The draft is inching closer and stocks are rising and falling. Aaron Aloysius and I decided to get together for a different take on a mock draft. To keep each other guessing, we took turns making the picks as we moved along. I took the odd numbers and Aaron picked for the even numbers. Needless to say, things got interesting!

1. Carolina Panthers Marcell Dareus – DT – Alabama 

Spencer: I’m just not 100% convinced that the Panthers are, well, 100% convinced, that Newton is the guy for them. Rivera is a defensive minded head coach and missing on a #1 overall pick could set the franchise back even further. In this mock, they’re going the safe route. 2. Denver Broncos Patrick Peterson – CB – LSU 

Aloysius: While the Broncos would have loved to get Dareus here, they’ll be very happy to get am excellent consolation consolation Keep Reading…

1. Carolina Panthers Patrick Peterson – CB – LSU 2. Denver Broncos Marcell Dareus – DT – Alabama 3. Buffalo Bills Blaine Gabbert – QB – Missouri 4. Cincinnati Bengals AJ Green – WR – Georgia 5. Arizona Cardinals Von Miller – OLB – Texas A&M 6. Cleveland Browns Da’Quan Bowers – DE – Clemson 7. San Francisco 49ers Prince Amukamara – CB – Nebraska 8. Tennessee Titans Cam Newton – QB – Auburn 9. Dallas Cowboys Nick Fairley – DT – Auburn 10. Washington Redskins Mark Ingram – RB – Alabama 11. Houston Texans Aldon Smith – DE – Missouri 12. Minnesota Vikings Jake Locker – QB – Washington 13. Detroit Lions Robert Quinn – DE – North Carolina 14. St. Louis Rams Julio Jones – WR – Alabama 15. Miami Dolphins Mikel LeShoure – RB – Illinois 16. Jacksonville Jaguars Cameron Jordan – DE – California

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…

1. Carolina Panthers Cam Newton – QB – Auburn 

The decision-making process behind the first overall pick could last up to the day of the draft for Carolina. The list of needs for the Panthers is a long one that includes several key positions such as: Defensive End, Defensive Tackle, Cornerback, and Wide Receiver. The team’s Achilles heel a year last season, however, was the play at the Quarterback position. Jimmy Clausen did not prove himself enough to deter the Panthers from taking the top QB on their board. Even after a disappointing Combine performance, Cameron Newton has the upside to be a franchise signal-caller. His college resume is a small but highly decorated one and his physical tools are unparalleled. He’ll need some time to develop, but Newton offers the franchise a true face and unique talent moving forward. Carolina may decide that Cam is too risky Keep Reading…

1. Carolina Panthers Da’Quan Bowers – DE – Clemson 2. Denver Broncos Robert Quinn – DE – North Carolina 3. Buffalo Bills Cam Newton – QB – Auburn 4. Cincinnati Bengals Blaine Gabbert – QB – Missouri 5. Arizona Cardinals Von Miller – OLB – Texas A&M 6. Cleveland Browns AJ Green – WR – Georgia 7. San Francisco 49ers Patrick Peterson – CB – LSU 8. Tennessee Titans Jake Locker – QB – Washington 9. Dallas Cowboys Cameron Jordan – DE – California 10. Washington Redskins Nick Fairley – DT – Auburn 11. Houston Texans Prince Amukamara – CB – Nebraska 12. Minnesota Vikings Marcell Dareus – DT – Alabama 13. Detroit Lions Tyron Smith – OT – USC 14. St. Louis Rams Julio Jones – WR – Alabama 15. Miami Dolphins Mark Ingram – RB – Alabama 16. Jacksonville Jaguars Martez Wilson – LB – Illinois