NFL Mock Draft XI Has Patriots Taking Cameron Jordan, Danny Watkins With First-Round Picks

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Apr 14, 2011

NFL Mock Draft XI Has Patriots Taking Cameron Jordan, Danny Watkins With First-Round Picks Just two weeks before the draft, there still isn't a consensus No. 1 pick, but more signs are pointing toward Cam Newton going to Carolina. Because of that, there are some more changes in the top five.

Also, another very big name drops off the board altogether.

Let's open up Mock Draft XI, the 11th edition of 13 mock drafts that will run every Thursday until April 28.

1. Carolina Panthers
2010 Record: 2-14
Needs: Quarterback, defensive tackle, outside linebacker, guard, wide receiver, tight end, defensive end
The Pick: Auburn quarterback Cam Newton
Previous Picks: Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers, Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson
Analysis: This is as hard of a No. 1 pick to project in years, but if the Panthers are really studying Newton's junior college tapes, as Sports Illustrated reported, they're obviously prepared to take him. Can't imagine anything from a Heisman winner's junior college game film would be enough to sway an opinion one way or another, especially in the negative direction.

2. Denver Broncos
2010 Record: 4-12
Needs: Defensive end, cornerback, safety, outside linebacker
The Pick: Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus
Previous Pick: Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers
Analysis: Dareus would be a key piece in the middle of Denver's new-look 4-3 defense.

3. Buffalo Bills
2010 Record: 4-12
Needs: Quarterback, tackle, defensive end, outside linebacker, tight end, cornerback, safety
The Pick: Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller
Analysis: It sounds like this will come down to Miller and Patrick Peterson, who might be the safer pick. But the Bills need a pass rusher like the NFL needs a CBA.

4. Cincinnati Bengals
2010 Record: 4-12
Needs: Defensive end, quarterback, running back, wide receiver, inside linebacker, safety
The Pick: North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn
Previous Pick: Auburn quarterback Cam Newton
Analysis: While Newton had been the recent pick here, I don't get the sense that the Bengals have a lot of interest in Blaine Gabbert. Then again, that might mean the Bengals are head over heels for Gabbert.

5. Arizona Cardinals
2010 Record: 5-11
Needs: Quarterback, left tackle, guard, outside linebacker, cornerback
The Pick: LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson
Previous Pick: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert
Analysis: Some of the most respected writers in Arizona believe the Gabbert talk is a smokescreen and the Cardinals will target a defensive player. And with Larry Fitzgerald publicly against drafting a quarterback with the fifth pick, the front office should listen if they're not completely sold on any of the signal callers.

6. Cleveland Browns
2010 Record: 5-11
Needs: Wide receiver, tackle, guard, defensive end, inside linebacker, outside linebacker, cornerback, safety
The Pick: Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green
Analysis: The Browns lucked out by landing Colt McCoy in the third round in 2010, and now they don't need to gamble on one of the many uncertain quarterbacks in this draft class. They're in an enviable position in the top 10.

7. San Francisco 49ers
2010 Record: 6-10
Needs: Quarterback, outside linebacker, defensive tackle, defensive end, safety, wide receiver, cornerback
The Pick: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert
Previous Picks: LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson, Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara
Analysis: There's been more talk than normal about the 49ers feeling comfortable with another year of Alex Smith at quarterback, which might mean they're ready to draft one in the first round. These pre-draft PR spins are nauseating.

8. Tennessee Titans
2010 Record: 6-10
Needs: Quarterback, inside linebacker, defensive end, guard
The Pick: Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley
Previous Picks: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert, Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus, Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers, North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn
Analysis: Fairley would be a natural fit for Tennessee's defense, but the comparisons to Albert Haynesworth might be a little too much for the Titans to stomach. 

9. Dallas Cowboys
2010 Record: 6-10
Needs: Tackle, defensive end, guard, safety, cornerback
The Pick: USC tackle Tyron Smith
Previous Picks: Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus, Colorado tackle Nate Solder, Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley
Analysis: There was a report this week suggesting Smith hasn't recovered as expected from surgery to repair his meniscus, but that doesn't line up with his great showing at his pro day. His developmental period is legitimate, but the knee concerns shouldn't be too alarming.

10. Washington Redskins
2010 Record: 6-10
Needs: Quarterback, right tackle, wide receiver, right guard, cornerback, safety, defensive end
The Pick: Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones
Previous Picks: Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, USC tackle Tyron Smith, Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers
Analysis: It's almost been a foregone conclusion the Redskins are ready to move on from Donovan McNabb, but would a weapon like Jones change opinions in the front office.

Click here for picks 11-20 | Click here for picks 21-32 

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