Welcome to the first edition of our annual mock drafts here at Gridiron Experts. Although our beloved organization (the NFL) may end up in a stalemate with it’s players resulting in a lock-out, football fans can still rejoice knowing that they will be able to watch the draft.

	(DE)	De’Quan Bowers: Clemson	Relentless pass rusher, nearly unanimous #1 pick.
	(DT)	Marcell Dareus: Alabama	Quickly rising up draft boards; John Fox thrives on keystone pass-rush.
	(CB)	Patrick Peterson: LSU	Big addition to the secondary, Peterson’s physicality compliments Mckelvin nicely.
	(WR)	A.J. Green: Georgia	Who knows how long T.O. and Ocho will remain, Green could also play a factor in raising the spirits of Palmer.
	(DT)	Nick Fairley: Auburn	Much needed center piece for an ailing d-line. Von Miller also a potential target.
	(OLB)	Von Miller: Texas A&M	Great fit for the Browns D; Miller should start immediately, tackling machine.
	(DE)	Cameron Jordan: California	Alleviate some of the pressure on Willis. Jordan is just a shade less talented than Bowers, with the proper training he may be able to excel past the #1 pick.
	(QB)	Blaine Gabbert: Missouri	QB is priority for the Titans this season. After miffing on Young, Bud Adams will be hard pressed to select a similar player in Newton.
	(DE)	Adrian Clayborn: Iowa	Injury history aside; Clayborn’s risk reward factor is too heavy to ignore. If the Boys don’t select Clayborn, look for J.J. Watt to fill this spot.
	(OT)	Anthony Costanzo: Boston College	Shanahan passes on Cam Newton; the pass protection in Washington has been horrendous of late, a QB is not the immediate priority for this team.Houston Texans
	(CB)	Prince Amukamara: Nebraska	The Texans desperately need an addition to their secondary after boasting the leagues worst in 2010.
	(QB)	Cam Newton: Auburn	The big man finally comes off the board; Vikings are likely targeting a DE however it’s too difficult to ignore Newton when your best option is Joe Webb.
	(G/C)	Mike Pouncey: Florida	Lions desperately need some help on the line in order to keep Stafford in the game. Costanzo’s early departure earns Pouncey a few extra dollars.
	(WR)	Julio Jones: Alabama	Bradford had one of the best Rookie 1st overall seasons ever, without any excessively talented WR’s; the front office recognizes this and will reward Bradford in this draft.
	(QB)	Ryan Mallett: Arkansas	Dolphins are begging for a leader and a consistent QB; Although Mallett has been slipping of late, an impressive resume will save his draft stock.
	(DE)	J.J. Watt: Wisconsin	Should have been a top 10 pick, but I expect Clayborn’s injury history to be ignored by the Boys (i.e. Dez Bryant) if this happens Jags get lucky.
	(OLB)	Ryan Kerrigan: Purdue	Although Mark Ingram has the hot-odds to be selected in this spot Belicheck is confident in the abilities of Green-Ellis, and Danny Woodhead; Kerrigan allows NE to continue to bolster a rebuilding but talented young D.San Deigo Chargers
	(DE)	Allen Bailey: Miami	Talent at every position but DE virtually justifies San Deigo’s selection of Bailey (or another DE in this position); Bailey may have the ability to be a key cog in stopping the Chargers inconsistencies on D.
	(OT)	Tyron Smith: USC	There aren’t many glaring needs for this Giants squad; Smith should plug in nicely and prove to be a reliable replacement for one of their aging lineman.
	(OT)	Gabe Carimi: Wisconsin	The Bucs may have been targeting Smith with this selection, instead they settle for Carimi, a reliable blocker (started 4 years in the Big Ten).
	(OT)	Nate Solder: Colorado	Some pass protection for Cassel will likely go along way in improving this teams already improved offense.
	(OG)	Clint Boling: Georgia	Indy could desperately use some help on the o-line as we were witnesses’ to over the last few weeks of the season.
	(CB)	Brandon Harris: Miami	Repeated battering of Philly’s secondary makes this pick an intriguing option; Reid and Co. have seemed not to shy away from the sexy picks in the last few drafts. (loaded with draft picks don’t be surprised to see the birds try and move up).
	(DE)	Aldon Smith: Missouri	Smith has the talent to be selected in the 10-15 region of this draft, however due to team needs he moves all the way up the 24th spot and finds a happy home in New Orleans alongside Sedrick Ellis and Will Smith.
	(QB)	Jake Locker: Washington	Pundits, like NFL’s Albert Breer is suggesting that the Hawks are seriously considering the selection of a QB in the first round; Carroll invites the competition.
	(CB)	Aaron Williams: Texas	A pick to ensure the continued success of the Ravens D; last year’s 1st round: Kindle, now Williams.
	(OLB)	Akeem Ayers: UCLA	Mike Peterson’s time in ATL is coming to an end. Ayers, Lofton, and Weatherspoon could begin a tenure of running one of the best line-backing corps in the NFL.
	(RB)	Mark Ingram: Alabama	Fantastic selection to strengthen the back field with their 2nd pick of the 1st round,; however don’t expect Ingram to become a fantasy horse, the RBBC should still be in full effect with Ingram, Woodhead, and Green-Ellis on the scene.
	(DT)	Phil Taylor: Baylor	Need a new DT to compliment Peppers, Tommie Harris is no longer as effective as he once was; if Taylor can register a nice sack total next season this is a new power house D-line: Peppers, Adams, Taylor, Harris, Idonije.
	(OLB)	Justin Houston: Georgia	The Vernan Gholston experiment has come to an end in New York; an aggressive Houston should be able to fill in that void with ease, however this time actually produce.
	(DT)	Corey Liuget: Illinois	Steelers are clearly hoping to unite the Pouncey’s however with an earlier selection, and a slip from Liuget Steelers land a new talented d-linemen.
	(DE)	Cameron Heyward: Ohio State	The Pack defense continues to get scarier and faster.