Who's The "1"? (Part 2)

By: Carrington Caul

Yesterday I started an article discussing who I thought could be the first overall draft pick taken in this year’s draft by the Carolina Panthers if they decided to keep the number one spot - to check that article out go here . Today I would like to continue breaking down the players that could be the top pick. In today’s article I will get to the defensive side of the ball where there are more choices than on the offensive side.

DL: Nick Fairley

First up is University of Auburn’s 6’5” 298lb DT Nick Fairley. Fairley decided to enter the draft early (as a junior) after having a great season and winning a National Championship with Auburn and Cam Newton. Finishing his junior year he recorded 56 total tackles, 32 solo, 12 sacks, and 1 interception. Fairley has the ability to put the pressure on the QB and stop the run up the middle. He has great footwork and hand movements that let him get around defenders and make the play. But the question is since he only has one year of production; Is this a great player or did he just have a great year? Can he lead a defense for the next 7-10 years? Can he make plays on the next level? Besides Cam Newton I think Fairley has the most questions about his playing ability.

DL: Da’Quan Bowers

Bowers is a player that I’ve enjoyed watching recently. Me being a huge ACC fan I think I was able to see a little more of his playing than the majority of fans outside of Clemson and the ACC. Bowers another Junior that declared early for the draft finished his Junior campaign with 67 total tackles, 41 solo, 16 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. Bowers was all over the field this season and seemed to continuously be in the backfield making sacks and hitting players for loses. Bowers lead the nation in Sacks (16) and was tied for first with Tackles for Losses (29) Bowers is a fast, strong DE that can come off the line and use good footwork and hand movement. To me this is probably the second best player in this year’s draft behind LSU CB Patrick Peterson. Bowers will make an instant impact on whichever team he gets drafted to.

DL: Marcell Dareus

Dareus is a 6’4” 319lb DT that ran a 4.92. That means that coming through the middle is a Truck and something people don’t want to get hit with. Dareus knows how to make plays and never gives up on the play. Not only does he have great footwork but he is intelligent on the field, he can read the offense and has great instincts. The problem with Dareus is even though he has good work ethics and he is a good player it doesn’t show in his stats. Dareus finished the season with 33 total tackles and 20 solo with 5 sacks. I think he is a top 10 pick. But kind of dangerous to take with the overall number one pick because he has the ability to be a bust.

CB: Patrick Peterson

Peterson is probably the safest most complete athlete in this year’s draft. A 6’ 219lb CB from LSU that ran a 4.32 at the combine is a threat on the Defense. No QB should throw towards him unless you are sure of yourself (Manning, Brees, Brady, and Rivers) and even then you still have a chance to get picked off and embarrassed. Peterson another one of the record setting 56 underclass men that declared for the draft.

The junior finished his season with 42 Total tackles, 29 solo tackles, and 4 INT with a 33.5 return average. Whichever team Peterson gets drafted to he will become an instant starter and contribute defensively and on special teams. Not only is he a hard hitter and a player that can read the QB and jump routes he is also a great cover corner. Being 219lbs and probably having to gain 5-15 more LBS in the NFL he could move to Safety like current New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle.

I think out of these four players Bowers has the best chance to be the number 1 overall pick, even though Peterson is the best player in this year’s draft. With a CB all you have to do is throw away from him to make him ineffective.