2011 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Newton No. 1, But Defensive Lineman Rule The Draft

Hang in there, football fans. We’re down to just 10 days remaining until the start of the 2011 NFL Draft. By popular demand, this week’s 2011 NFL Mock Draft from SBNation.com spans two rounds, and does not project trades.

In those first 64 picks, eight quarterbacks and 22 (!) defensive linemen are projected to be picked - and Cam Newton continues to headline the mock at No. 1 overall.

1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn. All signs continue to point to the Heisman Trophy winner being the Panthers’ choice with the first pick.

2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama. With Dareus, this pick represents a convergence of safe pick, need pick and talent pick all in one.

3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M. He’s not the complete package, but Miller is the type of elite edge rusher the Bills sorely lack in their 3-4.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri. Gabbert wouldn’t step into the lineup right away, but neither did the man he’d be replacing.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU. Cornerback isn’t the big need, but teaming Peterson with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie would be very enticing.

6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia. Arguably the best player in the draft, Green would do wonders for Colt McCoy’s development.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska. Corner is a huge need, and Amukamara is a fantastic way for a new Niners regime to begin their rebuild.

8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn. Not even Albert Haynesworth comparisons make this a bad pick for the D-Line needy Titans.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC. Though he’s very raw, Smith has huge upside as both a pass blocker and run blocker.

10. Washington Redskins: Jake Locker, QB, Washington. Mike Shanahan is confident and bold, and there’s more than enough for him to mold in Locker.

11. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina. Wade Phillips is moving to the 3-4, and Quinn is too enticing as an OLB prospect to pass on here.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson. The knee has caused him to slide, but it’s tough to project him past Minnesota, where he could start.

13. Detroit Lions: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College. Protecting Matthew Stafford is a huge priority, and Castonzo is a ten-year starter type on either side.

14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama. They may have to trade up to get him, but Jones appears to be the guy the Rams want. Understandable.

15. Miami Dolphins: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida. It’ll be tough for Miami to pass on a QB, but Pouncey represents an instant upgrade for their run offense.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cameron Jordan, DE, California. Terrific value for the draft’s most versatile defender, and it fills a Jags need, too.

17. New England Patriots: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin. Bill Belichick built a defensive dynasty drafting defensive linemen early. Watt continues that trend.

18. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue. He’s not the athletic prototype for a 3-4 OLB, but his hustle complements Shaun Phillips quite nicely.

19. New York Giants: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA. Athletic numbers have depressed his stock, but Ayers is an instant starter in Perry Fewell’s defense.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri. Smith is extremely talented and may be long gone by this point. He’d be a steal here.

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin. Carimi is the most NFL-ready tackle available this year, and starts on the right side immediately for the Chiefs.

22. Indianapolis Colts: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois. The Colts have been trying to address this position for years; Liuget would be their most talented attempt.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado. A supremely talented player, character concerns won’t drop him any further than CB-needy Philly.

24. New Orleans Saints: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa. He’s flying under the radar, but Clayborn would be an immediate starter opposite Will Smith.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado. Solder is raw, but has tremendous upside and projects as an excellent bookend to Russell Okung.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (FL). Setting aside the fact that he’s a UM product, Harris is an outstanding athlete at a position of need.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh. He might be a slight character risk, but he was also a team captain, and the Falcons need help here.

28. New England Patriots: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor. The Patriots may need two new guards next year, and Watkins is pro-ready and can slide in on the left side.

29. Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State. Sherrod doesn’t get a lot of fanfare, but he’d start immediately at either tackle in Chicago.

30. New York Jets: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple. Probably a bit overhyped, but Wilkerson is an intriguing, massive athlete that Rex Ryan can scheme around.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas. This might be a touch high, but Williams is physical and a playmaker. The Steelers need both.

32. Green Bay Packers: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State. The Packers are still building their 3-4, and Heyward would be valuable depth at end.