Fairley Back In Play For Cowboys?

[Haynie]

Fairley Back In Play For Cowboys? (http://www.truebluefanclub.com/blogs/josh_ellis.cfm?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&userid=8ad9a5ae-68fd-47d1-a7d7-e4c8fcb84090&plckPostId=Blog%3a8ad9a5ae-68fd-47d1-a7d7-e4c8fcb84090Post%3a2de9f3b3-cdc5-4ae2-8b7d-7dbc934a3549&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest)
Posted by jellis (http://www.truebluefanclub.com/socialnet/profile.cfm?userid=76080f7e-422d-4b85-93ba-33e69209846c&plckUserId=76080f7e-422d-4b85-93ba-33e69209846c) at 2/28/2011 12:53 PM CST on truebluefanclub.com

I wouldn't advise anyone to be on the edge of their seat between now and the draft, because players will be said to "rise and fall" a lot between now and then, and ultimately that chatter doesn't amount to much.

But, just to pass along some of the whispers coming out of the combine, there seems to have been a flip-flopping among the top defensive linemen in the minds of some personnel guys around the league. Leading up to Indy, most everyone viewed Auburn's Nick Fairley as a top-three pick, with Marcell Dareus of Alabama ending up somewhere lower in the top 10, maybe even falling to the Cowboys at No. 9, dedepending on whose mock draft you trusted.

In his Monday Morning Quarterback column, SI.com's Peter King passed along the thought that Fairley may be a little smallish at 6-4, 291 pounds, but that wouldn't be too little for the Cowboys, who could plug him into a 3-4 end spot.

As is popular for players to say in Indianapolis, that would be fine with Fairley.

"I think I can play anywhere," Fairley said. "I can play in 3-4, I can play in 4-3 it doesn’t matter to me. I can play end, I can play the shade, I can play 3-technique, I can play whatever."

Again, different guys' stock will rise and fall plenty in the next two months. Whether it's Fairley or Dareus, there would seem at least a decent chance the Cowboys get a shot at one of the top D-linemen with the No. 9 overall pick.

[CowboyzAdam]

Much of the attention following the Combine has been centered on the team interviews with quarterbacks Cam Newton, Ryan Mallett and others, but according to three sources from different clubs, it is another high profile player who set off the most alarms at the Combine.

Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley was described as a "JUCO kid to the core" by one longtime personnel man, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

By "JUCO" the source is, of course, referring to the fact that Fairley played junior college football (Copiah-Lincoln Community College) prior to starring at Auburn. Asked to elaborate why being a "JUCO kid" is a bad thing, the source explained.

"Just because a player went to a junior college doesn't mean, he's a bad guy or won't be successful at this level, obviously. There are lots of junior college players who have gone on to great NFL careers."

The stereotype is that JUCO players aren't as smart, hard-working, and well coached. They are also viewed by many clubs as players most likely to have had off-field troubles in the past and potentially more in the future. The source refused to go into specifics, but said, "Everyone is coming down hard on the quarterback, but [Fairley] is the one to worry about."

Despite measuring in at a shade under 6-4 and lighter than expected (291 pounds), Fairley "looked soft," according to the source. This first impression of Fairley's conditioning was only reinforced by his "limited" understanding of defensive schemes during team interviews. The source also referred to the fact that Fairley doesn't use his hands well and has been able to be successful largely due to his natural talent.

"Oh, I'm not saying he's not talented. Hell, he might be the most talented player in the whole damn thing. But, he's no slam dunk at this level. Not the slam dunk people who watched him tear up the SEC or in the big game [BCS National Championship] might think."

The other sources weren't as forthcoming with details, but didn't sound surprised when I told them I heard that Fairley was slipping down boards and that, as such, I had pushed him from No. 2 in the mock draft I'd written prior to the Combine to No. 8 in my current one.

[Enlightened27]

I hope Nick Fairly doesnt get the chance to wear a star.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrP0UdJY-lI

[Haynie]

The first hit in that video is pretty bad, but the second was incidental contact. He was falling and it didn't look like he made any special effort to get at the knee.

[SmilesAustin]

Yeah Nick Fairley makes me nervous, and I think people are just still a little dazed by how well Ndamukong Suh has been for the Lions. I don't know yet whether Fairley will be as good as Suh, but it's important to remember that Suh is a once-in-a-decade kind of talent at DT. DTs are drafted in the first round all the time and it is extremely rare for them to actually be as good as Suh.

Beyond all, though. Nick Fairley is smaller than Jay Ratliff. Ratliff is a top 5 DT in this league. If we were going to replace Ratliff at that position, I'd want it to be a 320+ pound "plug." And I would want to know 100% that Ratliff could make a successful transition to DE.

And the character concerns me with Fairley. Not a ton, but it does concern me. If Fairley could make the transition to DE so we could leave Ratliff at DT, then MAYBE we're talking, but outside of that I just can't justify it.

[Enlightened27]

The first hit in that video is pretty bad, but the second was incidental contact. He was falling and it didn't look like he made any special effort to get at the knee.
I see an Auburn player going for Georgia's QB. Regardless, I wouldnt want him on the team because of his lack of discipline.

[Haynie]

There might be a few historical trees left on Auburn's campus if you want to go vent your anger, Eric. ;)

[Enlightened27]

The last time I crossed the boarder into Alabama, I ended up sick. So, as tempting as that may be, Ill have to pass. :D

[sugarbear72002]

This guy has bad news wrote all over him,he dont deserve a star,send him to the raiders!!