There was no suspense atop the draft last night with Cam Newton going as expected number one to Carolina. At number two, Denver selected linebacker Von Miller, with many projecting Alabama defensive lineman Marcel Dareus in that slot. Dareus ended up going next to Buffalo, virtually swapping projected spots, so the impact on rest of first round was minimal.
The first surprise came with Atlanta trading up to Cleveland’s spot at number six and taking Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones. Jones going that high not a surprise, but the Falcons giving up five draft picks to do it, was a bit steep.
Many expected a run on quarterbacks, possibly early on. A run did come, but it did come as a surprise as several teams, with a need at the position, passed on Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert. Tennessee shocked the room by taking Washington’s Jake Locker in the number eight slot. With Gabbert slipping, Jacksonville moved up, trading with Washington, to get Gabbert. Another team needing a signal caller, Minnesota, did get one, but Florida State’s Christian Ponder was puzzling, with several higher regarded QB’s still available. No other quarterbacks went in the first round, but many are lining up to potentially move up in tonight’s 2nd round to get one of the three big names still available, Arkansas’ Ryan Mallet, Andy Dalton of TCU and Colin Kaepernick fromm Nevada.
Several defensive lineman slipped from lofty projections. Auburn’s Nick Fairley lasting until pick thirteen, selected by Detroit, setting up as an intriguing interior for the Lions, paired with All-Pro Ndamukong Suh. North Carolina’s Robert Quinn projected as a top ten pick by most, fell into the Rams lap at number 14. It was a defensive lineman that didn’t get selected that is creating most of the buzz today. Clemson’s DaQuan Bowers getting bypassed in the opening round due to some serious injury concerns. Going into the 2010 season, Bowers was considering the top NFL prospect.
Lineman dominated much of the remaining picks in the opening round. Not surprisingly, only one running back was taken. Alabama’s Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingram selected by the New Orleans Saints with pick number 28. Only three corner backs were taken in what was regarded as a shallow position. Elite cover man Patrick Peterson chosen by Arizona at number five, but Nebraska’s Prince Amukamara lasted longer than expected, going at number 19 to the New York Giants. Colorado’s Jimmy Smith was the other corner, Baltimore selecting him at 27. That pick is causing a bit of a controversy, as Baltimore was actually passed over in the slot briefly, while trying to work a trade with Chicago. The Ravens have asked the NFL for a 4th round pick from the Bears to compensate them for the mess.
Rounds two and three are tonight when the draft resumes There are some excellent prospects till on the board, which may prompt some trading in picks. We already mentioned Bowers, along with the three quarterbacks, all of which will be gone early. As mentioned, Ingram is the only running back gone, leaving three excellent backs still up for grabs. Virginia Tech’s Ryan Williams, Kansas State’s Daniel Thomas and Illinois’ Mikel Leshoure will all be taken quickly tonight. The elite receivers are long gone, but a solid six will go tonight, headlined by Maryland speedster Torrey Smith. Notre Dame’s Kyle Rudolph is the best tight end in the draft, it wouldn’t have surprised had he been taken last night.
Lineman were very popular in round one, with twenty selected, eight on defense and a dozen on offense. The cream of the crop is gone on the offensive side of things, but solid defensive lineman, led by Bowers still remain. More specifically, a trio of defensive tackles will be in high demand. Oregon State strong man Stephen Paea, Jarvis Jenkins from Clemson and North Carolina’s Marvin Austin are on everyone’s short list. With Von Miller the only traditional linebacker taken last night, lots of quality remains. Georgia”s Justin Houston and UCLA’s Akeem Ayers will go early on. The class was shallow at cornerback, and all three are gone. The top defensive back taken will probably be Rahim Moore of UCLA.
Rounds four through seven are on Saturday as the draft wraps up.
