Nick Fairley Scouting Report

Fairley launched an assault on draft boards and mock drafts this season. He became an absolutely dominant force at defensive tackle for Auburn, leading the Tigers to the BCS National Championship. Fairley led the team with an outrageous 24 tackles for loss and also led the way in sacks (11.5), quarterback hurries (21), forced fumbles (2), and fumble recoveries (2). He was named MVP of the national title game against Oregon, an especially impressive feat considering Auburn's quarterback was Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton. To say Fairley enjoyed a sudden explosion into national prominence would be an understatement, as he spent 2008 playing JUCO ball and in 2009 he made just two starts for the Tigers.

Fairley's blend of size and speed is truly incredible. He stands at 6'5'' and 298 pounds, and he has been clocked as fast as 4.83 in the 40-yard dash. An athletic defender, Fairley played inside in Auburn's vaunted defense but he could move outside in a 3-4 scheme at the next level. It's a jump that he decided to take (not surprisingly) and there is no reason to think he won't have a major impact at the next level. Thanks to his 2010 campaign, Fairley has soared from mere first-round consideration to top-of-the-draft potential. He could go No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers.