2011 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Patrick Peterson Can Make History as No. 1 Pick

1. CAR - Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

A rare athlete with incredible combination of speed and size for a defensive back. Could be safety or shutdown corner for the Panthers. Not Carolina's biggest need, but possibly the draft's best player.

2. DEN - Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Showed great speed and agility for his 320 lb frame. He passes Fairley as the top DT prospect. Denver needs any help in its front seven on defense. Dareus is a great run stopper and interior pass rusher.

3. BUF - Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

Best player in college, but transition to NFL is questionable. However, a decent technique and incredible athleticism give him great upside. Risky pick, but Coach Gailey loves mobile QBs.

4. CIN - Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Arguably the best QB in the draft, and Carson Palmer's attitude may force Cincy to find a Plan B. Gabbert has had an impressive offseason, and shows potential to transition from the spread.

5. ARI - DaQuan Bowers, DE, Clemson

Freak athleticism makes Bowers valuable in any system. Great edge and interior rusher who can hold his ground against the run. Fits as a 3-4 OLB in Cardinals' scheme.

6. CLE - A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

Naturally gifted receiver who is adept at all aspects of the position. He gives Colt McCoy a legitimate No. 1 wideout. His presence will open up the run and legitimize the pass on an improving offense.

7. SF - Von Miller, OLB, Texas A

Extraordinary pass-rusher with great speed off the edge and a full arsenal of counter moves. His athleticism and intelligence will give SF a needed premier pass rusher.

8. TEN - Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

Showed in Fiesta Bowl that he can dominate against the run and pass. He's slightly undersized, but Tennessee has played with undersized DTs in the past, and they could use one now.

9. DAL - Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

Shutdown corner who is smart, fast and athletic. Could also move to safety, but can help Dallas fix their disappointing pass defense, even with Demarcus Ware rushing the passer.

10. WAS - Robert Quinn, DE, UNC

Ban and tumor are concerning, but he seems healthy. When healthy and playing, he's viewed as a possible No. 1 pick type of talent. Great 3-4 OLB prospect to add more pass rushers.

11. HOU - J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Versatile pass rusher with the strength and speed of the prototypical 3-4 DE. A nice piece to add for Wade Phillips' new 3-4, and could be a huge help to a struggling pass defense.

12. MIN - Tyron Smith, OT, USC

Smith's quickness combined with his new weight makes him likely the first offensive lineman off the board. The Vikings want a QB, but they'll be fine getting a young replacement for Bryant McKinnie.

13. DET - Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Knocked former Lions HOF linebacker down during his pro day, but is still a work in progress. However, his combination of size and speed is unmatched. Has enormous upside.

14. STL - Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

Combine showed elite speed, size and jump. Could go higher, but receivers sometimes fall, and there is no way Jones gets past the No. 14 pick.

15. MIA - Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

Miami likely needs a RB with their two best both aging and becoming free agents. Ingram is a former Heisman winner and the consensus best RB in the draft.

16. JAX - Cameron Jordan, DE, California

Another athletic edge rusher with impressive size, Jordan fills a need as an power end in the Jaguars 4-3. He's a solid pick who will help all aspects of the defense.

17. NE - Ryan Kerrigan, OLB, Purdue

Hard-working, role-playing defender that Belichick will love. Very productive and smart. Not the most athletic, but projects as a 3-4 OLB to add more pass rush for the Pats.

18. SD - Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple

Massive pass rusher who fits great as a 3-4 DE. He could start opposite Luis Castillo as soon as his rookie year. He's 310 pounds with excellent pass-rush skills.

19. NYG - Mike Pouncey, C, Florida

Giants lost three different players to injury playing center last season. They need anyone who can snap Eli Manning the ball, and Mike, brother of Pro Bowler Marquice, is a solid choice.

20. TB - Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

Powerful, relentless edge-rusher once considered a top-10 pick. His range against the run is questionable, but his talents are too much to pass up at Tampa's biggest area of need.

21. KC - Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri

Young edge-rusher filled with potential. He'll need time to develop, but that strategy worked great with Tamba Hali. Eventually, he'll start opposite Hali at 3-4 OLB.

22. IND - Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

Solid defensive lineman with the speed Indy covets. He also is a very capable run-stopper, which Indy lacks, and definitely needs with Foster, Jones-Drew and Johnson in the division.

23. PHI - Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Road-grading, NFL-ready offensive tackle who performed well against great competition in college. The Eagles need a better offensive line to complement their stellar backfield.

24. NO - Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

Combine was disappointing, but still a decent athlete who produced in college. Saints need help in most areas on their defense, and Ayers is versatile enough to help in a lot of situations.

25. SEA - Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

Outstanding cornerback on the field, but questionable maturity and character. Still, a tall defensive back who could specialize in covering big wideouts. Seattle needs a guy like that.

26. BAL - Rahim Moore, S, UCLA

Best safety in the draft, who idolizes Ed Reed, one of the best safeties in the NFL. Moore has great range and ball skills. He can learn the rest from his mentor, and eventually replace him.

27. ATL - Justin Houstin, OLB, Georgia

Productive edge-rusher with great athleticism and newly added size. He's local to the Falcons, playing college ball in Georgia. The Falcons need another 4-3 DE, and Houstin fits their scheme.

28. NE - Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

Excellent pass-blocking OT who is adept at all aspects of the position. Excellent value here, and can ease the Pats' problems with two disgruntled blockers on Brady's blind-side.

29. CHI - Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi St.

Versatile lineman who shows enough quickness to be a decent protector to Jay Cutler. A bit of a reach here, but the Bears need anyone who can keep Cutler on his feet, or at least in the game.

30. NYJ - Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor

350 lb men are hard to find, especially ones who can move the way Taylor does. A NT is the staple of the 3-4, and Jets need youth all over their aging defensive line.

31. PIT - Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St.

Hard-worker who broke the combine bench press record. Extremely strong and impressively quick, Paea projects as a good eventual replacement for Brett Keisel in Pittsburgh's 3-4.

32. GB - Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

Green Bay doesn't have many needs, but they have both free agents and age problems on their defensive line. Heyward is a well-rounded lineman with good value here.