2011 NFL Draft Debate: Marcell Dareus vs. Nick Fairley

The 2011 NFL Draft is shaping up to be the most wide open draft in recent memory.  Armed with a front runner-less draft class mock drafts are all over the map.  A lockout which has left player trades and free agency in suspended animation has only added another layer of uncertainty to the process. 

In an effort to make sense of the draft, NFL Draft 101 is starting a new series in which we debate various draft topics in an effort to provide multiple viewpoints at key draft questions in an effort to make sense of it all.

We start the series with a battle in the trenches: Marcell Dareus vs. Nick Fairley. Who is the draft's top defensive tackle?

The Case for Nick Fairley: (by Dan Wernery)

Last year at this time there was a debate between Ndamakong Suh and Gerald McCoy.  Even though it was clear on tape that Suh was a once in a lifetime physical specimen, many "experts" over-analyzed scheme fit and moved McCoy ahead of Suh on their draft board. It's clear now that Suh is on his way to a Hall of Fame career while McCoy is a good but not great defensive tackle.

Nick Fairley doesn't have the same physical tools as Suh, but the quickness and nastiness with which Fairley plays the game is admirable. Last season Fairley put together an impressive season with 60 tackles, 24.5 TFL and 11.5 sacks (Dareus had 34 tackles, 11.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks).

Keep in mind Auburn had one of the worst pass defenses in the country, so it was Fairley who had to compensate with a dominant pass rush. Fairley dominated defensively the same way Suh did in 2009. The major difference was Fairley also played on the best offensive team in college football versus Suh and the hapless Cornhusker offense. 

There are some anger issues that need to be resolved. Fairley must avoid cheap shots after the whistle or else he will be on Roger Goodell's speed dial. At 6'2", 295lbs, Fairley is not going to overpower too many 330. lb NFL guards, but quickness and leverage define Fairley, not power.

Marcell Dareus is a high-character athlete and should be a solid pro if drafted by a 3-4 team. The transition from a 3-4 defensive end to 4-3 defensive tackle is going to be tough if drafted by Carolina, Denver or Cleveland. In a 3-4 the defensive end is expected to occupy blockers with the help of a 325-plus nose tackle so the linebackers can make plays.

In a 4-3 Dareus will be expected to initiate the pass rush up the middle. The mindset is completely different and 4-3 teams have to be patient if drafting Dareus. It is unlikely Dareus can be a game changer immediately in a 4-3 like Fairley can.

The bottom line is teams need to draft based on scheme with Dareus (3-4) and Fairley (4-3). Both are ideal fits in their respective schemes, however Fairley gives a team like Carolina, Denver or Cleveland the best chance to rebuild their struggling defensive lines.

The Case for Marcell Dareus: (by Chris Maier)

Let's start by saying how remarkable it is that just one year after defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy were taken second and third overall, we are debating about two top-five caliber defensive tackles just one year later at a position known for its high bust rates.  

Additionally, any comparison of either of these players to rookie sensation Ndamukong Suh is an unfair one.  Suh was a once-in-a-generation talent, a bar that neither Dareus or Fairley have reached.  Both have tremendous talent but are not on the same tier as Suh was a year ago.  One thing Dan and I agree on is, McCoy vs. Suh was never much of a debate.  On the flipside, Fairley and Dareus are a much closer debate despite their different styles and physiques.

The biggest argument for Fairley in my opinion is his upside.  A quick, athletic defensive tackle with tremendous pass rush and penetration ability.  He also has maturity, discipline (knack for bad penalties) and work ethic concerns which by themselves are reason enough to consider Dareus over Fairley.  Of course, that would be a cop out so here are the additional football reasons for making Dareus the top defensive tackle on the board.

The first thing that stands out when comparing Fairley vs. Dareus is their size and physique.  Fairley is tall (6'5"), lean (esp. in the legs) and a tad undersized (sub-300 lbs) for a defensive tackle. 

Dareus on the other hand is shorter (6'3") and squatty with big, thick legs.  In other words Dareus is built for the rugged play inside.  At 313 pounds, he has the bulk to command double teams and the lower body strength to anchor against the run.  Having played primarily a five technique in a 3-4 throughout his college career, Dareus is used to doing the dirty work of occupying blockers and playing the run.

The second thing that stands out regarding Dareus is his versatility.  Unlike Fairley who would be miscast in a 3-4, Dareus has the size and skillset to thrive in a 3-4, 4-3 or a hybrid scheme. 

In addition to Dareus' size and versatility, he is also a tremendous athlete and pass rusher.  He is the definition of a dancing bear: Light on his feet, moves well laterally and displays remarkable power.  At 313 pounds, he ran sub-5.0 in his 40-yeard dash at the combine and even more impressively had a 10-yard split that was better than Fairley. 

On the field, his 4.5 sacks in 2010 are not overly impressive but as a five technique he was not always a primary pass rusher.  He has a powerful bull rush and a good burst off the ball and can push the pocket. 

Overall, Dareus may not possess Fairley's pass rushing and penetration ability but is the more versatile and complete football player between the two.  Further his size and ability to do the dirty work inside (i.e. run defense) make him the safer pick.   When it comes to a high risk position such as defensive tackle it is important to consider not only the player's ceiling but his floor as well.

Chris Maier is Senior Editor for NFLDraft101.com.  He can be reached at [e-mail].  Follow me on Twitter: nfldraft101.  Dan Wernery is a contributor to NFLDraft101.