NFL Draft 2011: 10 Defensive Linemen the Carolina Panthers Need to Target

The Panthers have their options limited in the 2011 NFL Draft. They traded their second round pick in this draft to select Armanti Edwards with a third round pick in 2010. This was a huge mistake to say the least. 

One option the Panthers must consider is trading down to acquire multiple players as they have many positions of need, but no glaring weakness that stands out above the rest—although some will suggest quarterback fits that description.  

There is a lot of talent in this defensive line class though, giving the Panthers the chance to grab a very talented player in the third round. This is the perfect season for the Panthers to stock up on defensive linemen, because of the immensity of talent that will fall to the later rounds. 

The Panthers will have to strike gold on one pick if they want this to be a successful draft though, because passing on a high potential player like quarterback Cam Newton may put them at the bottom of the league once again in 2011. 

Round 1: No. 1 Overall Pick

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NICK FAIRLEY, DT, AUBURN

Draft Status: Fairley's stock has taken a steep drop from the days when he was in the conversation for the first overall pick. Scouts are questioning his work ethic and are concerned with his huge bust potential. He is one of the most talented players in the draft though and if the Panthers trade down a few spots, targeting Fairley would make sense.

Strengths: Explosive pass rusher who can beat you with his speed or his power. Has long arms to disengage blockers and burst to be a force in the run game. Pursues ball better than any lineman in the draft and can deliver an explosive hit when he arrives.  

Career Outlook: Fairley has elite size, speed, and athleticism to be a perennial pro-bowler. He can make an impact in year one, but will need to build on his talent and discipline himself better if he wants to extend his stay in the pros.

MARCELL DAREUS, DT, ALABAMA

Draft Status: Dareus has benefited the most from Fairley's descending stock. If the Panthers feel that Jimmy Clausen deserves another chance, they may select Dareus with the first overall pick. However, if they traded down to the number five pick, he would likely not be available. 

Strengths: He is very smart and understands the position well. Has great technique and takes on double teams extremely well, allowing him to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. He stands his ground at the LOS and is the best run-stuffer in the draft. 

Career Outlook: Dareus will not put up huge sack numbers like Fairley has the potential to, but he is the safer pick out of the two. He doesn't fly around to rack up tackles, but is incredibly consistent and capable of carrying out any assignment in whatever defensive scheme he falls into. 

Round 3: No. 65 Overall Pick

JABAAL SHEARD, DE, PITTSBURGH

Draft Status: Sheard's stock is varying greatly. I believe he is very underrated and the former-Panther could find a home with the Carolina Panthers. Some feel he will get drafted early in the second, but there is a good chance that he slips to the third round. 

Strengths: Sheard started for three years, developing elite anticipation and explosion off the snap. He has a great array of different pass-rush moves and has the athleticism to pull them off with ease. He is very aware and shows great instincts. He is not only a pass rush specialist though. He has outstanding closing speed in lateral pursuit and is solid at the point of attack. 

Career Outlook: Sheard is explosive enough to become a star on a team in need of a pass rusher. However, he can play every down due to his ability in the run game. If the Panthers draft him, look for him to earn a starting spot early on in the season and post a solid sack total. He could have a very long career and end up as one of the steals from this draft. 

CHRISTIAN BALLARD, DE, IOWA

Draft Status: Ballard's stock rose during his senior season, moving him from a mid-round pick to a possible second rounder. He has yet to refine his game though, so it is likely that he ends up being draft early in the third round.

Strengths: Ballard has great speed and adequate size for the position. He is solid in all phases of the game and has the frame to continue to develop. Displays power to bull rush and the swim move to get to the quarterback. He has good lateral agility and can be disruptive in the run game.

Career Outlook: Ballard is a developmental prospect who can end up as a solid starter within a few seasons. He occasionally gets washed out of plays and needs to improve his pass rush. He is a solid pick though if Sheard is no longer available.

KENRICK ELLIS, DT, HAMPTON

Draft Status: Ellis has the talent to be a first round pick. Considering his off-the-field issues and his transfer from South Carolina, it is no surprise that he is not being highly considered in the top two rounds.  

Strengths: Ellis is a complete beast. He is incredibly strong and for a 6'5", 350-pound monster, he moves with shocking agility and quickness. He throws around defenders with ease and can explode through double teams. The talent is certainly there, but he needs to stay disciplined off of the field.  

Career Outlook: If he is able to stay out of trouble, he can be an elite player in the NFL. He would fit in well with a 3-4 team, but Carolina should not pass on him if he is available at pick 65.

JARVIS JENKINS, DT, CLEMSON

Draft Status: Jenkins stock is higher as a nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme, but he would fit in well as a 2-gap defensive tackle with Carolina. His stock may be higher for some 3-4 teams, but it is likely that he will be available in the third round.

Strengths: Jenkins is a huge run-stuffer who plays instinctively and can hold is own against double-teams. He is very strong and shows surprising burst for his size. He can blow up run plays when matched up with a smaller lineman and has the ability to split double-teams on occasion.

Career Outlook: Jenkins should earn a career with his ability against the run. He finds the ballcarrier well and while he won't rack up many sacks, he has low bust potential and can start from day one.

ALLEN BAILEY, DE, MIAMI

Draft Status: At one point, Bailey's name was being tossed around as an early second round pick, but his lack of ideal speed and bust potential have dropped his stock to the third round. If some other big names fall off the board, he could land with Carolina. 

Strengths: Bailey is very strong and has the work ethic that scouts look for. He holds up very well against the run and can throw around blockers. He isn't a speed rusher, but can push a tackle right onto the lap of the quarterback. 

Career Outlook: Bailey has a lot of bust potential because no one position fits him perfectly. He is too light to bump down inside, but isn't athletic enough to star as a defensive end. Ultimately, he should end up as a solid backup and run-stuffing defensive end who has the work ethic to remain in the league for many years.

Round 3 Compensatory / Round 4: No. 97 and 98 Overall Picks

GREG ROMEUS, DE, PITTSBURGH

Draft Status: Heading into the season, Romeus was one of the top defensive end prospects, but injuries plagued his senior season. He would have been a second day pick in 2010, but now he is looking at a fourth round selection. 

Strengths: He has the size, speed and pass rush ability to make an early impact in his career. He plays smart, but is also physical and powerful. He can blow back an opposing lineman and uses his athleticism to bat down passes and disrupt the quarterback's concentration. 

Career Outlook: If he can stay healthy, he will be a productive starter in the NFL. With Carolina, he could be a third down rush end for many years.

DRAKE NEVIS, DT, LSU

Draft Status: Nevis' stock has fallen due to his lack of size, but I believe he could end up being another steal from this class of linemen. A minor foot injury and absence from the Senior Bowl also lowered his stock.

Strengths: Nevis did not post huge sack numbers, but is still developing and can be a disruptive force from the interior of the line. He is very athletic for the position and can anchor against double teams. He was one of the top interior linemen in the SEC and has the strength to make up for his lacking size.

Career Outlook: Nevis has all of the tools necessary to succeed in the NFL. He makes up for his size with great explosion and technique. He is still developing and in Carolina, he could be a force if coupled with Nick Fairley or Marcell Dareus. 

Round 5 / 6: No. 132 and 166 Overall Picks

MARTIN PARKER, DT, RICHMOND

Draft Status: The MVP of the East-West Shrine Game, Parker, saw his stock rise recently. Scouts did not expect him to perform against elite competition as he did. 

Strengths: Parker has the strength to dominate one-on-one matchups. He is quick and athletic enough to deserve higher stock. He has the NFL size as well.   

Career Outlook: Parker could surprise if he lands with the Panthers. He is a very good pass rusher and can be dominant against the run as well—although he lacks consistency in this area. He should still be around when the Panthers take the podium, so he would be tough to pass on as a small school sleeper.