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Washington Redskins 2016 Draft Profiles: Leonte Carroo, WR

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2016 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins.

By Aaron Lesher

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



How He Fits on the Redskins

Leonte Carroo is severely underrated, especially in a weak WR class. When he's on the field, he's a playmaker and touchdown machine. He fits in Jay Gruden's offense with solid route-running ability and brings traits currently lacking in our receiver corps, like deep speed and proficiency at playing the X, Y, and Z positions. Carroo is also a willing and tenacious run blocker, which is very useful to the types of run formations the Redskins implement.

He's still just 6-foot, which is frustrating for Redskins fans hoping for the addition of a tall receiver. Although I think he would be an explosive weapon for Kirk Cousins and quickly become a fan favorite, I don't really see him as a McCloughan guy. The off-field concerns, while a bit overblown, are probably enough to drop him on the Redskins' big board. Additionally, his comments to the media strike me as a "me-first" type player, which McCloughan tends to avoid. Pre-draft rumors have linked Carroo to the Eagles. I hope for our sake he doesn't end up inside the division.

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