NFL Draft 2011 — First Round Recap
The first round of the 2011 NFL Draft was mostly overshadowed by the chorus of boos that showered upon NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell. “WE WANT FOOTBALL!” But let’s talk about some RideThePine.com observations of the first round.
First Pick — Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton — Quarterback, Auburn
This pick proves to me that the Carolina Panthers are a franchise in turmoil. Does Cam Newton have the best talent in the draft? Yep. But if there is anything that we can learn from draft history is that troubled quarterbacks rarely succeed in the NFL. Stealing laptops while at Florida and allegedly asking for money to play for Mississippi State before deciding on Auburn just to name some of his troubles. I’m not saying that Newton is the first (or only) person to do these types of things, but how many are star NFL quarterbacks? There is ZERO chance that Newton is able to live up to the first pick expectations.
Where are the New England Patriots?
Most of New England had to be excited as they saw former Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram still sitting on the board as the Pats were ready to pick in the 28th spot. Surely the Alabama running back could help out a very depleted Patriots backfield. Then the Patriots pulled a Patriots, by trading out of the first round for more picks in the future. Even Mel Kiper agreed that this is something that could haunt the Pats.
The Cleveland Browns had no choice!
The Browns had been looking to move out of the sixth spot for a while now, but when Julio Jones was still waiting when it was time for them to pick it wasn’t all bad news. The Browns could use help at wide receiver but the Atlanta Falcons offered something that was too good to pass up. The Browns ended up getting 5 picks including a first-round next year. Bravo Cleveland!
How Old is too Old?
The Philadelphia Eagles needed help protecting Michael Vick, so maybe he could make a few plays INSIDE the pocket this year. The Eagles pick of 26 year-old OL Danny Watkins has some in Philly upset (what else is new). Watkins, a former firefighter, has great heart and determination and is just getting better every year, which means by the time he is 45, he will make a Pro Bowl team.
Final Thoughts
Outside of Cam Newton this was a pretty underwhelming draft class in terms of star power. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of these players make a strong impact in the years to come and become solid NFL players.
