Rankings:
Offense: QB RB FB WR TE OT OG C
Defense: DT NT DE Hybrid DE/OLB OLB ILB FS SS CB
Special Teams: K P RS LS
Defense: DT NT DE Hybrid DE/OLB OLB ILB FS SS CB
Special Teams: K P RS LS
Nick Fairley Measurables:
Position: Defensive Tackle
School: Auburn
Year: Junior
Height: 6-4
Weight: 315
40-Yard Dash: 4.90
School: Auburn
Year: Junior
Height: 6-4
Weight: 315
40-Yard Dash: 4.90
Strengths:
- Incredible combination of size, speed, and athletic ability
- Uses hands very effectively, long arms
- Disruptive run stuffer, often getting to the ball carrier in the backfield
- Explosive pass rusher, great first step and burst off the line
- Can get to the quarterback using his strength on the bull rush, but also has a nice arsenal of pass-rushing moves that take advantage of his athletic ability
- Consistently splits gaps and double teams
- Has the agility and speed to chase string plays out from sideline to sideline
- Great snap anticipation, often the first player off the line
- Good closing burst on tackles
- Video Highlights
Weaknesses:
- There are no significant weaknesses in Fairley's game that I can see at this time.
Bottom Line on Nick Fairley:
Nick Fairley is an elite prospect at defensive tackle who should quickly develop into an impact player in the NFL. His overall size and athletic ability are rare, which is why he will go very high in the draft. He also has the versatility to play in any system. He's equally devastating against the run and as a pass rusher, and has Pro Bowl potential written all over him.
Projection: Fairly should be a top-five pick in 2011 if he decides to leave school early.