Cam Newton Expected To Lead 2011 NLF Draft

Though this has been an unpredictable offseason for the NFL, Auburn University's Cam Newton has been named as a favorite for first pick at the 2011 draft, which will go to the Carolina Panthers. Other rumored favorites for first pick include Georgia receiver A.J. Green, Louisiana State cornerback Patrick Peterson, and Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.

Initially there were rumors that the NFL Players Association was urging players to boycott this year's draft due to an ongoing lockout. The union has since revised its position, and players are gearing up for the first of a seven-round draft beginning Thursday night at 8 p.m. at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

There are a record 25 players who will attend the draft, up from last year's 17, which held the record at the time. Meanwhile, the lockout, during which teams were unable to make trades or sign free agents, makes it more difficult to predict how they will react to their unique circumstances.

Rounds two and three of the draft will take place Friday night at 6 p.m., and rounds four through seven will pick up on Saturday at noon. Each leg of the event will be televised on the ESPN channels. —KIMBERLY STEELE

Read here for a full list of players who will attend:

• Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara
• UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers
• Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn
• Kentucky receiver Randall Cobb
• Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus
• Auburn DT Nick Fairley
• Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert
• Georgia receiver A.J. Green
• Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich
• Alabama running back Mark Ingram
• California defensive end Cameron Jordan
• Alabama WR Julio Jones
• Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan
• Illinois DT Corey Liuget
• Texas A&M LB Von Miller
• UCLA safety Rahim Moore
• Auburn QB Cam Newton
• LSU CB Patrick Peterson
• Florida offensive lineman Mike Pouncey
• Missouri DE Aldon Smith
• USC offensive tackle Tyron Smith
• Baylor DT Phil Taylor
• Baylor guard Danny Watkins
• Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt
• Virginia Tech RB Ryan Williams