Tank Carradine DE Florida State #91
Wt: 276
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Size/Athleticism: Prototypical size and overall build. He’s shown a nice blend of a speed rush and a bull rush. Has the speed to make some plays in pursuit.
Run Defense: Very patient against the run. Stays in his area until the play develops and then goes hard in pursuit. Holds his ground at the point of attack. Plays nasty when engaged at the point of attack. Strong upper body and active hands to disengage from blocks. Does a great job getting keeping his eyes in the backfield and reacting to the play.
Pass Rush: Can be extremely explosive when he wants to be. But he seems tentative at times and hesitates off the snap. Needs to improve his anticipation skills. Plays too upright at times and can get knocked off balance by stronger offensive linemen. Needs to develop his arsenal of pass rush moves. He relies almost exclusive on his speed and bull rush. Needs to get his hands into passing lanes more consistently.
Versatility: Played almost exclusively at left defensive end once he was moved into a starting role. Very little experience playing standing up. Could be considered a 3-4 outside linebacker by some teams due to his athleticism.
Intangibles: Ruled academically ineligible out of high school and forced to added JUCO for two years before committing to Florida State. Very little experience at the highest level. Was not moved into a starting role until Brandon Jenkins went down with an injury in 2012.
Durability: Suffered a torn ACL during regular season finale in 2012.
Comments: Carradine would be a first-round lock if not for the knee injury which will limit him this offseason. However, he expected to be able to work out for teams before the draft and will be ready for the 2013 season. Depending on how his medical reports check out, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t still receive first-round consideration. Players return to full strength from ACL injuries all the time and it should be of little concern.
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