2011 NFL Mock Draft: Andrew Luck or Patrick Peterson To Buffalo Bills?

1. Buffalo Bills

CB Patrick Peterson, LSU

I am holding out on Buffalo drafting a quarterback after seeing solid play from Ryan Fitzpatrick the past two weeks. What Buffalo does need is help on the offensive line and in the secondary. The 2011 class is weak on offensive tackles, but very strong on cornerbacks.

Patrick Peterson is one of the best cornerback prospects we have ever scouted. He is fast, strong, has great vision and can attack the ball. He is also a very dangerous return man. Yes, this sounds a lot like Charles Woodson. And yes, Peterson is that good.

2. Dallas Cowboys

DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio State

The Cowboys are too talented to be this bad—at least that is what we continue to hear. Dallas does have holes, and this is an aging defense. The Cowboys will find themselves in a position to draft the best player available, which is Heyward.

Not only is he the best available, but he also fits a need on the defensive line. In Dallas' 3-4 scheme, Heyward will step in at right defensive end and give the Cowboys front seven an anchor on the edge.

3. Carolina Panthers

DT Marcel Dareus, Alabama

The Panthers have young players in key positions (QB, OT, DE), but they are lacking a solid man up-front. Dareus gives Carolina the perfect penetrating defensive tackle, and he is also versatile enough to play defensive end. It is rare to find a 6'3", 280 lb defender who can also run a 4.9 in the 40. Dareus is a freak.

4. San Francisco 49ers

QB Andrew Luck, Stanford

Luck is among the draft's best players, however so far this year, the worst teams are set at quarterback. San Francisco is definitely not set at the position. Alex Smith, David Carr and Troy Smith have rotated under center this year with equally bad results. Troy Smith has looked promising in one start, but he does not project as a long-term starter.

What Smith can do is pave the way for Luck, who may not be ready to start Week 1 in the NFL. Luck's arm strength, accuracy and vision are on par with Sam Bradford coming out of Oklahoma. The biggest question marks will be his game experience.

5. Denver Broncos

CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska

After wasting a first-round pick on Tim Tebow last year, Denver finds themselves in the top five after falling flat on their faces this season. Lucky for them, they find a shutdown cornerback in Prince Amukamara. Champ Bailey's career is on the decline, and Denver is left with no one to replace him at CB1. Amukamara is the physical ball-hawk the Broncos will need to step in for the future Hall of Famer Bailey.

6. Detroit Lions

OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA

It is always tempting to pick a wide receiver here, and there are a few good ones on the board, but Detroit has immediate needs elsewhere. The Lions liked Zach Follet at outside linebacker, but his career is in question after a neck injury suffered earlier this year. Opposite Follet, the Lions must get younger and faster.

Enter Ayers, a pass-rushing stud from UCLA. Ayers is as versatile as any linebacker in the class and can easily drop back into coverage or rush off the edge. He will be an instant fan favorite in Detroit.

7. Minnesota Vikings

QB Jake Locker, Washington

Brett Favre is done. Finally. Thankfully. Minnesota is hedging their bets on Tarvaris Jackson, but we're not sold. Locker's stock has fallen slightly since the season started due to injury and erratic play at times, but when looking at the Huskies roster, it is obvious that Locker is trying to overcompensate for the lack of talent around him.

He has the tools to be a long-time starter in Minnesota (or Los Angeles), and the athleticism that Brad Childress likes in his quarterbacks.

8. Cincinnati Bengals

DE/DT Adrian Clayborn, Iowa

The Bengals are among the league's more talented teams on paper, but their play in 2010 has been uninspiring. Rumors are floating that a regime change is in place, which would definitely shake up the draft.

Without knowing who will be calling the shots in Cincinnati on draft day, we hand them our No. 6 overall player and a versatile defender in Clayborn. He has the ability to play inside in a 4-3 or outside in a 3-4, with good quickness and enough strength to sit down on the run.

9. Cleveland Browns

WR AJ Green, Georgia

No, they will not be drafting a quarterback in the first round. Cleveland has key needs if they plan to surround Colt McCoy with the playmakers he needs to succeed.

AJ Green is college football's best receiver. He will bring an immediate threat-in-the-red-zone target for McCoy. With Peyton Hillis and a solid offensive line, the Browns are on their way to respectability.

10. San Diego Chargers

DE Allen Bailey, Miami (FL)

While wide receiver is a need for San Diego, especially depending on what Vincent Jackson does after the season, we really like the pick of Allen Bailey here. San Diego's defense has not been the same recently, and we can point to the loss of Igor Olshasnky and other big bodies on the defensive line as the reason.

Bailey is the perfect 3-4 end for San Diego, as he can stop the run but also put pressure on the pocket by driving the tackle off the ball.

11. Arizona Cardinals

QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas

The Max Hall story is heart-warming, but it is not a reality. Hall has not shown the productivity of a starting quarterback. The Cardinals are a different team without Kurt Warner on offense and replacing him has to be their priority.

Mallet is a big-bodied quarterback with a monster arm, but also great touch and down-field vision. He is a great fit in Arizona.

12. St. Louis Rams

WR Julio Jones, Alabama

Injuries to Donnie Avery and Mark Clayton have highlighted a weakness in St. Louis. As this team builds around quarterback Sam Bradford, they must add playmakers for him on the outside. Jones is an electric wide receiver who can dominate games against the best competition.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars

OLB Bruce Carter, North Carolina

The Jaguars are in need of safeties, but no players on the board are worthy of this selection. Bruce Carter, however, is. Despite issues with NCAA eligibility, Carter remains one of the more impressive players we have scouted. His speed and coverage skills make him a sure-fire first round prospect and will bring youth and consistency to the position for Jacksonville.

14. New England (f/Oakland)

OLB Robert Quinn, North Carolina

Quinn, a defensive end at UNC, steps in to a huge need for the Patriots. Jermaine Cunningham has shown promise, but to return to their dynasty days, New England must build their defense up. That starts with adding another pass rushing threat off the edge. Quinn has top five talent, but limited film after an NCAA suspension this season.

15. Washington Redskins

QB Blaine Gabbert, Missouri

It is worth noting that Donovan McNabb will be a free agent after the season, and also that he hasn't played that well. Mike Shanahan knows how important a quarterback is to success in the NFL, and short of trying to trade for Jay Cutler, he must make a move in the draft.

Gabbert, a junior at Missouri, has set the Big 12 on fire. He does benefit from a great system at Mizzou, but he is also a very mobile, very accurate passer with NFL potential.

16. Chicago Bears

OT Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State

Chris Williams has been injury-riddled throughout his young career, but he has been promising when active. The other four spots on the line in Chicago are all ready for an upgrade. Sherrod is an interesting player, and one we feel could excel at left guard in the NFL. He has quick feet, good strength and the agility to move on the inside. He also has some value as a left tackle, but his strength right now is in the run game.

17. Seattle Seahawks

DE Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson

The injury to Red Bryant has exposed a hole in the Seattle defense. Not only is depth needed, but more talent must be found to play opposite Bryant. Bowers is an athletic freak: big, strong and fast. He will give Seattle and Pete Carroll a pass-rushing terror from left-end.

18. Philadelphia Eagles

OLB Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma

Philadelphia is an intriguing team, and one who could go deep in the playoffs if healthy. One area of concern is the linebacking corps. This unit has under-achieved when healthy, although we do like Ernie Sims. Beal is a pass-rusher in the Sooners scheme, but he is also adept at dropping into coverage and making plays in the run game. He is a true three-down 'backer for the Eagles.

19. Miami Dolphins

RB Mark Ingram, Alabama

Following in his father's footsteps, Ingram becomes a Dolphin in our latest mock draft. Miami will be faced with tough decisions regarding Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown after the season. With both players aging, and due new contracts, drafting a replacement makes more sense than re-signing both backs. Ingram is a tough, hard-nosed runner who can open up the play-action for Chad Henne and co.

20. Houston Texans

CB Janoris Jenkins, Florida

A name to remember as the draft gets closer, Jenkins is rising up draft boards this season. Houston must replace Dunta Robinson before they can seriously contend with the Colts in the AFC South. Adding the athlete Jenkins is a step in the right direction. He has the speed and man cover skills to lock down No. 1 receivers from day one.

21. Green Bay Packers

RB DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma

Ryan Grant was lost for the season, but there are also concerns about his long-term durability for Green Bay. Murray is the perfect back to compliment him. He has ability between the tackles, but is also a very good receiver out of the slot or backfield. Murray is yet another threat for Aaron Rodgers and the potent Packers offense.

22. New Orleans Saints

OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M

The Saints have managed to win this season without a dominating defense, something that cannot last them through the postseason. What they must do in the offseason is add a talented outside linebacker. Von Miller fits the bill. At Texas A&M, he has been a pass rusher extraordinaire, but he has the skill set of a complete 'backer.

23. Tennessee Titans

CB Ras-I Dowling, Virginia

The Titans are always one of the more physical and active defenses, a credit to head coach Jeff Fisher. Looking to the future, the Titans have needs at cornerback opposite Cortland Finnegan. Dowling is a clone of Finnegan, with a very physical style of play and aggressive pursuit.

24. Kansas City Chiefs

OT Anthony Castonzo, Boston College

As amazing as the Chiefs season has been, there are holes all over the place on the roster. Right tackle is the first need that jumps off the paper at us. Castonzo is a proven run blocker, key to the Kansas City offense, but he also has the Boston College pedigree that Scott Pioli came to love during his time in New England.

25. New York Giants

OG Rodney Hudson, Florida State

It used to be rare for an offensive guard to go in the first round, but lately it has been more common. Hudson is the next in a talented line of guards in round one. He has a great skill set and is a valuable blocker in the running and pass game. The Giants love Chris Snee, but they must find a capable guard opposite him. Hudson has Pro Bowl talent.

26. Tampa Bay Bucs

OT DeMarcus Love, Arkansas

Protecting Josh Freeman is the priority of the Tampa Bay front office and for good reason. Freeman has been impressive so far in his career, and he alone gives the Bucs offense the life they've been missing for so many seasons. Keeping him standing will be the job of Love, a very talented lineman with the versatility to play tackle or left guard.

27. New York Jets

FS Rahim Moore, UCLA

Moore is more talented than his draft position and the Jets find a steal here in round one. Moore has serious range from the center of the field and has no trouble getting depth in coverage. Behind Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, he will be an interception machine.

28. Baltimore Ravens

CB Aaron Williams, Texas

Williams hasn't performed up to expectations at Texas, but no one has this year. Looking at his 2009 film, you will see an athletic cover man with great range and instincts. Williams can be physical at the point of attack, but what we like best is his ability to turn and run without losing a step. He also has great size.

29. Pittsburgh Steelers

DE/DT Nick Fairley, Auburn

Yes, Pittsburgh drafted Ziggy Wood to play defensive end in the first round. Yes, they need offensive linemen badly. With all that said, the Steelers season rests on their ability to recover from the loss of Aaron Smith at defensive end. This is a veteran defensive line, and it is time to draft replacements. Fairley could go much higher than this in April—his stock is soaring.

30. Indianapolis Colts

DT Stephen Paea, Oregon State

It is surprising how well the Colts play with no-name defenders, and yet they are always among the best in the NFL. Adding playmakers on both lines is a key for the Colts offseason. Paea may be a reach here, slightly, but he is the type of attacking penetrator Indianapolis loves on the defensive line.

31. Atlanta Falcons

CB Curtis Brown, Texas

Dunta Robinson has been worth every penny given to him this off-season as a free agent, but opposite him there isn't much. Brown is a gifted athlete and zone cover man. Atlanta, to compete for a Super Bowl, must get better at cornerback.

32. New England Patriots

DE Cameron Jordan, Cal

The Patriots always seem to luck out and have great players fall into their lap. Jordan is yet another example. He's a great fit for the 3-4, a Jeff Tedford product and a great all-around student of the game. In other words, he's the ultimate New England Patriot.