The closer a position is to the football, the more valuable the position. On defense then, defensive ends are the second-most valuable and for good reason. They factor into nearly every play whether it be a pass or run. A good defensive end seals the edge, collapses the pocket, occupies blockers, rushes the passer, fills running lanes, swats down passes, covers the flat and the list goes on and on. But give ...

1. Carolina Panthers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri Is Blaine Gabbert the best prospect in this class? Absolutely not. But Carolina has no other choice but to address the quarterback position. Time and time again, first-year coaches bring in 'their guy'. Also, Mel Kiper also brings up a good point by saying that projecting the idea that Carolina will take a QB at No. 1 maximizes the trade potential of the pi ...

2011 NFL MOCK DRAFT ROUND ONE 1. Carolina Panthers: DT Nick Fairley, Auburn Nick Fairley can be a game-changer at his position and a disruptive pass rush is the easiest way to improve a struggling defense. Carolina needs a quarterback or wide receiver as well but it seems as though there are no QBs who are worthy of a No. 1 pick. A.J. Green could go here or Da'Quan Bowers. 2. Denver Broncos: DE Da'Quan Bowe ...

With the NFL season over for 30 of the 32 NFL teams, most NFL fans now turn their attention to the 2011 NFL Draft. This year’s class is fully loaded at the defensive end and defensive tackle positions. Ten of the top twenty spots on the Big Board are reserved for those two positions alone. Many positions are either top heavy or a bit thin. At wide receiver, for example, there is a clear cut top three in Geo ...