We’re inside of 5 weeks away from the draft, so Chad Davis put together a quick, one round mock with some surprises. Who slipped into the first round in his newest mock? Continue reading to find out!

1. Carolina Panthers Cam Newton – QB – Auburn 

I’ve been reluctant to put Newton in this spot, but it’s becoming more evident that Carolina will take a QB here. Despite the question marks, Newton has the highest upside of any QB in the class. 2. Denver Broncos Marcell Dareus – DT – Alabama 

With questions regarding Nick Fairley’s attitude and work ethic becoming more evident, Dareus has quietly slid to the top of the defensive tackle class. Denver takes maybe the most sure player in the draft. 3. Buffalo Bills Blaine Gabbert – QB – Missouri 

Fitzpatrick is ok, and Buffalo could decide to wait until next year for a Keep Reading…

Gabe Carimi

Position: OT School: Wisconsin Height: 6’7" Weight: 314 lbs Class: RS-Senior 40 time: 5.27 All-Star Game: Senior Bowl Team Captain: 2010 Draft Projection: Mid 1st Round

Summary

Gabe Carimi is another in a line of solid offensive lineman produced by the University of Wisconsin. Taking over for Joe Thomas in 2007, Carimi has played in and started 49 games in the past 4 seasons. Carimi, the 2010 Outland Trophy winner, possesses ideal size and the type of work ethic and drive NFL teams look for. The consensus around the draft community is that he will ultimately be a right tackle in the NFL. While that could be the case, I may be in the minority in thinking he can play left tackle at the next level if he improves his footwork and his anchor strength. Carimi should hear his name called somewhere in the Keep Reading…

Derek Sherrod

Position: OT School: Mississippi State Height: 6’5 3/8" Weight: 321 lbs Class: Senior 40 time: 5.20 All-Star Game: Senior Bowl Team Captain: 2010 Draft Projection: Late 1st Round

Summary

Derek Sherrod is a versatile, experienced offensive tackle with 47 career games played including 35 starts. He has played with a great level of consistency in his career at Mississippi State, and his high character personality and attitude earned him team captain in 2010. If he continues to develop and improve, and all indications are he is a hard working and willing learner, Sherrod could be one of the better offensive tackles in this class. He has the versatility to play on the right or left side, but projects best as a starting left tackle in the NFL.

Pass Blocking

Sherrod possesses good arm length (35 3/8”) and a great initial first step Keep Reading…

Corey Liuget

Position: DT School: Illinois Height: 6’2 1/8" Weight: 298 lbs Class: Junior 40 time: 4.99 All-Star Game: n/a Team Captain: 2010 Draft Projection: Mid-Late 1st Round

Summary

Corey Liuget is an athletic, versatile, penetrating, physical defensive tackle who is climbing up draft boards as the day approaches. He played many different positions along the defensive line in his career at Illinois, which will make him a coveted prospect come draft day. His ability to be quick off the snap and violent at the point of attack makes him best fit as a 3-technique in a standard 4-3 defense, but there are some who think he can slide out to defensive end in a 3-4, and even play some two-gap nose tackle in that type of defensive front. While not a pass rush specialist, Liuget brings with him a balanced game and should be a Keep Reading…

Shane Vereen

Position: RB School: California Height: 5’10" Weight: 210 lbs Class: RS-Junior 40 time: 4.50 All-Star Game: None Team Captain: No Draft Projection: Third Round

Summary

Shane Vereen is a running back that is climbing higher up draft boards as draft day approaches. A well-rounded player, Vereen is quick, powerful, and uses his compact frame to his advantage. While not a burner, Vereen is fast enough to hit the edge when needed, and shows good elusiveness in the open field. Buried behind a long line of great running backs at Cal, he used the 2010 season as his major coming out party. He is a one cut and go runner, who’s best fit may be behind a zone blocking line. Vereen should easily be off the board by the end of round 3, and a jump into the 2nd round could be possible.

Inside Keep Reading…