Listen to this .......Markell Carter
 

Markell Carter Interview - 5/12/2012

Markelle Carter was one of those draft picks like Ebert and Wilson that BB makes each year that befuddles us to no end. Almost as surprising as the fact that the Pats drafted him in the first place, was that they paid him a full roster salary just to keep him on the PS this past season.

I had heard whispers that he was a player to look out for this TC, and I had thought tout him as my surprise player to watch in some "idle thoughts" opus as we drew close to TC. However I happened to listen to a interview he gave over on Patriots.com and I can't tell you how impressed I was with this kid's demeanor and character. Just in a simple interview you can see why Bill was driven to draft him AND keep him around.

The roster lists him at 248, but in the interview he stated that he's now closer to 275. IIRC one of the this kid's assets was his explosiveness and quick first step. Well guys, it seems like the Pats have ANOTHER 6'4 guy which long arms and an explosive first step....and he's only 22.

At one point I was 100% sure that Andre Carter was a lock to be resigned and Jermaine Cunningham would be on the final 53. Both may still happen, but I'm no longer 100% sure. There are a lot of guys who look like great prospects who all have the same kind of skills. What a competition this training camp is going to be.

I dare to listen to this short interview and NOT come away with thinking Markelle Carter is now your own personal binky to make this roster.

re: Listen to this .......Markell Carter
 

Its a trend... thank god, I like it.

Mike Reiss has the condensed version..

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-e...ty-at-minicamp

Re: Listen to this .......Markell Carter
 

This is why I'm interested in him as well. He had great measureables all around that BB wants in an OLB besides his weight, which was light at 248. I read an article last year how he got to 260ish, and now if true that he is close to 275, that shows this kid's work ethic.

Re: Listen to this .......Markell Carter
 

275?

Bring on the "NASCAR package"! Jones-Carter-Carter (if brought back)-Bequette on 3rd & long? I like the sound of it.

On the interview: he sounds much older than he is, he sounds like a smart kid and a natural leader, I hope he sticks around.

Re: Listen to this .......Markell Carter
 

Thanks for the link, Darryl. But its one thing to read an account of his interview, and another to hear it from his own lips. You can just tell that this kid is bright, mature, and knows what he has to do to make this team....and isn't intimidated by the prospect.

Its almost like he's following a road map to the roster. Pay his dues on the PS. Learn the Patriot way (which he mentions several times). Get get bigger. Get stronger. Understand the defensive concepts. Learn the techniques. Compete.....and let the chips fall where they may. Quite simply, "he gets it".

Unfortunately there are a lot of people competing for very few roster spots. Ultimately, while good for the Pats in the long run, it may mean Carter will have to go to another team to continue his development. I don't think he'll want to endure another year on the PS, even if the money is right. Besides, I don't think he'll survive the waiver wire.

Re: Listen to this .......Markell Carter
 

Thanks Ken, I agree. He comes across as a guy you'd be delighted to hire for almost any line of work.

Re: Listen to this .......Markell Carter
 

Thanx for posting that Ken. If I wasn't already rooting for this kid to make the team I definitely would be after hearing that. He was a 6th round pick last year, but at age 22, with the steady, and healthy, weight gains he is making, with a strong year on the practice squad working with the Pats coaches, I don't know how high he would have been drafted if he was available in this year's draft, but I expect he would definitely be seen as a "riser" much as Tavon Wilson was.

He just sounds so perfect to have as a teammate, and his character would be a very positive addition to the 53.

While it certainly holds for other teams as well, the fact that he is just now getting to experience his first mini-camp, really reminds you that last season was really a lost year for these rookies, and for some players who sadly, didn't get to contribute much last season, like Vereen, this is the true beginning of their careers, and will be a shot in the arm for teams who had drafted these players but didn't get any return on the investment last year.

In some ways, it was a gr8 move drafting players like Carter, since with the year spent on IR, he has become a better and more valuable prospect; he has put on more solid weight, is better prepared mentally and is healthy.

There is every reason to be very excited about Markell Carter's future as a Pat, and while there are certainly some differences, I am thinking about Carter somewhat in the same way as I am viewing Chandler Jones, in that he isn't expected to be a force his first season, but is expected to be one in latter seasons. Carter's tool may make him a similar type of prospect.

Re: Listen to this .......Markell Carter
 

Crazy that he entered college as a wide receiver. I would love to see this kid burst onto the scene.

Re: Listen to this .......Markell Carter
 

He was my binky last year, still my binky this year. I can't remember wanting a player to succeed more than Markell Carter. His attitude is just perfect.

Re: Listen to this .......Markell Carter
 

But but.. can he rush the passer I ask.