NFL Mock Draft X Sees Cam Newton Replacing Carson Palmer in Cincinnati, Patrick Peterson Going First Overall

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Apr 7, 2011

NFL Mock Draft X Sees Cam Newton Replacing Carson Palmer in Cincinnati, Patrick Peterson Going First Overall This was a big week for a handful of draft prospects who are expected to slide down the board, namely Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers, who had a poor pro day and confirmed the fears of scouts who weren't sold on the health of his knees. Once a strong candidate to be the draft's No. 1 pick, there's no longer any certainty Bowers will get taken in the first round, but he isn't the only high-profile prospect to slide.

There's also a brand new top pick.

Let's open up Mock Draft X, the 10th edition of 13 mock drafts that will run every Thursday until April 28.

1. Carolina Panthers
2010 Record: 2-14
Needs: Quarterback, defensive tackle, outside linebacker, guard, wide receiver, tight end, defensive end
The Pick: LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson
Previous Picks: Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers, Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley
Analysis: Sure, this goes against history — a cornerback has never been taken No. 1 overall — but the Panthers might be inclined to go the safe route. Many believe Peterson is the best prospect in the draft, and while trench players carry more importance, almost all of the elite linemen are flawed in one way or another. That's not to say Peterson is perfect, but the Panthers can be certain he won't be a bust. In this draft, that just might be enough.

2. Denver Broncos
2010 Record: 4-12
Needs: Defensive end, cornerback, safety, outside linebacker
The Pick: Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus
Previous Pick: Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers
Analysis: Dareus has remained here for awhile. He makes too much sense for the Broncos.

3. Buffalo Bills
2010 Record: 4-12
Needs: Quarterback, tackle, defensive end, outside linebacker, tight end, cornerback, safety
The Pick: Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller
Analysis: Miller has been the pick here for all 10 mock drafts, but somehow, the Bills will try to mess this one up.

4. Cincinnati Bengals
2010 Record: 4-12
Needs: Defensive end, quarterback, running back, wide receiver, inside linebacker, safety
The Pick: Auburn quarterback Cam Newton
Previous Pick: North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn
Analysis: This would all but wave the white flag on the Carson Palmer situation. Palmer would be great if he started in 2011 while Newton learned the game, but that scenario just won't happen.

5. Arizona Cardinals
2010 Record: 5-11
Needs: Quarterback, left tackle, guard, outside linebacker, cornerback
The Pick: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert
Previous Pick: LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson
Analysis: Everyone seems convinced Gabbert will be heading to Arizona. If he slides past the Cardinals, mark this down as one of the great bluffs in draft history.

6. Cleveland Browns
2010 Record: 5-11
Needs: Wide receiver, tackle, guard, defensive end, inside linebacker, outside linebacker, cornerback, safety
The Pick: Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green
Analysis: Quarterback Colt McCoy's development will speed along if he's got a big-game receiver to chuck it to on Sundays.

7. San Francisco 49ers
2010 Record: 6-10
Needs: Quarterback, outside linebacker, defensive tackle, defensive end, safety, wide receiver, cornerback
The Pick: Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara
Previous Picks: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert, LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson
Analysis: With Gabbert and Peterson off the board, the 49ers go back to Amukamara, who would add a boost to their secondary.

8. Tennessee Titans
2010 Record: 6-10
Needs: Quarterback, inside linebacker, defensive end, guard
The Pick: North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn
Previous Picks: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert, Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus, Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers
Analysis: Quinn was a huge beneficiary of Bowers' poor pro day, and he should be the draft's top-rated 4-3 defensive end.

9. Dallas Cowboys
2010 Record: 6-10
Needs: Tackle, defensive end, guard, safety, cornerback
The Pick: USC tackle Tyron Smith
Previous Picks: Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus, Colorado tackle Nate Solder, Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley
Analysis: If no one trades up for Smith — and it doesn't appear right now as though anyone will — the Cowboys should be happy to take him here. Otherwise, they might wait to take a tackle later in the draft.

10. Washington Redskins
2010 Record: 6-10
Needs: Quarterback, right tackle, wide receiver, right guard, cornerback, safety, defensive end
The Pick: Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones
Previous Picks: Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, USC tackle Tyron Smith, Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers
Analysis: This was Bowers' spot last week, so this will mark his second big fall in a row. Jones will add a new element to Washington's offense, which is a little too old in the skill positions.

Click here for picks 11-20 | Click here for picks 21-32 

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