BBV Community Mock Draft 2011: With The Second Pick, Denver Selects ...

Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn.

Playing the role of general manager for Denver is our own Mike Fiammetta. Here is his reason for the pick:

Last season, very few units in the NFL were weaker than the Denver Broncos' defense. All around, problems persist, especially with the once-stout secondary now aging. With Fairley, the Broncos will get a 6-foot-5, 298-pound defensive tackle that explodes off the line of scrimmage, gets in the backfield and can pressure the quarterback with frequency and ease.

In short, the Broncos will be able to install Fairley as a central cog in their defense and build around him for years to come.

Fairley is also strong against the run, and possesses a main streak that was unparalleled at the college level. It may have drawn the ire of some opposing players, coaches and the media, but in the NFL, teams will love his passion for inflicting pain.

My take: No question the Broncos will go defense with this selection. They just hired the defensive-minded John Fox as their coach and are switching from the 3-4 to the 4-3 defensive alignment. This is also the selection ESPN's Mel Kiper made for Denver in his most recent mock, calling Fairley "the best defensive lineman in a remarkably deep class." Cornerback Patrick Peterson of LSU also deserves consideration here, but to change systems you have to change your front seven, and Fairley would be a logical choice to help Denver do that.

Round 1

Round 2