Nick Fairley: NFL Draft's No. 1 After BCS National Championship Game?

Nick Fairley lived up to his reputation in the BCS National Championship Game, that's for sure.

The defensive tackle had a standout game as Oregon was seemingly unable to block him. He finished with five tackles (three for loss), a sack and a forced fumble, and was part of a key fourth-and-1 goal-line stop late in the third quarter that saved a touchdown. But while Fairley has become known as a force, he's also become known as a dirty player, and validated those accusations with a shove to LaMichael James' head that earned a 15-yard personal foul flag.

Still, with Andrew Luck opting to return to Stanford, the No. 1 spot in the NFL draft is wide open, and Fairley was considered a possible candidate even before dominating on college football's biggest stage.

Did Fairley become the projected No. 1 pick with his performance? He does come with concerns.

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Some are worried about whether Fairley is a one-year wonder given the gigantic leap he took from 2009 to 2010. His reportedly questionable work ethic is reason for pause, as well, especially at a position that requires a nonstop motor. Also, while NFL coaches will surely appreciate his passion, Fairley's quick temper and penchant for undisciplined penalties will need to be reined in by whoever coaches him.

Of course, you also have to consider who has the No. 1 pick -- the Panthers.

While the Panthers need help on the defensive line, Fairley may not fit their scheme. With the news that Ron Rivera is close to becoming the team's coach, it's likely the Panthers will switch to a 3-4 defense. As a three-technique tackle, Fairley doesn't have the size or power to play on the line in that scheme.

So while it's possible -- and likely -- that Fairley's performance will get the hype machine rolling in his favor, causing many to call him the new consensus No. 1, it's possible that the Panthers could be disappointed if they select him first overall.