Carr:
2017 NFL Draft Profile: Austin Carr
OVERVIEW
While the 2016 Big Ten Receiver of the Year displays plenty of talent on the field, he also had the musical chops to win the school's Student-Athlete Talent Show in 2013. At that point in his football career, he was searching for a position. He redshirted as a preferred walk-on in 2012 and then didn't see the field the following season as he moved from running back to wide receiver. Carr got on the field a bit in 2014 (7-100) and then contributed enough as a junior (16-302, two TD) to receive a scholarship. His play took off as a senior, receiving first-team All-Big 12 honors in addition to the aforementioned receiver award as he snatched 90 throws for 1,247 yards and 12 scores.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Highly competitive. Former walk-on with very good work ethic and confidence. Plays with toughness. Willing to make his mark over middle of the field. Extremely focused when ball is in the air. Snatches the ball out in front of his frame with strong hands. "Touch it, catch it" target. Able to make the combat catches in traffic. Shows ability to drop feet in bounds to secure last-second catch on sideline. Routes are run with consistent pace and rarely gives defensive backs a snap off. Uses good positioning and leverage in his routes. Finds optimal space in zones when working underneath. Effort stalk blocker who latches with inside hands and attempts to sustain in space.
WEAKNESSES
Doesn't show enough sink into his breaks for sharp, angular cuts in his routes. Effort player who lacks plus athleticism and quick twitch. Process of slowing into top of route and opening to quarterback is slightly prolonged giving defenders a chance to match. Missing light feet and acceleration to uncover out of route breaks. Will sit and wait on throws rather than working back to them aggressively. Below average creativity as run-after-catch option. Not an NFL-caliber vertical threat. Will have to prove he can shake free from press and uncover against tight man.
DRAFT PROJECTION
PFA
BOTTOM LINE
Self-made man whose productivity on the field this season matched up with his talent and productivity off the field. Carr is a big slot receiver who is best left to working on the first and second levels in routes that are more fluid and less angular. He's tough enough to work the middle of the field and secure throws in traffic, but scouts question whether or not he's athletic enough to get open. He's a likely undrafted free agent with an outside shot to make a roster.
