Ramblin' Fan » Marcell Dareus

2011 Mock Draft: #3 Buffalo

Justin Stine — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 05:40:57 +0000

We are up to the third pick in our 2011 mock, so it’s time to see where the Buffalo Bills are going to go. The Bills showed the ability to score on offense last season, but their defense was just awful. It’s been tough to get a read on how the team feels about starting quarterback (and former Ram) Ryan Fitzpatrick, but he put up solid numbers in the 2010 season. I wouldn’t be shocked if they went quarterback with the pick, especially if Cam Newton (QB Auburn) is available, but the need is really on defense.

Who They Should Take: There are a ton of options here that could really help this team. I think they will pull the trigger on Newton if he makes it there, but I don’t think he does. Blaine Gabbert (QB Mizzou) is also an option, but I don’t think they are in love with him. Defensive line is probably the right move here, so Von Miller (DE/OLB Texas A&M) is a nice option, as are Da’Quan Bowers (DE Clemson) and Robert Quinn (DE N. Carolina).

Who They Will Take: I think Miller will go here, and I think it’s probably the right pick. I wouldn’t give up on Fitzpatrick just yet if I were the Bills, and they have a much bigger need on defense. Miller looks like he could develop into an elite player, and he would be an outstanding addition to this struggling unit. I think the first two picks are going to determine a lot of what happens over the next few picks, but if the draft starts with Newton and Dareus, I think Miller becomes a Bill.

Other Possibilities: Gabbert, Bowers, Quinn, Nick Fairley (DT Auburn)

Mock Draft: #2 Denver

Justin Stine — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 08:03:45 +0000

We’re up to the second pick in our 2011 mock draft, and that means that the Denver Broncos are on the clock. the Broncos have a new coach in John Fox, and he will try to get his tenure in Denver off to a good start with this draft. Denver has plenty of needs, as do most teams choosing this high, so there are many different ways they could go at number two overall.

Who They Should Take: Patrick Peterson (CB LSU) is still the top player on my board, and he seemingly would be a nice fit as the heir-apparent to All-World corner Champ Bailey. Alas, as with the Panthers, two is probably too high to go corner, plus the team doesn’t have a huge need at the position. Marcell Dareus (DT Alabama) is the smart pick here, as Fox will look to get an anchor for his 4-3 defensive scheme.

Who They Will Take: I think Dareus is the pick here. He is a perfect fit, and the guy is pretty much a beast. I think the Denver offense has some nice pieces, but they really struggled on the defensive end of the ball last season. Dareus gives them a force on the interior of the defensive line, and he will be the first building block on what is expected to be a revamped defensive group. I’m feeling pretty confident on this one.

Other Possibilities: Nick Fairley (DT Auburn) Da’Quan Bowers (DE Clemson),

2011 NFL Draft: Carolina

Justin Stine — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 09:52:05 +0000

Since April is here and the draft is only a few short weeks away, I thought I would begin my mock draft. I’ll look at one team each day, going in order from 1 to 32, and I’ll let you know who I think they will pick and who I think they should pick. Feel free to comment in the section if you agree or disagree with what I have to say. Let’s start with the Panthers, who own the top pick.

Who They Should Pick: I was going to go with Da’Quan Bowers (DE, Clemson) here originally, but his knee issues are causing him to fall quickly on draft boards. I’m almost sure the Panthers won’t go this route, but they should take Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU). Peterson is easily the top player on my board, and he can impact the defense and the return game. Corners don’t go first overall, but this guy is good enough to do so.

Who They Will Pick: As much as it pains me to say it, I think the Panthers pull the trigger on Cam Newton (QB, Auburn) here. I personally think he is going to be a bust, and there is a ton of risk, but Carolina will want to make an impact, and sources say they are high on him. I think they should ride it out with Jimmy Clausen, their second rounder from last season, but I don’t think they will. If Newton does go here, it will be a pick that could define the future of the franchise. The question is, will it be a positive or negative impact?

Other Possibilities: Bowers, Marcell Dareus (DT, Alabama), Blaine Gabbert (QB, Mizzou)