Chris Carter (DE/OLB, Fresno State)

[PackersRS]

NFL Draft Prospect: LB Chris Carter - Video

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr6rRlyPJhA]YouTube - Draft Preview: Chris Carter[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMVtxfRt8ok]YouTube - Chris Carter, DE, Fresno State (2009)[/ame]

according to National Football Post:Chris Carter

An undersized defensive end prospect who displays a long set of arms but doesn't look capable of playing with his hand on the ground at the next level. Doesn't have the type of girth to consistently hold up at the point of attack in the run game. Plus, he doesn't look real comfortable trying to coil up and sit into his stance. Seems a bit stiff and doesn't really keep his butt down off the football, playing with his shoulders down and butt up as he fires off the edge.

Seems to be better suited to rush more so from a two-point stance. However, he does display good initial explosion off the snap and has the burst to consistently threaten the edge. But again, allows his pad level to get too upright at times when trying to flatten out and can be easily pushed past the pocket because he struggles to dip his shoulder on the edge. Does display some lateral quickness though and suddenness on his inside move and stunt. Does a nice job using his length to pick his way through traffic, is sudden to slip and accelerates well inside. Gets a bit sloppy with his hand placement into contact with the offensive tackle off the edge, getting his paws outside the frame of the blocker. However, looks much more comfortable on the stunt dropping his pad level, getting his hands inside and works his legs through the bull. Does have some counter ability off his initial speed rush, but can be a bit slow at times to disengage. Has a sudden spin he can go to and uses his hands/length well at times, but he does need to develop in that area.

Impression: His initial burst will certainly give him a chance and he does have some upside because of his higher pad level and inconsistent counters. The guy knows how to pressure the QB and should be more effective standing up as a 3-4 rush backer.

By NflDraftScout Chris Carter, Fresno State, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

Overview Carter will need to become more polished in coverage and develop better reactions against the run if he wants to be an every-down player at the next level. His raw athleticism and repertoire of pass-rush skills make him an intriguing prospect in the fourth or fifth round for a team looking to add a pass-rushing outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.
Analysis Positives: Explosive athlete with long arms and muscular frame. Good burst off the snap when rushing from the edge. Dips his shoulder and displays good balance when turning the corner against bigger offensive tackles. Above-average hip flexibility and agility to get low and maintain lean when he gets into the chest of bigger, stronger tackles off the edge. Able to get thin and burst through cracks in the line on inside stunts. Nice spin move back to the inside, using arm length to disengage and close on the quarterback. Maintains proper pad levels when rushing from a stand-up position. Possesses burst and acceleration to chase down ball carriers from behind on running plays. Extends arms against the run to hold off taller, wider blockers and maintain backfield vision to track the ballcarrier.
Negatives: Too small to play classic 4-3 end position at the next level, and has limited experience playing off the line. Lacks the bulk and power to shed bigger blockers and make plays against the run once he loses arm extension and leverage. Will give up pursuit on run plays that he feels are out of his range. Has limited experience playing in space and seems overwhelmed when dropping into zone coverage as a linebacker. Struggles to keep his eyes in the backfield while maintaining a track on receivers in his zone. Displays sluggish reaction to the run, getting a late start toward the ball carrier. Possesses instincts of a defensive end, but frame and physical makeup of a linebacker.

What really took my interest was his outstanding combine numbers.
1.59 10-yard split, 36 vertical, 4.34 20-yard shuttle, 6.88 3-cone drill. Those are usually indicative of an elite 3-4 OLB.

His motor and unfamiliarity with the position will no doubt turn off teams, but based on athleticism alone, he's an elite prospect, the second best 3-4 OLB in the draft behind Von Miller.

 

[Calhoun Lambeau]

He's a guy that definitely fits the bill as an OLB for us. The only negatives he really has is inexperience playing linebacker and the transition to playing in space that comes with it, and that's something that more than half the 34 rush linebackers have when they come to the NFL from having been college DE's. For me he's a 3rd round guy.