NFL

Teams wary of Auburn star DT

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Cam Newton isn’t the only first-round Auburn prospect in this year’s NFL draft with almost as many character questions as skills.

Nick Fairley, the Tigers’ supremely talented defensive tackle, is in the same boat as his more celebrated teammate when it comes to red flags and intrigue among pro scouts this spring.

There’s no doubting Fairley’s ability, but teams have been so put off by concerns about dirty play on the field and a questionable work ethic off it that some are privately comparing him with notorious head case Albert Haynesworth.

“You’ve got to tread lightly with him because, as good as he looks on film, he could be a one-year wonder,” an AFC general manager told The Post this week. “It’s not like [Ndamukong] Suh, who dominated for a couple of years and you had no doubts whatsoever about.”

The 6-foot-4, 300-pound Fairley, a high school basketball player with an extremely quick first step, remains rated highly on the boards of enough teams that it wouldn’t be a shock if he matched Suh by being taken second overall in the April 28-30 draft at Radio City Music Hall.

After all, it was difficult not to notice Fairley rampaging through Southeastern Conference backfields and leading the nation in tackles for lost yardage as a junior while Auburn streaked undefeated to the BCS crown.

But a plunge to the middle of the first round — or perhaps even lower — wouldn’t be a total shock in Fairley’s case after he was flagged repeatedly for late hits and caught on film spearing opponents with his helmet.

Fairley, for one, is sick of the doubters.

“Everybody is entitled to their opinion,” he said at the scouting combine. “I play the game the way it should be played. I hit a light switch when I hit the field, and it doesn’t turn off until after I leave.”

Fortunately for teams in need of defensive-line help, there is no shortage of quality tackles and 4-3 ends in this year’s class. In fact, some scouts say Clemson’s Da’Quan Bowers might be the most NFL-ready end prospect since Mario Williams went No. 1 overall in 2006.

This also is considered a deep draft at offensive tackle. Three prospects at that spot are considered sure first-rounders as The Post continues its draft preview with a look at the top talent available at the beef positions — offensive and defensive line.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

The Steelers struck gold late in the first round last year by taking Florida center Maurkice Pouncey, who proved to be so astoundingly good as a rookie that scouts already could be heard comparing him with the all-time greats.

Pouncey’s brother, Mike, is considered the top guard in this year’s draft, and some observers wonder if a team in need of a center — the Giants, perhaps? — might move him to the middle in hopes that somehow lightning could strike twice.

Otherwise, the pickings at guard and center are considered extremely slim. Some capable guards — Florida State’s Rodney Hudson and Baylor’s Danny Watkins — likely can be found in the second round, but Penn State’s Stefen Wisniewski is the only center with a grade higher than the third round on most draft boards.

Polished tackles — some even capable of starting on the critical left side as rookies — are much more abundant. Anthony Castonzo of Boston College, Nate Solder of Colorado and Tyron Smith of USC all are deemed top-20 prospects.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

The state of Alabama is Defensive Tackle Central this year, at least at the top of the draft. In addition to Auburn’s Fairley, Alabama run-stuffer Marcell Dareus has scouts buzzing as a high first-round pick.

Dareus is squat enough and strong enough to play over the nose in a 3-4 scheme after doing so in college, but also has a strong motor and is considered agile enough to excel as a 4-3 tackle.

The well at tackle extends a lot deeper than Alabama, though. Illinois’ Corey Liuget, Oregon State’s Stephen Paea and Baylor’s Phil Taylor also are considered likely first-rounders.

The talent pool is just as extensive at the 4-3 end, with North Carolina’s Robert Quinn, Cal’s Cameron Jordan of Cal, Iowa’s Adrian Clayborn and Purdue’s Ryan Kerrigan getting first-round grades in most places.

Next week:

Wide receivers and tight ends

bhubbuch@nypost.com

WHERE THE GIANTS STAND

Age and injuries make offensive tackle a huge area of need for Big Blue, which figures to pounce on one of the numerous highly rated prospects available at that position in the first round. The Giants also require depth at guard and center. The situation isn’t nearly as dire along the defensive line, though Barry Cofield seems unlikely to return and Mathias Kiwanuka’s neck condition clouds his future.

WHERE THE JETS STAND

Offensive line was a strength last season but is still an area of need with right tackle Damien Woody gone and his potential replacement, 2010 No. 2 pick Vladimir Ducasse, looking like a huge project. The Jets will be looking for some early-round help on the defensive line, especially at end. Sione Pouha was a quality replacement for Kris Jenkins at nose tackle, but they could use a young, big body there, too.

Needs to know

Post NFL writer Bart Hubbuch sizes up the needs of every team going into the

April 28-30 NFL Draft:

NFC NORTH

BEARS: OL, RB, DT

Without line help, Jay Cutler really will have a reason to sit out.

LIONS: OLB, CB, S

Jim Schwartz, a former defensive coordinator, still has much

to do on that side of the ball.

PACKERS: RB, OT, TE

Talent level on offense needs to rise to the quality of Aaron Rodgers and his receivers.

VIKINGS: QB, S, WR

Donovan McNabb looks like the 2011 starter, but the future needs addressing, too.

AFC NORTH

BENGALS: QB, WR, S

Cincinnati should accept

reality and look for Carson Palmer’s replacement.

BROWNS: WR, DE, OLB

Colt McCoy looks like a keeper: Give this man some targets!

RAVENS: LT, WR, DE

Because Michael Oher

owns “The Blind Side”

only in the movies.

STEELERS: OL, CB, DL

Aside from center Maurkice Pouncey, the offensive line

was a train wreck.

Next week:

NFC East & AFC East