As the dust settled from the college football season and the NFL Draft approached, one name echoed through scouting circles: Nick Fairley. There was little debate that Auburn’s powerhouse was the premier defensive tackle prospect of the 2011 class. The real Cat Scratch Story, however, wasn’t about Fairley’s dominance at the top, but rather the fascinating depth and talent that lay just beneath the surface. Unlike some years where the elite talent thins out quickly, 2011 boasted a compelling group of defensive tackles, creating intrigue for teams like the Carolina Panthers, who were keenly focused on bolstering their defensive front.
For the Panthers, upgrading the defensive tackle position wasn’t just a want—it was a critical need. The 2011 draft presented a golden opportunity, brimming with potential at a position of significant importance. It was widely anticipated that the Panthers would use one, if not two, of their top draft picks to secure defensive tackle talent, highlighting the depth of this draft class. The real question wasn’t if they would draft a DT, but which ones, and at what value, especially if they considered trading down to maximize their draft capital.
Let’s delve into the cat scratch story of those defensive tackles who were projected to be available in the mid to late first round, the second round (a prime target for a trade-down scenario), and the top of the third round. These were the players who formed the compelling narrative behind the dominant headliner, Fairley.
Marcell Dareus
Marcell Dareus NFL Draft Prospect
Marcell Dareus presented an intriguing puzzle for NFL scouts. Was he destined to be a disruptive 4-3 defensive tackle or a space-eating 3-4 defensive end? Regardless of the label, his talent was undeniable. Dareus wasn’t necessarily known for racking up sacks or consistently penetrating into the backfield to disrupt plays single-handedly. His strength lay in his sheer size and power, capable of commanding double teams and clogging running lanes. For teams seeking a dominant presence in the middle to absorb blocks and allow linebackers to roam free, Dareus was a compelling option. The critical question teams had to answer: Was using a top-15 pick justified for a player whose primary impact was soaking up blocks?
- Projected: Top 15 pick
Corey Liuget
Corey Liuget Illinois Defensive Tackle
Corey Liuget, the 300-pound force from Illinois, entered the draft hoping to prove his legitimacy as a top prospect. His 2010 season, marked by 63 tackles and 5 sacks, showcased a well-rounded skillset. Liuget was often considered a “poor man’s Nick Fairley,” possessing a similar blend of athleticism and power, albeit at a slightly lower level. For the Panthers, Liuget represented an enticing scenario. If they could trade back in the draft, acquire additional picks, and still land a player of Liuget’s caliber, the perceived drop-off from Fairley might be a worthwhile trade-off.
- Projected: Top 20 pick
Phil Taylor
Phil Taylor NFL Draft BaylorPhil Taylor was aptly described as a “load” – a massive, powerful, and surprisingly agile presence on the defensive line. Weighing in at 337 pounds, Taylor stood out as the draft’s premier 3-4 nose tackle prospect. However, his agility, reportedly faster than Kris Jenkins, suggested he could seamlessly transition to a 4-3 scheme as well. Concerns lingered about the level of competition he faced at Baylor, but his impressive physical attributes were undeniable. Teams recognized his potential, projecting him as a possible late first-round or early second-round pick, making him a prime target should the Panthers execute a trade down.
- Projected: Late 1st or early 2nd round pick.
Stephen Paea
Stephen Paea Defensive Tackle Injury
Stephen Paea, hailing from Aukland, New Zealand, experienced a bittersweet end to his otherwise stellar 2010 season. The 288-pound defensive tackle was firmly on track to be a late first-round selection. However, a knee injury sustained during Senior Bowl practices, requiring meniscus surgery, significantly impacted his draft stock. While considered a relatively minor injury in the long run, it cast doubt in the minds of some teams, potentially causing Paea to slide into the second round. If Paea could fully recover and regain his pre-injury form, he would represent an absolute steal for any team landing a player who had previously amassed 45 tackles and 6 sacks against strong Pac-10 competition.
- Projected: Mid-late 2nd round pick
Marvin Austin
Projecting Marvin Austin from UNC was a complex undertaking. Once considered a potential top-10 pick, Austin still possessed that tantalizing potential. However, his 2010 season was derailed by a UNC suspension for NCAA rule violations, leaving scouts with significant questions about his current condition and mindset. Talent-wise, Austin mirrored Nick Fairley, exhibiting similar explosiveness and disruptive capabilities when fully engaged. The crucial unknown was his motivation and commitment. This uncertainty, coupled with the off-field concerns, led to Austin’s draft stock falling, despite his undeniable raw talent.
- Projected: Late 2nd round pick
Jurrell Casey
Jurrell Casey USC Defensive Line
Jurrell Casey represented a solid defensive tackle option at the top of the third round, potentially a valuable second DT pickup for a team like the Panthers. His stat line of 67 tackles and 5 sacks in his final season might have inflated perceptions of his dominance. Casey projected as a typical “under tackle” – a player capable of becoming a reliable NFL starter and a consistent contributor. However, he wasn’t necessarily viewed as the game-changing “impact player” that teams often prioritize at the defensive tackle position.
- Projected: Early 3rd round pick
Sione Fua
While Sione Fua might not have been the Stanford rookie the Panthers fanbase was dreaming of (alluding to Andrew Luck, though drafted later), he offered significant value as a pro prospect. His 23 tackles and 5 sacks didn’t fully reflect his impact, as many teams game-planned to avoid his side of the field. Similar to Jurrell Casey, Fua wasn’t projected to be a dominant, game-wrecking under tackle, but he was anticipated to be a highly dependable contributor and a quality starter in the NFL. For the Panthers, selecting Fua at the top of the 3rd round would be considered a major win, securing a valuable piece for their defensive line.
- Projected: Early 3rd round pick
Conclusion: A Draft Rich in Defensive Line Talent
The 2011 NFL Draft was more than just the Nick Fairley story. It was a cat scratch story of depth and opportunity, particularly at defensive tackle. For teams like the Carolina Panthers, desperately seeking to fortify their defensive line, this draft class presented a buffet of options. From potential top-15 anchors like Dareus, to high-value second-round targets like Liuget and Paea, and solid third-round contributors like Casey and Fua, the 2011 draft offered a range of talents and styles. The real cat scratch story would unfold on draft day, revealing which of these defensive line prospects would become the cornerstones of their respective NFL defenses.
