WINNERS
Detroit Lions - Opposing offensive lines, including the unit protecting Aaron Rodgers' backside, had better bring their "A" games when they face the Lions. With the 13th pick, Detroit took Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley (27 tackles for loss, 13 sacks last year). He will team with consensus 2010 rookie of the year Ndamukong Suh, Corey Williams and Kyle Vanden Bosch to give the Lions what should be a dominant defensive line. Fairley was ranked fifth on Mel Kiper's board.
Cam Newton - The Carolina Panthers were desperate for a quarterback. Auburn's Newton was the only QB worth even considering with the No. 1 pick. He played in a run-heavy scheme and faces a steep learning curve in the NFL, but he'll be the face of the franchise and will make a boatload of money.
J.J. Watt - Exhibit A for what hard work, determination and persistence can do. The defensive end from Pewaukee and the University of Wisconsin started out as a tight end at Central Michigan and paid his way to UW. On Thursday, he was the 11th pick in the draft, taken by Houston to help plug holes in a leaky defense. Is this a great country, or what?
LOSERS
Minnesota Vikings - The Vikes reportedly tried hard to trade down. When they couldn't find a partner, they reached for Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder. ESPN analyst Jon Gruden defended the pick, saying Minnesota needed a quarterback and "there is no sure thing in free agency." Still, it's a stretch to project Ponder as a rookie starter, so the Vikings probably will have to sign a veteran.
Commissioner Roger Goodell - With a target on his back because of the ongoing labor strife, the commish was booed lustily when he approached the podium at Radio City Music Hall in New York to commence the draft. Then he proceeded to embrace each draft pick as if he were a long-lost son. Just call him Pete Rozelle Lite.
ROLLING THE DICE
Atlanta Falcons - They moved up in a trade with Cleveland to take physical Alabama receiver Julio Jones. After getting thumped by the Packers, 48-21, in the playoffs, the Falcons obviously felt they needed another playmaker opposite Roddy White to be able to get past Green Bay. They can only hope Jones gives them that dimension. "I think this guy struggled throughout his career to catch the football," Gruden said.