Our new NFL mock draft
It’s starting to look a lot like the Panthers and new coach Ron Rivera will be handing in a card with Cam Newton’s name on it next Thursday. Reports from many respectable NFL columnists have said that Carolina has done some extensive checking into Newton’s sometimes shady background and even dug up some tape from his junior college days.
It’s always possible that they didn’t like what they found in this dig though, so going a different direction at No. 1 is still a possibility. But the proverbial cone of silence has been put on the team’s front office, likely meaning a decision could have been made.
1. Carolina — Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
The Panthers are looking into Newton far too much to ignore.
2. Denver — Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
Between Miller and Marcell Dareus, the top LB has more potential.
3. Buffalo — Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
In this draft, Gabbert isn’t a bad consolation prize at QB; he’s essentially the 1A
4. Cincinnati — A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Should be very interested in a QB, but Green is a potential star WR.
5. Arizona — Marcell Dareus, DT-DE, Alabama
His fall from last week’s top spot is not about him, but the top teams’ needs.
6. Cleveland — Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
The Browns need for a play-making receiver is hard to miss.
7. San Francisco — Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
The lone knock on Peterson’s game is his off-coverage, but safeties help with that.
8. Tennessee — Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
Jeff Fisher would have loved this guy who draws Albert Haynesworth comparisons.
9. Dallas — Tyron Smith, OT, USC
Could be slotted right in at RT, or the Boys could take Amukamara to improve pass defence.
10. Washington — Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Miss out on a much-needed playmaking receiver, but improve pass rush with elite (but risky) prospect.
11. Houston — Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
ESPN columnist KC Joyner hates him, but we think he’s still a good prospect.
12. Minnesota — Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
A deal back in the draft for a QB is a very real possibility, look for some manoeuvring here.
13. Detroit — Cameron Jordan, DE, California
His stock has been climbing and he doesn’t have as many red flags as other prospects.
14. St. Louis — Corey Luiget, DT, Illinois
Another defensive line prospect on the rise helps give the Rams a defensive anchor.
15. Miami — Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
I don’t expect this pick to be changing, but a defensive prospect isn’t out of the question.
16. Jacksonville — Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
Need some help on both lines, but defensive front is a bit better stocked right now.
17. New England — J.J. Watt, DE-OLB, Wisconsin
Bill Belichick loves versatility and could really use a pass rusher too.
18. San Diego — Muhammed Wilkerson, DT, Temple
Not a lot of holes to fill, but Wilkerson can play anywhere on a front-three.
19. New York Giants — Mike Pouncey, OG-C
The best interior line prospect figures to be a guard rather than a centre.
20. Tampa Bay — Aldon Smith, DE-LB, Missouri
Another pass-rusher will do the Bucs well. Can get to the QB from DE or OLB.
21. Kansas City — Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Called one of the toughest guys in the draft, he’ll slot right in as a starting RT.
22. Indianapolis — Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
You can’t argue that Colts don’t need help on the line to keep Peyton Manning upright.
23. Philadelphia — Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
Usually like to build from the lines out, but depth at the corners is an issue.
24. New Orleans — Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Kerrigan trades in his black-and-gold Boilermakers gear for... some black-and-gold Saints gear.
25. Seattle — Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Most teams like Andy Dalton better, but the Seahawks have done more homework on Locker.
26. Baltimore — Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
Every season a Ravens defensive back goes down; it would be smart to take a quality prospect.
27. Atlanta — Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Birth defect in right arm could be a serious concern for some teams.
28. New England — Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
If the Pats take a protégé for Tom Brady, it won’t be in round one.
29. Chicago — Derek Sherrod, OT Mississippi State
Need for some offensive line help is undeniable after last season’s display.
30. New York Jets — Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
In need of a disruptive DT and missed on Taylor to rival Patriots.
31. Pittsburgh — Brandon Harris, CB, Florida
Like their rivals the Ravens, could use some good depth at cornerback.
32. Green Bay — Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Could use some offensive line depth, but a pass-rushing prospect works too.
Missed out from last week.
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