Home Headlines 2011 NFL Draft: 1st Round Thoughts

2011 NFL Draft: 1st Round Thoughts

In a time when football in 2011 looked bleak, the draft was exactly what the doctor ordered for fans. Maybe it was the lack of a free agency period, but after the first round, one has to wonder what some of these teams are thinking. Fortunately, a team’s draft isn’t determined by the first round. Here are 10 things I found interesting in the first 32 picks.

1. The Carolina Panthers selected Cam Newton out of Auburn. Its a pick they had to make because they couldn’t have gone into the season with Jimmy Clausen as the starter.

2. I thought the Broncos were looking at Marcell Dareus here because of their need for a solid pass rusher but they opted for what was probably the best available player in Von Miller. There was no wrong answer here for them.

.3. The Buffalo Bills must be satisfied with Ryan Fitzpatrick because Blaine Gabbert was right there for the taking. Maybe their plan going into the draft was Cam Newton or bust.

4. Although the Falcons gave up a lot to trade up for Julio Jones, the pick was worth it. Adding a talented player like Jones to an offense that was ranked fifth overall in total points scored.

5. Did anyone think Jake Locker had any shot to get drafted in the first round? The answer is no. No one did. While no one is going to blame the Titans for taking a quarterback, with Andy Dalton on the board, how could they take this guy?

6. While we’re on the subject of quarterbacks going too early, Christian Ponder going to the Minnesota Vikings is a horrible pick. Ponder has a weak arm and has had trouble staying healthy. Sounds a lot like Chad Pennington to me.

7. The Giants taking Prince Amukamara is a great pick. And yes, I am a Giants fan but that’s not the point. This may be one of the best secondaries in football. Corey Webster, Aaron Ross and Terrell Thomas are all solid defensive backs. Throw in Amukamara and you’re looking at a really versatile defense.

8. Great job by the Detroit Lions taking Nick Fairley. Last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year is now paired up with one of the more intimidating defensive linemen in the nation. It might sound crazy, but the Lions might be a dangerous team next season.

9. The Jacksonville Jaguars made a good decision taking Blaine Gabbert. He’ll hold a clipboard for a while behind David Garrard and he’ll be their quarterback of the future. Its a win-win.

10. The problem with Mark Ingram was his arthritic knee but if he’s healthy, he’ll be a solid addition of the Saints offense. Two Heisman winning running backs in the same backfield is going to be cool to watch.

The Queens native handles all things football on KeepingItRealSports.com. Stan attended Holy Cross High School in Flushing, Queens and SUNY Old Westbury. He's spent his post graduate career in different parts of the media, as an editorial assistant, a production assistant and a board operator. He can be followed on twitter @FunnyManStan and routinely performs standup comedy all over New York City.

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