Rookie Depth Chart Battles: Bruce Carter

by Jon Dove on Jun 13, 2011 10:01 AM EDT

More and more NFL rookies are expected to contribute early in their careers. However, for them to make an impact they need to beat out a veteran player. We are going to analyze the situation of specific rookies and determine the likely hood of them winning a position battle.

Player: Bruce Carter

Team: Dallas Cowboys

Position: Linebacker

Competition: Anthony Spencer, Bradie James, Keith Brooking, Sean Lee

Chance of winning the battle: 30 percent

Scouting Report

Thoughts: Bruce Carter is still working to come back from a late season injury. However, he has made good progress and should be 100% by the time training camp opens. He is a very good athlete with the ability to play any of the linebacker positions. He will be competing against a vet core of linebackers as well as last years 2nd round pick Sean Lee.

Both Bradie James and Keith Brooking are on the downside of their career and if they struggle Carter can certainly take advantage. However, he might not be a great fit for an inside linebacker spot which may mean he needs more time to develop. The Cowboys have been waiting for Spencer to breakout and become the sack artist they expected but he has yet to take advantage of having DeMarcus Ware playing opposite of him.

Carter's selection was a bit of a surprise because his skills dont really fit any of the Cowboys linebacker positions. He doesnt have the natural pass rushing ability to play the outside linebacker spot and lacks great bulk and strength the play inside. However, his athletic ability and work ethic mean there is potential for development.

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Reason for selection

While I didn’t necessarily agree with the pick (I would have preferred Brandon Harris) – I do believe I understand their logic:

Rob Ryan’s scheme. His scheme requires versatility as he can have anything from 4 to 1 DL in his fronts. So we needed more athletic/versatie LB’s
ILB. He is earmarked for ILB where both our incumbents are aging and slowing. We need to be ready to replace them.
Nickel LB. While he won’t start immediately – he will likely get on the field as the NIckel LB. Both James and Brooking struggle in coverage and need the break that the Nickel affords. Since we lost Kevin Burnett to SD these two have had to alternate in the Nickel – they aren’t great and it wears them down. Carter has speed and good coverage skills – he is well suited to make a contribution here in the interim.
JJ swinging for the fences. This is a classic Jerry pick. Carter was touted as a Top 20 prospect last year but fell due to his injury. Jerry often goes after these guys, hoping to pick up a first round talent with a 2nd round price tag. High risk for potentially high return.

"Where's Woody? - We need another Darren Woodson

by BoyfromOz on Jun 13, 2011 11:25 AM EDT reply actions