2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Nick Fairley
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Strengths:
Bulk with frame to get bigger; long arms
Quick off snap
Explosive force
Gap penetrator - makes plays behind line
Plays angry, bull rusher
Pursues laterally
Solid against the run
Decent speed for his size
Good footwork
Scheme versatile
Weaknesses: Can gain lower body strength
Only two seasons in FBS - one productive
Needs to avoid personal fouls
Work ethic questioned
Summary: Nick Fairley is a difference-maker on the defensive line. He gets into the backfield and wreaks havoc by either blowing up a running play or harassing the quarterback.
Handing a lot of money to a player in the trenches is always a big risk either in the draft or free agency as the Washington Redskins found out with Albert Haynseworth. This is a critical factor when evaluating Fairley because his work habits are questionable even before his NFL payday. He is also prone to penalties that NFL teams will not tolerate and has the "dirty player" tag.
If Fairley can stay motivated, work on his lower body and play clean, he is going to be a terror. He is best suited as an under tackle in a 4-3, but some teams might look at him as a 3-4 defensive end (five-technique).
Player Comparison: Darnell Dockett. Others have likened Fairley to players like Kevin Williams, Albert Haynesworth, Ndamukong Suh and Warren Sapp. To be different, I am going with Dockett in part because of the "bad boy" image. Coming into the draft, Dockett needed to add muscle mass, which he did, and the same is true for Fairley. Another similarity as prospects is questionable work ethic. In fairness, Dockett was significantly more experienced. If we can get Fairley to be more interesting on Twitter (War Eagle shoutouts do not qualify), this will be an even better comparison.
RELATED LINKS:
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Greg's | Walt's
2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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Weaknesses:
Summary: Nick Fairley is a difference-maker on the defensive line. He gets into the backfield and wreaks havoc by either blowing up a running play or harassing the quarterback.
Handing a lot of money to a player in the trenches is always a big risk either in the draft or free agency as the Washington Redskins found out with Albert Haynseworth. This is a critical factor when evaluating Fairley because his work habits are questionable even before his NFL payday. He is also prone to penalties that NFL teams will not tolerate and has the "dirty player" tag.
If Fairley can stay motivated, work on his lower body and play clean, he is going to be a terror. He is best suited as an under tackle in a 4-3, but some teams might look at him as a 3-4 defensive end (five-technique).
Player Comparison: Darnell Dockett. Others have likened Fairley to players like Kevin Williams, Albert Haynesworth, Ndamukong Suh and Warren Sapp. To be different, I am going with Dockett in part because of the "bad boy" image. Coming into the draft, Dockett needed to add muscle mass, which he did, and the same is true for Fairley. Another similarity as prospects is questionable work ethic. In fairness, Dockett was significantly more experienced. If we can get Fairley to be more interesting on Twitter (War Eagle shoutouts do not qualify), this will be an even better comparison.
RELATED LINKS:
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Greg's | Walt's
2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports