Carriker is a monster at defensive end. He's far and away the most impressive size and strength combo, of any defensive end in this draft. That alone will really help his draft stock. He's got a long torso and arms, which allows him to simply overpower offensive lineman, particularly in the run game. Not elite speed, but a great bull rush straight up field, and that allows him to be a much greater threat in the passing game. Very smart player, and is rarely caught out of position, or take out of plays.
NEGATIVES
Carriker might have made more money, if he'd declared last year. He's had to deal with some nagging little injuries, and his production is down. Some say he's playing lighter, and lost some strength, some say he's just not playing with the intensity and concentration he's known for. Regardless, he's not as good as a senior, as he was as a junior, so he's got ground to make up, in the off-season.
FINAL WORD
In a draft loaded with undersized "rush" defensive ends, a kid like Carriker is rare. He's easily big enough to be that all important 3-4 DE, eating up blockers, stuffing the run, and rushing the passer, when need be, but I think Carriker could just as well end up an every down 4-3 DE, and it may be his best bet. With fewer 3-4 teams, he's going to need to show, he can really get after the passer off the edge, so convince a 4-3 team, he can be an every down lineman.
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