In Mobile, Ala. for the 2011 Senior Bowl, the Carolina Panthers' general manager, Marty Hurney said that the team's top need is quarterback, followed by defensive tackle, reports the Charlotte Observer. However, Hurney only said that the team will address the quarterback situation through either free agency or the draft.
The top quarterbacks in this draft include Auburn's Cam Newton and Missouri's Blaine Gabbert. Neither is considered a can't-miss prospect, and in the latest SB Nation mock draft Gabbert is the first quarterback off the board, at No. 8 to the Tennessee Titans.
So, if Hurney and the Panthers go in a different direction, defensive tackle is the likely selection. In the article Hurney is quoted as saying Auburn Defensive tackle Nick Fairley is "an impact player inside." Fairley has earned a reputation for being a bit "nasty" in his play, but also as player who takes plays off.
What does this mean for the Denver Broncos? It doesn't limit the team's possibilities that much, and a cornerback like LSU's Patrick Peterson may be a player the team is focused on.