Four 2020 NFL Draft prospects for the Vikings to watch in Week 10
By Luke Parrish
T.J. Carter – CB (Memphis)
vs. #15 SMU
- When: Saturday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, TN
- TV: ABC
James Proche had a career day against the Tigers last season. However, almost all of his grabs came when T.J. Carter was not line up across from him. Carter is the best player on the Tiger defense and is an NFL talent.
T.J. Carter can shut down almost any receiver he plays. Just ask SMU. They could only move the ball when they threw away from Carter and took him out of the game.
While he may not be a first-round draft pick, I think Carter is a Day 2 talent to be had. Even further, I think he is the perfect prototype to play for Mike Zimmer. Given the Vikings situation at cornerback moving forward, they need to keep an eye on Carter between now and the draft.
T.J. Carter is a physical and feisty cornerback on the outside with the size and speed to handle the slot if need be. His mentality is perfect for a Mike Zimmer corner as well. He plays with a tenacity and aggression that makes him a versatile asset.
He is a more-than-willing tackler who can lay the wood on unsuspecting receivers. Carter also has good ball skills and can irritate his matchup with the ball in the air. Of course, he has some flaws. He gets a little handsy down the field and is not shy of holding or interfering with a receiver. I would love to see him in Minnesota next year as a developmental cornerback.
Prediction
T.J. Carter will lockdown whoever he lines up against on Saturday. Unfortunately for Memphis, SMU has two incredible wide receivers and Memphis has just one T.J. Carter. While he will do his job, I think SMU comes out to avenge last year’s loss.