DC.com: Fairley Back In Play For Cowboys?

[InmanRoshi]

Talk about paralysis by analysis. We've officially hit the silly season of the draft process.

Fairley probably made more plays behind the line of scrimmage in one game than Dareus made all year. And now he's dropping because of .. .what exactly? He didn't completely take over and dominate every single game he played in, just merely the inconsequential games like the SEC and National Chamionship? He merely ran a 4.8 at 305 lbs. pounds?

This is why everyone would be better off if we just held the draft a few weeks after the season, like the other major sports. You could save teams from themselves.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Talk about paralysis by analysis. We've officially hit the silly season of the draft process.


Fairley probably made more plays behind the line of scrimmage in one game than Dareus made all year. And now he's dropping because of .. .what exactly? He didn't completely take over and dominate every single game he played in, just merely the inconsequential games like the SEC and National Chamionship? He merely ran a 4.8 at 305 lbs. pounds?

I can't see anyone taking Dareus over Fairley unless they are wanting a 3-4 NT specifically.

 

[Gaede]

Talk about paralysis by analysis. We've officially hit the silly season of the draft process.

Fairley probably made more plays behind the line of scrimmage in one game than Dareus made all year. And now he's dropping because of .. .what exactly? He didn't completely take over and dominate every single game he played in, just merely the inconsequential games like the SEC and National Chamionship? He merely ran a 4.8 at 305 lbs. pounds?

This is why everyone would be better off if we just held the draft a few weeks after the season, like the other major sports. You could save teams from themselves.

I completely agree. Teams talk themselves into and out of anything; that's how the Tyson Jackson's of the world get taken 3rd overall

 

[Doomsday101]

Talk about paralysis by analysis. We've officially hit the silly season of the draft process.

Fairley probably made more plays behind the line of scrimmage in one game than Dareus made all year. And now he's dropping because of .. .what exactly? He didn't completely take over and dominate every single game he played in, just merely the inconsequential games like the SEC and National Chamionship? He merely ran a 4.8 at 305 lbs. pounds?

This is why everyone would be better off if we just held the draft a few weeks after the season, like the other major sports. You could save teams from themselves.

It's hard to make the case that Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley's combine enhanced his candidacy to go first overall in April. For starters, he showed up smaller than advertised, measuring 6-3 and 291, when it was thought he was in the range of 6-5, 300. The NFL likes those 300-pound defensive tackles, and Alabama's Marcell Dareus, the draft's other elite tackle, checked in at 6-3½, 319 by comparison.

Secondly, Fairley didn't do any bench-pressing because he's still dealing with a slight shoulder separation that he suffered in a game against Georgia in November. He says it's getting better, and he obviously played through the injury, but any red-flag matters when you're in the race to be the top pick -- especially an injury concern in an offseason where rookies might not be able to rehab with the team that selects him for months, due to a lockout.

Fairley met with the media on Sunday and faced questions on his perceived tendency to take plays off. He disagreed with the premise, but just being asked about such a reputation sometimes serves to reinforce the perception.

"I don't think I take plays off,'' Fairley said. "I play the game the way it should be played. I hit the light switch when I hit the field, and it doesn't turn off until after I leave. I play with a high motor.''



Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/don_banks/02/27/sunday.snaps/index.html#ixzz1FYVnuTrg

 

[JBS]

Bunting tweeted earlier that he made some calls this morning and not one scout he spoke w has Dareus rated above Fairley. Fairley isn't dropping..I'm 100% convinced Newton goes 1 and Fairley 2

 

[DFWJC]

But both the top 2 QBs will be gone and I can't imagine even they would reach for Locker or someone at 8.

I agree. And who is to say if they even like any of the top QBs. They are all an acquired taste and have their warts. We can't assume all of these teams like these particular QBs...in fact, we can be sure that some do not.

There is another group of 4-5 QBs that will go after the first round that they may prefer if they can get a stud at another positon at #8.

 

[realtick]

Give me Fairley over Dareus all day, every day. The kid consistently knows how to get himself into the backfield and disrupt. Fairley's got great off-the-snap quickness and knows how to use his hands in the phone booth. I could care less what that baffoon Sapp has to say; I'm surprised he could spit out a coherent sentence to begin with.

Dareus disappears far too often; is limited in his pass rush technique; and is way overhyped IMO.

I don't think Dareus is a potential bust, but rather a Marcus Spears type clone.

Thinking Fairley is "too small" is ridiculous. The kid is 291 lbs, adding weight on his long frame should be easy.

In Ryan's defensive scheme, I see Fairley being flipped from 34 DE to nickel DT and perhaps even standing up at times.

 

[YosemiteSam]

I don't think Dareus is a potential bust, but rather a Marcus Spears type clone.

This is my opinion too.

 

[realtick]

I disagree. He's got plenty of questions surrounding him, and if you're looking for a DT/DE, Dareus is a way safer pick since a) he's bigger b) tested better c) not of questionable character.

We see it EVERY single year, a great, top 5/10 talent falls because teams are scared of who they are. We got a top 10 talent last year in the bottom third of the first round. It happens.

I think teams are going to be scared of Fairley. Very scared. If he doesn't go to Carolina, I see him falling all the way to 8 or 9

How does being "bigger" necessitate being better?

In what way did Dareus tested out better than Fairley while we're at it?

This is the analytical balancing act that fans have to go through every year: You see a player start the college season with hype. He has a relatively mediocre season and goes to the combine and tests well. Now his performance on the field is forgotten?

Conversly, you have Fairley who had an absolutely dominate season and tested out well at the combine himself.

On balance, I'm taking the kid who performed on the field and at the very least didn't disappoint at combine over the guy who put together nondescript season and "surprised" at the combine.

 

[The Realist]

I dare Fairley to fall to 9.

Fairely next to Ware in base D would be insane.

Spencer Fairley Rat Ware

In nickel would be lethal.

QB's would have so much pressure in their face and off Ware's side you have no choice but to roll to Spencer's side virutally every passing situation.

 

[Gaede]

On balance, I'm taking the kid who performed on the field and at the very least didn't disappoint at combine over the guy who put together nondescript season and "surprised" at the combine.

Dude, I agree. I think Fairley is 10x the player. I'm just talking about what I think scouts will start saying as it gets closer to draft time, because they're trying to talk themselves out of the risk of investing money in Fairley.

 

[realtick]

Dude, I agree. I think Fairley is 10x the player. I'm just talking about what I think scouts will start saying as it gets closer to draft time, because they're trying to talk themselves out of the risk of investing money in Fairley.

I hear ya man.

 

[AsthmaField]

I like Dareus... I really do. But Fairley is simply a monster. His attitude is exactly what the Cowboys defense needs. Ryan would work him up into a frenzy and then unleash him on opposing defenses. He would be between Ware and Ratliff, and I can't imagine teams giving Nick too much attention.

He would kill them.

Having said that, I don't think he'll slip. Teams will be wow'ed by everything combine, and lust after Mr. Technique (Dareus) and Mr. 49 reps (Paea) and they'll tell all the reporters asking them about those guys how terrific they are...

Then they'll go back before the draft, put on the film of Fairley's 2010 season, watch what he does to some of the best OL's in all of college football, and see how he demoralized, frustrated, and scared opposing players, and someone with an early pick with run up there with the card to get Nick in their clubhouse as soon as possible.

And I will weep.

Of course, the one caveat is if his shoulder injury is worrisome enough that it scares some top 5 teams off. Maybe then he will fall enough for us.

But overall, InmanRoshi is correct: This is the insane part of the evaluation process when they look at everything except what matters the most.

 

[28 Joker]

I like Dareus better, because he can play NT or DE. Plus, he has done it more than one year. I do think Dareus will be rated ahead of Fairley on Dallas' board.

The Tennessee Titans will have something to say if Fairley, Dareus, or Peterson is on the board at 9. Their GM loves SEC players and speed. He already has a DT from Auburn on his team that he drafted recently. Plus, there is no way that he would pass on Peterson if he was there, imso. They don't have a 2 CBs nearly good enough to pass on him.

QB will be interesting for the Titans, and I don't think they will reach for one. I'm thinking that they will like either Gabbert or Newton, and if the one that they like is gone, they will not take a QB at 9. I'm not sure that they would take the QB that they liked if one of those SEC players fell to them.

Edit:

I'm not trying to be negative on getting Peterson. Go research the Titans GM's drafts in Seattle and Tennessee. He likes speed and SEC players.

 

[28 Joker]

The only DL that I would even consider at 9 would be Dareus or Fairley.

Otherwise, I'm looking to trade back and draft an OT.

Hopefully, Tyron Smith can work out strong and make the trade back too risky, if you want him.

 

[TNCowboy]

I like Dareus... I really do. But Fairley is simply a monster. His attitude is exactly what the Cowboys defense needs. Ryan would work him up into a frenzy and then unleash him on opposing defenses. He would be between Ware and Ratliff, and I can't imagine teams giving Nick too much attention.

He would kill them.

Having said that, I don't think he'll slip. Teams will be wow'ed by everything combine, and lust after Mr. Technique (Dareus) and Mr. 49 reps (Paea) and they'll tell all the reporters asking them about those guys how terrific they are...

Then they'll go back before the draft, put on the film of Fairley's 2010 season, watch what he does to some of the best OL's in all of college football, and see how he demoralized, frustrated, and scared opposing players, and someone with an early pick with run up there with the card to get Nick in their clubhouse as soon as possible.

And I will weep.

Of course, the one caveat is if his shoulder injury is worrisome enough that it scares some top 5 teams off. Maybe then he will fall enough for us.

But overall, InmanRoshi is correct: This is the insane part of the evaluation process when they look at everything except what matters the most.

This is all 100% dead on.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

It's interesting to me that Sapp would make that comment about Fairley. Sapp slipped in the draft because of drug rummors.

I like Darius but I'm telling you, Fairley has the kind of agility , quickness, instincts that you don't see. Call him 291 or whatever, he's going to play at 300 or better. His feet are as good as any player I've seen, at that size in forever.

 

[The Realist]

If we get Fairley and we aren't top 3-5 in sacks every year Ryan should be fired.

 

[Wood]

Fairley seems to be falling in mocks -- but I doubt he falls in the actual draft -- lots of teams are going to have him as their top guy on the board and if he falls to say 4 or 5 there will likely be a ton of action to get him - the teams at 3-7 all might be interested in a QB but not at that spot so trading back to the middle of the first might look real nice

We like Fairley alot - he was particularly nasty his senior year. I think this clip gives you good idea of what you would be getting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3l5QL_IULc