2011 NFL Mock Draft: Underclassmen, Defensive Ends Dominate First Round

February 14, 2011   ·   Evan Higgins   ·   Jump to comments

1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn.
The Carolina Panthers are in the same position they were back in 2002 when they selected All-Pro defensive end Julius Peppers with the second overall pick. They had just hired the defensive coordinator of the New York Giants, John Fox, and were coming off their worst season, finishing 1-15. 
Carolina just hired San Diego's defensive coordinator, Ron Rivera, and he will keep to defense, and select Fairley, the nasty defensive tackle that has shown much promise to achieve NFL stardom. 
2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU.
Denver has seen their defensive backs go from one of the best in the NFL, to now finding themselves in need of improvement. Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins are both passes their prime, and don't have many years left to play at the NFL level. Their other cornerback, Perrish Cox, has found himself in legal troubles. 
3. Buffalo Bills: Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama.
Buffalo h...

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