2015 NFL Draft Profile: Alex Carter, CB Stanford

Stanford cornerback Alex Carter has good size and excellent jumping ability. Because of this, he can win jump balls against some of the best receivers that he went up against. Best when used in a man scheme and pressing receivers, he’s a very physical player who isn’t afraid to throw his body around.

However there are some reasons to be concerned. Typically, he seems late to mirror receivers on their cuts and breaks, creating separation where there shouldn’t be any. Although he closes in fast once he does get going in the right direction, the question of his instincts raises a big red flag.

However, a team looking for a bigger, physical cornerback with great leaping skills might take a chance on Alex Carter if they feel they can work with him on improving his recognition and mirroring, they could develop him into a good cornerback at the NFL level. The biggest questions are how much would it take to get him good to go and how early would they be willing to risk a draft pick on a player that might not pan out.

Nov 15, 2014; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal cornerback Alex Carter (25) lines up against the Utah Utes during the second half at Stanford Stadium. Utah won 20-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Combine Measurables:

Height: 6’0″
Weight: 196 pounds
Arm Length: 32 1/8″
Hand Size: 9 1/8″
40 Yard Dash: 4.51 seconds
Bench Press: 17 reps
Vertical Jump: 40.0″
Broad Jump: 121″
3 Cone Drill: 7.05 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.07 seconds
60 Yard Shuttle: 11.31 seconds

Draft Projection

Alex Carter is the #119 prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports and is their #15 cornerback available in the draft class. They project him to be a third to fourth round draft pick.

NFL Player Comparison

NFL.com: David Amerson, Washington Redskins
CBSSports.com: N/A

Fit For The Vikings

Minnesota will be looking for a starting caliber cornerback to play opposite Xavier Rhodes and could also look to improve depth as well as add competition at the position.

My Take

As much as I like Alex Carter’s size and jumping ability, it would be really hard to see anything earlier than a mid round selection be used on him. He’s got some great physical gifts, but trying to work with someone to improve their instincts is tough. And as much as it could be worth it in the long run, it would be a huge gamble that might not be worth it.

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