Amir Carlisle, WR Notre Dame: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Notre Dame showcased a few NFL talents in 2015, with the likes C.J. Prosise handling running back duties and Will Fuller as the main weapon through the air. With this kind of talent, it can be hard to be noticed. Amir Carlisle wasn’t the top weapon for Notre Dame’s offense, but he was an experienced receiver who excelled at working the slot. Carlisle isn’t a household name and likely won’t be an early-round pick, if he’s a drafted at all, but his is a name to get familiar with, especially if a team is needing depth at wide receiver.

Measurables

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 185 lbs

Year: Graduate

Strengths

Amir Carlisle worked primarily in the slot, working as a second or third option in the passing game and provided an experienced target capable of big plays once the ball was in his hands. Carlisle is tougher than he is given credit for and demonstrated a willingness to block downfield. Carlisle showed impressive burst in and out of his cuts. He has quick feet and plays stronger than his size would indicate, capable of breaking arm tackles and pushing for more yards. His speed is his strength, giving him possible special teams abilities as a kick/punt returner (he’s been recorded as running a 40-yard dash in the 4.3’s).

Weaknesses

Carlisle is a smaller receiver, listed only at 5’10” and will have to add weight if he is going to be able to withstand the hits taken in the slot by NFL linebackers. While Carlisle possesses quick feet, he is not overly agile and will need to be more precise of a route-runner to be a slot receiver at the next level. Many scouts will be deterred by his age, Carlisle is 23 and will be 24 as he starts his rookie season, much older than most other prospects. He will need to prove that he still has room to grow and develop as a receiver.

Final Thoughts

The outlook on Carlisle’s draft stock doesn’t find him as an early pick. He is most likely a sixth to seventh round pick at best, but will most likely be signed as an undrafted free-agent. If teams can see his potential on special teams and he proves that he can develop as a slot-receiver despite his age, he could be a nice project for a team lacking depth at the position. His experience and willingness to do the little things like blocking should get him an early spot on a roster.

Projection: 7th Round – Undrafted Free Agent