NFL Draft Preview

It's that time of year again. College standouts from all over the nation fulfill a lifelong dream by hearing their names called by Roger Goodell on draft day. Who will be the fortunate few? by Alex Onushco

The NFL Draft looms ahead. But the NFL lockout and delayed collective bargaining agreement talks distracted just about all of the average fan’s focus from this year’s crop of players. EP will shed some light on team needs (in order) and the names you may hear Thursday night in the first round.    

1-Carolina Panthers-If you have the first pick in the draft, chances are your team as a lot of glaring holes that need to be filled.  It’s painstakingly clear that the Panthers do not have faith in Jimmy Clausen as a franchise quarterback, so they will look to find an answer at that position in this year’s draft.  Enter Cam Newton.  Last year’s Heisman Trophy winner has many owners drooling over his potential.  While he does come with a few flaws, including some character issues, Carolina simply cannot afford to pass on him with the No. 1 overall pick.
 Selection: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

2-Denver Broncos- The Broncos should be set at the linebacker position with run-stuffer D.J. Williams and sack-specialist Elvis Dumervil (assuming, of course, that he returns at full health).  But they need to add quality and depth to the line and the secondary.  Brian Dawkins and Champ Bailey are not getting any younger, and the Broncos need to find their replacements.  They also need an imposing presence on the inside of their d-line. Without a standout DB in the first 10 picks, the Broncos will have to look to the line.   
Selection: Marcel Darius, DT, Alabama

3-Buffalo Bills- Second-year head coach Chan Gailey has his work cut out for him in deciding how to use this pick.  Some believe that the Bills will select a quarterback - either Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert.  However, Ryan Fitzpatrick served as a viable starter for the team last year, and the Bills have more pressing needs, especially on defense.  Most prominently, the Bills lack a stud pass-rusher on the outside to pressure the opposing quarterback.   
Selection: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M

4-Cincinati Bengals- The Bengals took a major step back last year after winning the AFC North in 2009.  To retake the division crown, Marvin Lewis needs a major influx of talent on both sides of the ball (as well as a resolution between quarterback Carson Palmer and owner Mike Brown). Cincy may consider a wide receiver amidst rumors that Chad Ochocinco/Johnson will be gone this off-season, but they do have some promising up-and-comers in Jerome Simpson and Jordan Shipley.  The Bengals finished 27th in the league in sacks last season, so a defensive lineman is the wisest choice. Selection:  Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

5-Arizona Cardinals- After a disastrous year at the quarterback position, the Cardinals need to find their next franchise quarterback who can throw balls to stud wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.  Blaine Gabbert or Cam Newton could easily fall into their laps at the 5th pick.  Arizona must not hesitate if either are still on the board at this point.  While Gabbert is not quite pro-ready after playing in a spread offense during his college career, he possesses all the physical tools needed to succeed at the next level.   
Selection: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

6- Cleveland Browns- Unfortunately for their fans, the Browns have a history of underwhelming seasons and losing records.  At least two or three years separate the Browns from becoming serious contenders, but they have a chance to make strides this year with a successful draft.  The team’s gravest needs include linebackers and safeties, but Cleveland’s biggest need is a true No. 1 wide receiver that can stretch the field and catch balls from promising quarterback Colt McCoy.  Selection: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

7- San Francisco 49ers- With the first overall pick in 2005, the 49ers drafted quarterback Alex Smith from Utah ahead of hometown boy and Super Bowl XXXXV MVP Aaron Rodgers. By this time in the draft, the top two QB prospects will likely have been chosen, and it would be a reach to take any other QB with this pick.  The rest of the offense seems to be in good shape, so drafting a defensive player would be the best move.  Behind QB, the 49ers biggest need is at the cornerback position.
Selection: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

8-Tennessee Titans- It’s hard team to predict the Titans’ talent because one year they may win the conference and the next they’ll finish dead last.  Tennessee needs to find an answer at quarterback now that they sent Vince Young packing, but they may not find a Week 1 starter in this draft class.  On defense, the departure of Albert Haynesworth in 2009 created a giant hole at DT that still needs to be filled.  Fortunately for them, this draft class is stacked at that position.   
Selection: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

9-Dallas Cowboys- Last season was a major disappointment for Dallas fans considering that many projected the Cowboys to make the Super Bowl. But this team is full of talent, and new head coach Jason Garrett seems to have inspired confidence in his players.  Help in the secondary is a major concern, but America’s Team should focus on improving the offensive line in this draft because a lack of protection of the line ultimately drove franchise quarterback Tony Romo to the injury reserve.
Selection: Tyron Smith, OT, USC

10-Washington Redskins- A set of failed experiment at quarterback and defensive tackle (Donovan Mcnabb and Albert Haynesworth, respectively) damaged team morale.  Aside from tight end, the Redskins seem to have a hole at every position. Drafting a running back – even Mark Ingram - at this pick would be a stretch. A wide receiver like Julio Jones could be a potential candidate, but Mike Shanahan and the ‘Skins should improve the defense. The team needs to find a pass-rusher to take some of the pressure off of stud linebacker Brian Orakpo.
 Selection: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina