While debating picking Abdul Carter in the first round Cardinals gm pulled some scouting reports and info on him from his High school and College days. Below, we will look at how far this young Phenom has come.
Has size and college-ready frame with freakish athleticism. Has length and wide shoulders. Carries 235 pounds like it is 220. Offers position versatility at college level as linebacker, edge or defensive end since frame can support 250 pounds. Burst and speed shows with ability to run in 4.5s in 40-yard dash. Physical when attacking the ball carrier in space. Changes direction well. Can stack and shed. Has speed to chase play from behind and runs to the sideline well. Has flexibility throughout frame and can dip shoulder and explode in getting around edge. Possesses athleticism to cover and improved depth drops and instincts from his junior season. Matches up well with running back or tight end in pass coverage. Has to continue to learn the linebacker position. Has to be more consistent in playing down hill and filling run fits. Improving ability to sift through traffic is needed. Burst when blitzing suggests edge ability. Could grow into hand-on-the-ground defensive end. Can be impact player at high-level program.
What makes Carter such an intriguing ballplayer is his long-term projection. He’s only just now adjusting to life outside the shoulder of the tackle, yet his burst, power, and bend have consistently overwhelmed the opposition. He can win with speed to the outside shoulder and also showcases a violent inside spin and long arm. His pass-rush repertoire has shown signs of yearly improvement and is only expected to get better as he earns more snaps at the position. And away from his ability strictly as a pass-rusher, he can also serve as an additional body in the middle at linebacker, blitz the A and B gaps from depth, cover in space, and serve as a QB spy due to his speed in space. He added 20-30 lbs and didn’t lose a step which translates well to future pro days.
Coming out of high school as a 4 star tweener linebacker, you can see Abdul refined his skills at Penn state. Originally thought of as a pass coverage and possible situational pass rusher Carter turned himself into a top 10 draft pick who is expected to be a double digit sack edge player.
