Round 1 Grades – NFL Draft 2011

1. CAROLINA PANTHERS:  Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

The real grade should be “incomplete” because this is a complete boom or bust pick. Carolina gambling again which is why they were in this position to be begin with. Grade: B

2. DENVER BRONCOS: VON MILLER, OLB, Texas A&M

The Broncos got the most dynamic playmaker in the draft. Mike Fox will put Miller on one side and Dumervil on the other and look out AFC West QB’s. Grade: A+

3. BUFFALO BILLS: MARCELL DAREUS DT, ALABAMA

Great player and better pick because they stayed away from Gabbert. The Bills needed a big time difference maker on D and they got one in Dareus. Grade A.

Read all 32 teams draft grades here: First Round Grades

Twas the night before the draft

Here are 5 myths (rumors) we’d like to address.

Myth 1: Carolina will draft Cam Newton with 1st pick

Rage reaction: If ESPN’s sport science with Marcell Dareus didn’t solidify him as an absolute beast in your mind then nothing will. You can view that video here: Sport Science - Marcell Dareus. He can play virtually anywhere along the defensive line. He is a human black hole that eats space around him. His quick first step and strong hand punch make him a nightmare match-up for any offensive coordinator. This is the best defensive line draft in terms of talent and depth that we have ever seen and he tops the list. Still not sold on Marcell going number one? Plug yourself into the GM chair for Carolina – Cam Newton left the University of Florida rather than face suspension or expulsion because of three instances of academic cheating and one instance of theft of a laptop to which he was suspended from the football team. Plus, he has only one season of success as a starter and the rumors about his father’s dealings with agents make him very suspect.

read rest here: twas night before Draft

Video Highlights 1st round - 2011 NFL Draft

See rest of video here: Video Highlights 1st round

Cam Heyward son of “Ironhead”

Cam Heyward (Ohio State) 6’5” 294 lbs DE

Cam Heyward Highlight Video

The son of the late Craig "Ironhead" Heyward who terrorized linebackers for years by brutally using his head as a battering ram.  While Cam plays on the other side of the ball, they have a similar mentality says Cam "We were both guys who just loved to pound".

Cam Heyward hallmark is his performances in big games and is projected to go late in round 1 of the NFL draft.  Some scouts have him going in the top 20.  Could be great value pick if he slides after undergoing an ulnar collateral ligament surgery – commonly known as Tommy John surgery – on Jan. 12.

If Heyward is chosen, he'll finish off a first round that should cause Big Ten offensive linemen to pat themselves on the back for surviving last year.

Read rest here: Son of Ironhead

Julio Jones vs. A.J. Green

The more video I watch – the more I am convinced Julio Jones is the best player in this draft.  Now only few weeks ago Jones was A.J. Green sidekick in player rankings.  A gritty performance at the combine with Jones (playing on broken foot) looking better than Green.  This caused a rush to reevaluate Jones on film and this is what we found. 

 

Size:

Julio Jones - 6’3” 220 pounds

A.J. Green – 6’3’ 211 pounds

Edge:  Jones

 

Speed:

Julio Jones – 4.39  40 yard dash

A.J. Green – 4.48  40 yard dash

Edge:  Jones

 

Video:

Julio Jones – runs with aggression, very powerful and tough

A.J. Green – uses long arms and huge hands to snatch ball away from his body

Edge: Jones

 

Where I see each getting drafted:

A.J. Green – with Jones recovering from broken bone injury, Cincy will take the safer pick and go with Green to replace the departed TO and Ocho.

Julio Jones – I just think Jerry Jones has something up his sleeve in this draft.  Jones has been the face of NFL owners during labor dispute and while it’s not always good press its attention none the less…and Jones craves that.  He will stay in spotlight and pull a shocker on draft day by trading Dez Bryant and selecting Julio Jones with #9 pick.  I believe Jason Garrett and Co will find Jones to be more coachable in a team oriented philosophy recently installed.