BUST-O-Meter: Carlos Dunlap

by Jon Dove on Mar 31, 2010 12:00 PM EDT in 2010 NFL Draft

BUST-O-METER

The NFL Draft is suppose to be a time where teams fill their rosters with young promising players that will ensure success in the future, unfortunately this isn’t always the case. Year in and Year out players are selected and fail to live up to their potential and are labeled BUSTS. These Busts could potentially have a crippling affect on a franchises future. Some of the more famous draft Busts are Ryan Leaf, Akili Smith, Lawrence Phillips, and Ki-Jana Carter. How a bust is determined is too undefined to get into details about.

A prime example is the 6 straight losing seasons following the Bengals failure to develop Akili Smith into a capable NFL starter. Compare that to the 6 straight winning seasons produced by the Chargers after drafting Phillip Rivers in 2004. Of course these players are not solely responsible for their team’s success or failures but they did have a major impact.

After looking over the players projected to go in the first round I was amazed how many gave me an uneasy feeling. I am going to start a weekly BUST-O-METER and examine those players who I feel have the biggest red flags. I encourage that all the readers get involved and suggest potential busts of the week. You can email me by clicking the mail link by my user profile. I also encourage good conversation on the comment sections. Leave comments to help me feel better about a player or continue to add on the pile.

Player:

Carlos Dunlap- DE- FLA.

BUST-O-METER:

7 out of 10

Thoughts:

Carlos Dunlap is one of those players that when you see in the gym or at workouts you are left with that special tingling feeling. Dunlap has that rare size and athletic ability that makes you believe that he will be a dominate pass rusher. The problem arises when Dunlap tries to put it all together. Dunlap often negates his physical abilities with poor technique and lack of concentration. Dunlap also character concerns. Dunlap was arrested for a DUI just a few days before the SEC championship game against Alabama. This poor decision has many NFL teams questioning his maturity and commitment to the game.

These issues have lead to a slide in Dunlap’s draft stock, which lead to his 7 out of 10 on the Bust-O-Meter. Dunlap’s draft position will have a lot to do about his bust potential. It’s obvious that Dunlap has the talent to succeed at the next level but does he have the drive and maturity? I have a feeling that as draft day nears teams will focus more on the ability and less on the character which could lead to a team over drafting Dunlap.

Potential Teams: Rams team needs, Buccaneers team needs, Seahawks team needs, Titians team needs, Colts team needs, Falcons team needs, Eagles team needs

Poll

Do Dunlap's character issues out way his potential?

Yes

95 votes

No

91 votes

186 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 12 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

Bold prediction

Carlos Dunlap is my choice for “Guy everyone thinks will bust who won’t”

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Mar 31, 2010 12:16 PM EDT reply actions

my vote is for

the guy who everyone thinks will bust who’s stats say he’s a bust but who’s fans laugh cuz he’s a solid baller".

Get HWSNBN...and they will come

by FreeBradshaw on Mar 31, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

I think this guy will be solid, and everyone is sleeping on him. A ton of mocks have him dropping clear into the later half of the 2nd.

I would hope the Chargers would take him at #40 overall. Anyone know how he would project as a 34DE?

IMO

by Foilhat on Mar 31, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Those are Davis and Pierre Paul IMO>

Scientific research has proven that you lose exactly 5.37 billion brain cells every time you listen to Todd McShay.

by TheRealSlimShady on Mar 31, 2010 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Poll should probably ask:

Do Dunlap’s character issues outweigh his potential?

by LantermanC on Mar 31, 2010 12:21 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

yeah, I was going to point that out.

"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."

by Hyatt on Mar 31, 2010 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions

TRUE or does his perceived bust potential match where he’s being mocked (projected ?

IMO

by Foilhat on Mar 31, 2010 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Huge bust potential. But something tells me he wont be.

by Yankees10 on Mar 31, 2010 12:53 PM EDT reply actions

I agree with Raybin. I think he puts it all together and becomes a real good pro.

I would put up a poll that asks " Who will be the steal of the draft?"

I think Dunlap will get a lot of votes if he he is picked after # 20. Some were predicting he was going to be a top five pick before the season started. I read a few of those predictions for Greg Hardy too.

by NorthLeft12 on Mar 31, 2010 1:04 PM EDT reply actions