walterfootball.com mock, updated 4/9, buffalo bills #9

9. Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame This is Buffalo's most important draft pick since the team took Bruce Smith with the No. 1 selection in the 1985 NFL Draft. The Bills have a chance to finally exit the NFL's catacombs if Jimmy Clausen falls to them at No. 9. If the Bills takes Clausen, they will be a playoff contender by 2011. If they pass on Clausen, they will continue to draft in the top 12. That's how crucial this pick is. The question is: "Will Buffalo draft Clausen to be its franchise quarterback?" I say yes. Now, there's a chance the Bills will draft Dan Williams or someone else instead; if the Dolphins and other franchises were dumb to pass on Aaron Rodgers five years ago, Buffalo is certainly capable of making a similar error. But in the end, I think Buddy Nix is smarter than the Randy Mueller-Cam Cameron combination (who isn't?) and will make the right decision. Nix said he's looking for a strong-armed quarterback to combat the Orchard Park winds, so Clausen fits that description. Also, don't forget, New Regimes Mean New Quarterbacks. Some links of note: our exclusive Jimmy Clausen interview and an article called Jimmy Clausen is an Alien Wizard, which discusses why the hatred and bias against Clausen is completely unfounded. My USA Today Jimmy Clausen article is also out. You can find it in USA Today's NFL Draft magazine, which can be picked up in most bookstores and news stands (there's a picture of Eric Berry on the front cover). Other 2010 NFL Draft Possibilities:

1. Trent Williams, OT - If the Seahawks take Eric Berry, Buffalo will have a chance to draft a left tackle. And if the Browns take Jimmy Clausen, Trent Williams is the no-brainer selection.

2. Dan Williams, NT - The Bills are moving to the 3-4, but have nothing to speak of at nose tackle. I personally think No. 9 is a bit high for Dan Williams, but there's a small chance Buffalo may not be able to acquire Williams, Terrence Cody or even Cam Thomas in Round 2. This might be their only chance to obtain a stud nose tackle.