Well, with the Superbowl over, the football world waits in anticipation of the next significant event in their sport: the NFL Draft.
On April 28, 2011, a new draft of fresh young faces will step up from college level football to the NFL and attempt to make history.
Here’s our early top 10 Mock Draft:
1. Carolina (2-14) Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn-
Carolina misses the presence of Julius Peppers on the Defensive Line, and Fairley would fill this need very nicely.
2. Denver (4-12) Da’Qwan Bowers, DE, Clemson-
Bowers has huge upside, and the Broncos were dead last in sacks. His pass rush is phenomenal and he could be a real boost to the defense along with perennial QB-tormenter Elvis Dumerville.
3. Buffalo (4-12) A.J. Green, WR, Georgia-
Green would provide the dynamic playmaker the Bills need to replace Lee Evans.
4. Cincinnati (4-12) Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri-
Palmer looks to be on the decline and has expressed his desire to leave the Bengals. Gabbert would be a solid replacement, and could lead the franchise for years.
5. Arizona (5-11) Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M-
Miller is a disruptive force, the Cardinals defense was incredibly weak against the run; this is a match made in heaven.
6. Cleveland (5-11) Julio Jones, WR, Alabama-
Colt McCoy needs some legitimate wide receivers. Enter Julio Jones.
7. San Francisco (6-10) Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU-
Many doubt that Peterson falls out of the top 5, but if he does, he almost certainly won’t make it past San Francisco. Nate Clements is past his prime, and they certainly need help in the secondary.
8. Tennessee (6-10) Marcel Dareus, DL, Alabama-
Babin is a free agent, and the Titans need some more beef along their front four. Not to mention, Dareus is versatile enough to be used at almost any position on the line.
9. Dallas (6-10) Prince Amakura, CB, Nebraska-
Aside from his awesome name, Amakura is one of the best CB prospects to come around in a while, and Dallas was deeply torched quite a few times this season.
10. Washington (6-10) Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri-
No QB left on the board at this point is worth this pick, so the Redskins may as well beef up their front 7.
