2011 NFL Mock Draft: Will Robert Quinn Surpass Da’Quan Bowers?

1. Carolina Panthers- Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

This pick comes down to Bowers or Fairley for me. I can’t see Cam Newton somehow sliding all the way up to the first overall pick.

Carolina needs to fix their defensive line, which clearly looked terrible after Julius Peppers left for Chicago through free agency.

2. Denver Broncos- Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

I thought about going with Patrick Peterson here, but I think Denver’s cornerback’s will do alright for a couple more years.

Robert Quinn will be an excellent pro, undoubtedly. Despite missing all of last season with the Tar Heels, he’s still a lock for a top five selection.

3. Buffalo Bills- Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

If the Bills seriously think they have a legitimate shot of going to the playoffs with Ryan Fitzpatrick as their quarterback, they’re sadly mistaken.

Cam Newton is going to be a serious risk, but if he turns out to be a star, the Bills will be glad that they took him.

4. Cincinnati Bengals- A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

With the top two defensive end’s off the board, Cincinnati will look to find another weapon for Carson Palmer to throw to.

A.J. Green didn’t do nearly as well as Julio Jones in the combine, but he’s still the better prospect at this point in time. Expect Green to remain the top wide receiver.

5. Arizona Cardinals- Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M

Arizona’s pass-rushing situation for next year looks pretty rough. Joey Porter will not be at top level next year, because of his age.

Miller has received comparisons to Clay Matthews, who hasn’t had any trouble adjusting to the pro level.

6. Cleveland Browns- Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Despite taking Joe Haden in the first round last year, the Cleveland Browns could still use quite a bit of help in their secondary.

Many will be surprised to see Peterson fall out of the top five, but it’s looking like a likely scenario right now.

7. San Francisco 49ers- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Jim Harbaugh seems to believe he has something in Alex Smith, but he’s talking about one of the biggest busts in NFL history. It’s time for San Fran to start over.

Blaine Gabbert has a lot of question marks, but he makes sense for the 49ers.

8. Tennessee Titans- Nick Fairley, DL, Auburn

Honestly, it would surprise me to see Fairley fall this far, but many mock draft experts are predicting it to happen.

Tennessee is in danger of losing Jason Babin, but they’ll feel a little better about it if they have Nick Fairley waiting behind him.

9. Dallas Cowboys- Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

The Cowboys don’t have many needs, but with Terence Newman nearing the end of his career, Dallas could use a replacement.

Amukamara is just slightly behind Peterson on the draft board. However, he likely won’t surpass him.

10. Washington Redskins- Marcell Dareus, DL, Alabama

He might not fit the biggest need for Washington, but I see them taking the best player available with the tenth pick.

Washington’s defense was terrible at rushing the quarterback last year. Outside of Brian Orakpo, nobody on the roster recorded more than 2.5 sacks.

11. Houston Texans- Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri

After hiring Wade Phillips to become their next defensive coordinator, the Texans switched to the 3-4 defense.

Unfortunately, Houston’s rush-linebackers are pretty bad. Aldon Smith is a monster that can get to the passer quickly.

12. Minnesota Vikings- Cameron Jordan, DE, California

Ray Edwards is almost a guarantee to leave in free agency, so the Vikings need to find somebody who can replace him.

Everson Griffen’s chances of winning the job were shattered after two arrests in four days.

13. Detroit Lions- Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

Detroit could either go with Tyron Smith, Nate Solder or Jimmy Smith with this pick, but I believe Detroit should continue to improve on defense.

Smith’s stock has been soaring lately. Many mock drafts even have him going ahead of Prince Amukamara.

14. St. Louis Rams- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

If Julio Jones is available, he will be the pick. There is truly no doubt in my mind.

Sam Bradford won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award without a great weapon on offense. He’ll have a much easier time succeeding next season.

15. Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are both scheduled to be free agents this offseason.

Mark Ingram would be a great fit with the Dolphins. A tandom of Brown-Ingram sounds great to me.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars- J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

I thought about Ryan Kerrigan here, but his stock is reportedly slipping into the later part of the first round.

J.J. Watt is a monster defensive end, who was a two-year starter with the Wisconsin Badgers.

17. New England Patriots- Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

After having several great practices during the Senior Bowl week, Nate Solder’s stock quickly rose to the top 15 picks.

New England is in danger of losing Matt Light, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Bill Belechick just lets him walk.

18. San Diego Chargers- Corey Liuget, DL, Illinois

The Chargers’ defensive line isn’t the best in the league. With Jacques Cesaire scheduled to hit free agency, San Diego could use a replacement.

Liuget is the best 3-4 defensive end available, thus he makes the most sense here.

19. New York Giants- Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

Keith Bulluck will be a free agent soon, and he’s also at the end of his career. The Giants should move on.

Akeem Ayers’ stock has been like a rollercoaster lately, but he makes a ton of sense for the Giants, who could use help at linebacker.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

Although he struggled his entire senior year, Adrian Clayborn is still a tremendous talent.

Tampa Bay needs help on the defensive line, and they’ve already stated that they plan to address it.

21. Kansas City Chiefs- Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

Phil Taylor is another player that benefited from the Senior Bowl practices. He was a late secound round prospect a month ago.

Scott Pioli wants to find his own version of Vince Wilfork, and this is undoubtedly his best chance at doing so.

22. Indianapolis Colts- Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

Indianapolis’ left tackle, Charlie Johnson, will be a free agent soon. That said, I think the Colts should move on.

Anthony Castonzo’s stock has been going up and down lately, but he would be a great fit, protecting Peyton Manning.

23. Philadelphia Eagles- Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

The Eagles would have had a much more successful season last year if they could have kept Michael Vick on his feet more often.

Philadelphia needs to find the next Jon Runyan. It appears as though Gabe Carimi is the likely man to do just that.

24. New Orleans Saints- Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

I don’t believe Kerrigan is the best fit for New Orleans, but he’s clearly the best player available.

The Saints need to find somebody that can get to the passer. Ryan Kerrigan would be the best choice.

25. Seattle Seahawks- Mike Pouncey, G, Florida

The Seahawks need to find somebody that can be just like what Steve Hutchinson was for them.

While Mike Pouncey is not as talented as his brother, Maurkice, he’ll still be a future Pro Bowl guard.

26. Baltimore Ravens- Titus Young, WR, Boise State

The Ravens need to find a receiver that is quick and can stretch the field. Titus Young is one of the best wide receiver prospects that can do so.

Despite his small stature, Young can burn by defenders in a hurry. Somewhere, Joe Flacco will be smiling.

27. Atlanta Falcons- Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

Matt Ryan has one great target to throw to, but not much else outside of that.

Torrey Smith is an incredibly intelligent receiver with great speed. Also, Matt Ryan will also be somewhere, smiling.

28. New England Patriots- Muhammad Wilkerson, DL, Temple

I’m a big fan of Muhammad Wilkerson. To me, he seems like the kind of guy Bill Belechick would want on his team.

New England needs more pass rush, and this is a good way to do it.

29. Chicago Bears- Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

Truthfully, this will be Chicago’s last resort for the superior offensive lineman. Still, it’s better than what they have now.

Jay Cutler needs to stay healthy if the Bears want any chance of having the success they did in 2010.

30. New York Jets- Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia

Jason Taylor will likely be retiring this offseason, and it’s time for the Jets to move on from Vernon Gholston.

Justin Houston would be a steal here, in my opinion. He’ll provide New York with yet another weapon on defense.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers- Cameron Heyward, DL, Ohio State

He may be similar to Ziggy Hood, but the Steelers could use help on their defensive line.

Aaron Smith will probably hang it up for good within the next two years, and it would be a treat to have Heyward to fill in.

32. Green Bay Packers- Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois

I was really impressed with Mikel Leshoure during the combine. To me, he should be a first-rounder.

James Starks is likely the future at running back. Ryan Grant should be let go before he gets too much money. Starks and Leshoure will provide a great duo.