NFL Draft Props: Who will go No. 1?
(The Spread) – The 2011 NFL Draft certainly has an air of mystery about it and there’s no bigger question that whom will be taken No. 1 overall.
Most draft observers believe that the Panthers will select Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. Even though Carolina took Jimmy Clausen in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft, quarterback remains a need for the team after the former Notre Dame product was less than impressive in his rookie year. (Although granted, it was only his first season in the league and it’s not like he had much around him to work with.)
Last year at Auburn, Newton led the Tigers to a national championship and also took home the 2010 Heisman Trophy. In 14 games, he threw for 2,854 yards and 30 touchdowns compared to just seven interceptions. He also rushed for 1,473 yards on 264 carries and added another 20 scores on the ground. He was arguably the most dynamic player in college football last season.
That said, he’s also a massive boom or bust NFL prospect. He certainly has a ton of upside and the skill set to be a great player, but he has a list of character concerns stemming from a rocky experience at Florida in which he was accused and charged with stealing another student’s laptop. He and his father were also shrouded in controversy last year regarding controversial recruitment allegations. Still, he remains the player that most people envision the Panthers taking a No. 1.
According to online sports book Sportsbook.com, Newton is –400 on the money line to be taken No. 1 overall. Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus is +300 on the money line, while Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert is +1000. LSU’s Patrick Peterson remains the long-shot at +1500, although it’s important to note that no cornerback has ever been selected No. 1 or No. 2 overall.
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