Post Combine Mock Draft: New Orleans Saints Draft Strategy Altered
By Editorial Staff
1) CAROLINA PANTHERS 2-14
Blaine Gabbert- QB- Missouri
With Jake Delohme gone to Cleveland, only first year player Matt Moore, rookies Jimmy Clausen and Brian St. Pierre on the Panthers roster at quarterback. I think Clausen Had his shot in 2010. I think the Panthers have decided that they will need a franchise quarterback if they plan on competing in the quarterback deep NFC South. Gabbert is the prototypical quarterback standing 6-5 andweighing 235 pounds with a very live arm. New head Ron Rivers will happy to have him to be the Panthers franchise quarterback.
Robert Quinn- DE- UNC
The Bronco’s parted ways with head coach Josh Daniels and hired John Fox as its new head coach and a new defensive coordinator in Dennis Allen. This is a team that has some good pieces in place in quarterback Kyle Orton and running back Knowshon Moreno and WR Brandon Lloyd, but they have needs on the defensive front, linebacker and safety. Quinn is top talent and a fast pace style of player andhe will fit withthe Broncos whether they stay witha 4-3 or move to a 3-4. I think his problems that occurred in college are behind him now and I think he will become an ultimate Pro Linebacker.
3) BUFFALO BILLS 4-12
Da’Quan Bowers– DE- Clemson
The Bills have many needs that include quarterback, defensive end, offensive tackle and corner back. Most teams usually take the best talent available regardless of need but Buffalo’s defense has been horrid and this pick allows them to shore up the defensive end position. Bowers was a monster at Clemson and will give the Bills defensive line instant credibility.
4) CINCINNATI BENGALS 4-12
Julio Jones- WR- Alabama
The Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer is threatening to retire if he’s not traded, the Bengals have promised him the last couple of years to add a play maker. Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens are on their way out and it’s an absolute must here that they draft Julio Jones who will immediately become the number one wide receiver in Cincinnati and finally give the team a true play maker not seen since the early days of Chad Johnson. Maybe bring Chad Ochocinco back at a lower number or another veteranreciever to help bring the young talent along. Just look at what Jones did at the combine with a broken foot.
5) ARIZONA CARDINALS 4-12
Cam Newton- QB- Auburn
The best pick here for the Cardinals is former Auburn Quarterback Cam Newton. Think about it, Newton has a strong arm like Jay Cutler, and he’s cocky. However it still may be a bit early to take Newton considering his accuracy (shown at the combine) and decision making are big question marks as he heads into the pros. Also Whisenhunt really likes Blane Gabbert, but Gabbert will be long gone by the 5Th pick. With just two unproven quarterbacks on their roster for 2011, quarterback is definitely a big need. In the end though I think the decision is made to take the dynamically raw, Cam Newton.
6) CLEVELAND BROWNS 5-11
Marcell Dareus -DT- Alabama
Since the Browns lost Shaun Rogers to the Saints via free agency, they will need to fill that position through the draft. Looking at the talent at that position Marcell Dareus does not waste any movements; every movement is deliberate, effortless, and displays excellent flexibility. This makes Dareus a true nightmare in space for a man his size, and as such you see him make a lot of plays in the offensive backfield. What truly stands out about Dareus is that he has incredible fluidity for a man his size.