NFL Draft 2011: Nick Fairley or Von Miller; Which Will Be Defensive ROY?

As the most captivating defensive prospects in this year’s draft, Nick Fairley and Von Miller were off of the board before anyone could blink twice, so that aspect of the events in New York did not astonish much. Leading up to the draft, Fairley dropped in most analysts’ eyes because of the perception of his character.

Thoughts of similarities to Albert Haynesworth clouded people’s opinions of his apparent talent and allowed the doubt to seep through the cracks to manipulate his stock. The funniest thing about all of the rumors surrounding his personality is that none of them were proven by a premiere lack of effort on the field.

Not once while watching any of the games that Auburn won did he appear to take time to rest while a play was taking place. He attacked every quarterback with the same compassion-less demeanor as he did the one before.

In the BCS Championship game against the Oregon Ducks, Fairley was the deciding factor as former Auburn QB Cam Newton struggled early on to push the ball down the field. His dominance of the offensive strategies of Chip Kelly were almost the sole reason for the Tigers championship reception when the clock struck 00:00.

Von Miller’s arrival into the league was much different as his stock never dropped, yet throughout every workout held in his favor, he consistently climbed. Speculated to be a top-five pick after the NFL combine took place, Miller is the top outside linebacker available in the entire draft.

His versatility shows as he is able to be an effective pass-rusher, but drop into coverage with the same precision and speed as well. Miller’s emotional state as he received the call that landed him with the Denver Broncos was a joy to see as he enters the next level of his life among his childhood heroes.

Which will be crowned the Defensive Rookie of the Year? These two are in the preseason running in my opinion, not only because of the raw talent they hold. Each player has been placed in a situation that has the potential of building immensely around such progressive talents like themselves.

Nick Fairley playing opposite Ndamukong Suh is by far the most explosive defensive tandem that the world will have experienced in a while. Suh has already proven his worth to the organization by not only taking a shot at a less than important Twitter record and dancing to Michael Jackson on ESPN’s First Take.

He has officially deemed himself unblockable by refusing one-man coverage and drawing double teams from the opposition. Both players have a knack for bird’s eye vision on the passer and have the athleticism, power and agility to stop the rush at any moment, especially crucial ones.

Von Miller, on the other hand, has been allowed to contribute to a defense that needs more than extreme effort in his department. As an immediate starter, Miller will be able to leave his mark on the Broncos first game of the season.

There are virtually no flaws in his methods, and only the grandest of doubters will reach to say that he will not be on the league’s premier rookie impact players.

Both Fairley and Miller are equipped to ride the top of the NFL until the end of the season comes upon them and will take their respective franchises to another level instantaneously. The most amazing thing will be on Sunday, October 30 as they meet across the field and prepare to walk away victoriously.