatrick is the best corner available. There are some encouraging prospects that the Bills might take, but I believe corner will be a key position they must strengthen.


11. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS--David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

The Chiefs have the talent on the outside to make a formidable rushing attack but they could use some cleaning up on the inside. DeCastro will presumably start at right guard and make his way to the left to form a combination with Branden Albert that will dominate opposing D-line schemes.


12. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS--Luke Kuechley, LB, Boston College

The Seahawks get their man in Kuechley, who will fill a vital hole in the defense ever since Lofa Tatupu left the team. Kuechley has the skills and talent to thrive as a middle linebacker in the league. If Kuechley is gone, the Seahawks may dip into the other linebackers available, but they hope to pick a guy like Kuechley here.


13. ARIZONA CARDINALS--Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Reiff is the best tackle available, and the Cards will get their man to protect Kolb and the young runners in the backfield. This pick should be a no-brainer if Reiff is available.


14. DALLAS COWBOYS--Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

The third Tide player to get drafted, Barron will shore up a position that the Cowboys have been weak in for several years. Barron can immediately be a threat in a defense that has had rough patches over the years but is slowly improving.


15. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES--Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The Eagles would like to take a defensive end here, but with so many options to choose from, they'll settle on Melvin Ingram out of South Carolina. Ingram is an intriguing talent that could immediately add to the team after last year's disappointment. Other options here include Quinton Coples or Chandler Jones, who are more versatile players.


16. NEW YORK JETS--Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina at Chapel Hill

If Coples is still available here, the Jets will gladly take him. Coples is a top 15 talent, and the Eagles had to reluctantly pass on him. Coples can fit nicely into a Rex Ryan defense hungry on pressuring the quarterback from the edge.


17. CINCINNATI BENGALS (from Oakland Raiders)--Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame du Lac

Floyd is the second best receiver available, and the Bengals will gladly take him if he falls to this spot. With Jerome Simpson gone, the Bengals will have the chance to replace Simpson and more in Floyd. The success of A.J. Green last season could also benefit Floyd's transition.


18. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS--Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

The Chargers will gladly take either Coples or Ingram if they fall here, or might opt on Courtney Upshaw or Whitney Mercilus. The Chargers could definitely use an strong improvement on defense in a suddenly much more offensively competitive division.


19. CHICAGO BEARS--Whitney Mercilus, Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Bears will continue the recent trend of picks by picking a defensive end. The local product is reportedly a favorite of the coaching staff, and can turn out nicely alongside Julius Peppers in continuing to be one of the league's most gritty defenses.


20. TENNESSEE TITANS--Michael Brockers, DT, Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College

The Titans need to address the void in the middle, and what better way than to take one of the top defensive tackles available? Sound familiar? I've seen a few mocks that have Brockers going in Cox's spot, so the Titans will be getting a good value pick here.


21. CINCINNATI BENGALS--Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

The abundance of versatile defensive ends keep on coming when the Bengals draft for the second time in round one, this time addressing defensive concerns. The secondary is decent, but he guys up front could struggle at times. Upshaw will be the fourth Alabama player taken after Richardson, Kirkpatrick, and Barron.

22. CLEVELAND BROWNS (from Atlanta Falcons)--Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

The Browns are looking for weapons for Colt McCoy, and have found two in Richardson and Wright. Wright can certainly be a field stretcher, but is also versatile enough to take on a Josh Cribbs role later on.


23. DETROIT LIONS--Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia

Glenn will help to forget about the failed Gosder Cherilus pick, and could possibly work his way as a replacement for veteran Jeff Backus. Although Backus may have a few more years left in him, insurance always helps.


24. PITTSBURGH STEELERS--Nick Perry, DE, Southern California

The Steelers will jump out to grab Perry, who will ease into the rotation as insurance to a slowly aging Steeler D. Perry has the skills to jump in when he has the chance, but the Steelers could also forgo him for a linebacker with this pick.


25. DENVER BRONCOS--Amini Silatolu, G/OT, Midwestern State

The Broncos could certainly use an upgrade to their O-line now that Peyton Manning is quarterback and needs more time to throw than the previous QB. Denver could also address their lack of interior defensive linemen.


26. HOUSTON TEXANS--Shea McClellin, DE/OLB, Boise State

The Texans could use this pick to find a replacement for Mario Williams, but the reality is that they will only get low first rounders/top second rounders here.


27. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (from New Orleans Saints)--Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Poe really rose up draft boards because of his Combine, but slowly worked his way back down due to lackluster gametape. Poe could be an intriguing prospect that Belichick could mold.


28. GREEN BAY PACKERS--Devon Still, DT, Pennsylvania State

Green Bay has issues to address up front on defense. Their offense is set and ready to perform at great levels. Still can make the transition onto a constantly aggressive defense.


29. BALTIMORE RAVENS--Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

Hightower will be the fifth and last former Tide player to be drafted in the first round. I believe Hightower has great skills that can translate onto an aging defense. He fits the mold perfectly.


30. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS--Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Institute of Technology

The 49ers lack at the receiver position, which they somewhat addressed during free agency. However, adding a young receiver like Hill will do wonders for Alex Smith and Jim Harbaugh's menacing gameplan.


31. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS--Peter Konz, C/OG, Wisconsin-Madison

Konz is a versatile O-linemen that can fill in spots for the aging Pats O-line. The Patriots will probably trade one or both of their picks, however.


32. NEW YORK GIANTS--Doug Martin, HB, Boise State

The Super Bowl Champions will look slightly different next year, most notably due to their different offensive weapons from their run in the playoffs. Martin will come in as insurance to Ahmad Bradshaw, who will presumably carry most of the load now that Brandon Jacobs is gone.

The First Pick: 1941-1945

We continue our look at the earliest NFL Draft picks by looking at the WWII years, when football players and military servicemen were undoubtedly intertwined.

1941: TOM HARMON (HB, Michigan)

Arguably the greatest player ever to don the Maize and Blue, Harmon won the Heisman in 1940 after a stellar college career at Michigan. While listed as a halfback, he performed many other duties including passing, kicking, punting, and even intercepting the football. One of the great "60 minute men" of the era, he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1941 but opted to play for the New York Americans of the American Football League. After a short war service as a pilot for the Army Air Corps, he returned to the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams in 1946, but his career was hampered by his war service. He retired in 1947 with 9 touchdowns and a respectable 5.1 yard rushing average.


1942: BILL DUDLEY (HB, Virginia)

"Bullet" Bill Dudley finished a superb college career at Virginia by being drafted number one overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1942. Dudley immediately impressed, leading the league in rushing en route to an All-Pro nomination. The war quickly interrupted his career by calling him to service between 1943-45. Dudley continued his winning ways by leading the Army football team to a 12-0 record in 1944. In 1945 Dudley returned to the Steelers, playing only four games but ending the season as Pittsburgh's top scorer. 1946 saw another great year for Dudley, in which he lead the league in rushing, interceptions, and punt returns en route to a league MVP and All-Pro selection. Dudley played for the Detroit Lions from 1947-1949 and with the Redskins from 1950-1953, leading the team in scoring in most of those seasons. For his efforts as an effortless touchdown-maker, he was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966, the first of our number one overall picks to receive the honor.


1943: FRANK SINKWICH (HB, Georgia)

The 1942 Heisman Trophy winner, Sinkwich became the first football player from the Southeastern Conference to receive the honor. After amassing several rushing records with the Bulldogs, Sinkwich was selected first overall in the 1943 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. He excelled in his two years in Detroit, earning the NFL MVP in 1944. A knee injury suffered during his service in 1945 severely limited his playing ability, and he played for three more years with the AAFC's New York Yankees and Baltimore Colts before calling it quits.


1944: ANGELO BERTELLI (QB, Notre Dame)

Bertelli was the 1943 Heisman winner and quarterback for the Fighting Irish. Bertelli excelled in coach Frank Leahy's new T-formation that led Notre Dame to an impressive streak of wins. Bertelli was drafted by the Boston Yanks in 1944 but elected to serve, nearly losing his life in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Bertelli eventually signed with the Los Angeles Dons of the AAFC in 1946, and eventually went on to play two years with the Chicago Rockets of the AAFC. A largely unremarkable pro career ended in 1949 due to multiple knee injuries he had amassed.


1945: CHARLEY TRIPPI (HB, Georgia)

Trippi played alongside Frank Sinkwich in Athens, but managed to have a much better career professionally than Sinkwich ever had. Drafted by the Chicago Cardinals, Trippi spent 8 years with the team, managing a career filled with 2 Pro Bowl selections, 3 All-Pro selections, and 1 1940s All Decade selection. Arguably, however, his biggest accomplishment stems from his performance in the 1947 NFL Championship Game, in which Trippi scored 2 touchdowns while gaining 206 yards rushing. Trippi, who also occasionally played quarterback, is also the only player in the Hall of Fame to have 1000 yards receiving, 1000 yards passing, and 1000 yards rushing.


Best pick of 1941-1945: BILL DUDLEY (1942)

Dudley and Trippi were without a doubt the two best picks of the half-decade. However, Dudley managed to score more points than Trippi ever did, despite Trippi's longer career and championship ring. Dudley was a touchdown machine and had it not been for the war he may have endured a very long career as one of the top football players of all time.

The First Pick: 1936-1940

Here's the first part of The First Pick series. Today we look at the first picks of the NFL Draft in the earliest years of the league.

1936: JAY BERWANGER (RB, Chicago)

The first pick in NFL Draft history was Jay Berwanger. The 1935 Heisman Trophy winner out of the University of Chicago ended up never playing a down of professional football. Originally drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, Berwanger ended up being traded from the Eagles to the Chicago Bears. An offer by Bears owner George Halas was refused by Berwanger, who aspired to instead compete in the 1936 Summer Olympics.


1937: SAM FRANCIS (FB, Nebraska)

The Philadelphia Eagles once again selected first in the 1937 NFL Draft, this time taking Francis, a runner-up Heisman candidate out of Nebraska. Francis' rights were traded to Chicago shortly thereafter, and he endured a short NFL career with the Bears, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1940, Francis left football for good to serve in World War II.


1938: CORBETT DAVIS (FB, Indiana)

Davis was drafted by the Cleveland Rams, and spent four years with the franchise before leaving football to serve in the war. A largely unremarkable career was magnified after his gruesome death in 1968, where he tripped while stepping out of a fishing boat and ruptured his spleen on a tree branch.


1939: KI ALDRICH (C/LB, Texas Christian)

Perhaps the first worthy number one overall pick, Aldrich played seven seasons with the Chicago Cardinals and Washington Redskins, recording 8 interceptions and 2 touchdowns in his career. Selected to 2 Pro Bowls, Aldrich was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1960.


1940: GEORGE CAFEGO (QB, Tennessee)

Cafego was the first quarterback selected number one overall in the draft. Although he was selected by the Chicago Cardinals, his first on-field action was with the Brooklyn Dodgers. His career was marred by particularly unremarkable play (5-16 touchdown-interception ratio), and he ended his career with one season in Washington and two more with the Boston Yanks.


Best pick of 1936-1940: KI ALDRICH (1939)

Without a doubt, Aldrich is the top pick of this era. With so many NFL players going off to enlist, Aldrich was one of the remarkable few that managed to have a substantial career in professional football. With the NFL Draft being relatively new and many teams taking the 1st overall pick for granted, Aldrich still managed to somewhat live up to his title.

The First Pick in the NFL Draft: A History of Mega-Busts to Busts of Bronze

In this new series, we will be looking at the history of the NFL Draft, specifically the history of number one overall picks in the Draft. The NFL Draft dates back to the year 1936, when Jay Berwanger was taken first overall, to 2011, where Cam Newton was the first selection. Over time, many of these number one picks have bombed or failed miserably in the pros, but a selected few have been outstanding and honored for their play on the gridiron. Such picks and many more will be looked at as we go through the years and see what kind of play every number one pick in the NFL Draft has fielded in the pros.

*A quick side note: Just in case some of you may be wondering, we have not forgotten about our "The Greatest Teams" or "The Franchise" series. The point of these posts were to release them over a spread amount of time, so please be patient if there is a particular player or franchise you would like to read about. We can guarantee you that we will get to them all eventually, but we would like to put them on hold for a bit. This new series, on the other hand, should be fairly short and straightforward (we hope).

The Lockout and Draft Updates

By now many of you have heard of the NFL's failure to negotiate a new deal that resulted in the disenfranchising of the Players Union and the lockout of the NFL pertaining to team operations. A blink of hope came during draft week when U.S. District Judge Susan Nelson lifted the lockout under the assumption that a delayed or cancelled season would be very detrimental to NFL and non-NFL related business, among other things, including player opportunities and such. The NFL challenged this in the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, being granted a stay that essentially restarted the lockout and once again cut off communications between teams, coaches, and players. Now, players have begun to organize private collective workouts, as the traditional start of minicamps and OTAs draw near. Although some believe that the lockout will be resolved during the summer, the truth is that it has already been a painfully black stain on the league. The loss of any games would be especially distressing, especially the 10th anniversary September 11th games, considering the momentous feat that was achieved only a few days ago. At this point, the owners and players should try to settle their differences rather than stake out their claims and try to get the most bang for their buck. A supposed contingency plan (no division games in first few weeks and several bye weeks between conference finals and Super Bowl) that the NFL has put in place is still not enough, since any missed games would already be a failure to compromise. Screw the 18 game season, just give us 16 per team and I'm sure everyone will be fine. This lockout has undoubtedly hurt the fans the most, so once they return to the negotiating table, they'd better figure out a solution to earn our trust back as well.

Also, in other news, we at UTTQ watched the draft this weekend (our first round mock got 6 slots right). There were many surprises, as we would expect, but frankly we can't necessarily assign grades to each team. Who knows how many Marques Colstons or Tom Bradys are out there? Same goes for the Charles Rogers and Akili Smiths. It's impossible to know just how well a team will do with their draft prospects, since potentially better ones could come through free agency (once that begins). If we ever get to doing a team-by-team analysis before the start of next season, we may allude to the rookies who have made it that far and could have a great impact on their respective clubs. That is, if there is a next season....

UTTQ Mock Draft #2: What If The Panthers Draft AJ Green? (1-5)

With the 2011 NFL draft only days away, it has become widely expected that the Carolina Panthers will select a quarterback in hopes of reviving the franchise and bringing in a fresh face for new coach, Ron Rivera's tenure. However, what would happen if the Panthers shocked the world and decided to select Georgia's star wide receiver AJ Green? Well the majority of mock drafts would be busted and chaos would ensue. The 2011 draft is wrapped up in uncertainty as to who will go where more so then any year in recent memory, and this mock draft looks at what pieces could fall into place should the Panthers go WR with the 1st overall pick.

1. Carolina Panthers - Adriel Jeremiah Green , WR, Georgia

For what seems like forever now, the Panthers have been searching far and wide for someone to dazzle at the receiver spot opposite Steve Smith. And many failures later in former college stars such as Dwayne Jarrett, and attempts to bring Muhsin Muhammad back for a swansong, Carolina sits atop the draft order with an offense that defines ineptitude. Green would bring an immediate impact to the Panthers offense and give tremendous help to whoever is under center. All signs are pointing towards Steve Smith having played his last down in Carolina, but if the team can lure him back for another go around, the Panthers would have a formidable duo at receiver. Why not a quarterback you ask? Well it comes down to the fact that the 2011 draft lacks the true elite prospect at gunslinger that Matt Ryan, Matthew Stafford, Sam Bradford have been and Andrew Luck would represented. Cam Newton is a project QB that has only one successful season at the Div I level to show while Blaine Gabbert spent his college days at Mizzou in a spread offense. Since the 2008 draft, and its two QBs that led playoff runs, it has become commonplace for 1st round QBs to start right away. And neither Newton nor Gabbert are prepared for this, especially with the disarray that is the Panthers offense. With Green penciled in across from Smith, the Panthers offense will be formidable. Without a second round pick, the Panthers would have to make some kind of trade to get one out of Christian Ponder, Ryan Mallet, Jake Locker, Colin Kaepernick, or Andy Dalton who should be available in the second round. Or we could get really crazy here and say that Ron Rivera puts his faith in Jimmy Clausen who turns his career around and starts partying like he's still in South Bend.

2. Denver Broncos - Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Despite whatever move the Panthers make short of snatching away Dareus, this pick is all but certain. QB Kyle Orton is the prime of his career at age 28 and has showed flashes of brilliance the past two seasons, which combined with Brandon Lloyd's coming out party in 2010 sets the Bronco's offense up well. Then comes the defense which only managed to rack up an astonishing 23 sacks, albeit without stud lineman Elvis Dumervil whose presence will nearly double that number in 2011. Marcell Dareus has stunned scouts throughout the offseason and has drawn numerous comparisons to last year's 2nd overall pick, Nadamakung Suh. The only possible substitute to picking Dareus would be to get greedy on offense and grab Green if he is still available. However in this draft he is not, so we move forward.

3. Buffalo Bills - Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M

Despite a worse record in 2010, the argument can be made that the Bills offense took a step forward with the emergence of Steve Johnson as a viable top receiver and Fred Jackson as a sturdy number one back. Ryan Fitzpatrick also wasn't too shabby and turned in an above-average year under center. At this point in the draft, the Bills have an embarrassment of riches with both Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert available. However, as stated earlier, neither of these two prospects are world breakers and as the Bills pick early in the second round, they should have prime selection of the second tier options. Miller has flown up draft boards this offseason with his freakish workouts and godly abilities which should lead to an immediate impact in the NFL. By selecting Miller, the Bills will be adding this athletic freak to a linebacking core that includes the talented Paul Posluszny and former pro-bowler, Shawne Merriman. The lights have been on for quite awhile for Merriman, yet if he is able to find the ever-elusive light switch in 2011, the Bills will not only have a formidable linebacking core, but a stellar defense that could sport two perennial pro-bowlers.

4. Cincinnati Bengals- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

The Bengals fall into quite the awkward position at the 4th overall pick. Two years ago they shocked the world by making the playoffs yet fell hard back to earth in 2010. The once explosive offense led by Carson Palmer could be completely gone in 2011, as Terrell Owens and Cedric Benson are free agents, and Palmer and Chad Ochocino have demanded out of Cincy. With Green off the board, the Bengals could reach for Alabama's Julio Jones but the 4th overall pick has to bring impact value and Jones isn't a top 5 pick. Picking a QB would cause the Bengals to lose any leverage they may have against Palmer, who has threatened to retire if not traded. In addition, the best player still around is Patrick Peterson who would be a welcome addition, but doesn't fill a need. Thus Cincy must make an ultimate decision on what to do with Carson Palmer and we predict they will call his bluff and force the QB to retire in his prime years. When it comes down to it, the Bengals are desperate for offense with promising young guns Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham not ready to shoulder the load yet, and are almost forced to go offense with this pick. They need AJ Green but with the opportunity to grab him, their most likely move is to trade down to select Jones later in the top 10, or make the drastic reach and select him 4th. Some possible trade candidates could be the 49ers at the 9th pick or the Texans at the 11th, who both covet LSU's stud defensive back, Patrick Peterson.

5. Arizona Cardinals - Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

Things get very interesting when the Cards are on the clock in a situation they never expected to be in with both Newton and Gabbert available. Larry Fitzgerald has already iterated his opposition to Arizona selected a QB with this pick but the opportunity may be too much for the Cards to pass up. Plus the consensus seems to be that 2011 may be Fitzgerald's last in the Red and White while either Newton or Gabbert would be with the franchise to many years to come. However, the Cards are already carrying youngsters Max Hall and John Skelton with the latter having shown some promise late in the 2010 season. It may be too early to give up on these guys regardless of how much the Arizona offense struggled a season ago. If the Cards want to keep Fitz around they would do best to abide by his wishes and stay away from both Newton and Gabbert. Without the likes of Miller and Dareus around, and the lack of offensive threats with Green and Jones being gone, the Cards will look to upgrade their D-Line with the addition of talented North Carolina DE, Robert Quinn who will look to become an impact pass rusher in a defense that lacks a standout at the position.

With the Cardinals selection rounding out the top 5, who would have thought that both Newton and Gabbert would still be available to the teams with picks 6-10. Expect to see both these guys and possible another QB gone before the Texans get to pick at 11.

UTTQ 2011 NFL Mock Draft

After much hard work and dedication, we at UTTQ present to you the UTTQ 2011 NFL Mock Draft. Please note that many things can change between now and next week, so some of these picks may seem blasphemous even as soon as tomorrow. Updates may be made but there are no guarantees. Also, please excuse the fun we had with formally naming most of the colleges. And now, without further ado, our 2011 NFL mock draft, round one:

1. CAROLINA PANTHERS--Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

It seems like the Panthers have, for the most part, solidified this pick. Jimmy Clausen and company were obviously not the answer last season, and in Newton they have a proven winner.

2. DENVER BRONCOS--Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

The Broncos are in need of a strong presence up front, and Dareus could be the answer. Denver's defensive line will provide better security for the back eight, including the return of DE Elvis Dumervil.

3. BUFFALO BILLS--Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri-Columbia

The Bills have options at this pick, but they also desperately need a quarterback. Gabbert may be a reach at this point, but he also provides immediate relief from Ryan Fitzpatrick, even though Fitzpatrick performed admirably last season.

4. CINCINNATI BENGALS--A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

Green could very well be Ochocinco's replacement, and provide the Bengals with a true number one. However, with the quarterback situation being a mess, Green may have to learn quickly.

5. ARIZONA CARDINALS--Von Miller, LB, Texas Agricultural & Mechanical

Miller is the best linebacker in this draft by far, and will be an instant upgrade in a linebacking core currently led by veteran aging Joey Porter. Miller will hopefully bring his tenacity to a struggling Cardinals defense.

6. CLEVELAND BROWNS--Patrick Peterson, CB, Louisiana State

Peterson is by far the best pick available, and even though the Browns could use an upgrade at wideout, Peterson is too good to pass up. He will undoubtedly enhance a tenacious cornerback group featuring Joe Haden, Sheldon Brown, and the newly acquired Peterson.

7. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS--Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina-Chapel Hill

With the addition of Quinn, the 49ers could have a potent group up front, which currently features Isaac Sopoaga, Justin Smith, and Aubrayo Franklin. Quinn can also substitute for Manny Lawson or Parys Haralson on key third downs.

8. TENNESSEE TITANS--Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

Fairley could provide major stability in a weak inside D-line. The Titans will appreciate the brute force and athleticism that Fairley brings, but underlying character issues are also prevalent. It was not long ago that another good DT in Tennessee was brought down by off the field issues as well.

9. DALLAS COWBOYS--Tyron Smith, OT, Southern California

Smith brings much needed help to an aging Cowboys O-line. Smith's power and mechanics could allow him to eventually replace Marc Colombo on the right side.

10. WASHINGTON REDSKINS--Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

Jones is one of the best players still available, and the Redskins will need an upgrade at a weak receiving core that currently features Anthony Armstrong as the new No. 1. Jones will provide the next Redskins starting QB, whoever it may be, with a reliable weapon.

11. HOUSTON TEXANS--J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin-Madison

Watt brings a strong raw power to the Texans' D-line, with the ability to blast through offensive tackles and the speed to pursue the runner. Watt or Cameron Jordan out of Cal could be the pick here.

12. MINNESOTA VIKINGS--Cameron Jordan, DE, California-Berkeley

Jordan uses quickness and technique to get to the ball, but also has the size and strength to create space. Jordan will undoubtedly improve a Vikings defensive line that has some wear and tear along it. A quarterback may also be considered here, but it seems too risky for the Vikings to go with a rookie (might as well go with Joe right?).

13. DETROIT LIONS--Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska-Lincoln

Detroit gets their coveted man in the Cornhusker corner, who won the 2010 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Award. Amukamara can certainly use his agility to cover top receivers and make the Lions' defense respectable again.

14. ST. LOUIS RAMS--Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri-Columbia

The hometown boy Smith would be an addition to an newly rejuvenated Rams defense and an eventual long-term replacement to the aging James Hall. Ideally, however, the Rams should trade this pick if Green and Jones are already off the board. Smith may be a risky pick here.

15. MIAMI DOLPHINS--Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida

The Dolphins are put in a perilous predicament here. With no pick in the second round, they must make their first pick count. And with so many needs to fill, this will be no easy selection. The Dolphins will look to trade down and possibly secure a quarterback like Ryan Mallett late in the first. But with no other options, Pouncey would be a good pick here, strengthening an offensive line that must protect whoever is running the ball.

16. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS--Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

Kerrigan brings an unrelenting athleticism to his game, and his style is the perfect fit in a Jaguars defense that needs improvement. Kerrigan may not be finesse, but his brute strength and will can propel this defense in a tough offensive division.

17. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS--Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

Castonzo is smart and talented, and is a perfect fit for the Patriots' aging offensive line. Castonzo is quick and always thinking ahead, and Bill Belichick will surely appreciate his heads-up play.

18. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS--Cameron Heyward, DT, Ohio State

Heyward is fierce and aggressive, and brings a big game to the table when it matters most. The Chargers D-line has deteriorated over the years, and Heyward came help bring it back to prominence in a tough AFC West.

19. NEW YORK GIANTS--Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

The Giants may very well take a flier on Ingram, whose draft stock fell after knee concerns. Ingram could be the Giants' next great back, but he may be too much of a reach here.

20. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS--Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

Clayborn brings another new face to a rebuilding Bucs' defense, and he'll be just what the doctor ordered. Clayborn plays with such a tenacity that he's refined himself to being patient and watching as the play develops. He will be a good addition.

21. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS--Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin-Madison

Carimi boasts a high IQ and relentless motor that is sure to make him a top O-lineman in KC for years to come. Although the Chiefs already have an average O-line, Carimi's presence could allow younger players like Jamaal Charles to further develop.

22. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS--Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

The Colts would like to keep Peyton Manning upright a few extra years, and Sherrod can help with that. As a pass protector, Sherrod will hopefully be able to use his unique skills to protect Manning's blind side.

23. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES--Nate Solder, OT, Colorado-Boulder

The Eagles winded up 4th in sacks allowed last season, and 3rd in quarterback hits. The Eagles could use a guy like Solder, whose size and power would be a major plus in protecting Michael Vick.

24. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS--Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

Bowers first round free fall finally ends here, where he goes to a Saints defense that was 18th in the league in sacks last year. The Saints will face stiff competition in their division this year, and Bowers may end up being worth the risk of taking here.

25. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS--Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado-Boulder

Smith has risen the draft boards and provides the Seahawks with a nice addition to a secondary that ranked 25th last year in interceptions. Another option at this point could be Washington QB Jake Locker.

26. BALTIMORE RAVENS--Muhammed Wilkerson, DL, Temple

The Ravens could literally go anywhere with the pick, but Wilkerson may be the best available. Wilkerson's versatility is a plus, but he will mostly line up at DT.

27. ATLANTA FALCONS--Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame du Lac

The Falcons could use fresh talent on the other side of the ball, but Tony Gonzalez isn't getting any younger. Rudolph will provide stability at the tight end position for Matt Ryan for years to come.

28. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS--Justin Houston, LB, Georgia

With Mark Ingram gone, the Patriots will probably take a flier here, if they wish to retain this spot. Houston is the best player available, and provides the defense with more young talent on the outside.

29. CHICAGO BEARS--Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Liuget can penetrate the O-line very well and would suit a traditionally hard-nosed Bears defense. The Bears could use an O-lineman, but there's none worth the value at this pick. And, Liuget may be a steal.

30. NEW YORK JETS--Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor

The Jets could use another pass rusher to make their defense even more stifling, a Taylor could be the best available. Taylor would also provide better insurance behind Sione Puoha, if he's not starting right away.

31. PITTSBURGH STEELERS--Aaron Williams, CB, Texas at Austin

The Steelers seem to be attracted to Williams, and Williams could provide as backup to the aging Ike Taylor and Ryan Clark. Ideally, the Steelers would like to pick an interior lineman, but all the top ones are gone.

32. GREEN BAY PACKERS--Brooks Reed, DE, Arizona

The reigning Super Bowl champs would like to find a someone who can operate opposite Clay Matthews. Reed could be the choice, but Green Bay has many options at this point.

2011 NFL Draft Stock: Jake Locker

One of the biggest quarterback names last year was that of Jake Locker. Locker, who decided to return to the University of Washington for his senior season, spurned what many thought would be a top 5, if not, number one overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Locker became Washington's son, but unfortunately had an abysmal season stats-wise, throwing for nearly 550 yards less than he did in his junior campaign. Locker's Washington team did however make it to a bowl game, earning a surprising win over Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl. Locker's stock has undoubtedly dropped, but he still has a legitimate chance of making it in the NFL.

Many draftniks see Locker's ability to run the ball as a major plus. Playing defensive back in middle school, Locker seems to be tougher than most quarterbacks, and well built for a scrambling role. Locker's passing abilities are not to be forgotten either, but he does have a tendency to force many throws into tight coverage. He has no trouble looking for openings in pass protection, but some may worry whether he has the ability to stand in the pocket and make throws. There's certainly no questioning his toughness, and he also shows varied signs of leadership in tense situations. Preferably Locker would most likely fit in a system that has an established backfield that can take the pressure off his throws, which may not always be accurate.

2011 NFL Draft Stock: Colin Kaepernick

In recent weeks, the quarterback that has jumped into the conversation for possible first round selections in April's draft is former Nevada QB, Colin Kaepernick. The four-year starter has wowed scouts at both the NFL Combine and at Nevada's Pro Day. Kaepernick brings experience as a leader and an incredibly strong arm to the table having been a former pitcher that could touch 95 mph with his fastball. The signal caller led the Wolfpack to an 13-1 season in 2010, including a win against Boston College in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, a season defining victory over then 4th ranked Boise State, and a share of the WAC Championship.

The team that drafts Kaepernick will be getting a QB that has rushed for at least 1100 yards and 17 TDs along with throwing an average of 20 TDs per over the last three seasons. Kaepernick is intriguing as his potential to be great depends on the type of teaching he receives in the NFL. Many will doubt the QBs stats as he played in weaker WAC and a system that focused on his abilities. The question stands as to if Kaepernick will be able to run a pro-style offense effectively. The first round may be a bit of a reach, but second or third round seems to be where this gunslinger will be taken. Kaepernick's potential could lead him to becoming the next Michael Vick or perhaps JaMarcus Russell. Only time will tell.

2011 NFL Draft Stock: Cam Newton

Cam Newton, the winner of the 2010 Heisman Trophy, led the Auburn Tigers to the National Championship Game, beating the previously unbeaten Oregon Ducks. Newton's leadership allowed the Tigers to squeak out a win vs. Oregon, but even that may not have been enough to make him a solid top 5 pick. Newton's abilities and talent has been questioned by many a critic, but he has consistently shown an inner strength throughout the entire draft process.

Cam Newton is a player who came to prominence this season, noted for his running and passing skills that led Auburn to an unbeaten season. His frame is ideal for an NFL quarterback, and his accuracy during his college career has been notable. However, due to his limited playing time (mostly just this season), many NFL draftniks are unsure whether he is simply just a one-hit wonder or not. A controversy also arose at the end of the season concerning illegal eligibility benefits with Newton's father. Newton has not escaped those who wonder whether these red-flags may be a concern at the next level. However, the numbers do not lie, and Newton has proven that he is worth a look in the top 15 of the draft. Those looking for a quarterback will need to assess whether Newton can fit their scheme. Ideally, Newton would be able to start right away, preferably with a team that has an offensive line set in place.

2011 Draft Stock: Blaine Gabbert

With the 2010 NFL now in the rear view mirror, the time has come to look forward towards the next stage in the season; the 2011 NFL Draft. We begin looking at this year's draft class by taking a glance at the most important position on the football field, quarterback. In all the prior recent draft classes, there has always been a surefire, NFL-ready signal caller at the top of the board, however, with Andrew Luck's decision to return to Stanford for another year, the 2011 draft is without one. So we chose to to look at one of the guys that could be the first QB called in April, Blaine Gabbert.

Having chosen to forgo his senior year at Missouri, Gabbert has leaped into the conversation as the top QB prospect. At 6-5/235, Gabbert has the ideal NFL frame that most scouts love. In his two years starting in the Mizzou spread offense, he threw for nearly 7000 yards and 40 TDs against only 18 picks. Gabbert is accurate for the most part and has a big arm. Everything sounds positive for this former Tiger, however the issues arise from the offense he played in at Mizzou. Being a spread, Gabbert's stats may just be a product of this system and the QB has taken the vast majority of snaps from the shotgun. Gabbert will have to adjust to the pro-style offense and learn to take the ball from under center. 18-8 as the signal caller for the Tigers, Gabbert has experience as a winner though his inability to win the games will be looked down upon, especially his 0-2 record in bowls. In this relatively weak quarterback draft class however, Gabbert should be the one of if not the first gunslinger chosen. Unless any of the others can step it up between now and April 28th, the future looks bright for this young man.