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NFL mock draft: Alabama DT Marcell Dareus moves up to No. 1
Russ Lande
Sporting News
With the top pick of the draft, look for the Carolina Panthers to ultimately decide among three defensive tackle prospects — Auburn’s Nick Fairley, Illinois’ Corey Liuget and Alabama’s Marcell Dareus. Though Fairley and Liuget might have more upside because of their elite athleticism, Dareus is the safest pick because he was highly productive in a complex scheme that required him to play with excellent technique, patience and smarts.
Panthers new coach Ron Rivera can’t afford to miss on this pick if he hopes to become a fixture in Carolina, so Dareus is the choice.
NFL mock draft: Alabama DT Marcell Dareus moves up to No. 1 Projected to go No. 1 overall to the Panthers earlier this offseason, Nick Fairley slips to No. 8 in SN's latest mock draft. (AP Photo)
1. Carolina Panthers: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
Although the Panthers consider taking an end, they have a much bigger need inside because they have young ends Everette Brown and Greg Hardy and could re-sign DE Charles Johnson. Nick Fairley is tempting, but questions about his maturity level contribute to Dareus’ rise to No. 1.
2. Denver Broncos: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Denver has a lot of needs, but new coach John Fox remembers Julius Peppers’ impact on Carolina's defense and grabs Bowers, who has the talent to be as good a player as Peppers.
3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
The Bills struggled greatly to pressure the quarterback in 2010, and Miller gives them an explosive edge rusher who can be productive as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 and as an end in a 4-3.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco may not return to the Bengals. If their passing offense is going to produce, it will need a big-play receiver such as Green.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
After losing Kurt Warner to retirement, the Cardinals were terrible on offense last season. So they grab the strong-armed Gabbert, who has many of the necessary traits to become a very good NFL quarterback.
6. Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
With the Browns switching back to a 4-3 scheme, they need pass-rushing ends. Quinn is a very explosive, polished pass rusher who can start early in his career.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
The 49ers, who would like to add a pass rusher or a quarterback in the first round, fall in love with Peterson's athleticism and overlook his lack of consistent production.
8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
The Titans’ defense has not been the same since losing Albert Haynesworth—and the explosive, super-athletic Fairley gives them the interior force they desperately needs.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
The Cowboys need more playmakers in the secondary, and Prince gives them a tough, physical and athletic corner.
10. Washington Redskins: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Despite concerns about Locker's accuracy, coach Mike Shanahan grabs the athletic, strong-armed QB with the belief he can solve his problems and turn him into a star.
11. Houston Texans: Jabaal Sheard, OLB, Pittsburgh
New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips needs edge pass rushers, and Sheard has the tools to be an impact pass rusher who can help the Texans’ defense make the transition to the 3-4.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
New coach Leslie Frazier gambles that Newton will grow and develop into a Big Ben type of impact quarterback.
13. Detroit Lions: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
The Lions’ offense isn’t going to take the next step if it can’t keep Stafford healthy. Castonzo is ready to step in and play left tackle as a rookie and could become special in time.
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Sam Bradford had a very good rookie season, but he needs some weapons to continue his development. Jones is an elite prospect.
15. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
Ronnie Brown isn’t likely to return, and Williams brings the explosiveness, vision, instincts and natural run skills to be a dynamic back in the NFL.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
The Jaguars have struggled to find a playmaking cornerback, and Smith has the height, long arms and man coverage skills tp be a great fit in the team’s scheme.
17. New England Patriots (from Oakland): Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
Since trading Richard Seymour, the Patriots’ defensive line has not been a strength. Liuget has the potential to be an elite 4-3 tackle or 3-4 end because of his combination of size, strength and explosive athleticism.
18. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
The Chargers need to add youth at end, and Jordan has the size, strength and athleticism to be an impact starter as a rookie. He also brings real versatility to the team’s 3-4 defense.
19. N.Y. Giants: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
The Giants want to make an upgrade at tackle, and Paea has the talent to be a good, productive starting interior lineman early in his career.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
The Bucs’ pass rush was too inconsistent in 2010, and Smith has the rare athleticism, explosiveness and speed to upgrade the position.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Though LT Branden Albert played better in 2010, the Chiefs have long-term concerns about him and could use an upgrade at right tackle. They grab the athletic Solder, who could take over at left tackle if Albert doesn’t maintain a high level of play.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
The Colts desperately want to upgrade their pass protection, and Smith is an athletic, tough and strong tackle who should be able to protect Peyton Manning's blind side for the long term.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Danny Watkins, G, Baylor
The Eagles would prefer to grab a tackle to upgrade their line, but Watkins has great intangibles and looks like he could start right away inside.
24. New Orleans Saints: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
The Saints need to improve their edge pass rush, and though Kerrigan isn’t a star, he has the quickness, speed and warrior’s mentality that will be a good fit in the Saints’ scheme.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
The Seahawks want big ends who can stuff the run in their 4-3 scheme. Clayborn fits that mold and should be a very good player early in his career.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
Michael Oher proved in 2010 that he isn’t as good at left tackle and should return to right tackle. The Ravens grab Sherrod, who has the feet and athleticism to protect Joe Flacco’s blind side.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami (Fla.)
The Falcons have Roddy White but don’t have a playmaker to complement him. So they grab Hankerson, who has the height, hands, receiving skills and speed to be an impact receiver.
28. New England Patriots: Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois
The Patriots need a big, powerful back who can also make big plays — and Leshoure has that potential. He also fits the Patriots’ system well because he is so good in pass protection.
29. Chicago Bears: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
The Bears’ interior defensive line needs help, especially considering Tommie Harris’ knee issues. Nevis is the quick, violent and explosive force to be an ideal addition to their scheme.
30. N.Y. Jets: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple
The Jets’ defensive line is getting old and needs an infusion of youth. Wilkerson has the height, long arms, athleticism and strength to be a perfect fit in the Jets’ 3-4 system.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Stefen Wisniewski, C/G, Penn State
The Steelers gave their line a big boost last year by drafting C Maurkice Pouncey. Now, they grab Wisniewski to start next to him, giving the line more youth and athleticism.
32. Green Bay Packers: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Despite the playoff success of James Starks, the Packers see great value in grabbing Ingram. He has the talent to be a very strong, productive back whose style will play well in Green Bay’s cold conditions.
For more than 300 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts—plus updated Mock Draft, Super 99 rankings and more—go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Read more: http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/fee...marcell-dareus-moves-up-to-no-1#ixzz1EArnJZ8l
Russ Lande
Sporting News
With the top pick of the draft, look for the Carolina Panthers to ultimately decide among three defensive tackle prospects — Auburn’s Nick Fairley, Illinois’ Corey Liuget and Alabama’s Marcell Dareus. Though Fairley and Liuget might have more upside because of their elite athleticism, Dareus is the safest pick because he was highly productive in a complex scheme that required him to play with excellent technique, patience and smarts.
Panthers new coach Ron Rivera can’t afford to miss on this pick if he hopes to become a fixture in Carolina, so Dareus is the choice.
NFL mock draft: Alabama DT Marcell Dareus moves up to No. 1 Projected to go No. 1 overall to the Panthers earlier this offseason, Nick Fairley slips to No. 8 in SN's latest mock draft. (AP Photo)
1. Carolina Panthers: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
Although the Panthers consider taking an end, they have a much bigger need inside because they have young ends Everette Brown and Greg Hardy and could re-sign DE Charles Johnson. Nick Fairley is tempting, but questions about his maturity level contribute to Dareus’ rise to No. 1.
2. Denver Broncos: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Denver has a lot of needs, but new coach John Fox remembers Julius Peppers’ impact on Carolina's defense and grabs Bowers, who has the talent to be as good a player as Peppers.
3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
The Bills struggled greatly to pressure the quarterback in 2010, and Miller gives them an explosive edge rusher who can be productive as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 and as an end in a 4-3.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco may not return to the Bengals. If their passing offense is going to produce, it will need a big-play receiver such as Green.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
After losing Kurt Warner to retirement, the Cardinals were terrible on offense last season. So they grab the strong-armed Gabbert, who has many of the necessary traits to become a very good NFL quarterback.
6. Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
With the Browns switching back to a 4-3 scheme, they need pass-rushing ends. Quinn is a very explosive, polished pass rusher who can start early in his career.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
The 49ers, who would like to add a pass rusher or a quarterback in the first round, fall in love with Peterson's athleticism and overlook his lack of consistent production.
8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
The Titans’ defense has not been the same since losing Albert Haynesworth—and the explosive, super-athletic Fairley gives them the interior force they desperately needs.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
The Cowboys need more playmakers in the secondary, and Prince gives them a tough, physical and athletic corner.
10. Washington Redskins: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Despite concerns about Locker's accuracy, coach Mike Shanahan grabs the athletic, strong-armed QB with the belief he can solve his problems and turn him into a star.
11. Houston Texans: Jabaal Sheard, OLB, Pittsburgh
New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips needs edge pass rushers, and Sheard has the tools to be an impact pass rusher who can help the Texans’ defense make the transition to the 3-4.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
New coach Leslie Frazier gambles that Newton will grow and develop into a Big Ben type of impact quarterback.
13. Detroit Lions: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
The Lions’ offense isn’t going to take the next step if it can’t keep Stafford healthy. Castonzo is ready to step in and play left tackle as a rookie and could become special in time.
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Sam Bradford had a very good rookie season, but he needs some weapons to continue his development. Jones is an elite prospect.
15. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
Ronnie Brown isn’t likely to return, and Williams brings the explosiveness, vision, instincts and natural run skills to be a dynamic back in the NFL.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
The Jaguars have struggled to find a playmaking cornerback, and Smith has the height, long arms and man coverage skills tp be a great fit in the team’s scheme.
17. New England Patriots (from Oakland): Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
Since trading Richard Seymour, the Patriots’ defensive line has not been a strength. Liuget has the potential to be an elite 4-3 tackle or 3-4 end because of his combination of size, strength and explosive athleticism.
18. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
The Chargers need to add youth at end, and Jordan has the size, strength and athleticism to be an impact starter as a rookie. He also brings real versatility to the team’s 3-4 defense.
19. N.Y. Giants: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
The Giants want to make an upgrade at tackle, and Paea has the talent to be a good, productive starting interior lineman early in his career.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
The Bucs’ pass rush was too inconsistent in 2010, and Smith has the rare athleticism, explosiveness and speed to upgrade the position.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Though LT Branden Albert played better in 2010, the Chiefs have long-term concerns about him and could use an upgrade at right tackle. They grab the athletic Solder, who could take over at left tackle if Albert doesn’t maintain a high level of play.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
The Colts desperately want to upgrade their pass protection, and Smith is an athletic, tough and strong tackle who should be able to protect Peyton Manning's blind side for the long term.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Danny Watkins, G, Baylor
The Eagles would prefer to grab a tackle to upgrade their line, but Watkins has great intangibles and looks like he could start right away inside.
24. New Orleans Saints: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
The Saints need to improve their edge pass rush, and though Kerrigan isn’t a star, he has the quickness, speed and warrior’s mentality that will be a good fit in the Saints’ scheme.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
The Seahawks want big ends who can stuff the run in their 4-3 scheme. Clayborn fits that mold and should be a very good player early in his career.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
Michael Oher proved in 2010 that he isn’t as good at left tackle and should return to right tackle. The Ravens grab Sherrod, who has the feet and athleticism to protect Joe Flacco’s blind side.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami (Fla.)
The Falcons have Roddy White but don’t have a playmaker to complement him. So they grab Hankerson, who has the height, hands, receiving skills and speed to be an impact receiver.
28. New England Patriots: Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois
The Patriots need a big, powerful back who can also make big plays — and Leshoure has that potential. He also fits the Patriots’ system well because he is so good in pass protection.
29. Chicago Bears: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
The Bears’ interior defensive line needs help, especially considering Tommie Harris’ knee issues. Nevis is the quick, violent and explosive force to be an ideal addition to their scheme.
30. N.Y. Jets: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple
The Jets’ defensive line is getting old and needs an infusion of youth. Wilkerson has the height, long arms, athleticism and strength to be a perfect fit in the Jets’ 3-4 system.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Stefen Wisniewski, C/G, Penn State
The Steelers gave their line a big boost last year by drafting C Maurkice Pouncey. Now, they grab Wisniewski to start next to him, giving the line more youth and athleticism.
32. Green Bay Packers: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Despite the playoff success of James Starks, the Packers see great value in grabbing Ingram. He has the talent to be a very strong, productive back whose style will play well in Green Bay’s cold conditions.
For more than 300 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts—plus updated Mock Draft, Super 99 rankings and more—go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Read more: http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/fee...marcell-dareus-moves-up-to-no-1#ixzz1EArnJZ8l
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