1. Carolina Panthers
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU: Peterson is the best player in the country, and the new Collective Bargaining Agreement - whenever it is hammered out - will included a restructured rookie pay scale and won't restrict teams from taking a corner this high.
2. Denver Broncos
Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama: The Broncos haven't invested a first-round pick on a true defensive lineman since 1997 (Florida DE Jarvis Moss, drafted in 2007, was moved to OLB). Whether Denver remains in the 3-4 or switches to the 4-3, Dareus' bulk and strength make him a logical candidate to build a defense around.
3. Buffalo Bills
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn: Chan Gailey proved in his first season as the Bills' head coach that his offense is good enough schematically to be effective even with marginal talent. Newton is unquestionably raw, but his upside could prove too tantalizing for Gailey and general manager Buddy Nix to ignore.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
A.J. Green, WR, Georgia: With the T.O.-Ochocinco duo likely out the door, the Bengals will have to convince themselves they've seen enough development from Jerome Simpson to pass on Green. Certainly Cincinnati has bigger needs than wide receiver, but sometimes the best way to build a team is to simply take the best available player.
5. Arizona Cardinals
Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina: The Cardinals would love to see an elite quarterback available here, but opinions are divided on the long-terms prospects of Ryan Mallett, Blaine Gabbert and Jake Locker. For the Cardinals' 3-4 scheme to gain some bite they need to improve their pass rush. Outside linebackers Joey Porter and Clark Haggans had five sacks apiece last year and both turn 34 next year. Quinn played defensive end for North Carolina, but possesses the agility to convert to outside linebacker. Don't let his yearlong suspension fool you, the Tar Heels loved him and are endorsing him to NFL teams.
6. Cleveland Browns
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn: The Browns are building their defensive line, and Fairley is versatile enough to play end or tackle in the 3-4.
7. San Francisco 49ers
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri: With the singular exception of quarterback, the 49ers are the most talented team in the NFC West and have to strongly consider adding a veteran passer rather than waiting to fill the position through the draft. Should they wait, Gabbert's strong arm could unleash the big-play potential of Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree and Josh Morgan.
8. Tennessee Titans
Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas : The Titans are parting ways with Vince Young and must find a quarterback of the future. Even if they find a starter for 2011 in free agency, Mallett has all the measurables to be an elite drop-back passer in the NFL.
9. Dallas Cowboys
Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson: Excluding outside linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer (college defensive ends) the Cowboys spent one first-round pick this decade on the big men up front (DE Marcus Spears, 2005). Dallas could use a highly rated offensive tackle here, but with no OT worthy of a pick this high, they may shift to the defensive side of the ball or trade down. Bowers earned the ACC Defensive Player of the Year as a 4-3 defensive end, but he has the size and strength to hold up as a five-technique.
10. Washington Redskins
J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin: Like many of the teams in the top 10, Washington could elect to gamble on a quarterback, making Jake Locker an intriguing candidate. Striking out with free agent Albert Haynesworth, however, the Redskins could be desperate to find help on the defensive line. Watt's size (6-6, 290) makes him an ideal defensive end for the 3-4 and his non-stop motor would be a welcome addition for a team needing some enthusiasm.
11. Houston Texans
Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M: The Texans boast two of the better young linebackers in the league in DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing but are arguably the NFL's worst tackling defense. Miller gets a great deal of credit for his pass rushing, but his ability to break down and make secure open-field tackles is the trait that could keep him the state of Texas.
12. Minnesota Vikings
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska: Antoine Winfield remains one of the top all-around cornerbacks in the NFL, but next year will be his 13th season and depth opposite and behind him is lacking despite the franchise's investment in Chris Cook and Cedric Griffin. Amukamara entered the year as scouts' No. 1-ranked senior prospect. His play this season has only confirmed his reputation among the top prospects in the country at any position.
13. Detroit Lions
Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida: Due to the addition of Ndamukong Suh and Kyle Vanden Bosch, the Lions featured as improved a defensive line as any team in the NFL in 2010. Their secondary remains an area of concern, however. Jenkins' stellar coverage and instincts have the Florida junior's stock soaring. As long as he can convince scouts the torn labrum that sidelined him for the Outback Bowl will be healed in time for next year, he should wind up as a top 20 selection.
14. St. Louis Rams
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama: The Rams have their young franchise quarterback in Sam Bradford and a workhorse runner in All-Pro Steven Jackson, but desperately need help outside. Jones lacks elite stopwatch speed, but his size, strength and three years of consistent standout play in the ultra-competitive SEC make him an ideal candidate to make an immediate impact.
15. Miami Dolphins
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama: Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are free agents, and Williams has already said he wants to move on to a contender.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue: Jacksonville general manager Gene Smith stunned the league last year with the selection of former Cal standout Tyson Alualu. Smith has looked like a genius since, as former Golden Bears' motor and versatility made him an immediate contributor for the Jaguars. Smith could use a similar strategy in 2010 with Kerrigan, another hard-charging player who won't wow scouts in workouts, but whose consistency and versatility make sense in the Jags' varied defensive alignments.
17. New England Patriots (from Oakland)
Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa: Since the 2007 draft Bill Belichick has invested 10 selections in the top 100 on the back seven of his defense, but only one pick on the defensive line. The Patriots' success started with first-round picks such as Richard Seymour, Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork. Clayborn's versatility and toughness make him an ideal fit in Belichick's scheme.
18. San Diego Chargers
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State: Call this one a hunch. Should Blackmon, the 2010 Biletnikof winner, elect to leave school early he'll rate among the top three receivers available for most clubs. Off-field concerns and questions about his pure speed will drop him on some boards and it may for the Chargers, who, of course, might be sick of their moody star wideout Vincent Jackson. General manager AJ Smith is a sucker for talent, however, and Blackmon certainly has the playmaking ability to aid Philip Rivers.
19. NY Giants
Tyron Smith, OT, Southern California: Hot and cold performances from the Giants' offensive line caused consistency issues. David Diehl has been a serviceable left tackle, but might be best suited inside or at right tackle. The Giants aren't likely to rely on Shawn Andrews as a possible replacement because of chronic back problems. Instead, New York could take advantage of a solid, albeit unspectacular class of tackles. Smith might be the least pro-ready of the top tackles, but has great upside. The Giants draft on upside more than most and could make Smith the surprise first tackle selected here.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cameron Jordan, DE, California: It serves as a testament to Raheem Morris' coaching that the Bucs improved to 10-6 in 2010 and finished just out of the playoffs despite very little in terms of a consistent pass rush. In fact, Tampa Bay was led by Stylez White's 4.5 sacks. Jordan isn't a dynamic edge rusher, but he has some upfield burst and has forceful hands. He could lead this team in sacks as a rookie.
21. Seattle Seahawks
Jake Locker, QB, Washington : Charlie Whitehurst might have played well enough for the Seahawks to beat the Rams and win the NFC West, but he hasn't shown enough leadership or accuracy for Pete Carroll or general manager John Schneider to bank on him as their quarterback of the future. With a run on quarterbacks early, the Seahawks may find one still on the board here or simply focus their attention on weak offensive and defensive lines should the top passers be gone. Locker's inefficiency despite four starting seasons makes him quite the polarizing figure among scouts.
22. Kansas City Chiefs
Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College: The Chiefs enjoyed better tackle play this year from Branden Albert and Ryan O'Callaghan, but the stellar performances of Kansas City's skill-position players have hidden a lack of depth on the line. Castonzo's athleticism and durability are enough to warrant a top 20 selection, but his moderate strength could push him lower. Not needed to play immediately, Castonzo could develop here.
23. Indianapolis Colts
Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois: A playmaking 3-technique is a need. Liuget isn't a household name yet, but he is a rising prospect who is flying up draft boards.
24. Philadelphia Eagles
Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (Fla.): The Eagles feature one of the league's best corners in Asante Samuel, but have struggled with consistency on the other side without journeyman Ellis Hobbs, who missed almost half of the season with a career-threatening neck injury. Harris struggled early on in the Sun Bowl loss to Notre Dame, but his speed and agility make him one of the draft's top corners and a good value here.
25. Green Bay Packers
Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA: Considering the play of Clay Matthews, Jr. outside linebacker might appear to be the least of the Packers' concerns - and perhaps it is. If there is one thing to remember about general manager Ted Thompson, however, it is that he'll take the best player available. Ayers might be raw, but his eye-popping athleticism and versatility could make him a difference-maker.
26. New Orleans Saints
Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple: Like most NFL teams, the Saints are at their best when they rotate their defensive linemen. They've had solid play inside from the trio of Sedrick Ellis, Anthony Hargrove and Remi Ayodele but their production would be boosted with greater size. Wilkerson (6-5, 305) starred somewhat anonymously at Temple, but is viewed as a legitimate first round talent by many teams.
27. Chicago Bears
Nate Solder, OT, Colorado: The Bears are hopeful that 2008 first-round pick Chris Williams develops into a consistent pass blocker at left tackle. Chicago might have to go back to the drawing board if he proves to be a better fit at right tackle or inside at guard. Solder needs to gain strength, but his balance and agility for a man his size makes him an intriguing left tackle prospect.
28. NY Jets
Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor: The Jets have fared surprisingly well against the run this season considering the injuries sustained up front. They've been exposed this year because they overestimated their ability to replace some of the players that performed best for them in their surprising run to the AFC Championship game. When Kris Jenkins is healthy, he's a dominant nose guard. Taylor (6-4, 330 pounds) has similar size and is generating real buzz among 3-4 teams as the top nose guard prospect in the draft.
29. Baltimore Ravens
Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State : The Ravens feature arguably the league's best and most versatile defensive lineman in Haloti Ngata but could use better size and depth at defensive end for their 3-4 alignment to work effectively. Heyward, at 6-5 and 295 pounds, fits perfectly.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers
Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State: Sherrod is relatively pro-ready considering his experience at left tackle and level of play against SEC opponents, but doesn't always demonstrate the tenacity scouts expect. The Steelers, however, could take advantage while opponents reach for potential excellence over consistent solid play.
31. Atlanta Falcons
Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland: With all due respect to the Johnsons (Andre and Calvin), Roddy White may just be the best receiver in the NFL. That said, the Falcons haven't seen as much development from Michael Jenkins or Harry Douglas as they expected. Receiver isn't a huge area of concern, but considering the talent of this class and Matt Ryan's growing stardom, taking a versatile speedster like Torrey Smith at this point in the draft makes sense.
32. New England Patriots
Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin: While the Pats are solid up front and haven't used a first-round pick on an offensive lineman since selecting Logan Mankins in 2005, there is a rationale in place for this pick other than simply protecting Tom Brady. Picking two first-round prospects for the Patriots may be pointless as Bill Belichick is likely to continue his tradition of trading down to assure he'll be in a position of power again next year. Therefore, taking strictly a best player available philosophy, Carimi, the reigning Outland Trophy as the nation's top blocker, makes sense.
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU: Peterson is the best player in the country, and the new Collective Bargaining Agreement - whenever it is hammered out - will included a restructured rookie pay scale and won't restrict teams from taking a corner this high.
2. Denver Broncos
Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama: The Broncos haven't invested a first-round pick on a true defensive lineman since 1997 (Florida DE Jarvis Moss, drafted in 2007, was moved to OLB). Whether Denver remains in the 3-4 or switches to the 4-3, Dareus' bulk and strength make him a logical candidate to build a defense around.
3. Buffalo Bills
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn: Chan Gailey proved in his first season as the Bills' head coach that his offense is good enough schematically to be effective even with marginal talent. Newton is unquestionably raw, but his upside could prove too tantalizing for Gailey and general manager Buddy Nix to ignore.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
A.J. Green, WR, Georgia: With the T.O.-Ochocinco duo likely out the door, the Bengals will have to convince themselves they've seen enough development from Jerome Simpson to pass on Green. Certainly Cincinnati has bigger needs than wide receiver, but sometimes the best way to build a team is to simply take the best available player.
5. Arizona Cardinals
Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina: The Cardinals would love to see an elite quarterback available here, but opinions are divided on the long-terms prospects of Ryan Mallett, Blaine Gabbert and Jake Locker. For the Cardinals' 3-4 scheme to gain some bite they need to improve their pass rush. Outside linebackers Joey Porter and Clark Haggans had five sacks apiece last year and both turn 34 next year. Quinn played defensive end for North Carolina, but possesses the agility to convert to outside linebacker. Don't let his yearlong suspension fool you, the Tar Heels loved him and are endorsing him to NFL teams.
6. Cleveland Browns
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn: The Browns are building their defensive line, and Fairley is versatile enough to play end or tackle in the 3-4.
7. San Francisco 49ers
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri: With the singular exception of quarterback, the 49ers are the most talented team in the NFC West and have to strongly consider adding a veteran passer rather than waiting to fill the position through the draft. Should they wait, Gabbert's strong arm could unleash the big-play potential of Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree and Josh Morgan.
8. Tennessee Titans
Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas : The Titans are parting ways with Vince Young and must find a quarterback of the future. Even if they find a starter for 2011 in free agency, Mallett has all the measurables to be an elite drop-back passer in the NFL.
9. Dallas Cowboys
Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson: Excluding outside linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer (college defensive ends) the Cowboys spent one first-round pick this decade on the big men up front (DE Marcus Spears, 2005). Dallas could use a highly rated offensive tackle here, but with no OT worthy of a pick this high, they may shift to the defensive side of the ball or trade down. Bowers earned the ACC Defensive Player of the Year as a 4-3 defensive end, but he has the size and strength to hold up as a five-technique.
10. Washington Redskins
J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin: Like many of the teams in the top 10, Washington could elect to gamble on a quarterback, making Jake Locker an intriguing candidate. Striking out with free agent Albert Haynesworth, however, the Redskins could be desperate to find help on the defensive line. Watt's size (6-6, 290) makes him an ideal defensive end for the 3-4 and his non-stop motor would be a welcome addition for a team needing some enthusiasm.
11. Houston Texans
Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M: The Texans boast two of the better young linebackers in the league in DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing but are arguably the NFL's worst tackling defense. Miller gets a great deal of credit for his pass rushing, but his ability to break down and make secure open-field tackles is the trait that could keep him the state of Texas.
12. Minnesota Vikings
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska: Antoine Winfield remains one of the top all-around cornerbacks in the NFL, but next year will be his 13th season and depth opposite and behind him is lacking despite the franchise's investment in Chris Cook and Cedric Griffin. Amukamara entered the year as scouts' No. 1-ranked senior prospect. His play this season has only confirmed his reputation among the top prospects in the country at any position.
13. Detroit Lions
Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida: Due to the addition of Ndamukong Suh and Kyle Vanden Bosch, the Lions featured as improved a defensive line as any team in the NFL in 2010. Their secondary remains an area of concern, however. Jenkins' stellar coverage and instincts have the Florida junior's stock soaring. As long as he can convince scouts the torn labrum that sidelined him for the Outback Bowl will be healed in time for next year, he should wind up as a top 20 selection.
14. St. Louis Rams
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama: The Rams have their young franchise quarterback in Sam Bradford and a workhorse runner in All-Pro Steven Jackson, but desperately need help outside. Jones lacks elite stopwatch speed, but his size, strength and three years of consistent standout play in the ultra-competitive SEC make him an ideal candidate to make an immediate impact.
15. Miami Dolphins
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama: Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are free agents, and Williams has already said he wants to move on to a contender.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue: Jacksonville general manager Gene Smith stunned the league last year with the selection of former Cal standout Tyson Alualu. Smith has looked like a genius since, as former Golden Bears' motor and versatility made him an immediate contributor for the Jaguars. Smith could use a similar strategy in 2010 with Kerrigan, another hard-charging player who won't wow scouts in workouts, but whose consistency and versatility make sense in the Jags' varied defensive alignments.
17. New England Patriots (from Oakland)
Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa: Since the 2007 draft Bill Belichick has invested 10 selections in the top 100 on the back seven of his defense, but only one pick on the defensive line. The Patriots' success started with first-round picks such as Richard Seymour, Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork. Clayborn's versatility and toughness make him an ideal fit in Belichick's scheme.
18. San Diego Chargers
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State: Call this one a hunch. Should Blackmon, the 2010 Biletnikof winner, elect to leave school early he'll rate among the top three receivers available for most clubs. Off-field concerns and questions about his pure speed will drop him on some boards and it may for the Chargers, who, of course, might be sick of their moody star wideout Vincent Jackson. General manager AJ Smith is a sucker for talent, however, and Blackmon certainly has the playmaking ability to aid Philip Rivers.
19. NY Giants
Tyron Smith, OT, Southern California: Hot and cold performances from the Giants' offensive line caused consistency issues. David Diehl has been a serviceable left tackle, but might be best suited inside or at right tackle. The Giants aren't likely to rely on Shawn Andrews as a possible replacement because of chronic back problems. Instead, New York could take advantage of a solid, albeit unspectacular class of tackles. Smith might be the least pro-ready of the top tackles, but has great upside. The Giants draft on upside more than most and could make Smith the surprise first tackle selected here.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cameron Jordan, DE, California: It serves as a testament to Raheem Morris' coaching that the Bucs improved to 10-6 in 2010 and finished just out of the playoffs despite very little in terms of a consistent pass rush. In fact, Tampa Bay was led by Stylez White's 4.5 sacks. Jordan isn't a dynamic edge rusher, but he has some upfield burst and has forceful hands. He could lead this team in sacks as a rookie.
21. Seattle Seahawks
Jake Locker, QB, Washington : Charlie Whitehurst might have played well enough for the Seahawks to beat the Rams and win the NFC West, but he hasn't shown enough leadership or accuracy for Pete Carroll or general manager John Schneider to bank on him as their quarterback of the future. With a run on quarterbacks early, the Seahawks may find one still on the board here or simply focus their attention on weak offensive and defensive lines should the top passers be gone. Locker's inefficiency despite four starting seasons makes him quite the polarizing figure among scouts.
22. Kansas City Chiefs
Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College: The Chiefs enjoyed better tackle play this year from Branden Albert and Ryan O'Callaghan, but the stellar performances of Kansas City's skill-position players have hidden a lack of depth on the line. Castonzo's athleticism and durability are enough to warrant a top 20 selection, but his moderate strength could push him lower. Not needed to play immediately, Castonzo could develop here.
23. Indianapolis Colts
Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois: A playmaking 3-technique is a need. Liuget isn't a household name yet, but he is a rising prospect who is flying up draft boards.
24. Philadelphia Eagles
Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (Fla.): The Eagles feature one of the league's best corners in Asante Samuel, but have struggled with consistency on the other side without journeyman Ellis Hobbs, who missed almost half of the season with a career-threatening neck injury. Harris struggled early on in the Sun Bowl loss to Notre Dame, but his speed and agility make him one of the draft's top corners and a good value here.
25. Green Bay Packers
Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA: Considering the play of Clay Matthews, Jr. outside linebacker might appear to be the least of the Packers' concerns - and perhaps it is. If there is one thing to remember about general manager Ted Thompson, however, it is that he'll take the best player available. Ayers might be raw, but his eye-popping athleticism and versatility could make him a difference-maker.
26. New Orleans Saints
Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple: Like most NFL teams, the Saints are at their best when they rotate their defensive linemen. They've had solid play inside from the trio of Sedrick Ellis, Anthony Hargrove and Remi Ayodele but their production would be boosted with greater size. Wilkerson (6-5, 305) starred somewhat anonymously at Temple, but is viewed as a legitimate first round talent by many teams.
27. Chicago Bears
Nate Solder, OT, Colorado: The Bears are hopeful that 2008 first-round pick Chris Williams develops into a consistent pass blocker at left tackle. Chicago might have to go back to the drawing board if he proves to be a better fit at right tackle or inside at guard. Solder needs to gain strength, but his balance and agility for a man his size makes him an intriguing left tackle prospect.
28. NY Jets
Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor: The Jets have fared surprisingly well against the run this season considering the injuries sustained up front. They've been exposed this year because they overestimated their ability to replace some of the players that performed best for them in their surprising run to the AFC Championship game. When Kris Jenkins is healthy, he's a dominant nose guard. Taylor (6-4, 330 pounds) has similar size and is generating real buzz among 3-4 teams as the top nose guard prospect in the draft.
29. Baltimore Ravens
Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State : The Ravens feature arguably the league's best and most versatile defensive lineman in Haloti Ngata but could use better size and depth at defensive end for their 3-4 alignment to work effectively. Heyward, at 6-5 and 295 pounds, fits perfectly.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers
Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State: Sherrod is relatively pro-ready considering his experience at left tackle and level of play against SEC opponents, but doesn't always demonstrate the tenacity scouts expect. The Steelers, however, could take advantage while opponents reach for potential excellence over consistent solid play.
31. Atlanta Falcons
Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland: With all due respect to the Johnsons (Andre and Calvin), Roddy White may just be the best receiver in the NFL. That said, the Falcons haven't seen as much development from Michael Jenkins or Harry Douglas as they expected. Receiver isn't a huge area of concern, but considering the talent of this class and Matt Ryan's growing stardom, taking a versatile speedster like Torrey Smith at this point in the draft makes sense.
32. New England Patriots
Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin: While the Pats are solid up front and haven't used a first-round pick on an offensive lineman since selecting Logan Mankins in 2005, there is a rationale in place for this pick other than simply protecting Tom Brady. Picking two first-round prospects for the Patriots may be pointless as Bill Belichick is likely to continue his tradition of trading down to assure he'll be in a position of power again next year. Therefore, taking strictly a best player available philosophy, Carimi, the reigning Outland Trophy as the nation's top blocker, makes sense.
