Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Feeling the Draft 2011

Some predictions for the upcoming NFL Draft:

- Patrick Peterson of LSU will be the first overall pick by the Carolina Panthers. While the Panthers may need a quarterback, neither Cam Newton nor Blaine Gabbert has proved worthy to be the top pick. The Panthers would be wise to make Peterson, the best overall player according to most scouts, as the first overall pick.

- Denver Broncos will not draft a quarterback at number two either, despite their rumoured interest in Newton and Gabbert. Instead they will address their defensive line need by selecting Marcell Dareus of Alabama.

- So will Newton and Gabbert's fall end at number three? No in Yours Truly's opinion. Instead the Buffalo Bills will draft Von Miller of Texas A&M and hope to draft a quarterback in round two, or by trading back into the bottom of round one.

- At number four, the Cincinnati Bengals has not been known as a wheeling and dealing team. Trading up and down in the draft is an anomaly for them. With the Carson Palmer situation still (and unlikely) to be resolved, they will have to take a quarterback at number four. Newton will be their choice.

- In dire need of a quarterback, the Arizona Cardinals will hardly be able to believe their luck with Gabbert falling onto their lap at number five. That pick should take no more than ten seconds to make.

So a recap:

1. Patrick Peterson DB Carolina Panthers
2. Marcell Dareus DE Denver Broncos
3. Von Miller LB Buffalo Bills
4. Cam Newton QB Cincinnati Bengals
5. Blaine Gabbert QB Arizona Cardinals