The NFL is a quarterback driven league, whether it’s draft night or Super Sunday.
A quarterback is expected to be the first player selected when the draft kicks off at 7 p.m. Thursday. As many as five quarterbacks could be taken in the first round if teams trade up from the second round, even though they may have to reach to take them.
Our mock draft does not account for Andy Dalton or Christian Ponder, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see either passer taken. Even Ryan Mallett is a first-round dark horse.
The other first-round trend to watch is what former Giants general manager George Young used to call “the dance of the elephants.” There will be many offensive and defensive linemen taken Thursday, perhaps as many as 20, or 62 percent of all first rounders.
There are a couple of reasons for this. First, it’s a strong draft for them. And second, those precious quarterbacks who drive the league need to be protected — and contained. The best way to do that is with those elephants.
1. Panthers — Cam Newton, Auburn QB, 6-5, 248: Late rumors say they take Marcell Dareus. Smells like a smokescreen.
2. Broncos — *Marcell Dareus, Alabama DT, 6-3, 319: Tough call between Von Miller and Dareus.
3. Bills — Von Miller, Texas A&M OLB, 6-3, 246: If the Panthers pass on Newton, the Bills won’t.
4. Bengals — *Blaine Gabbert, Missouri QB, 6-4, 234: A.J. Green is the popular pick, but Gabbert makes sense.
5. Cardinals — *Patrick Peterson, Louisiana State CB, 6-0, 219: Don’t buy the hype about A.J. Green.
6. Browns — *Julio Jones, Alabama WR, 6-3, 220: It’s a coin flip between Jones and Green.
7. 49ers — *Robert Quinn, North Carolina DE, 6-4, 265: They might prefer Peterson, and Prince Amukamara is possible.
8. Titans — *Nick Fairley, Auburn DT, 6-4, 291: They really need a QB but will wait to get one.
9. Cowboys — *J.J. Watt, Wisconsin DE, 6-5, 290: Tyron Smith could go here, but the Cowboys love Watt.
10. Redskins — *A.J. Green, Georgia WR, 6-4, 211: Mike Shanahan is doing backflips if he’s available.
11. Texans — *Aldon Smith, Missouri DE, 6-4, 263: He could be an OLB in Wade Phillips’ new 3-4.
12. Vikings — *Tyron Smith, Southern Cal OT, 6-5, 307: A pass rusher is a possibility here.
13. Lions — Prince Amukamara, Nebraska CB, 6-0, 206: Another possibility is Da’Quan Bowers.
14. Rams — *Corey Liuget, Illinois DT, 6-2, 298: The Rams likely will get DL help.
15. Dolphins — Mike Pouncey, Miami OL, 6-5, 303: They would like to move out; a QB is possible.
16. Jaguars — Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue DE, 6-4, 267: Cameron Jordan is in the mix. Would they take a QB?
17. Patriots — *Mark Ingram, Alabama RB, 5-9, 215: Look for a trade here.
18. Chargers — Cameron Jordan, California DE, 6-4, 287: A front seven defender seems likely.
19. Giants — Anthony Castonzo, Boston College OT, 6-7, 311: Look for the Giants to go big one way or another.
20. Bucs — *Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson DE, 6-3, 280: If Bowers is gone, Adrian Clayborn is the pick.
21. Chiefs — Phil Taylor, Baylor DT, 6-3, 334: Taylor will go in this range.
22. Colts — Nate Solder, Colorado OT, 6-8, 319: Need matches strength of draft for Indy.
23. Eagles — Jimmy Smith, Colorado CB, 6-2, 211: They also could go for an offensive lineman.
24. Saints — Adrian Clayborn, Iowa DE, 6-3, 281: They are looking for defensive help up front.
25. Seahawks — Jake Locker, Washington QB, 6-3, 231: There is a chance he is long gone.
26. Ravens — Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple DT, 6-4, 315: Danny Watkins or a trade down is possible here.
27. Falcons — Danny Watkins, Baylor G, 6-3, 310: They want a DE, but there might not be one.
28. Patriots — *Martez Wilson, Illinois LB, 6-4, 250: This is another hot spot for a trade.
29. Bears — Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin OT, 6-7, 314: This huge blocker will be a good fit on Mike Tice’s line. The Bears will be fortunate if he falls to them.
30. Jets — Cameron Heyward, Ohio State DE, 6-5, 294: Look for the Jets to try to add to their defensive front.
31. Steelers — Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State, 6-5, 321: They also could go for CB Aaron Williams.
32. Packers — *Akeem Ayers, UCLA OLB, 6-3, 254: The Packers are unpredictable, but they need a pass rusher.
* indicates underclassman
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