Commentary

Last-minute buzz causing movement

Prospects shifting up and down the board as the first round approaches

Originally Published: April 28, 2011
By Todd McShay | Scouts Inc.

The 2011 NFL draft is mere hours away and we continue to hear rumors and buzz about various teams and players, but here's our full, updated seven-round projection as things stand right now.


Carolina Panthers

Record: 2-14 | Needs: QB, DT, CB, WR, DE

Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

All signs still point to the Panthers betting on Newton's tremendous upside with the No. 1 pick.

Denver Broncos

Record: 4-12 | Needs: DT, MLB, DE, TE, S

Von Miller, OLB/DE, Texas A&M

Miller is a bit undersized for a 4-3 defensive end, but he has room to add a little bulk to his frame and will help provide the Broncos with an improved pass rush.

Buffalo Bills

Record: 4-12 | Needs: QB, OLB, LOT, DE, TE

Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Dareus has the overall skill set to play anywhere along the defensive line,and in any scheme, so he'll fit well in Buffalo's flexible 3-4 system.

Cincinnati Bengals

Record: 4-12 | Needs: QB, WR, CB, SS, DT/p>

A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

We hear the Bengals are not sold on QB Blaine Gabbert at this point and Green is an elite talent who could fill the void left by the likely departures of Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco.

Arizona Cardinals

Record: 5-11 | Needs: QB, OLB, OT/OG, TE, CB

Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri

Smith played end in college but has the tools to move to outside linebacker in Arizona's 3-4 scheme and provide pass-rush help off the edge.


How might things play out beyond the top five? Where will the top quarterbacks land? Which teams will benefit from a deep defensive line class? And how might things play out all the way to the 254th and final pick? ESPN Insiders get all the answers. Insider

Todd McShay

Scouts Inc.
  • ESPN College Football and NFL Draft Analyst
  • Joined ESPN in 2006
  • Played quarterback in high school and was a backup QB for the University of Richmond.

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