Chad Reuter's Mock Draft

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1. Carolina Panthers
Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford: There's a lot of talk about Luck staying in school, but until Jim Harbaugh signs an extension at Stanford and Luck holds a press conference saying he's returning ... I'm keeping the potential No. 1 prospect in this spot.

2. Denver Broncos
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU: Champ Bailey has not been re-signed, and if he departs Peterson will be expected to fill that gaping hole.

3. Buffalo Bills
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn: Buffalo head coach Chan Gailey would love to turn Newton's raw athleticism and arm strength into a pass-distributing machine from the shotgun.

4. Cincinnati Bengals
A.J. Green, WR, Georgia: Now that scheduled free agent Terrell Owens is done for the year due to injury, the silky-smooth Green will only look better and better as a complement to Ochocinco.

5. Arizona Cardinals
Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama: Assuming that the Cards sign a veteran such as Mark Bulger or acquire Donovan McNabb, Dareus would be a difference-maker playing all along the Cards' three-man front.

6. San Francisco 49ers
Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas : Quarterback needs of teams in the top 10 --and the likelihood of reduced contracts allowed by a rookie wage scale in the new CBA -- may help the strong-armed Mallett to be picked early.

7. Dallas Cowboys
Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson: Bowers could either anchor a 4-3 defense if the new Cowboys staff moves in that direction, or add weight to be a long-time starting five-technique in the 3-4.

8. Houston Texans
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska: Despite picking CB Kareem Jackson in the first round last year, the Texans' awful secondary still needs help.

9. Cleveland Browns
Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri: This exceptional athlete is capable of becoming a star pass rusher in either a 4-3 and 3-4 defense, depending on how the team's coaching situation plays out.

10. Detroit Lions
Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (Fla.): Tightening up the secondary could make Detroit's defense one to reckon with in 2011.

11. Seattle Seahawks
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn: Bringing in Fairley gives the Seahawks a potentially dominant playmaker in the middle.

12. Tennessee Titans
Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida: Boosting the pass defense will help the Titans get back into playoff contention.

13. Washington Redskins
Jake Locker, QB, Washington : Donovan McNabb can't possibly stay in Washington after the way this season has ended. Mike Shanahan might see Locker as another Jay Cutler, but with better athleticism and intangibles -- and will believe he can turn him into an NFL quarterback.

14. Minnesota Vikings
Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina: Unless the Vikings trade up to get a quarterback, or are willing to see where Joe Webb can take them, they'll need to address one of the spots opening up due to free agency. Quinn would be a nice replacement for Ray Edwards if the veteran is not re-signed.

15. New England Patriots (from Oakland)
Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State: Matt Light is scheduled to be a free agent after the season, so Sherrod could step right in.

16. St. Louis Rams
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama: The Rams have their quarterback in Sam Bradford, workhorse back in Steven Jackson, and starting tackles in Rodger Saffold and Jason Smith. Now they need a playmaking receiver like Jones to bring back an explosive offense reminiscent the "Greatest Show on Turf" glory days.

17. Miami Dolphins
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama: Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are both scheduled to be free agents, and the Dolphins rely on the running game as much as any team in the league.

18. Jacksonville Jaguars
Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA: The Jags' secondary is one of the worst in the NFL, so Moore's playmaking ability will be greatly appreciated.

19. San Diego Chargers
Cameron Jordan, DE, California: With Travis Johnson and Jacques Cesaire potential free agents, Jordan's size and strength make him a natural selection.

20. NY Giants
Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College: If Tom Coughlin stays, he may look to another B.C. linemen to give QB Eli Manning more time to throw and the team's running backs more space to run.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa: The Bucs worked on the interior defensive line early in the 2010 draft, so bolstering the team's pass rush on the outside seems a reasonable next step.

22. Indianapolis Colts
Nate Solder, OT, Colorado: Adds size and surprising strength to a Colts offensive line needing to better protect Peyton Manning and run-block more effectively.

23. Green Bay Packers
J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin: With the talented but injured Cullen Jenkins and the troubled Johnny Jolly potential free agents, Green Bay may decide to keep a prototypical five-technique in-state.

24. Kansas City Chiefs
Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M: GM Scott Pioli re-signed Derrick Johnson, but Tamba Hali is a potential free agent and Mike Vrabel is past his prime.

25. NY Jets
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State: Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes are both probable free agents, and the one who doesn't return will determine what type of pass-catcher the Jets search out in the draft. Blackmon is a mirror image of Hakeem Nicks, who plays for the other team sharing the New Meadowlands.

26. Philadelphia Eagles
DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas: Andy Reid likes to use his first round picks to build up the offensive and defensive lines. Love fits his size and strength requirements.

27. New Orleans Saints
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue: The Saints should thank their lucky stars if a player of Kerrigan's ability falls to the late first round.

28. Chicago Bears
Tyron Smith, OT, Southern California: The Bears have protected QB Jay Cutler better in recent weeks, in part because offensive coordinator Mike Martz has finally changed his game plan. Smith's just starting to realize his potential and could help an offensive line with multiple positions of weakness.

29. Baltimore Ravens
Stefen Wisniewski, C, Penn State: Each year at least one interior lineman makes his way into the first round. The nephew of Hall of Fame-caliber Oakland Raider lineman Steve has the strength, intelligence and athleticism to be a long-time starter for a team needing to get better up front.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers
Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State : The Steelers are aging in their defensive line, so using another late first-round pick to go with Ziggy Hood makes sense.

31. Atlanta Falcons
Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin: Starting right tackle Tyson Clabo is scheduled to be a free agent, so the Falcons may need to replace him. The tough Outland Trophy winner will easily make the switch to the strong side.

32. New England Patriots
Allen Bailey, DE, Miami (Fla.): Bailey has a chance to be fine 3-4 five-technique with NFL coaching and strength training.

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Rob Rang's mock

1. Carolina Panthers
Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford: With John Fox likely to move on after this season, the Panthers will almost surely hire a new head coach -- one with no allegiance to Matt Moore or Jimmy Clausen. Andrew Luck is blessed with all of the physical tools and is a more cerebral passer than any quarterback drafted since Peyton Manning. Luck is only a redshirt sophomore and he's publicly stated that he's returning to Stanford next year. But know this -- scouts love him. If the 2011 draft were held tomorrow, Luck would be a cinch as the first pick.

2. Denver Broncos
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU: In Champ Bailey, the Broncos feature a future Hall of Famer, but journeyman Andre Goodman has been victimized throughout the year. Denver likes what they've seen of rookie Perrish Cox, but considering his propensity for finding trouble, the Broncos would be wise to simply take the best player available should Peterson be available.

3. Cincinnati Bengals
A.J. Green, WR, Georgia: The play of Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco has been good enough this season to delude some into thinking receiver won't be an area of concern for the Bengals, but in reality Cincinnati can't afford to gamble on the continued success of these veterans. Clearly, the Bengals have bigger needs, but Green might just be the best player in the draft.

4. Arizona Cardinals
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn: Unless rookie John Skelton is able to convince Ken Whisenhunt otherwise in the final few games of the 2010 season, the Cardinals must head into next season with a new starting quarterback. The Heisman Trophy winner has all of the physical tools scouts are looking for, but the junior will have to convince teams in interviews that he'll be able to quickly make the jump from a relatively QB-friendly spread attack to a pro-style offense.

5. Buffalo Bills
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn: The meteoric rise of Fairley continues into the top five. The Bills need more help in their front seven if they are to improve their 3-4 scheme and the 6-4, 298-pound Fairley has the size and strength to lock down an edge.

6. Detroit Lions
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska: With the addition of rookie Ndamukong Suh and free agent Kyle Vanden Bosch, the Lions feature a dramatically improved defensive line. Their secondary remains the area of huge concern on defense, making Amukamara, Suh's former teammate and NFLDraftScout.com's top-rated senior prospect, an obvious consideration.

7. San Francisco 49ers
J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin: Talented at every other position on defense, the 49ers can blame a lack of headlining pass rushers for their struggles on this side of the ball. The 6-6, 292-pound Watt has the prototypical build to play end in the 3-4 and is one of the fastest-rising prospects in the country.

8. Washington Redskins
Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama: Striking out with Albert Haynesworth means the Redskins could be desperate to find help on the defensive interior. Dareus played inside and out on the Alabama defensive line and could give the Redskins similar flexibility if he elected to leave after his junior season.

9. Minnesota Vikings
Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina: The Vikings' veteran defensive line is an aging unit that could use a shot in the arm. Quinn has the talent to warrant a top-five selection. His yearlong suspension would appear likely to drop him much lower, but scouts tell me North Carolina is highly recommending Quinn to NFL teams. The Vikings have other needs, but Quinn is just too good to pass up at this point.

10. Dallas Cowboys
Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson: Excluding outside linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer (college defensive ends) the Cowboys spent one first-round pick this decade on the big men up front (DE Marcus Spears, 2005). Dallas could use a highly rated offensive tackle here, but with no OT worthy of a pick this high, they may shift to the defensive side of the ball or trade down. Bowers earned the ACC Defensive Player of the Year as a 4-3 defensive end, but he has the size and strength to hold up as a five-technique.

11. Houston Texans
Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M: The Texans boast two of the better young linebackers in the league in DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing. With Ryans out, they also have boasted one of the NFL's worst tackling defenses. Miller gets a great deal of credit for his pass rushing, but his ability to break down and make secure open-field tackles is the trait that could keep him the state of Texas.

12. Cleveland Browns
Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA: Colt McCoy's statistics haven't been pretty over his first weeks as an NFL starter, but he's earned respect from his teammates - and more importantly from coach Eric Mangini and team president Mike Holmgren. A bigger area of concern for the Browns may be finding a pass rusher. Ayers boasts a rare combination of size (6-4, 254) and speed and can make plays rushing the passer, playing the run and dropping into coverage.

13. St. Louis Rams
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State: The Rams have their young franchise quarterback in Sam Bradford and a workhorse runner in All-Pro Steven Jackson, but desperately need help outside. Blackmon stepped out of Dez Bryant's shadow this season to win the Biletnikof Award as the nation's elite receiver. The redshirt sophomore would move into consideration for a top-15 selection if he came out early and ran well for scouts.

14. Seattle Seahawks
Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin: The Seahawks selected Russell Okung with the No. 6 overall selection last year with the unrealistic hopes that the rookie would be able to fill the huge shoes of future Hall of Famer Walter Jones. Okung has played well when not hobbled by ankle injuries, but RT Sean Locklear has been the team's greatest liability on the line this season. Carimi started his entire career at left tackle, but has the size (6-7, 327), strength and nastiness to handle a move to the right side.

15. Tennessee Titans
Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas : At first glance, it might seem unlikely that the Titans would be willing to once again invest a first-round pick in a strong-armed quarterback with perceived leadership concerns. However, Tennessee knows as well as anyone that to win in the NFL, one needs a quarterback - and in Kerry Collins, Vince Young and Rusty Smith - the Titans don't have one to build around. Mallett is not viewed as a top-10 pick by every team - or even a first-round pick at all by some clubs -- so a Jimmy Clausen-like fall on draft day is possible.

16. New England Patriots (from Oakland)
Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa: Since the 2007 draft Bill Belichick has invested 10 selections in the top 100 on the back seven of his defense, but only one pick on the defensive line. The Patriots' success started with first-round picks such as Richard Seymour, Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork. Clayborn's versatility and toughness make him an ideal fit in Belichick's scheme.

17. Miami Dolphins
Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma: The Dolphins made the bold move of acquiring Brandon Marshall but with few playmakers on the roster to protect him, Miami's offense has predictably struggled. No matter who the Dolphins turn to at quarterback, the speedy and elusive Broyles would immediately help open up this offense.

18. Jacksonville Jaguars
Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (Fla.): The Jaguars have surprised many with their contention for the AFC South division, but struggles defending the pass mean that their success in the playoffs - should they get there - will be short-lived. Harris is the next in a long line of talented Hurricane defensive backs. He boasts the agility and speed to rate as one of the few first-round caliber cornerbacks in the country.

19. Green Bay Packers
Cameron Jordan, DE, California: The Packers would love to see a talented cornerback fall to them. But especially considering Ted Thompson's track record of locating defensive backs in the middle and late rounds, they won't reach for a corner that might not warrant the first-round selection. Thompson has shown he's willing to reach for talented defensive lineman. Jordan, 6-4, 285, doesn't have the name recognition of some of the other top defensive linemen available, but his size, production and versatility could result in a "surprise" first-round selection as similar traits did last year for former teammate Tyson Alualu.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue: With back-to-back defensive tackle picks to lead off their 2011 draft (Gerald McCoy, Brian Price), some would be surprised to see Tampa once again head to the defensive line with their first pick in 2012. With only one defender with more than four sacks through 13 games (DE Stylez White has 4.5), the Bucs have to get help on the outside. Kerrigan isn't a dynamic edge rusher and he won't stun scouts in workouts, but he plays hard and is technically refined, making him one of the safer defensive linemen in the draft.

21. Indianapolis Colts
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama: The Colts had planned on Donald Brown emerging this season and allowing them to let 2006 first-round pick Joseph Addai leave via free agency. Instead, Addai has been sidelined for much of the year and Brown hasn't been able to pick up the slack. The Colts continue to need help all over the field defensively, but that hasn't stopped GM Bill Polian from spending four of his past five firs- round picks on the offensive side of the ball. Ingram's toughness and versatility would be a welcome addition to this team.

22. San Diego Chargers
Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College: Injuries and the long holdout from Marcus McNeill have left Philip Rivers and San Diego's skill-position players in a season-long battle for protection. The Chargers would be wise to invest in the future up front. Castonzo's steady improvement, durability and legitimate left tackle ability could earn him the top grade among offensive linemen in the 2011 crop.

23. Kansas City Chiefs
Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State : Considering top-five picks already used on Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson over the past three years, it's certainly not a home run that the Chiefs would invest another first-round pick on the D-line. That said, while with the New England Patriots, general manager Scott Pioli helped build a dynasty using first-round selections on Richard Seymour, Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork. Considering the Chiefs' surprising start to the season, question Pioli's strategies at your own peril. Heyward's size, strength and versatility make him a prototypical Pioli pick.

24. NY Giants
Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State: Much of the Giants' inconsistency this season has been directly related to their offensive line. David Diehl has been a serviceable left tackle, but might be best suited inside or at right tackle. The Giants aren't likely to rely on Shawn Andrews as a long-term replacement. Instead, New York would be wise to take advantage of a solid, albeit unspectacular class of tackles. Sherrod has legitimate left tackle athleticism and would be a solid value at this point.

25. New Orleans Saints
DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas: The Saints might have won the Super Bowl on the right arm of Drew Brees, but without solid protection from their offensive line he'd never have enjoyed such a marvelous season. This year the Saints haven't been as stout up front and depth has become a concern. Love, who is often switched from left tackle to the right side for the Razorbacks, has the versatility and athleticism to help early in his career.

26. Chicago Bears
Nate Solder, OT, Colorado: The Bears are hopeful that 2008 first-round pick Chris Williams develops into a consistent pass blocker at left tackle but he's been moved to left guard for the time being. Chicago might have to go back to the drawing board if he proves to be a better fit there or at right tackle. Solder needs to gain strength, but his balance and agility for a man his size makes him an intriguing left tackle prospect.

27. NY Jets
Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor: The Jets have fared surprisingly well against the run this season considering the injuries sustained up front. But they overestimated their ability to replace some of the players that performed best for them in their surprising run to the AFC Championship game. When Kris Jenkins is healthy, he's a dominant nose guard. Taylor (6-4, 330 pounds) has similar size and is generating real buzz among 3-4 teams as the top nose guard prospect in the draft.

28. Philadelphia Eagles
Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado: The Eagles feature one of the league's best corners in Asante Samuel, but have struggled with consistency on the other side with journeyman Ellis Hobbs and Dimitri Patterson. To battle the NFC East's big receivers, the Eagles may look to Colorado, where Smith (6-2, 205) is drawing comparisons from some scouts to former Ravens' star Chris McAlister.

29. Baltimore Ravens
Allen Bailey, DE, Miami (Fla.): The Ravens feature arguably the league's best and most versatile defensive lineman in Haloti Ngata. Bailey, 6-4 and 285 pounds, is a spectacular athlete who has been exposed this season as very raw. Protected by Baltimore's scheme and talent, however, he could develop nicely.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers
Tyron Smith, OT, Southern California: With Ben Roethlisberger back, the Steelers struggles in pass protection have once again risen to the forefront. Smith is one of the few highly touted junior prospects with the agility to play left tackle. In fact, some believe he possesses greater upside than any tackle in the country. At 6-5, 285, and his two starting seasons both at right tackle, he isn't the finished product some have characterized him. For a team that doesn't necessarily need to start him right away, Smith makes great sense.

31. Atlanta Falcons
Drake Nevis, DT, LSU: The Falcons may have found their complementary pass rusher to John Abraham in Kroy Biermann, but the team would still like to add to the defensive front. Nevis' production in the SEC has generated plenty of attention, but at 6-1, 285 pounds, he simply doesn't have the size to be an every-down defender in the NFL. Still, at this point in the draft, his ability to collapse the pocket makes him too much of a value.

32. New England Patriots
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama: The Patriots once again showed their willingness to put the team ahead of the individual in trading of Randy Moss. While their offense has surged since an initial adjustment period without a deep threat, this has largely been due to the development of rookie tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. For the offense to get back to their big-play ways, however, a big downfield weapon must be found. Brandon Tate has flashed, but if the ultra-physical Jones is still on the board, he could surprise as a rare early round receiver drafted by Belichick.

[orlandostiller]

Cameron Heyward would be nice, but functional 3-4 lineman can be found later. Tyron Smith looks like Jon Scott's little brother. He is not ready to compete and would be a luxury pick if we were able to manipulate the draft like the Pats. Would be a good TE. Would much prefer Rahim Moore, Jimmy Smith or Mike Pouncey. I'm not a complete homer-Pouncey would start from day one at either guard position-smart and athletic need to be the focus-that's the future in this league

[steelblood]

The first round is for adding players that can start or at least play in a rotation. I don't want a project LT who weighs 285 pounds. Ngata would destroy him.