The 2011 NFL Draft is taking place on Thursday, April 28, and the Redskins will have the No. 10 pick in the first round. Many different players have been projected to be picked in that spot in various 2011 NFL mock drafts, and the Redskins certainly have a lot of needs. Which players will be good fits for the Redskins in that spot? We will provide scouting reports and let you know who we like in this StoryStream. Next up: Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley.
Strengths: You won't see many defensive tackles with this good a mix of size and speed. He is 6-3 and 291 lbs and gets after the quarterback like he is a defensive end. He is a terror for opposing lineman because they either not as strong or fast as Fairley is. In addition to his pass rushing skills, he is an excellent tackle who has great finishing ability.
Weaknesses: Character, character, character. This can be applied to Fairley both on and off the field. His motor isn't always running in games, and is prone to taking plays off (uh oh, we've heard that before). When he wants to, he can be a force up front (sounds familiar) and can truly dominate games(hmmmm). But the key phrase is "when he wants to". Scouts are worried about that in addition to the fact that he only had one good year at Auburn.
Redskins fit: The Redskins could use a playmaker like Fairley along their front three. He wouldn't project to be a nose tackle, and would likely line up at the defensive end position. That being said, the Redskins can't afford to bring a guy who is rumored to have work ethic issues into their locker room.
Where He Will Be Drafted: Early on in the process, he was a lock to be in the top five. But as time has gone on, there are some doubts that have made his draft stock fall. Will he fall far enough that the Redskins could have a chance to get him? Who knows, but if they did, Fairley could be a guy the Redskins use as trait bait to trade down in the first round.