NFL Draft Profile: OLB Chris Carter, Fresno State

by Steve Shoup on Mar 10, 2011 3:23 AM EST in Redskins 2011 Draft

Chris Carter, OLB, Fresno State:
Measurables: 6'1", 248 lbs, 4.58 40 time

Pros:

Good pass rusher, shows nice burst off the edge
Productive, 38 TFL in his career, with 19.5 sacks
Impressive speed
Good in pursuit of ball carriers
Has long arms to get in passing lanes and keep blockers away from his body
Smart player, gets the most out of his abilities
Raw talent, with a lot of upside

Cons:

While athletic, he doesn't show great fluidity standing up
Will likely struggle in coverage
Only average against the run, when asked to fight through blocks
Extremely raw as a linebacker, spent a lot of his college career as an End.

Analysis:

While there are some concerns about his ability in coverage and anchoring against the run, Carter is well worth the risk in the mid-to-late rounds. His initial burst off the snap, and acceleration to the quarterback, aren't things you find in just anyone. Given Carter's speed and natural athletic ability he could develop into a better cover guy, and with some more strength he could be effective against the run as well.

Overall I like Carter's potential and see him developing as an every down OLB within a year or two. Until then he should add value as a situational pass rusher/special teamer.

Draft Projection:

Carter has a wide range of views out there on him. Some have suggested he should go as high as the 3rd round, while others put him in more like the 6-7th round range. I put him somewhere in between. While there is a chance he could go in the 4th round, my guess is he will me more of a mid-to-late 5th round guy, who could last till the 6th.

Why He Makes Sense For The Redskins:

As it stands now the Redskins don't have much in the way of talent opposite Brian Orakpo. Lorenzo Alexander is returning and seems to be in better shape, but I wouldn't consider him a great starting option. Rob Jackson looked good in limited action at the end of the season, but he is hardly a star player, and really shouldn't be relied upon for next season.

If the Redskins don't add a rush linebacker with their earlier selections, Carter would be an intriguing option with one of their two 5th round picks. Washington needs to improve their pass rush this season, and the best way to do that is improve at OLB. While Carter wouldn't be able to be a starter as a rookie, he can contribute, and could possibly be on track to take over the starting role by year 2. I think he'd be well worth using one of the Redskins two 2nd round picks on.

Steve Shoup has been a Redskins fan his entire life and dreams of the day they get back to the glory days of his youth. In addition to his regular piece on Hogs Haven, you can find his daily writings at Fanspeak.com.

Poll

Is Chris Carter a good option for the Redskins in the 5th round or later?

Yes

115 votes

No

19 votes

Only if it is later!

45 votes

179 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I'm hoping this position is addressed at #10.

With Robert Quinn.

I consider myself a one man wolfpack..

by Diesel44 on Mar 10, 2011 8:38 AM EST reply actions

I can't wait until the scouting reports on Punters come out

Hogs Haven. On Twitter. And Facebook.

by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 10, 2011 8:50 AM EST reply actions

An oxymoron waiting to happen?

While athletic, he doesn’t show great fluidity standing up

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

by Scott E on Mar 10, 2011 9:07 AM EST reply actions

It could just be inexperience

since he spent a lot of time at DE, but despite his speed and quickness he doesn’t change directions well.

Steveospeak - Content Manager of Fanspeak.com

by Steve Shoup on Mar 10, 2011 10:21 AM EST up reply actions

While

It’s obvious that we all want them to trade back (which they probably will because we are sitting in an attractive #10 spot)

Round 1/Other Pick picked up: Phil Taylor/Leonard Hankerson
Round 2: Brooks Reed
Round 5: Casey Matthews

by Kia.Area51 on Mar 10, 2011 10:26 AM EST reply actions

That would be a good start for the Skins, I'd still like to see a C or G in the early rounds

but hard to argue against Taylor and Reed.

Steveospeak - Content Manager of Fanspeak.com

by Steve Shoup on Mar 10, 2011 10:41 AM EST up reply actions

real true steveo

but you have a couple guys like cook and capers – then you draft on top of them with a guy like Rodney Hudson or S. Wisniew -

hopefully we can accumulate more picks

by Kia.Area51 on Mar 10, 2011 11:03 AM EST up reply actions

def.

we need to address as many needs as possible, getting a star player at 10 and a good player at 41 isn’t enough i’d rather have a multiple very good players, to help build this team up.

Steveospeak - Content Manager of Fanspeak.com

by Steve Shoup on Mar 10, 2011 11:21 AM EST up reply actions

yeah

I’d say – OLB/NT/WR/C – i’m tired of seeing the opposing D run right through the middle of our Oline

is it bad that i don’t have QB on this list??lol

by Kia.Area51 on Mar 10, 2011 11:47 AM EST up reply actions

I'd say ...

A good first round pick at #10 would either be NT, or G/C. In the first case, Phil Taylor of Baylor, or Stephen Peae from Oregon State. Both are just man eaters! But there’s only one great G/C, and that’s Mike Pouncey of Florida! He’s an impact player too! These three players are just that … PLAYERS!

Rick "the Rebel" Hall

by Rebel2650 on Mar 11, 2011 12:50 PM EST reply actions