2011 NFL Draft: Interactive mock draft 2.0

With the start of the NFL Draft less than two weeks away, the Browns are running through several scenarios, so I'll continue to do the same. In my first mock draft, I had the Browns taking LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson with the sixth overall pick. I still think that's a strong possibility, but what would happen if Peterson isn't available when the Browns are put on the clock on April 28? The answer, in my opinion, can be found in the following predictions for the top-10 picks:

1. Carolina Panthers — Auburn QB Cam Newton

2. Denver Broncos — Texas A&M LB Von Miller

3. Buffalo Bills — Alabama DT Marcell Dareus

4. Cincinnati Bengals — Georgia WR A.J. Green

5. Arizona Cardinals — LSU CB Patrick Peterson

6. Browns -- North Carolina DE Robert Quinn

Explanation: I left the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis believing the Browns could take Quinn. It's been written once or twice that the team needs more defensive linemen as it switches to a 4-3 defense. Browns General Manager Tom Heckert, though, wants to select the best available player, not base the No. 6 pick on team needs. Still, Quinn might be the best available player in Heckert's eyes, especially if Green and Peterson are off the board. Some believe Quinn would have been a top-three pick if he didn't miss all of last season because of an NCAA suspension. Others believe picking him is too much of a risk because he hasn't played football for more than a year. Heckert doesn't want to draft players with character issues, but he has said there's a difference between prospects who have repeatedly been in trouble and those who have made mistakes and learned from them. Which category does Quinn fall into? It's hard to say, but Heckert has said Quinn's violation isn't "that big of a deal." If the Browns really believe that, they might not be able to resist adding a player who has the potential to become an elite pass rusher.

7. San Francisco 49ers — Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert

8. Tennessee Titans — Auburn DT Nick Fairley

9. Dallas Cowboys -- Southern California OL Tyron Smith

10. Washington Redskins — Alabama WR Julio Jones

Now it's your turn. E-mail your name, city and state, along with your predictions for the top-10 picks to nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com, and explain why you think the Browns will take a specific route. I'll post the best submissions on this blog.

Note: Don't forget to check out the list of draft prospects who have visits or workouts scheduled with the Browns.