With the 2011 NFL Draft draft season getting started with the East-West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl later this month, Pewter Report issues our first mock draft of the year. As the draft gets close the mocks will get updated and get longer. A * indicates an underclassman.

FIRST ROUND
1. Carolina Panthers- Auburn DT Nick Fairley*
Ron Riveria and Marty Hurney are defense guys. Fairley is dominant.       

2. Denver Broncos- LSU CB Patrick Peterson*
It doesn’t look like Champ Bailey will return to the Broncos. Peterson is considered the top defensive prospect by some.

3. Buffalo Bills- Clemson DE Da’Quan Bowers*
With Aaron Maybin looking like a bust, the Bills need a pass rusher.

4. Cincinnati Bengals- Georgia WR A.J. Green*         
Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco might not return to the Bengals next year, A.J. Green is a cant miss wide receiver prospect.

5. Arizona Cardinals- North Carolina DE Robert Quinn*
The Cardinals need a lot, but Quinn is a dominant pass rusher that will improve the Cardinals defense.

6. Cleveland Browns- Alabama DT Marcel Dareus*               
The Browns need a run-stopper that can also get after the passer. Dareus can play in the 3-4 as a five-technique defensive end.

7. San Francisco 49ers- Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara
The 49ers could go anywhere with this pick. Amukamara would be an upgrade in the secondary.

8. Tennessee Titans- Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett                    
With the looming release/trade of Vince Young, Jeff Fischer will be looking for a new quarterback.

9. Dallas Cowboys- Texas CB Aaron Williams*
A bit of stretch but they need corner help.

10. Washington Redskins- Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert*
The Redskins need a long-term quarterback and he fits the offense.

11. Houston Texans- Texas A&M OLB Von Miller
If Cushing is played at OLB than Miller may not be the pick. Right now they don't know where Cushing will play.        

12. Minnesota Vikings- Auburn QB Cam Newton*
The Vikings like elite athletes and that is what Newton is.

13. Detroit Lions- UCLA OLB Akeem Ayers*    
The Lions badly need help at outside linebacker and cornerback.

14. St. Louis Rams- Pittsburgh WR Jonathan Baldwin*        
The Rams need to get Sam Bradford some legitimate weapons.

15. Miami Dolphins- Alabama RB Mark Ingram*          
Sparano is on the hot seat. Rookie running backs help, quarterbacks typically don’t.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars- Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan
Aaron Kampman gets a perfect disciple in Kerrigan. He fits the Jags mold.

17. New England Patriots- Miami DE Allen Bailey      
A Patriot kind of player, fits well as a five technique in their defense.

18. San Diego Chargers- USC OT Tyron Smith*
Smith fills a big need at right tackle. The Chargers could also look at a pass rusher.

19. New York Giants- Colorado OT Nate Solder
The Giants need help along the offensive line. Solder fits them well.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn
The Bucs like Clayborn and he fits their number one need.

21. Kansas City Chiefs- Missouri DE Aldon Smith*
Tamba Hali and Aldon Smith would be a fantastic pass rushing duo.

22. Indianapolis Colts- Alabama WR Julio Jones*      
Peyton Manning needs more weapons. Reggie Wayne could be out. Anthony Gonzalez can’t stay healthy.

23. Philadelphia Eagles- Wisconsin OT Gabe Carimi
Michael Vick can’t keep taking hit after hit. The Eagles need to keep him upright.

24. New Orleans Saints-    Mississippi State OT Derek Sherrod
The Saints have lots of offensive lineman about to hit free agency. They will need to find replacements.

25. Seattle Seahawks- Washington QB Jake Locker              
He has local ties and can be developed behind Matt Hasselbeck.  

26. Green Bay Packers- Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt*       
He fits as a five technique in their 3-4 defense. Cullen Jenkins is a free agent and he has a lot with injuries.

27. Baltimore Ravens- Miami CB Brandon Harris
The Ravens still need cornerback help. Ed Reed can’t do it alone.

28. New York Jets- California DE Cameron Jordan
The Jets need to pick up a 3-4 defensive end to stabilize their front seven.

29. Chicago Bears- LSU DT Drake Nevis         
I think the Bears will sign some offensive line free agents.   

30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Florida G Mike Pouncey
The Steelers need help at guard and Pouncey will fit perfectly next to his brother.

31. Atlanta Falcons- Virginia CB Ras-I Dowling          
The Falcons don’t find the DE they need here. Corner is the next need.

32. New England Patriots- Penn State C Stefen Wisniewski           
The Patriots don’t need much, but they might pick up a good interior offensive lineman.

For other excellent mock drafts and scouting reports be sure to check out WalterFootball.com and DraftCountdown.com.

~ by Charlie Campbell and Eric Dellaratta.