The sports betting world has finally been assured that, no matter what happens, there will be an NFL draft in April. As March Madness betting gets into full swing, the NFL combine has closed up shop with some players raising their stock and others watching their stock drop. The sportsbook promo experts have adjusted their mock drafts, and now things look a bit different. The price per head speculation used to be that defense would dominate the upper half of the first round. But, now that Cam Newton and other quarterbacks have had their time to shine, it looks like quarterbacks are the order of the day. Here is a look at the first few projected picks of the 2011 NFL draft. 1) Carolina Panthers – Blaine Gabbert – QB Blaine Gabbert strengthened his status as the top quarterback at the combine with an excellent performance. His arm strength, accuracy and personality all make him a quarterback ready for the NFL. There is no real clear number one overall pick in this draft, so the teams can choose based on needs. Unfortunately for last year’s Panthers rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen, the Panthers need a quarterback. Clausen may stay on as the back-up, but it would be wise to bring in a veteran to help Gabbert adjust to the NFL. But a new coaching staff in Carolina means changes, and one of the first changes is the franchise quarterback. 2) Denver Broncos – Marcell Dareus – DT One of the best pieces of news that the Denver defensive line got is that Elvis Dumervil will be able to play in 2011. But in order to improve on their league-worst 23 sacks in 2010, the Broncos will need more than just Dumervil. That is where Marcell Dareus comes into play. Dareus will give the Broncos that pass rush they so desperately need and take some pressure off of the very busy Denver defensive secondary. 3) Buffalo Bills – Cam Newton – QB Considering how bad the Buffalo Bills offensive line is, and how much the Bills love choosing big names in the draft regardless of whether it is a need or not, taking Cam Newton makes sense. . .to the Bills. The only question is whether the Bills will sit on the rookie and make him learn from current quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, or if they will hand Newton the ball and make Fitzpatrick ride the bench again. 4) Cincinnati Bengals – A.J. Green – WR Yes, this does push Da’Quan Bowers down in the draft, but Bowers is not the strong draft pick everyone makes him out to be and the Bengals need a second wide receiver. The Bengals also need a quarterback, so if Cam Newton does not go to the Bills then look for Newton to go to Cincinnati. Green is a big and fast receiver with great hands. He is a smart kid that understands the game and can keep his nose clean in the media. 5) Arizona Cardinals – Da’Quan Bowers – DE The Cardinals pretty much need everything except a primary wide receiver and running back. Arizona will get its quarterback in free agency, but Bowers will anchor a defensive line that could not stop the run or the pass in 2010. Bowers will start right away for Arizona, and the Cardinals hope he is as good as everyone seems to think he is.
