What has been the fastest way to turn around a team's woebegone fortunes the past few years? Acquiring the right quarterback, mainly through the draft.
Lots of teams need them, and there are plenty to be had but only a few are considered to be immediate difference makers -- and even that's up for deliberation.
Missouri's Blaine Gabbert, Auburn's Cam Newton and Arkansas' Ryan Mallett are the probable first-rounders, with Gabbert and Newton seemingly being the only sure things.
While Newton has deservedly drawn most of the attention, because he won the BCS national championship, the Heisman Trophy, and he's been the most visible in the media, Gabbert is viewed by most personnel people as more ready to make an impact. There's no buzz now -- largely because he didn't throw at the NFL Scouting Combine -- but there will be plenty after his pro day on March 17.
The dilemma for teams at the top of the draft is whether to gamble on a quarterback (you miss, it could be a franchise changer, but the same could be said if you hit) or play it safe with one of the dynamic defensive linemen in this D-line heavy draft.
Based on conversations I had with some people at the combine, and considering team needs, here's my first crack at a mock draft. We have a long way to the real deal in April, but with free agency on hold because of uncertain labor talks, more teams could be drafting for need.
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When all the pre-draft workouts and interviews are done, Gabbert emerges as the quarterback the Panthers and coach Ron Rivera opt to build around.
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The Broncos badly need defensive tackles in their switch to a 4-3, but it's hard not to hand Elvis Dumervil this compliment as an edge rusher.
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The Bills could move on Auburn QB Cam Newton here, but the versatile D-lineman can help ease some of Buffalo's problems up front.
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Carson Palmer's threat to retire puts them in need of a QB, but Fairley is the type of playmaker the Bengals need and want in their front seven.
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Again, a quarterback is needed but with Max Hall and John Skelton, adding one in the draft won't be the way they go. Miller is a must.
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The Browns can go a lot of different ways, but Green is the type of playmaker that can make Colt McCoy better and open up the offense.
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It will be Christmas for the 49ers if the best player in the draft falls this far. He cures two needs: skilled cover DB and returner.
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The best outside linebacker is off the board so the next best thing is Quinn, an explosive player who can get to the quarterback.
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The Cowboys could go CB with Prince Amukamara here, but Dallas was at its best when its O-line dominated. It's time to address that area.
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Pick No.10
ALDON SMITHOLBMissouriMike Shanahan might not want to develop Cam Newton at quarterback. More 3-4 personnel is needed on defense. Smith bolsters Brian Orakpo. -
They could be eyeballing Nnamdi Asomugha, but with the draft possibly coming before free agency, they can't risk missing on the second best corner in the draft.
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He's too good to pass for this QB-needy team, and OC Bill Musgrave can develop quarterbacks. Vikes will also acquire a vet in case Newton's not ready.
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They could opt for DEs J.J Watt or Cameron Jordan or OLB Justin Houston, but Carimi might be too tempting to bypass.
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They need OLB and safety help in a bad way, but they need WR help in a worse way. Jones could be Sam Bradford's prime target for years.
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This could be the least expensive and most productive way to address a huge void. QB Ryan Mallett could be a sleeper here.
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Jacksonville is still in search of front-four help and Clayborn is powerful and versatile.
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If Watt makes it this far, Bill Belichick won't trade this pick to move back in the draft.
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An ideal 3-4 defensive end who can set and hold an edge. Athletic enough to be used in coverage in zone-blitz schemes.
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Pick No.19
MIKE POUNCEYC/GFloridaThe Giants have to begin to replenish the interior of their offensive line, and Pouncey could be as good as his twin, Maurkice. -
Bucs need a rusher, and Ayers should run a better 40 at his pro day than he did at the combine to alleviate concerns about his speed.
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Solder has a nasty temperament and his potential is too promising to pass up. Could compete to start at either OT spots.
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Pick No.22
TYRON SMITHOTUSCEnough with not investing a high pick in an offensive lineman. Smith is needed to make sure Manning plays at least four more seasons. -
The athletic Wilson can play outside or inside and the Eagles need someone who can play both. DT Corey Liuget wouldn't be a surprise here.
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This high-motor havoc-wreaker would flourish under high-energy defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.
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This might seem like a surprise, but unless a trade for Kevin Kolb materializes, Seahawks select most pro-ready QB in the draft.
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At 6-2 and 210 pounds, Smith is a physical corner who would fit right in, at worst, as a rotational fixture in nickel coverage.
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Pick No.28
DEREK SHERRODOTMississippi StateA perfect slot and fit for Sherrod, an athletic player who can develop in a great environment. -
An OT, DT and DE are needed, but Harris is a solid player who is coachable and loves to compete.
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The Jets need a pass rusher, and Houston is built like LaMarr Woodley and is ascending up some draft boards.
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Pick No.31
BEN IJALANAOLVillanovaIjalana is raw but was dominant on the FCS level and can play guard or tackle, which is big for a team in need of versatile linemen. -
With the likely loss of Cullen Jenkins, Heyward fills a need and could compete for a starting job.
