2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Bruce Carter
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Strengths:
Very athletic
Sideline-to-sideline player
Speed and strength
Pursues well
High football IQ
Disciplined; stays in position
Workout warrior
Special teams factor
Experience at high level
Weaknesses: Needs to put on weight
Struggles to shed blocks
Reaction skills lacking
Not a proven pass rusher
Will miss some tackles
2010 season ended with knee injury
Summary: Bruce Carter had some disappointment at the start of the season when fellow Tar Heel standouts were suspended, and at the end of it when he tore his ACL. His outlook heading into the 2011 NFL Draft would certainly be much different had he played on an elite defense and finished the year healthy. Instead there are lingering doubts.
Linebackers on the weak side are not as coveted in the draft as it is, but Carter is one of the top prospects in that spot. This is not to say a team won't bank on his athleticism hoping he can add weight and play in their 3-4. His contribution blocking kicks has to be considered because teams are always looking for special teams help in their linebackers.
Player Comparison: Quincy Black. Neither player is known for tackling prowess, and they share very similar height, weight and speed measurables. Whereas Black saw his stock rise with a strong showing at the Combine, Carter's medical has him trending down. In the final analysis, however, it looks like Carter might be an early third-round pick just as Black was.
RELATED LINKS:
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Greg's | Walt's
2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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Weaknesses:
Summary: Bruce Carter had some disappointment at the start of the season when fellow Tar Heel standouts were suspended, and at the end of it when he tore his ACL. His outlook heading into the 2011 NFL Draft would certainly be much different had he played on an elite defense and finished the year healthy. Instead there are lingering doubts.
Linebackers on the weak side are not as coveted in the draft as it is, but Carter is one of the top prospects in that spot. This is not to say a team won't bank on his athleticism hoping he can add weight and play in their 3-4. His contribution blocking kicks has to be considered because teams are always looking for special teams help in their linebackers.
Player Comparison: Quincy Black. Neither player is known for tackling prowess, and they share very similar height, weight and speed measurables. Whereas Black saw his stock rise with a strong showing at the Combine, Carter's medical has him trending down. In the final analysis, however, it looks like Carter might be an early third-round pick just as Black was.
RELATED LINKS:
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Greg's | Walt's
2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports