Chad Davis 1st Round Mock – March 26th

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 QB, but teams with that attitude are teams that spend decades in demise. It has to be quarterback here in my opinion. Gabbert has franchise potential.

4. Cincinnati Bengals

AJ Green – WR – Georgia

Anyone else get the feeling that Lewis is fed up with Ochocinco? And with both T.O. and Palmer question marks, this team is in dire need offensively. Green fills a need and is also perhaps the best player in the entire draft.

5. Arizona Cardinals

Von Miller – OLB – Texas A&M

Arizona gets a steal here with the most explosive pass rusher in this draft. Miller will fit perfectly as an OLB in their 3-4 defense and has the talent to go #1 overall. QB can wait until round 2 here.

6. Cleveland Browns

Da’Quan Bowers – DE – Clemson

Injury concerns have taken Bowers out of consideration for the #1 overall pick, but he’s too good to slide very far. Cleveland might have hoped A.J. Green fell to them, but are thrilled to have Bowers available here.

7. San Francisco 49ers

Patrick Peterson – CB – LSU

Nate Clements is overpaid and old, while Shawntae Spencer just isn’t very good. The 49ers should jump at the opprtunity to draft a player like Peterson, a perfect press corner who can be a dynamic returner as well.

8. Tennessee Titans

Nick Fairley – DT – Auburn

I thought hard about a QB here, but with the top two gone it would be a stretch. DT might not be the biggest need for Tennessee but Fairley is too good to pass up. He can fill the void they have had since Haynesworth left.

9. Dallas Cowboys

Prince Amukamara – CB – Nebraska

There are a variety if ways the Cowboys could go here, but the secondary is just so bad. Amukamara fills a big need and will be a starter from day one. I could also see Aldon Smith, Cam Jordan or Tyron Smith here.

10. Washington Redskins

Julio Jones – WR – Alabama

Go ahead, try and name the Redskin’s starting WR’s if Santana Moss doesn’t return. It’s a bad situation. Jones has been on a steady rise since the combine and is a great fit here. QB can be filled later or through free agency.

11. Houston Texans

Aldon Smith – DE – Missouri

With Peterson and Amukamara gone, Houston will have to look at other needs here. Aldon Smith has the chance to be an explosive edge rusher in the 3-4 and can also play a bit inside. Injuries are a concern.

12. Minnesota Vikings

Robert Quinn – DE – North Carolina

Some are suggesting QB here for the Vikings, but I think that they fill that need in free agency with a veteran. Quinn can play opposite Jared Allen and take some pressure of him too. They would form a formidable duo.

13. Detroit Lions

Tyron Smith – OT – USC

Matthew Stafford is too valuable to continue to take a beating. Backus needs to move to the right side and a younger more athletic player inserted in. Smith is inexperienced on the left side but ultra-athletic and talented.

14. St. Louis Rams

Corey Liuget – DT – Illinois

The Rams hoped Julio Jones would make it to them at 14, but with him gone there is no reason to reach for a WR here. Liuget is an underrated, disruptive defensive tackle who may go higher than people think.

15. Miami Dolphins

Ryan Mallett – QB – Arkansas

I realize RB is a huge need, but there is no bigger need possible than QB. Mallet in the first round is not a stretch. I think teams are throwing up smoke screens all around the kid. He’s the most pro-ready QB available.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars

Ryan Kerrigan – DE – Purdue

The Jags desperately need help rushing the passer, and Kerrigan is a player that can fill that need. He has the ability to stand up and put his hand in the ground. Jacksonville will be thrilled with that kind of versatility.