With The 1st Pick In The Stampede Blue Community Mock Draft, The Carolina Panthers Select...

Nick Fairley, DT - Auburn

Pick made by palco:

The Carolina Panthers need a Quarterback and have many holes to fill especially on defense but Andrew Luck is staying in college so the Panthers will take the best defensive player and select Nick Fairley over Da'Quan Bowers. Fairley can dominate games, had 11.5 sacks and his a monster on defense, If new coach Ron Rivera has any sense the Panthers will take Fairley.

Nick Fairley has to play the run in the NFL as good as he played in college, he was a dominating player last year in college if for only for one season but he has to continue to improve, he has the physical tools, an explosive burst off the snap and penetrates gaps on run defense, Fairley relies on his quickness and has the ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Some critics say he has an attitude similar to Albert Haynesworth, his temperament and attitude has raised some eyebrows and his work ethic, some say he plays dirty but Carolina will give Fairley the top grade, with his size, big play ability and versatility and this will give him the nod to be the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Ron Rivera is a defensive minded coach and I think he will select Fairley who will become an instant starter a defensive tackle for years, he was a dominating player, especially in the BCS Championship game and during the NCAA season, an All-American and winner of the Lombardi Trophy as the nation's best lineman, led the SEC with 24 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks among his 60 tackles. In the BCS Championship Game he had an outstanding game against Oregon (five tackles, 3.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks, forced fumble and Fairley was Defensive MVP a great end to his college career. (It would be interesting if Carolina traded this pick for a Quarterback and more picks this would make the 2011 Draft more interesting).

If Fairley is chosen #1 overall, he'd be the first DT to be chosen #1 overall since 1994, when Dan Wilkinson was chosen #1 overall by the Bengals.  He'd also be the first Auburn player chosen #1 overall since 1988, when Aundray Bruce was taken by the Falcons.

Nick Fairley Scouting Report from Mocking the Draft

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