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Leonte Carroo, WR
School: Rutgers | Conference: Big 10
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 211 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd-4th Round
pSparq: 115.4 / NFL %: 49.0
NFL Comparison: Golden Tate
College Statistics
Player Overview
Carroo is an extremely confident receiver whose college career was interrupted by injury and off-the-field incidents. When he was on the field, however, he was the Scarlet Knight's best player and single-handedly won games with his explosive playmaking ability. In 2014, his first year as a starter, Carroo was the best receiver in the Big 10. He earned first-team All-Conference honors and lead the conference in catches, receiving yards, touchdowns, and yards per catch. In 2015, he was suspended a half game for a curfew violation and then suspended again for allegedly body-slamming his ex-girlfriend outside the stadium following a loss to Washington State. The allegations were apparently fabricated or partially untrue, however, because all charges against Carroo were promptly dropped. He also suffered an ankle injury which held him out of several games, although he managed to play through the pain. Despite appearing in only 60% of Rutgers' contests in 2015, Carroo posted gaudy receiving statistics: 809 yards, 10 touchdowns, and an incredible 20.9 yards per catch. Carroo was invited to the Senior Bowl, but he aggravated the ankle injury in practice and was unable to play in the game. Pro Football Focus is much higher on Carroo than the rest of the media, ranking him the 4th-best wide receiver in the 2016 draft class, and cite his excellent hands, route-running, outside or slot versatility, separation, and elusiveness as key strengths.
Carroo is his own biggest supporter: he stated he would "crush" the Senior Bowl, and although Carroo officially measured at 5'11 7/8", said that he plays like a "6-foot-5" receiver. Carroo resolutely claims there are no issues with his personal character, and implores scouts to call his "elementary, middle, and high school teachers" to inquire whether he was a "good kid". One of the most impressive things about Carroo is that he was clearly the only legitimate receiving threat on Rutgers' roster, yet continued to produce at a high level despite the attention opposing defense paid to him. In three out of eight games last season, Carroo scored nine touchdowns -- that's game-breaking ability. If questions about his personal character check out and he's able to stay healthy, Carroo can be a dynamic receiver at the next level.
Strengths
- Natural hands catcher, catches away from body; able to make receptions on contested 50/50 balls
- Vertical threat that wins with both smooth acceleration and route-running to sell cornerbacks on shorter patterns
- Thick, muscular build provides body armor against big hits; has strength to create yards after catch
- Extremely competitive and confident in ability; voted team captain
Weaknesses
- Off-field concerns: suspended half game for missed curfew and two games for alleged assault on ex-girlfriend
- High-ankle sprain kept Carroo out of four games in 2015; caused him to miss Senior Bowl game and re-aggravated it at Combine
- Can be shut down by press-man corners with length
Media Buzz
Subtle stutter step to freeze Sean Davis. Blows right by him for big game. Crafty. pic.twitter.com/2eXBogsMfh
— Josh Carney (@JCarney_Sports) February 22, 2016
If a mad scientist created a human mashup machine & stuck Treadwell, Coleman & Doctson in one side, Leonte Carroo would trot out the other.
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) March 11, 2016
Rutgers WR Leonte Carroo, a future NFL Draft pick, was once a child model for @GapKids, @RalphLauren https://t.co/bn1ZKy9312 @thegiantswire
— Kristian Dyer (@KristianRDyer) March 10, 2016
The Official 2016 Leonte Carroo NFL Draft Highlight Reel.
— $K7P™ (@NellzSoTrilla) March 4, 2016
For any/all inquiries contact his agent @rsrsports.https://t.co/bANnY6tduV
Leonte Carroo met with two dozen troubled teens in Newark yesterday. My story from a powerful meeting: https://t.co/VIOKIdFrVJ
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) March 2, 2016
Leonte Carroo. Giving the QB a free 58-yd TD https://t.co/CNvbl74aGS
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) March 8, 2016
#Rutgers WR Leonte Carroo - WOW - Nifty release from the line and one-handed catch #NFLDraft https://t.co/bZTIHG81YA
— Steve Frederick (@SportsGuyTweets) February 20, 2016
#Rutgers WR Leonte Carroo - Love seeing this from a WR https://t.co/zgYl3owWzb
— Steve Frederick (@SportsGuyTweets) February 20, 2016