Initial look has Gabbert at No. 1, Newton out of top 10

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.

1. Pick No.

   1

   

   BLAINE GABBERT

   QB

   Missouri

   [ ](/videos/nfl-first-draft/09000d5d81ea6130/First-draft-Blaine-Gabbert)
   When all the pre-draft workouts and interviews are done, Gabbert emerges as the quarterback the [Panthers](/teams/carolinapanthers/profile?team=CAR) and coach [Ron Rivera](/player/ronrivera/2524222/profile) opt to build around.
2. Pick No.

   2

   

   DA'QUAN BOWERS

   DE

   Clemson

   [ ](/videos/nfl-first-draft/09000d5d81eaa3b4/First-Draft-Da-Quan-Bowers)
   The [Broncos](/teams/denverbroncos/profile?team=DEN) badly need defensive tackles in their switch to a 4-3, but it's hard not to hand [Elvis Dumervil](/player/elvisdumervil/2495832/profile) this compliment as an edge rusher.
3. Pick No.

   3

   

   MARCELL DAREUS

   DT

   Alabama

   [ ](/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d81eaf605/Grading-Dareus)
   The [Bills](/teams/buffalobills/profile?team=BUF) could move on Auburn QB [Cam Newton](/player/camnewton/2495455/profile) here, but the versatile D-lineman can help ease some of Buffalo's problems up front.
4. Pick No.

   4

   

   NICK FAIRLEY

   DT

   Auburn

   [ ](/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d81eaa707/Pro-day-Nick-Fairley)
   [Carson Palmer](/player/carsonpalmer/2505245/profile)'s threat to retire puts them in need of a QB, but Fairley is the type of playmaker the [Bengals](/teams/cincinnatibengals/profile?team=CIN) need and want in their front seven.
5. Pick No.

   5

   

   VON MILLER

   OLB

   Texas A&M

   [ ](/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81e8902e/Von-Miller-interview)
   Again, a quarterback is needed but with Max Hall and [John Skelton](/player/johnskelton/497129/profile), adding one in the draft won't be the way they go. Miller is a must.
6. Pick No.

   6

   

   A.J. GREEN

   WR

   Georgia

   [ ](/videos/nfl-first-draft/09000d5d81eaa386/First-Draft-A-J-Green)
   The [Browns](/teams/clevelandbrowns/profile?team=CLE) can go a lot of different ways, but Green is the type of playmaker that can make [Colt McCoy](/player/coltmccoy/497123/profile) better and open up the offense.
7. Pick No.

   7

   

   PATRICK PETERSON

   CB

   LSU

   [ ](/videos/nfl-first-draft/09000d5d81eaa3df/First-Draft-Patrick-Peterson)
   It will be Christmas for the [49ers](/teams/sanfrancisco49ers/profile?team=SF) if the best player in the draft falls this far. He cures two needs: skilled cover DB and returner.
8. Pick No.

   8

   

   ROBERT QUINN

   DE

   North Carolina

   [ ](/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81e888ba/Robert-Quinn-interview)
   The best outside linebacker is off the board so the next best thing is Quinn, an explosive player who can get to the quarterback.
9. Pick No.

   9

   

   ANTHONY CASTONZO

   OT

   Boston College

   [ ](/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81e70618/Anthony-Castonzo-vignette)
   The [Cowboys](/teams/dallascowboys/profile?team=DAL) could go CB with [Prince Amukamara](/player/princeamukamara/2495108/profile) here, but Dallas was at its best when its O-line dominated. It's time to address that area.
10. Pick No.

    10

    

    ALDON SMITH

    OLB

    Missouri
    [Mike Shanahan](/player/mikeshanahan/2541943/profile) might not want to develop [Cam Newton](/player/camnewton/2495455/profile) at quarterback. More 3-4 personnel is needed on defense. Smith bolsters Brian Orakpo.
11. Pick No.

    11

    

    PRINCE AMUKAMARA

    CB

    Nebraska

    [ ](/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81eaf82d/2011-combine-workout-Prince-Amukamara)
    They could be eyeballing [Nnamdi Asomugha](/player/nnamdiasomugha/2505580/profile), but with the draft possibly coming before free agency, they can't risk missing on the second best corner in the draft.
12. Pick No.

    12

    

    CAM NEWTON

    QB

    Auburn

    [ ](/videos/nfl-network-path-to-the-draft/09000d5d81eaa476/Grading-Cam-Newton-s-pro-day)
    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.
13. Pick No.

    13

    

    GABE CARIMI

    OT

    Wisconsin

    [ ](/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81e7b529/Gabe-Carimi-vignette)
    They could opt for DEs J.J Watt or [Cameron Jordan](/player/cameronjordan/2495184/profile) or OLB [Justin Houston](/player/justinhouston/2495493/profile), but Carimi might be too tempting to bypass.
14. Pick No.

    14

    

    JULIO JONES

    WR

    Alabama

    [ ](/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81eab2b2/2011-combine-workout-Julio-Jones)
    They need OLB and safety help in a bad way, but they need WR help in a worse way. Jones could be [Sam Bradford](/player/sambradford/497095/profile)'s prime target for years.
15. Pick No.

    15

    

    MARK INGRAM

    RB

    Alabama

    [ ](/videos/nfl-network-path-to-the-draft/09000d5d81eaf4f7/Grading-Ingram)
    This could be the least expensive and most productive way to address a huge void. QB [Ryan Mallett](/player/ryanmallett/2495443/profile) could be a sleeper here.
16. Pick No.

    16

    

    ADRIAN CLAYBORN

    DE

    Iowa

    [ ](/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81eb2e81/2011-combine-workout-Adrian-Clayborn)
    Jacksonville is still in search of front-four help and Clayborn is powerful and versatile.
17. Pick No.

    17

    

    J.J. WATT

    DE

    Wisconsin

    [ ](/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81e88874/J-J-Watt-interview)
    If Watt makes it this far, [Bill Belichick](/player/billbelichick/2509331/profile) won't trade this pick to move back in the draft.
18. Pick No.

    18

    

    CAMERON JORDAN

    DE

    Cal

    [ ](/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81e8001e/Cameron-Jordan-This-is-mine)
    An ideal 3-4 defensive end who can set and hold an edge. Athletic enough to be used in coverage in zone-blitz schemes.
19. Pick No.

    19

    

    MIKE POUNCEY

    C/G

    Florida
    The [Giants](/teams/newyorkgiants/profile?team=NYG) have to begin to replenish the interior of their offensive line, and Pouncey could be as good as his twin, Maurkice.
20. Pick No.

    20

    

    AKEEM AYERS

    OLB

    UCLA

    [ ](/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d81e69802/Combine-LBs-to-watch)
    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.
21. Pick No.

    21

    

    NATE SOLDER

    OL

    Colorado

    [ ](/videos/nfl-videos/09000d5d81e5b0f0/Nate-Solder-vignette)
    Solder has a nasty temperament and his potential is too promising to pass up. Could compete to start at either OT spots.
22. Pick No.

    22

    

    TYRON SMITH

    OT

    USC
    Enough with not investing a high pick in an offensive lineman. Smith is needed to make sure Manning plays at least four more seasons.
23. Pick No.

    23

    

    MARTEZ WILSON

    LB

    Illinois

    [ ](/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81e8a16f/Best-value-players-LBs)
    The athletic Wilson can play outside or inside and the [Eagles](/teams/philadelphiaeagles/profile?team=PHI) need someone who can play both. DT [Corey Liuget](/player/coreyliuget/2495483/profile) wouldn't be a surprise here.
24. Pick No.

    24

    

    RYAN KERRIGAN

    DE

    Purdue

    [ ](/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81e588d1/Ryan-Kerrigan-vignette)
    This high-motor havoc-wreaker would flourish under high-energy defensive coordinator [Gregg Williams](/player/greggwilliams/2528921/profile).
25. Pick No.

    25

    

    RYAN MALLETT

    QB

    Arkansas

    [ ](/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81e808d8/Interactive-scouting-report-Ryan-Mallett)
    This might seem like a surprise, but unless a trade for [Kevin Kolb](/player/kevinkolb/2507169/profile) materializes, [Seahawks](/teams/seattleseahawks/profile?team=SEA) select most pro-ready QB in the draft.
26. Pick No.

    26

    

    JIMMY SMITH

    CB

    Colorado

    [ ](/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81eb371e/2011-combine-workout-Jimmy-Smith)
    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.
27. Pick No.

    27

    

    AARON WILLIAMS

    CB

    Texas

    [ ](/videos/nfl-videos/09000d5d81eb5016/2011-combine-workout-Aaron-Williams)
    The [Falcons](/teams/atlantafalcons/profile?team=ATL) want more size at corner, and Williams provides that. He would offer immediate help at nickel back, which the [Falcons](/teams/atlantafalcons/profile?team=ATL) need.
28. Pick No.

    28

    

    DEREK SHERROD

    OT

    Mississippi State
    A perfect slot and fit for Sherrod, an athletic player who can develop in a great environment.
29. Pick No.

    29

    

    BRANDON HARRIS

    CB

    Miami

    [ ](/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d81eb00d1/2011-combine-workout-Brandon-Harris)
    An OT, DT and DE are needed, but Harris is a solid player who is coachable and loves to compete.
30. Pick No.

    30

    

    JUSTIN HOUSTON

    OLB

    Georgia

    [ ](/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81e8a16f/Best-value-players-LBs)
    The [Jets](/teams/newyorkjets/profile?team=NYJ) need a pass rusher, and Houston is built like [LaMarr Woodley](/player/lamarrwoodley/2507173/profile) and is ascending up some draft boards.
31. Pick No.

    31

    

    BEN IJALANA

    OL

    Villanova
    Ijalana 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.
32. Pick No.

    32

    

    CAM HEYWARD

    DE

    Ohio State

    [ ](/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d81ea5cd9/On-the-clock-Packers)
    With the likely loss of [Cullen Jenkins](/player/cullenjenkins/2505363/profile), Heyward fills a need and could compete for a starting job.