Mock Draft V 3.0: The Nick Fairley Edition

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 5:09 AM MST

In case you didn't catch it, I posted my Senior Bowl scouting report on Tuesday. There were quite a few players who left a really good impression on me. That is one of the best things about this time of year. Nothing is certain. Guys move up and down draft boards up until the day of the draft. I have my own private board and I am constantly moving guys after I see more film of them. One of the biggest movers will make an appearance later. For now, let's jump straight into it.

1st round, #2

Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

I have said many times that I am not a big fan of Nick Fairley. My concerns about Fairley have very little to do with his ability on the field. In fact, the only question I have about his on field ability is that he is a one year wonder. Other then that, I think he is a terrific prospect. My main concerns about him are his character, "dirty" label, and work ethic. I am a guy that would rather have a hard working player who isn't as talented over a guy who is very talented but lazy. It is just my personal preference. That is why I would never want an Albert Haynesworth on my team. He may be talented, but he is a dirty player and doesn't work hard.

With all that said, I am not John Fox, John Elway, or Brian Xanders. They will have the final say on who the Broncos draft and Nick Fairley will surely be a player they consider if he is on the board when the Broncos go on the clock. Fairley is an explosive player with great athletic ability. He has great size and is a heck of a pass rusher. He has displayed great power and is a guy who just loves to hit quarterbacks. He could be a fantastic player in the NFL if he wants to be.

Just an example of his talent.

Nick Fairley power slam vs ULM

2nd Round, #36

Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor

I know what you're thinking. Fairley AND Taylor? Yes. Our D-Line is a mess. Our potential defensive tackles in the 4-3 are Justin Bannan, Kevin Vickerson, and Marcus Thomas. So if the Broncos indeed switch back to the 4-3, Nick Fairley is not going to fix our defense by himself. Bannan, Vickerson, and Thomas are all nice complimentary players at this point. Bannan would be the starter next to Fairley in the current situation. That is where Taylor comes in.

Phil Taylor had a fantastic Senior Bowl. He is a big guy who is very powerful. He can take up multiple blocks on running downs while creating pressure on passing downs. He has really good strength and uses his violent hands to help him get after the quarterback. Now, he is still raw. So he is going to need some development if he is going to reach his full potential. However, the potential he has is enough to overlook his character problems and take him early in the 2nd. With Dumervil and Ayers playing as defensive ends, if both Taylor and Fairley work hard and want to be great, they could make Denver's d-line one of the best in the NFL in a couple years.

FOOTBALL: Phil Taylor Feature

2nd Round, #46

Jaiquawn Jarrett, S, Temple

Jarrett is a guy that I have been keeping my eye on for awhile. After watching him perform at the Senior Bowl, I believe he has the most upside of any safety in this draft. The thing I noticed about him is that he is very physical. He is not afraid to lay the wood on WR and RB's who challenge him. He has shown good quickness and closing speed. He is very aggressive in run defense. He could probably play both free and strong safety. With Dawkins and Hill getting older, it will be important to restock talent at the safety position and Jarrett has as much upside in this draft as anyone.

Jaiquawn Jarrett vs. Penn State (2010)

3rd Round, #67

DJ Williams, TE, Arkansas

Another Williams on the Broncos? Yes, but I believe this Williams can make more of an impact then Jamal and DJ combined. DJ had a very good showing at the Senior Bowl. He didn't catch a pass that I remember, but he showed very well in his blocking ability which was key because there are questions about DJ Williams in that area. He is shorter then you want at just a hair under 6 ft 2, but he is a very athletic guy who will be a mismatch in the NFL. He is a strong, physical guy with good speed and he could be a fantastic target for Tebow.

DJ Williams of Arkansas - 2010 John Mackey Award Semi-Finalist

6th Round

Mario Harvey, LB, Marshall

When you do research on Mario Harvey, it becomes increasingly apparent that this guy is a very physical player. Nicknamed "Thumper", the 6 ft, 250 pound linebacker is an active player who flies all over the field. From reports I have read, he is more then capable of just nailing RB's and WR's. He has good strength. The key to Harvey will be his 40 yard dash. If he can run a fast dash, he will go higher then this spot, but for now, he is safely a 6-7 round player with a lot of upside. He is a developmental guy who gives us more depth in our linebacker corps.

7th Round

Anthony Allen, RB, Georgia Tech

While Knowshon is the starting back, the remaining RB's might not even be here next year. Fox might take a late round shot on an RB. Allen played for Georgia Tech's triple option offense. He is often compared to Jonathan Dwyer who also came from Georgia Tech. He doesn't have any experience in a pro style offense. However, he is a thickly built guy who runs hard and has some good acceleration. Per some reports online, he was a very nice, friendly guy at the Senior Bowl. He has his own twitter and could be a fan favorite with time. He's a personable guy who is worth a shot this late in the draft.

Anthony Allen Runs Over Clemson Defenders

So let's look at this recap

1st Round #2- Nick Fairley, DT

2nd Round #36- Phil Taylor, DT

2nd Round- #46 Jaiquawn Jarrett, S

3rd Round- # 67 DJ Williams, TE

6th Round- Mario Harvey, LB

7th Round- Anthony Allen, RB

With this draft, we have put a lot of talent into our defensive line. We hear all the time that "Games are won in the trenches" and both Fairley and Taylor have a lot of upside. If they work hard and continue to improve, they could make a deadly DT combo. Jarrett is a safety who has a lot of upside. He adds a potential star into our secondary. DJ Williams adds some much needed depth and talent into our Tight Ends. He could become one of Tebow's favorite targets. Harvey adds some talent and depth into our linebackers and Anthony Allen gives Fox a young, tough runner in his backfield. If we were to mysteriously get more picks (say for a certain QB *cough cough Kyle Orton cough cough) then I would look at add a CB and another linebacker. For now, this draft would be a great step in the right direction. Until next time, MHR.

Poll

Favorite Pick?

Nick Fairley, DT

49 votes

Phil Taylor, DT

75 votes

Jaiquawn Jarrett, S

8 votes

DJ Williams, TE

12 votes

Mario Harvey, LB

1 votes

Anthony Allen, RB

1 votes

146 votes | Poll has closed

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

Tweet Comment 46 comments | 3 recs |

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Comments

You're up early.

Already 10 votes in the poll, but no comments. I’ll be first to say great job and REC as usual. You definatly have me on this one except Williams at #67. Not a fan of a TE at that pick. UFA maybe. I had one on my last mock nobody even noticed, Schuylar Oordt TE Northern Iowa 6-6 245 , check him out. I want an OT at #67. Do you think James Carpenter OT Alabama rose this far since the Senior Bowl? If you would change Williams to Carpenter I would be over the moon with this mock. I guess to each his own though.

by Digger24 on Feb 3, 2011 7:28 AM MST reply actions

Must be up studying for a test.

by Digger24 on Feb 3, 2011 7:30 AM MST up reply actions

I was just going to sleep lol

Follow me on Twitter: ballinnickcast
Xbox360 gamertag: SnipeMeHarder
"They said I couldn't be a high school quarterback, they said I couldn't get a D1 scholarship. You're not good enough, you're not skilled enough. They said I couldn't win a heisman. They said I couldn't win a national championship. They said I wouldn't be a first round draft pick. They said I couldn't play in the league. Appreciate that." - Tim Tebow.

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 12:57 PM MST up reply actions

I agree with you on the TE in the third. Rather have an OT

Whether it’s Carpenter or the guy that Sayre proposed, Ijalana.

by frontier on Feb 3, 2011 7:42 AM MST up reply actions

As far as a tight end goes, Wesley Saunders of South Carolina was declared draft ineliglbe due to paperwork issues. I would assume he could be had as CFA.

by Ramblin'man on Feb 3, 2011 8:12 AM MST up reply actions

CFA

That’s what I meant too.

by Digger24 on Feb 3, 2011 8:19 AM MST up reply actions

Thanks Digger

I did consider James Carpenter. However, I think we will go after a free agent rather then a rookie to fill the right tackle vacancy. We could go after a Tyson Clabo from the Falcons who just made his 1st pro bowl. I just think a veteran would make an easier transition for Tebow rather then a rookie.

I asked Andrew Mason about Fox and his tight ends. Mason said Fox uses tight ends more as outlets then a prominent part of the offense, but that Fox would love to have a “do it all” tight end. I believe DJ has the ability to be that as well as a good character guy. We have very little talent at the TE position. Dan Graham might be a leader, but he offers nothing in the passing game. Rich Quinn has yet to show anything. Gronk hasn’t impressed either. I think we definitely need a boost in our tight end corps. If we pick up a 4th or 5th round pick, I will pick up a tight end there, but I really like DJ and think he has a bright future.

Just my opinion though.

BTW, I noticed that you have been on MHR a lot after being away for awhile. It’s good to have you back.

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 1:17 PM MST up reply actions

Make that first 3 comments.

Just wondering if there will be more “Introduction to the 2011 NFL Draft” coming? I think you did CBs and NTs.

by Digger24 on Feb 3, 2011 7:38 AM MST reply actions

Yes, I put those on delay because

of the East-West Shrine game as well as the Senior Bowl.

However, now that those are over, I think i’ll do another one next Tuesdays. I’m thinking 4-3 DT. Anyone have any other suggestions?

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 1:19 PM MST up reply actions

I liked the Jaiqwan Jarret pick the best...

He was rated the top safety in college at the start of the 2010 season. I guess he fell down the list only because he doesn’t play for a big conference. He got ran over by a RB once in the Senior Bowl but held on to the ankles and made the TD-saving tackle, very impressive.

You might check out Jon’s post on Fox’s roster tendencies before deciding to take two more defensive tackles.

Nice job again and keep the research coming, rec’d

by frontier on Feb 3, 2011 7:48 AM MST reply actions

Thanks frontier

I think Jaiqwuan had a very good showing at the Senior Bowl. He is a physical guy who I think could be a stud in the NFL. He needs some coaching that he didn’t get at Temple. However, he is just 21, and has all the tools to succeed. He might be my favorite safety in the 2nd.

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 1:28 PM MST up reply actions

As far as Fox's roster tendencies

I don’t know if Vickerson is going to cut it as a 4-3 DT. He was cut from Tennessee in that position. So it’s possible he gets cut in training camp or sooner.

Bannan can play the 4-3 DT spot.
Marcus Thomas is a free agent.

So with this draft, in my mind, it would leave us with Bannan, Fairley, and Taylor.

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 1:43 PM MST up reply actions

Great Mock Draft

I would think that Denver will probably need a RT with that 3rd Round PIck.

Dont you think?

But if we could draft both Fairely , Taylor and Jarret that would be AWESOME

by Broncosfansd on Feb 3, 2011 7:54 AM MST reply actions

Agree 100% BFSD

2/3 of the earth is covered by water the other 1/3 is covered by Champ Bailey!

THIS IS BRONCOS COUNTRY!!!

by The 3 Amigos on Feb 3, 2011 12:08 PM MST via mobile up reply actions

We definitely need a RT

but I just believe we will get one from free agency. Getting a guy with NFL experience to protect Tebow’s blind side will only help his progression.

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 1:30 PM MST up reply actions

I was going for the Home Run, but noticed a few comments come up now.

I was thinking, but don’t want to make my own post(might knock one of Broncosfansd off the board, just kidding fan, I like your posts), even though there are not QBs or OTs that might instigate trade down possibility, maybe the CBs can do it. I know nobody drafts a CB that high, but think about it, if Carolina does not draft Peterson and we have franchised Champ, somebody might jump. I’m in the camp that you try to trade all picks for more picks. Say Arizona trades up to #2 for Peterson and then somebody else jumps to #5 for Prince Amukamara, like say Houston. Now we are at #11 with a lot more picks and didn’t have to trade away all our guys to get them.

by Digger24 on Feb 3, 2011 7:56 AM MST reply actions

I would love to trade down to 5 or 6

Peterson MIGHT be able to do it. Word is that Dallas really liked him and might make a move, but I think they are all the way at #9. That doesn’t look that attractive of a trade. The ideal scenario is to trade to #5 or 6 and pick up Marcel Dareus, but the “ideal” scenarios almost never happen lol

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 1:34 PM MST up reply actions

i would love to trade back 2 or 3 spots to someone who wants peterson or green and get dareus but i think buff would snag him at 3 and get their stroud, pat williams type player back

luckily im a bronco and a blazer fan

by chikndnnr on Feb 3, 2011 6:31 PM MST up reply actions

I know you didn't put trades into this mock,

But DJ Williams could be had a lot later, late fourth, early fifth. He weighed in at 6’1 and 237 pounds. While other tight ends had better weighins and workouts.

by Jake Edmisten on Feb 3, 2011 7:58 AM MST via mobile reply actions

I don't know if DJ falls to the 4th

His height and weight are not that different from Dustin Keller and Aaron Hernandez.

DJ is an athletic guy who will be a mismatch. He is actually only 1 inch away from being 6 ft 2, so the 6 ft 1 stat is a bit misleading.

I think Aaron Hernandez’ success shows what kind of effect an athletic, but undersized tight end can have.

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 1:37 PM MST up reply actions

I'm sold.

Where do I sign. Why does it feel like the draft is about a 50 light years away.

You can't win in this league with 53 choirboys, and the last time I checked, they weren't holding parades for 4-12 teams full of Boy Scouts.

by grind_core on Feb 3, 2011 8:41 AM MST reply actions

because there is no Bronco football

and we are all starting to feel the withdrawls.

It’s only going to get worse…

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 1:41 PM MST up reply actions

Not of fan of the Taylor pick

With all the holes on defense, taking 2 DT’s would be a luxury. I think Bannan is going to be good in the 1 tech.

by ConradA on Feb 3, 2011 9:24 AM MST reply actions

DJ Williams' height

Nick, aren’t you concerned that Williams came in under 6’1"?

by ConradA on Feb 3, 2011 10:21 AM MST up reply actions

I don’t think picking Taylor is a luxury. We don’t have many 4-3 DT prospects on our roster. If we didn’t have Taylor, we would have Fairley, Bannan, and Vickerson. Big Vick got cut from Tennessee because he struggled as a 4-3 DT.

I think Taylor is a guy who is going to need coaching up before he makes a significant impact. I like a rotation of him Fairley and Bannan.

I’m not concerned with Williams height because there are plenty of success stories of players at that height. Aaron Hernandez is 1. Dustin Keller is another.

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 1:53 PM MST up reply actions

Did you know in John Fox's eight years with the Panthers, Carolina never selected a Tight End or Safety in the first three rounds?

Obviously he didn’t have all the power in Carolina, nor does he here, but I found that fact a little interesting as far as how those positions are valued in his system.

I’d be happy with this draft, but I’d be a little concerned with the starting LB core. We would have DJ: WLB, Mays: MLB, and ??:SLB?

I was eleven when Elway made the "leap" in Super Bowl XXXII, but I like to think that's still the moment I was conceived. Go Broncos!
www.worthingtonjohn.com

by Worthington on Feb 3, 2011 9:33 AM MST reply actions

Haggan is a decent SLB

I’m terrified that they will try and make DJ a MLB again. He’s best on the weak side.

by ConradA on Feb 3, 2011 9:53 AM MST up reply actions

And I’m actually totally wrong about the no TE or S in the first three rounds. I need to stop trusting what I read on Broncos forums.

I was eleven when Elway made the "leap" in Super Bowl XXXII, but I like to think that's still the moment I was conceived. Go Broncos!
www.worthingtonjohn.com

by Worthington on Feb 3, 2011 11:45 AM MST up reply actions

From what I understand, Fox was not in control of the drafts in Carolina

DJ at will, Mays at Middle and maybe Woodyard at Sam.

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 1:58 PM MST up reply actions

Woodyard is not a SAM

He’s not big enough nor can he take on lead blockers. Haggan is the best one on the roster at this time and he would be a 2 down backer. I don’t see Mays as a starting MLB and neither did Philly.

by ConradA on Feb 4, 2011 3:28 PM MST up reply actions

Like the 1st 2 picks but I'm not sold on Jarrett when there will probably be better safety prospects available

i.e. Moore, McDaniel, Carter.

I am also starting to think we won’t be taking a TE earlier than rd 6. Fox rarely used pass catching TEs in Carolina. Jeff King and Dante Rosario don’t really scream receivers at you. I am starting to think we will stand pat on our TE situation or possibly draft a Lee Smith later in the rounds to help with the run game. Too bad. I would love to implement a great pass catching TE.

Tim Tebow wears 3WM and drinks Tuscan whole milk.

by BroncoMath101 on Feb 3, 2011 10:01 AM MST reply actions

I think that Moore and Carter go before our 2nd 2nd round pick.

McDaniel is already 23 and he has character problems. I would just rather have Jaiquawn jarrett.

King and Rosario are much better at catching passes then Dan Graham, Rich Quinn, and Gronk. I think we absolutely need a pass catching TE on our team. DJ fits the bill. We are sorely lacking in TE talent and I think Fox will see that.

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 2:01 PM MST up reply actions

I think we need one too but unfortunately I don't think one will be a priority. If Fox was of the same mind I imagine he would have utilized a play maker like that in Carolina but he did not.

Tim Tebow wears 3WM and drinks Tuscan whole milk.

by BroncoMath101 on Feb 3, 2011 4:27 PM MST up reply actions

On Fairley..

In fact, the only question I have about his on field ability is that he is a one year wonder.

Well, but isn’t that a pretty ginormous question to have?

both Fairley and Taylor have a lot of upside

I don’t want the Broncos spending their highest draft pick in franchise history on “upside”. Making a choice based on upside is also far more dangerous, IMO, when that guy doesn’t have a good attitude or a history of striving for greatness (up until it was time to enter the draft and get paid).

Overall, I think I like your mock although I really don’t like Fairley, because I see him as too big of a risk. I do like your focus on the middle of the line, though, and more specifically our run stopping abilities. As someone else noted above, though, I’m not sure taking Taylor in the 2nd round isn’t a luxury pick after taking a DT at #2. Judging by the positions you chose, I’m assuming that this mock was done with the mind set that we’re keeping both Harris and Champ. If that’s the case, I’d have liked to see a linebacker taken somewhere in the 2nd instead of a DT. Just my thoughts and opinion though. Thanks for the post!

by Rodney A on Feb 3, 2011 10:45 AM MST reply actions

Yes and No. You should be cautious of one year wonders, but his one year was phenomenal. A guy like Robert Ayers who was a one year wonder where he didn’t really dominate, but just had a very good year and then blew up at the combine is a guy you should look out for. I’m certainly wary of Fairley, but his 2010 season was just insane.

Yes, I believe that we will resign Champ. I think we go to free agency to fix our hole at RT. If we keep Champ and sign a free agent RT, I think Taylor makes perfect sense at that pick. Just my opinion though.

Appreciate the comment.

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 2:21 PM MST up reply actions

I think for Bronco only mocks you gotta say who Carolina drafts

if you’re giving us Fairley. Beyond that though I really like this. Not as high on Jarrett as you are but a Taylor/Fairley DT tandem would be to die for. II just hope Taylor is available in the 2nd

by DBroncs1414 on Feb 3, 2011 11:22 AM MST reply actions

Bowers goes #1 overall in this mock

If Taylor isn’t available at #36, I think Muhammad Wilkerson or Cory Liuget will be.

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 2:23 PM MST up reply actions

Love the first two picks.

I wonder with Jarrett if we are taking a player at a position of need that might be a 3rd round prospect in a normal draft. For my money, safety is a weak spot in this draft and I wonder if we should draft according to the uniqueness of this draft. DT, DE, CB, OLB etc.

by swg777 on Feb 3, 2011 11:22 AM MST reply actions

The safety talent in this draft is not that great

but I think Jarrett has a good chance of becoming a very good player. Just a thought.

If I didn’t pick up Jarrett there, I would have probably picked Curtis Brown CB from Texas.

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 2:24 PM MST up reply actions

Why Curtis Brown? Do you think he is better than Aaron Williams?

Tim Tebow wears 3WM and drinks Tuscan whole milk.

by BroncoMath101 on Feb 3, 2011 4:30 PM MST up reply actions

Not at all

I just don’t believe Aaron Williams or Jimmy Smith will be on the board at #46

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 5:18 PM MST up reply actions

Done! Make it happen

Love this mock only change for me is Robert Sands at safety at #46, love this nick!

2/3 of the earth is covered by water the other 1/3 is covered by Champ Bailey!

THIS IS BRONCOS COUNTRY!!!

by The 3 Amigos on Feb 3, 2011 12:10 PM MST via mobile reply actions

Thanks 3 amigos

Why the infatuation with Robert Sands?

by Nick Cast on Feb 3, 2011 2:24 PM MST up reply actions

Kid is a Beast Nick, he is tough, tall, great ball skills and flys around the field. Not to mention a leader on one of the best D's in College this year,

He looks lik e lesser version of the late Sean Taylor. Have a feeling he will be a gem in this years draft.

2/3 of the earth is covered by water the other 1/3 is covered by Champ Bailey!

THIS IS BRONCOS COUNTRY!!!

by The 3 Amigos on Feb 4, 2011 1:28 PM MST up reply actions

I Like this draft Nick

If Denver was to pick both Fairley and Taylor I’d suspect that they would run a 3-4. I believe that one reason that Walton was so good was that he spent a couple of years blocking Taylor everyday in practice. Taylor might even allow Denver to run a 3-4 or 4-3 Hybred.

My projections Denver 11-5, San Diego 10-6, Oakland 9-7, Kansas City 7-9

Revised after 9 games. Denver 8-8, San Diego 8-8, Oakland 8-8, Kansas City 8-8

Well I guess I'm not a prophet.

by 3nS on Feb 3, 2011 7:16 PM MST reply actions