Knowledge XL
With this year’s NFL draft 2011 finally complete but the lockout still looming, it’s time to take an inside look at some of the recent team acquisitions which have ushered in some of the new, while exiting a few of the old. The new collective bargaining agreement has some teams already preparing for their futures and the likelihood they will be forced to allow some expensive, yet productive players to walk.
Like most NFL drafts, this one didn’t seem to buck the trend of seeing teams overload on the available QB’s first, allowing some players many anticipated being drafted high to slip into later rounds. Some teams were thus inclined to draft value over need, whereas others decided to fill the gaping holes left in their rosters early.
Here is how the first round’s top 10 picks played out, and how their acquisition is likely or not likely to help their new squad.
With this year’s NFL draft 2011 finally complete but the lockout still looming, it’s time to take an inside look at some of the recent team acquisitions which have ushered in some of the new, while exiting a few of the old. The new collective bargaining agreement has some teams already preparing for their futures and the likelihood they will be forced to allow some expensive, yet productive players to walk.
Like most NFL drafts, this one didn’t seem to buck the trend of seeing teams overload on the available QB’s first, allowing some players many anticipated being drafted high to slip into later rounds. Some teams were thus inclined to draft value over need, whereas others decided to fill the gaping holes left in their rosters early.
Here is how the first round’s top 10 picks played out, and how their acquisition is likely or not likely to help their new squad.
#1 Cam Newton (QB)
 | With the Panthers finishing 32nd in passing yards last season, and a 6’5, 248 lb behemoth of a QB who can run like a RB available, this seems like a natural fit. Although the Panthers have also drafted a QB recently in Jimmy Clausen, expect Cam to step right in and compete for the starting QB position with a depth chart that includes Matt Moore, Tony Pike, Clausen, Keith Null and Brian St. Pierre. |
#2 Von Miller (OLB)
 | The Broncos ranked towards the bottom of the league last year in opponent’s rushing yards allowed. The interior of their defense appeared to be their prime weakness but Denver went instead with the premier pass rusher in the draft. Miller is a multifaceted talent that will give their defense an edge; by rushing QB’s off the edge. |
#3 Marcell Dareus (DT)
 | Only team worst than the Broncos last year in rushing defense was the Bills. Dareus is an interior anchor whom they can rebuild their defensive line around, combining size, strength and power against both the run and the pass. |
#4 A.J. Green (WR)
 | With Carson Palmer all but talking his way out of Cincy, many expected the Bengals to seek a QB with their first pick in the draft. However it was difficult for them to pass up the opportunity to draft a top playmaker in Green, who could potentially form a potent tandem playing opposite the enigmatic Chad OchoCinco no matter who their eventual QB is. |
#5 Patrick Peterson (CB)
 | Like Cincy, Arizona is also facing a QB dilemma but opted to instead draft a potential shutdown CB in Peterson who is definitely a playmaker on defense with tremendous explosion and range. |
#6 Julio Jones (WR)
 | The Falcons surprised everyone moving 20 spots up in the draft to take Jones and add another playmaker opposite their current No. 1 wideout Roddy White. This now gives standout QB Matt Ryan two legitimate targets to improve on the Falcon’s #15 ranking in passing yards last season. |
#7 Aldon Smith (DE)
 | While the 49ers provided one of the top rushing defenses in the league last year led by All Pro LB Patrick Willis, Smith would appear to add depth to an already explosive defensive line which should help the backend of their defense tremendously, considering the team was ranked in the bottom third of the league in passing yards allowed. |
#8 Jake Locker (QB)
 | After finally parting ways with the talented, yet underachieving Vince Young, the Titans have once again put the keys to their offense in the hands of another young, highly touted QB in Locker. Locker is considered one of the top athletes in this year’s draft. While Locker is extremely athletic at 6’3, 231 lbs, questions surrounding his accuracy could impact his ability to become an efficient passer in a league which is a lot faster than the environment he’s chosen to exit after completing an erratic senior season. |
#9 Tyron Smith (OT)
 | We’re not used to seeing Dallas draft this high, but after an underwhelming, underachieving season last year to open their owner’s brand new elaborate stadium, the Cowboys look to bounce back by rebuilding their offensive line which was once highly regarded. Smith is a work in progress, but his strength and abundant athleticism made him difficult for the Boys to pass up. |
#10 Blaine Gabbert (QB)
 | The Jacksonville Jaguars followed in the footsteps of Atlanta and moved up aggressively to select Gabbert, who will add signficant depth at the QB position playing behind David Garrard. Gabbert will be in a unique spot to learn from Garrard and unlike most young QB’s, he won’t be thrust into the position of “team savior”, allowing him to mature at a steady pace while giving his team a potential franchise QB of the future. |
