2011 NFL Draft: Ranking 10 First-Round Hopefuls with the Most Character Concerns
What do both of the players pictured have in common?
They are both UNC athletes who were top talent, but suspended for the year due to the now-famous scandal at North Carolina.
But they aren't the only top prospects with character concerns—there are far more.
When looking at these players, who do NFL GMs have to investigate a little more due to some questionable behavior?
Note to avoid confusion: Only players who have a realistic chance of going in the first round are included.
10. A.J. Green, WR (Georgia)
1 of 10
Out of everyone on this list, A.J. Green's character concerns are probably the least worrying.
Green is an ultra-talented wide receiver who will almost certainly be picked in the top six.
He was suspended the first four games of the season for selling his jersey for $1,000. It appears though that he has learned and doesn't really have any other concerns.
This one mishap shouldn't deter many teams at all.
9. Adrian Clayborn, DE (Iowa)
2 of 10
Clayborn had a down year this past season, as his sack count dropped to seven less from 2009.
There are always reasons as to why this happens, and this is where his character concerns come into play.
Though it isn't a reason for dropped production, Clayborn was arrested for punching a taxi driver. ESPN reports the cab driver merely honked at him, perhaps barely provoking him.
Questions about his work ethic also arose after his dipped production.
Last year Clayborn was a projected top 10 pick; this year, he may last to the end of the first round.
8. Nick Fairley, DT (Auburn)
3 of 10
Fairley was at once considered a top five talent and possible No.1 overall selection.
Now that has changed back to a top 10 selection, with many having him going at No.8 to the Tennessee Titans.
There have been many questions about his work ethic, and he also scored poorly on the Wonderlic test.
As far as off-the-field concerns, there really aren't any—unless you count how often he might workout if there is a continued NFL lockout.
On the field though, the former Auburn defensive tackle is known for his dirty play. Fairley has been questioned many times for some late hits and nasty tackles.
Despite these concerns, he still looks to be selected as early as No. 2 to the Denver Broncos.
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7. Phil Taylor, NT (Baylor)
4 of 10
Though you might think they do, not all of Phil Taylor's problems stem from his weight.
He was a Baylor Bear this past season, but in 2008, he was kicked off the Penn State football team due to issues concerning an on-campus fight.
Couple those problems with questions about his work ethic (like another DT we've seen on this list), and the fact that he comes into camp overweight, and you have a bit of a problem.
6. Cam Newton, QB (Auburn)
5 of 10
Out of all the problems on the list, Cam Newton's might be the most well-known.
Newton started his career in Florida and was primarily a backup to Tim Tebow, rarely seeing action on the field. He supposedly faced expulsion from Florida after being accused of cheating, stealing and obstruction of justice.
That was a while ago.
The most recent accusations, as you well know, are the accusations that his father attempted to solicit money for him from Mississippi State and perhaps others. The NCAA launched an investigation and found his father at fault, not Cam.
Newton is being considered for the No.1 pick, and he wouldn't be the first Cam Newton the Panthers have had on their team.
5. Jonathan Baldwin, WR (Pittsburgh)
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Jonathan Baldwin is one of the more talented wideouts in the draft. In fact, he is probably the third-most talented wideout in the entire draft.
He won't be selected that way though.
In 2009, Baldwin was accused of disorderly conduct as a result of a confrontation with a woman on a bus.
It appears as if he isn't too mature of a player. After declaring early for the draft, Baldwin took the time to bash his coach and the Pittsburgh program, accusing them of hindering his ability.
Not exactly the type of player you want on your team.
4. Robert Quinn, DE (UNC)
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Quinn is most likely going to be a top 15 pick, even with what has happened to him.
One of several talented UNC players to be found connected to agents, Quinn and others were suspended by the NCAA for one year.
Some thought Quinn would be out of shape when the combine came around, but he had a showing that neither really helped nor hurt his stock.
He seemed regretful during his combine interview, but also appeared to be full of himself.
But hey, if I had half the pass-rushing talent this guy does, I might be full of myself too.
3. Jimmy Smith, CB (Colorado)
8 of 10
Smith might be the second best man-to-man cover corner in this year's draft (behind the amazing Patrick Peterson, of course).
He has reportedly only allowed 11 completions in man-to-man situations his last two years. His talent is unquestionable, but his character is not.
In his time at Colorado, he has tested positive for drugs and been arrested multiple times for possession of alcohol as a minor. ESPN also reports him saying, "I'm a shut-down corner." Smith is about as confident about his abilities as anyone in the draft.
When he gets into the NFL, a good head coach and veteran presence should be able to set him straight, but if he can't correct his behavior, expect him to be somewhat of a journeyman.
Kind of like another talented player, Randy Moss.
2. Ryan Mallett, QB (Arkansas)
9 of 10
Mallett has a cannon for an arm and displays good accuracy. Had there not been any character concerns, he probably could go as high as No.10 to the Washington Redskins.
But the truth is, there are concerns.
The rumors that he took drugs in college are supposedly legitimate, after he reportedly conceded them himself.
Though Bobby Petrino denies it, people also question his leadership abilities. If that weren't enough, some scouts question his maturity.
All these concerns make him a likely second-round pick now.
1. Marvin Austin, DL (UNC)
10 of 10
After a year off, it seemed that at the East-West Shrine game, Austin was finally making his way back into the first round.
Then came the combine.
Sure, he benched 225 pounds 38 times. Sure, he had a great on-field performance.
Austin was one of the famous UNC athletes who, along with Robert Quinn, was suspended for the 2010 season by the NCAA. And like most defensive tackles, he faces questions about his work ethic.
Nolan Nawrocki, a draft expert from Pro Football Weekly, has several more things to say about Austin.
Nawrocki claims Austin performed atrociously at the combine interviews, and he was "refusing to take responsibility for any of the wrongdoings that led to his dismissal from the team."
In addition to those claims about his selfishness, Nawrocki also says Austin, "Has earned a reputation in the NFL scouting community as a 'finger-pointing, excuse-making con artist' who does not know what it means to lead."
He has clear talent, but could be a second or third-round pick due to these many concerns.
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