Let's make it back-to-back members of the Syracuse Orange as we continue our series of 2011 NFL Draft prospect profiles. Saturday we discussed SU linebacker Doug Hogue. Today, let's take a look at running back DeLone Carter.
We know there is a distinct possibility that the New York Giants running back tandem of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw will be broken up in 2011, either by Bradshaw leaving via free agency or Jacobs being traded or released. Third back D.J. Ware can also be a free agent, so this is a position likely in need of replenishment from somewhere.
Carter is not a game-breaker, but he is a tough, powerful back. Carter has been impressive recently, running for 199 yards and winning the MVP of the Pinstripe Bowl and then garnering offensive MVP honors in the East-West Shrine Game. He can run it and catch it, and might be a guy worth considering in the middle rounds.
Scouting reports after the jump.
Delone Carter
RB, Syracuse University (Sr.)
5-foot-9, 225 pounds
Scouting Reports
From Sideline Scouting:
Positives: Very good at holding onto the football, rarely fumbles… Leaves it all out on the football field, constantly giving 100 percent and gets all the tough yards… Great runner between the tackles, keeps his pads low and churns his legs… Always keeps his legs moving, gets a ton of yards after contact… Should contribute nicely as a short yardage back.
Negatives: Rather slow, gets caught from behind and has trouble reaching the corner on stretch plays and tosses… Below average in the open field, doesn’t have a ton of moves to break long runs… Raw in pass protection, typically is substituted out in third down situations… Hasn’t been asked to contribute much as a receiver, only has 28 career receptions in his four years at Syracuse.
From National Football Post:
A thick, well-put-together running back with a strong-looking lower body and muscular base; does a nice job running behind his pad level. Doesn't give defenders much of an area to hit when asked to run inside and consistently is able to pick his way through the line of scrimmage, break/bounce off tackles and create yards after contact. Displays good balance and lateral ability when asked to change directions and is fluid enough to make a man miss and accelerate quickly out of his breaks. Possesses a good first step, but lacks great straight-line speed. Does a nice job setting up blocks and being patient, but at times will stop moving his feet, try to keep plays alive and take the negative play as opposed to simply lowering his shoulder and working for tough yards.
Does have some character concerns and missed all of spring practice this past year for punching a student in the face over a snowball incident. Has had hip troubles in the past and sustained a bone bruise this year which caused him to miss some time during the middle of the season. However, he can catch the football out of the backfield and although he needs some time, possesses the frame to mature into a solid blocker.
Impression: Exhibits a strong frame, natural running skills and looks like one of the better senior backs in the country. Does have some character and injury concerns, which will likely cause him to slide, but if he can keep his nose clean, he should be able to make and contribute as a tough reserve on an NFL roster.