Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Strengths:
Good size for a safety. Carter used that size well to be a force against the opposing running games as a strong safety and hybrid linebacker in sub packages. He’s not a big hitter, but rarely misses tackles. Carter has very sound football instincts, diagnosing plays quickly and correctly which allows Carter to play a little faster than his slow 40-time. He has good ball skills with 13 interceptions over the last three years, times his blitzes well (7 sacks), and was a team captain for the Horned Frogs.
Weaknesses:
Carter would have been drafted based on his production but his lack of straight line speed and stiff hips in coverage likely knocked him out of the draft. The fact that he’s not a big hitter didn’t help his cause either, Carter was a consistent tackler at the college level but there are questions to whether his wrap-and-drag technique will work at the NFL level. His lack of speed and fluidity could result in deficiencies in pass coverage as well. Carter’s elite instincts may make up for his lack of NFL athleticism, but it’s far from a sure thing.
Bears Fit:
Carter fits DC Vic Fangio’s prototype for safety with the size to play in the box and enough coverage ability to play free safety as well. Whether or not he has the athleticism to play free safety will probably be the deciding factor in whether the Bears offer him a contract or not. I watched more than half of TCU’s games last season and my gut feeling is that Carter can contribute at the NFL level. I could be biased due to a soft spot for play-making safeties with solid college production who are always around the ball (Mike Brown types), but we’ll know how Carter’s chances look after the Bears 2nd rookie mini-camp.
Highlights: