1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
By Danny Hobrock and Jayson Braddock of Xtra Point Football
Quarterback is a need, but no passer in this year's class fits the bill of number one pick. Absent a quarterback like Andrew Luck, the Panthers look elsewhere. Carolina is clearly rebuilding and teams are built upfront along the line of scrimmage. Marcell Dareus has received a lot of hype of late, but if you return to the game film, Fairley is the man. Da'Quan Bowers could get some consideration here, too, but injury concerns will likely push him out of the top spot.
Here's the scouting report on Fairley and following is the analysis of this pick, both courtesy of Eric Galko of Optimum Scouting:
After a dominating junior campaign, Nick Fairley was viewed as one of the clear cut two or three best players in the draft. While he's no Ndamukong Suh, his first step, quickness in traffic, and instincts as a rusher has drawn comparisons to Warren Sapp. However, like Sapp, he could fall in the draft thanks to character concerns on and off the field. Because of off-the field concerns, the Panthers could be too worried to give him #1 overall money, but Fairley has the talent to be drafted this high.
