I, of course, do not have a magic ball (wish I did!) or the ability to truly analyze players like the professionals (wish I could!). This is all opinion, as you know.VikingLord wrote: If they were such sure things, why were both still on the board at #12? Why did Amukamara drop to #19?
I don't think any of us can know what the guys who evaluate players for a living know about these guys. Fairly had one great season in college. One. Even then, he showed only flashes. IMHO, he might resemble Sapp when he's trying, but there were plenty of times when it didn't seem like he was trying too hard. That might change with the Lions, or it might not. Fairly's pattern strikes me as the classic NFL player who is up for free agency and in his final year with a team he dominates, then gets the big contract and declines. With Fairly I think that is more likely to happen then we're going to see him consistently dominate. And quite honestly, I'd rather not have another Ray Edwards on the defensive line.
From what I've seen Jake Locker is the white, QB version of Percy Harvin, except in Locker's case he's a slower runner and thrower instead of a runner and catcher. He's got a long way's to go to unlearn his propensity to use his legs to make plays, as well as learn to set up properly (and consistently) to deliver the ball where he wants it to go. That was a significant problem for him every year he was in college, and it's likely to continue in the pros.
I am sure Fairley dropped a bit thanks to some of the issues you mentioned. However, pairing him with a guy liek Kevin Williams (or like Suh) can only help him be a productive player. All the pieces are in place for the kid to succeed and would have been in place with the Vikes as well. If it's a motivation issue then that comes down to the psychology of coaching and, personally, for some reason I have faith in Frazier in that department.
Amukamara dropped primarily because of his speed. Some fear he doesn't have the speed to keep up with the burners in the league. But, he has the smarts to make sure he is in the right position to make a play and that makes up in a big way for any shortcomings in the speed department.
As for Locker, he was the ONLY thing going for Washington and he was required to do everything and anything to help the team. He had terrible protection and that's why he had to rely on his legs too often. I don't think it will be hard for him to scale that back. People rag on his accuracy, but he was making most of his throws on the run. He has solid mechanics and fundamentals and the only issue is plugging him into a system that works to his strengths. I think he really has an opportunity to be a great QB.