Bruce Carter Scouting Report

During the 2007 campaign, Bruce Carter made an immediate impact as a true freshman. He was one of many freshmen to play in that game, but he blocked a punt during his first collegiate contest. And things kept getting better for the 6-3, 225 pound outside linebacker. By the end of his freshman campaign Carter had seven starts under his belt and was making obvious strides late in the year. In fact, nearly all of his tackles came late in the season. The late success of the 2007 season paved the way for a breakout 2008 campaign.

There was nothing Carter did not do as a sophomore. He started all 13 games at outside linebacker and totaled 68 tackles, 11.0 tackles-for-loss, 5.0 sacks and one interception. Although Carter spent his junior season being overshadowed by fellow linebacker Quan Sturdivant, he still ranked third on the team in tackles with 65 and added 7.5 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks and one interception. Carter has been a leader throughout the 2010 campaign while a large portion of the defense has missed some time or been kicked off the team.

Carter always seems to be around the ball and is capable of making the big play. His strength and speed are helpful, but he simply has great football instincts. That is why many considered him one of the top 10 or 15 outside linebackers heading into the 2009 campaign. Having opted to stay in school (and out of trouble), Carter's stock has moved way up and he is considered by many as the top outside linebacker in this class.

2/8 Update: Carter missed out on part of his senior season after suffering an ACL injury. He can come back from it, but Carter relies on his athleticism, not his instincts, so any major injury like that is a red flag to scouts. Carter will need to show NFL teams how much he has progressed from his surgery prior to the draft, but he is turning into a risky first round pick and could fall into the second round.

4/4 Update: Carter has not been able to work out for scouts since his injury and that is hurting his draft stock. However, his past production and physical tools will be hard to overlook. But it is his need to use his physical dominance that has scouts so scared. If he does not fully recover, Carter will not be nearly as productive as he has been. Yet, if he does recover, Carter will be an absolute steal in the second or third round.