Bruins’ Confidence in Young Defensemen Paying Off, Trio All Factoring Into Score Sheet (Video)
Bruins Light Up Henrik Lundqvist in Game 2, Leave Goalie Searching for Reasons for Struggles
Red Sox-Twins Live: Sox Outlast Twins 5-1 at Wet Target Field, Finish Off Sweep for Fifth Straight Win
Bruins’ Third-Period Issues Look to Be Behind Them After Dominant Final Frame in Game 2
Bruins’ Young Defensemen Shine Again in Best Images From Boston’s Game 2 Victory Over New York (Photos)
Jacoby Ellsbury Is Red Sox’ Best Leadoff Option, But Lineup Change Could Spark Struggling Outfielder
Bruins-Rangers Live: B’s Roll to 5-2 Win in Game 2, Take 2-0 Series Lead to New York
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
Franck Ribery’s Perfect Volleyed Goal Caps Off Outstanding Bundesliga Season (Video)
Red Sox Watched ‘The Sandlot’ While Waiting For Rain Delay to End in Minnesota (Video)
Jaromir Jagr Not Content With Bruins’ 2-0 Lead Over Rangers, Puts in Practice Time Alone Three Hours After Bruins Win (Photo)
David Ortiz’s Two Home Runs Against Minnesota Earn Ketel One Honorable Moment
San Jose Sharks Fined $100,000 After GM Doug Wilson Criticizes Raffi Torres Suspension
David Ortiz Incredulous Red Sox-Twins Game Not Called After Two-Hour Rain Delay (Photo)
Tuukka Rask, Bruins Defense Put Rangers in ‘Double Trouble’ While Grabbing 2-0 Series Lead (Video)
David Beckham Cries His Way Off Soccer Field, Into Retirement (Video)
Skylar Diggins Gets Mercedes From Jay-Z as Graduation Gift (Photo)
Rangers Drawing Attention to Themselves With Mighty Struggles on Power Play Against Bruins (Video)
Jamie Carragher Ends Career on Winning Note As Liverpool Defeats QPR on Final Day of 2012-13 Season
Providence Bruins Brawl With Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins During Playoff Game (Video)
Robert Griffin III Thanks Fans for Buying Him Every Item From Bed Bath & Beyond Wedding Registry (Photo)
Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts Sings ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame’ During Braves Game at Turner Field (Video)
Jacoby Ellsbury Gets First Game Off As Red Sox Attempt to Sweep Twins
Seton Hall Softball Coach Paige Smith Under Fire for Treatment of Players After Kicking Two Seniors Off Team
Kobe Bryant Calls Phil Jackson’s Comparison of Him to Michael Jordan ‘Apples to Oranges’
Nicolas Colsaerts Takes Drop From Bathroom After Tee Shot Goes Into Hazard (Video)
UFC Suspends, Fines Nate Diaz for Homophobic Slur in Tweet
Bill Hader’s Best ‘Saturday Night Live’ Sports Moments Include Greg the Alien, NFL Films Appearance (Videos)
Charmin Posts Billboard Ad at Charlotte Motor Speedway Urging Race Fans to ‘Stop Skidmarks’ (Photo)
Metta World Peace Plays Meteorologist for Local LA News Station, Encourages Viewers to ‘Go to School’ (Video)
Pedro Ciriaco, Ryan Lavarnway Get Starts Saturday Night Against Minnesota as Red Sox Battle Banged Up Lineup
Astros Lose Game Off Walk-Off Disastrous Error in Bottom of Ninth to Pirates (Video)
Chip Kelly Trying Wide Receiver Jason Avant at Defensive Back, Tight End Clay Harbor at Outside Linebacker
Aly Raisman Met With Random Olympic Drug Test on Set of ‘Access Hollywood Live’
Eric LeGrand Moves Home Nearly Three Years After Tackle Left Him Paralyzed (Video)
Ex-NBA Player Predrag Danilovic Stabbed, Seriously Injured During Brawl in Serbia
Bruins Need Dennis Seidenberg, Andrew Ference Back Despite Impressive Play of Young Defensemen (Video)
Clay Buchholz Wins Amica Pitcher of the Week Honors for Dominant Performances Against Blue Jays, Twins
© 2013 New England Sports Network. All Rights Reserved. All photos © 2013 Associated Press and NBA photos © 2013 Getty Images unless indicated. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press is strictly prohibited.
All sports statistics © 2013 STATS LLC unless indicated. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC is strictly prohibited.
Powered by WordPress.com VIP