1. CAROLINA PANTHERS--Cam Newton, QB, AuburnIt 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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