NFL draft 2011: The first-round picks – in pictures

Quarterback Cam Newton poses with the NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, after being selected as the first overall pick by the Carolina Panthers. Many have questioned Newton's character but he is an immensely talented player Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

Linebacker Von Miller of Texas A&M University wept after being picked by the Denver Broncos at No2. 'I just remember all those guys who told me no and told me I can’t,' he said. 'I’m just extremely happy to have the opportunity to get in the NFL and prove myself' Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

The Buffalo Bills selected defensive tackle Marcell Dareus of Alabama at No3 Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

Wide receiver AJ Green of the University of Georgia poses with a jersey after being selected as the fourth overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

Cornerback Patrick Peterson was the Arizona Cardinals' choice at No5 Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

Julio Jones brought sartorial elegance to the draft. The Arizona Cardinals traded up for him and selected the wide receiver at No6 to complement the talents of quarterback Matt Ryan Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

Defensive end Aldon Smith of the University of Missouri embraces Goodell after being selected as the seventh overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

Jake Locker was the Tennessee Titans pick at No8. The quarterback can run as well as throw the ball but questions remain about his accuracy Photograph: Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Offensive tackle Tyron Smith from USC holds up a jersey after being selected as the ninth overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

Jacksonville Jaguars boosted their quarterback corps with the selection of Blaine Gabbert at No10 Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

Defensive end JJ Watt of the University of Wisconsin was the Houston Texans' pick at No11 Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

Quarterback Christian Ponder was a surprise selection for many people at No12. The Minnesota Vikings don't have an established quarterback but is Ponder ready to start in the NFL? Photograph: Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Defensive tackle Nick Fairley of Auburn University was the Lions' pick at No13 Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

Robert Quinn had surgery to remove a brain tumour while at high school and was also a talented wrestler. The St Louis Rams picked the defensive end at No14 Photograph: Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Center Mike Pouncey was picked by the Miami Dolphins at No15. His brother, Maurkice, was a first-round pick last year Photograph: Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Ryan Kerrigan greets a young fan before the draft. The defensive end was picked at No16 by the Washington Redskins Photograph: Bill Kostroun/Reuters

The New England Patriots, picking at No17, chose to beef up their offensive line with 6'9" Nate Solder Photograph: Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

After a disappointing 2010 season, the San Diego Chargers had 18th pick. They selected defensive tackle Corey Liuget Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

Cornerback Prince Amukamara was picked by the New York Giants at No19. He brought some friends with him too Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

Defensive end Adrian Clayborn of the University of Iowa was picked at No20 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell poses for a photo with Phil Taylor, No21 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns Photograph: Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Anthony Castonzo was picked by the Indianapolis Colts at No22. He'll protect one of the game's finest quarterbacks, Peyton Manning Photograph: Michael Conroy/AP

Danny Watkins stood out from the crowd: the Canadian is a former firefighter and enters the NFL at the age of 26. He'll help protect Michael Vick at the Philadelphia Eagles, who selected Watkins with the 23rd pick Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

Defensive end Cameron Jordan, whose father Steve played for the Minnesota Vikings, was selected by New Orleans Saints at No24 Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

The Seahawks had the 25th pick and chose offensive tackle James Carpenter to help their running game Photograph: Michael Conroy/AP

Pick No26 went to Kansas City Chiefs and they chose wide receiver Jon Baldwin Photograph: Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Jimmy Smith was considered one of the best cornerbacks in the draft and the Baltimore Ravens selected him 27th Photograph: Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty

The Saints got another pick at 28 after a trade with the Patriots. They made Mark Ingram the first running back to be selected Photograph: Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters

Tackle Gabe Carimi, nicknamed the Jewish Hammer, was selected by the Chicago Bears at No29 Photograph: David Stluka/Getty Images

The New York Jets were looking for a big man in their defensive line and got him when they picked 315lbs Muhammad Wilkerson 30th Photograph: Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Many people thought the Pittsburgh Steelers would pick a cornerback but they instead went for defensive end Cameron Heyward with the 31st pick Photograph: Bill Haber/AP

Super Bowl champions the Green Bay Packers picked offensive tackle Derek Sherrod with the 32nd, and final, selection Photograph: Darron Cummings/AP