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I kind of like doing the entire first round mock, just because it’s a challenge and it sparks some good non-Giants debate. We’ll do a few more of these throughout the year. Our first one is here

1. Panthers

Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

I think this is the wrong pick. But, I think it’s going to happen. When a team has the first pick, they are often lacking star power. They often have a new coach. They often want to go in a new direction. Carolina fits all of this. They need a star. Someone marketable. Someone to put fannies in the seat. Cam Newton can do all that. He’s marketable, he’s charming, and he’s talented. He’s very talented. He needs to sit for a few years, learn the game, learn how to be a pro, learn how to make pro progressions, pro reads. Of course, as the number one pick, he’s going to have to start from Day one. It’s a sad reality. Number one picks that are quarterbacks equals money and excitement which equals that player starting. Newton will fail miserably, if he does not have the proper time to learn how to be a pro QB. Miserably. The Panthers do not have anything to really help him. Steve Smith is a shell of himself. The running game isn’t as powerful. Line isn’t that good. He will fail if he starts on Day 1. If he sits for a year or two, he could be a huge star. He has a very similar skill set to Ben Rothlisberger, except he’s more mobile. He could be a star. If they take their time with him. But they won’t. So he won’t.

2. Denver

Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

He’s the best player in this draft, and Denver really needs all the help it can get. Peterson has Charles Woodson type ability, meaning he can start at corner for 10 years, then move to safety for another five. Plus, he’s a dynamic kick returner. The total package. Will have a similar impact that Ndamukong Suh did last year.

3. Buffalo

Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

I don’t think Gabbert is particularly special. I think he’ll be a decent NFL quarterback, a fringe playoff starter, but nothing spectacular. Still, the Bills need a franchise QB, and Gabbert can sit behind Ryan Fitzpatrick for a bit while he makes the transition from a spread offense.

4. Cincinnati

Marcel Dareus, DT, Alabama

I’m not sure if this is a good fit, but he is the best player available and plugging him next to Domato Peko will give the Bengals one of the best interior lines in the league.

5. Arizona

Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

The Cardinals need to upgrade their pass rush, and Miller is the best pure rusher out there.

6. Cleveland

AJ Green, WR, Georgia

Colt McCoy needs a bona fide receiving threat. Green is one of the best to come out in years.

7. San Francisco

Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

The 49ers need secondary help, and Amukamara isn’t that far behind Peterson.

8. Tennessee

Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

He’s too talented to slip past the Titans, plus he fills a need.

9. Dallas

Tyron Smith, OT, USC

Dallas needs line help, and Smith is super athletic and dripping with upside.

10. Washington

Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, UNC

Quinn and Orakpo rushing off the edges would be lethal.

11. Houston

Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal

They need a five technique, and Jordan is the best.

12. Minnesota

Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

He shouldn’t even be here at 12, but concerns about his knee will drop him far. Minnesota gets a steal.

13. Detroit

Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri

Add Smith to Suh and the Lions suddenly will have the best line in football.

14. St. Louis

Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

Sam Bradford gets his number one

15. Miami

Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

Fills a need and is the best RB in the draft.

16. Jacksonville

Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

Fills a need and is a high motor player who will bring energy to a depleted line

17. New England

JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Watt is the best five technique remaining, and fills a major need

18. San Diego

Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple

Wilkerson haas been flying up draft boards and would fit nicely in San Diego

19. Giants

Anthony Castanzo, OT, BC

We’ve discussed this ad nausuem. You know the drill.

20. Tampa Bay

Justin Houston, DE, Georgia

They desperately need a DE.

21. Kansas City

Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona

Clay Matthews lite will look great next to Tamba Hali

22. Indianpolis

Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Have to protect Peyton

23. Philadelphia

Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississipi State

Fills a need and will replace Winston Justice

24. New Orleans

Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

Fills a major need, and Clayborn would be quite a steal at 24.

25.  Seattle

Andy Dalton, QB, TCU

Matt Hasselback isn’t getting any younger, and Dalton is the kind of safe, West Coast quarterback that could surprise

26. Baltimore

Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

He has character issues, but enters a veteran locker room and will have to answer to Ray Lewis. A perfect fit.

27. Atlanta

Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

Best player available and would upgrade their pass rush

28. New England

Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida

Pouncey would upgrade a line that needs upgrading

29. Chicago

Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Someone needs to protect Jay Cutler

30. Jets

Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

Replaces Kris Jenkins

31. Pittsburgh

Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

Best player available, and fills a need

32. Green Bay

Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

Will eventually replace Charles Woodson