NFL Draft 2011: Five Teams That Need to Hit a Home Run in Round 1

April 12, 2011   ·   Andrew Tonge   ·   Jump to comments

With the 2011 NFL Draft upon us, let's look at five non playoff teams from last season that can't afford to swing and miss with their first round draft picks—their playoff hopes may hinge on them making the right decision. 
Just look at the Rams last year with Sam Bradford, and on the flip side, look at the Raiders and how some of their decisions have kept them from moving forward.
Carolina Panthers
Last year, the Panthers did not have a first round pick, which makes this one all the more important.  With so many needs, Carolina needs to figure out how they are going to build their team. 
Are they going to use the Kansas City model and stock pile draft picks, or should they go for a franchise player if there is one in this year's draft?
If they don't think that there is a franchise-changing player out there, they need to find a partner and trade down for more picks, if they are satisfied with their quarterback position. 
If they f...

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