With the draft upon us, I predict the top 10 picks in this year’s NFL Draft.
1. Carolina Panthers- Patrick Peterson: CB, LSU
It may come as a surprise to see a corner going this high, but Peterson is clearly the best player in the draft. Carolina has issues seemingly everywhere on their roster, and a major problem at Quarterback.
I believe new coach Ron Rivera gives 2nd year player Jimmy Clausen a chance. This is a hit or miss pick without a second round pick and Carolina can’t afford to miss on this pick. By going with Peterson, Carolina gets a physical corner that is great in coverage and can help out in the run, which will be perfect for the pass happy NFC South.
2. Denver Broncos- Marcell Dareus: DT, Alabama
This will definitely be a defensive pick for the Broncos. New coach John Fox has already named his quarterback and he wants a physical player on the defensive front.
I believe that Marcell Dareus is a better player than Auburn’s Nick Fairley even though Fairley fits the Broncos’ 4-3 defensive scheme. The Broncos were only able to reach the opposing quarterback 23 times last year.
Dareus has been dominant the past few years for the Crimson Tide, and is proven compared to a one-year wonder like Fairley.
3. Buffalo Bills- Blaine Gabbert: QB, Missouri
Is Ryan Fitzpatrick really an NFL starting quarterback? The Bills haven’t had a quality franchise quarterback since the days of Jim Kelly.
Reports are that coach Chan Gailey likes Cam Newton but after a poor showing at the combine I believe they have to go with Gabbert. Gabbert will have to make the transition from a system quarterback to being under center in the NFL, but he possesses the tools and knowledge to be a quarterback at the next league.
Even though Gabbert didn’t throw at the combine but impressed at his pro day and is climbing the draft boards due to his football intelligence.
4. Cincinnati Bengals- A.J. Green: WR, Georgia
Quarterback Carson Palmer says he will never set foot in Paul Brown Stadium again, meaning he is serious about retiring if not dealt. Even with Palmer gone, there are no other quarterbacks in the draft that should go in the top five.
It is highly unlikely that Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens will return to Cincinnati next year so going with a receiver here seems to be the best bet. Green will receive pressure from Julio Jones as the top receiver but the Bengals will go with Green who draws comparisons from Larry Fitzgerald.
5. Arizona Cardinals- Von Miller: LB, Texas A&M
The Cardinals would love for Von Miller to be here. Veterans Joey Porter and Clark Haggans aren’t getting any younger, and Miller provides not only excellent cover skills but has the ability to get to the quarterback.
Miller will fit the Cardinals’ 3-4 scheme perfectly. Miller had an excellent combine, scoring high in almost all categories, but needs to work on his coverage skills.
6. Cleveland Browns- Julio Jones: WR, Alabama
I think the Browns could look at taking Nick Fairley at this spot because he would fill a gaping hole on the defensive front left by the recent release of ex Pro Bowler Shaun Rogers. I think it is more important to get some quality weapons for second-year quarterback Colt McCoy if they believe he will be the franchise quarterback.
Occasional drops may be a concern for the Browns, but Jones’ playmaking ability and excellent showing at the combine will vault him to this spot.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Da’Quan Bowers: DE, Clemson
This will be a painful first round for the 49ers because of the players being taken ahead of them. If Da’Quan Bowers falls this far he certainly will not make it any further.
With only 11 sacks coming from the 49ers current defensive front, they could use a player that can get to the quarterback. Bowers led the NCAA in sacks this past year, and has been compared to All-Pro defensive end Julius Peppers.
He has been known to play inconsistent and forgets technique at times. Bower’s knee issues have to be a concern for teams but if he falls any further he will be a huge steal in this year’s draft.
8. Tennessee Titans- Jake Locker QB, Washington
After deciding to draft Vince Young out of Texas in 2006, I don’t believe they will go with Cam Newton, who could be another Young repeat. The Titans could use a lot of help on both sides of the ball.
This could be a huge reach taking Locker this early, and the Titans could trade down for more picks. Other options could be a Nick Fairley out of Auburn to fill the hole left by Albert Haynesworth, but the Titans need a franchise quarterback to complement running back Chris Johnson.
A new coach usually brings in a new franchise quarterback, and that is what I believe will happen here.
9. Dallas Cowboys- Robert Quinn: DE/OLB, North Carolinaa
The Cowboys are an interesting team to look at leading to the draft. A few positions needs make sense but going with one of the best players available might make better sense.
Imagine Robert Quinn and DeMarcus Ware rushing the quarterback. Quinn has the ability to play in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme, but I believe his pass rushing ability would be best for the Cowboys’ 3-4.
I choose Quinn over fellow defensive end Cameron Jordan of California due to Quinn’s ability to get to the quarterback. The Cowboy’s defensive front doesn’t get to the quarterback much and Quinn’s pass rush ability can free up the linebackers.
Quinn was one of the North Carolina players to be suspended the past year, but he will be ready.
10. Washington Redskins- JJ Watt: DE, Wisconsin
After the Donovan McNabb experiment failed for the Redskins it has become apparent they need a franchise quarterback. Again I’m not sold on Cam Newton going in the top 10 because I don’t feel he is NFL ready and I believe Redskin’s owner Dan Snyder doesn’t want to fail on another quarterback.
Washington struggled getting to the quarterback last season with Albert Haynesworth being a flop and teams double teaming Brian Orakpo. Watt is explosive off the snap and can easily reach the quarterback and plays the run well.
He should fit a 3-4 scheme perfectly, which could help free up Orakpo and fellow Washington linebackers.
