2011 NFL Mock Draft Picks 1-10; Early Predictions

#1. Carolina Panthers Select Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
I am not a fan of this pick for the Carolina Panthers, but with the overall first pick and no one willing to trade up to this pick, it seems like the only likely scenario. The Panthers selected Jimmy Clausen in the second round of last years draft and also selected quarterback Tony Pike in the 6th round. If the Panthers end up with any other pick than #1, I believe they will go with someone other than Luck and hope to develop one of the quarterbacks they already have. Luck is not an instant fix for the Panthers, but he would be an upgrade and a glimmer of hope for the terrible Panthers.

#2. Detroit Lions Select Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
The Lions have several choices to address their biggest need at defensive back. If the Lions have the chance to move down 2-5 spots they will most likely take it to gain another second or third round pick. Patrick Peterson is also a potential fit for the Lions with the second pick. The Lions need a game changing cornerback and Amukamara is a great fit.

#3. Buffalo Bills Select Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
The Bills make a tough decision here and pass on Jake Locker to pursue an offensive lineman to protect Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick has become a reliable fixture of the Bills offense and has proven that he is worth building around. I will not be surprised if the Bills select a quarterback, but they have been avoiding that pick for years, why take a quarterback now? Castonzo will be a solid tackle, which is needed badly on this Bills offensive line.

#4. Cincinnati Bengals Select Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
The Bengals should be much better than they were in 2010. There is no instant fix, but Clayborn on defense would be a great start.

#5. Arizona Cardinals Select Jake Locker, QB, Washington
The Cardinals lock up their next franchise quarterback with Jake Locker. The Cardinals have no bigger need than at quarterback and Locker should be the selection.

#6. Denver Broncos Select Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
The Broncos need to sure up their defense with a new dominant playmaker at cornerback. Peterson has big play ability and would be a great fixture on this defense and the kind of player that Josh Mcdaniels needs to keep his job in Denver.

#7. San Francisco 49ers Select Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
The 49ers have many needs that need to be addressed, so they will most likely go with one of their top needs based on who falls to them at this spot in the first round. Troy Smith looks to be a building block for the offense and they don't have a top need for running back or wide receiver quite yet. Other top needs include; OG, OLB, CB.

#8. Minnesota Vikings Select Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
The Vikings decide to reach and address their biggest need, which is at quarterback. The new head coach will probably have a small amount of say in this pick, but everyone knows that the Vikings need a capable quarterback to lead this dynamic offense, well they used to be dynamic. The Vikings also badly need an OLB, so instead of reaching for Mallett they may trade down or wait until the second round for a quarterback and select Akeem Ayers.

#9. Dallas Cowboys Select Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
The Cowboys are another team with several pressing needs, and one of those is at offensive tackle. With Sherrod still on the board, this is a no-brainer. The Cowboys could also select a DE, FS, or SS.

#10. St. Louis Rams Select A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Rising star Sam Bradford desperately needs some weapons to work with on offense, A.J. Green will do nicely to help stretch the field for the Rams. The Rams also need a guard and an outside linebacker, but wide receiver should be the first need that is addressed in the 2011 NFL Draft.