Draft season is just around the corner and there is no better time than now to start breaking down NFL prospects. This class is packed with players that are going to make an impact at the next level. I will cover each and every one of them from the big dudes in the trenches to the erasers patrolling the secondary. Let’s get started with a prospect from the Army Military Academy, Andre Carter II.
The Background
Andre Carter II came to the Army Blacknights as an unranked recruit from Westbury Christian School in Houston, Texas. He came in as a long thin framed kid and has now developed into a monster of a pass rusher. Carter didn’t see any game action as a freshman but did play in ten games making two starts as a sophomore. Carter played mostly in a backup role, registering just 14 tackles, nine solos, one sack, one interception, two PBUs, one forced fumble and one blocked kick. Having shown flashes of what he could be and waiting his turn, Carter would show over the next two seasons that he was one of the nation’s best pass rushers.
In 2021, Carter’s had a huge breakout season as a junior. He would play and start in all 13 games for the Blacknights while setting career-high numbers in nearly every category. Carter produced 44 total tackles, 32 solo stops, 18½ TFLs, 15½ sacks, one interception, three PBUs, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one blocked kick. He finished the campaign nationally ranked in sacks (2nd), forced fumbles (9th), and TFLs (15th). His senior year saw a major dropoff but that was due to a couple of things. Those are not having the talent around him to protect him from the way teams schemed him and asked him to play on the inside. He finished the year with 41 tackles, 21 solo stops, seven TFLs, 3½ sacks, and two PBUs.
Player Breakdown
It’s incredible to see the transformation that Carter has gone through during his time in West Point and has played himself into a projected top-50 pick. Once the season has officially ended and the draft process begins, NFL teams are going to go crazy with the creative ways they can use him. There is a lot to like about Carter’s game and also some things that need to be cleaned up or polished. The first thing that stands out is his size. At 6’7”/260 lbs Carter can fit into any scheme and impact the game in a variety of ways. His length is going present a lot of problems for opposing offenses and on special teams. Combine that length with his high motor play and speed, and you have a special prospect.
Carter is a raw prospect and less experienced than most of the other prospects in this class, but there is a lot of room for growth. He is at his best when he plays wide (think Philadelphia’s wide 9 looks) where he can use his speed/power combination. While he has shown his ability to dominate as a pass rusher, he is going to have to develop his counter repertoire. This shouldn’t be a problem as he’s quickly picked up the EDGE position after being a tight end early in his career. Carter is a decent run defender but he can get too far upfield and out of position at times. When ball carriers get in his wide-reach radius he stops them more often than not.
Lastly on the docket is his coverage abilities. His length allows him to make plays that a lot of other players can’t make. Carter can disrupt and change throwing lanes with his wingspan whether it’s rushing the passer or dropping into coverage. He’s an above-average defender against the pass, so he can hold his own. However, that’s not what he’s going to be asked to do much of, especially early in his career. Carter will also play a major factor on special teams where his height and length again will come into play with his ability to block kicks.
NFL & Fantasy Projection
Carter’s best-projected fit in the NFL is as a 3-4 outside linebacker who can excel as a situational pass rusher until he can develop and polish his game into a bigger role. That overall development will take some time but the upside to his game is well worth the weight. A place I would be interested in seeing him play would be in New England and all the things Bill Bellicheck could do with him. I expect once teams do their due diligence in the draft process, there will be a lot of suitors interested in Carter. He is looking to become the highest-drafted player from Army since 1947. I have a current projection for Carter in the 2nd round.
Carter’s fantasy outlook is one that will start off slow, so fantasy managers need to be patient but long term he has a bright future. He’s a raw player that will need to develop before he can become a star. The work ethic, motor, and physical traits are there, he just needs the added elements to his game. It will come down to the landing spot and how that team can develop Carter. Fantasy managers willing to wait and roll the dice can take a late-round flyer on Carter.
All stats provided by Pro Football Reference
Thanks for reading my article. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). Follow me on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub — I’m user KingTitan1 — and tune in each week and listen to IDP Nation and Devy IDP Grind, the podcasts that I co-host, on several different platforms. Feel free to email or dm me with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy
