Here on ROTB, we have completed 10 picks in our mock draft. It is time to look at how the writers have done so far. According to their projections, the story is about defensive players, as seven of the first ten are on the defensive side of the ball. Only one quarterback is drafted and that player does not go number one overall. There are no huge surprises.
The top 10 looks like this:
1- Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
2- Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
3- Buffalo Bills: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
4- Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
5- Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
6- Cleveland Browns: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
7- San Francisco 49ers: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
8- Tennessee Titans: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
9- Dallas Cowboys: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
10- Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
The only problem I have with how this looks is that I don't think there is any way that Cam Newton falls out of the top 10. There are several teams with quarterback needs and I just can't see only one going so far. I think the Panthers will end up taking either Gabbert or Newton to start the draft and that the other won't make it past Arizona.
Which pick do I love? While I like the thought of having him opposite Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Patrick Peterson to Denver is so very smart. I cannot think of a better situation than playing with one of the greatest ever at his position. Plus, with the return of Elvis Dumervil to boost the pass rush, Denver's pass defense could soon become a team strength.
I also love the Cardinals' selection of Miller. As I have said numerous times, he is exactly what the team needs and can be an impact player even in year one.
There is not a single pick that I dislike for the team projections. Although, I am not sure which player falls out of the top 10 if Newton were added. The easy answer is Julio Jones, but it could also easily be someone like Fairley who is at the top of the writers' draft.
The steal of the first few? That would either be Quinn and the Cowboys or Jones and the 'Skins. Quinn is a steal because of where selected. He will complement Demarcus Ware quite well. Jones could be the biggest playmaker of this group in 2011. If it weren't for the defensive needs of teams in the top 10 and the overwhelming talent there in this year's draft, Jones would most certainly be higher.
Those are my thoughts...
Now it is your turn. What do you think of the writers' selections? Comment below or if you have some extended thoughts, try a FanPost. The best FanPosts will find their way t the front page. Who is the steal? Who is the most likely to bust? Share what you think.