Leonte Carroo is the real deal. Over the past few seasons, as the Rutgers offense struggled mightily, Carroo remained a bright spot. His 6-0, 217-pound frame allows him to out-muscle defensive backs for balls and his 9 3/8 inch hands make the former Scarlet Knight a sure-fire target.
As a senior, Carroo hauled in 39 catches for 809 yards, 10 of which were touchdowns (most in the Big Ten), in only eight games. Most impressively, the 2015 third team all-conference honoree averaged 20.7 yards per catch, an astronomical number considering he was the focal point of opposing teams’ defensive game-plan.
Carroo, who has spent much of the off-season explaining an off-the-field incident to NFL front offices, will look to translate his dominant collegiate career to the next level.
Strengths
Carroo’s biggest strength is his hands. It may sound redundant, but he abides by the saying “If it touches your fingertips, you need to catch it.” Even when running routes, he uses his hands very well to (legally) create separation. Another, more intangible, strength is his grit. One would be hard pressed to find another receiver who won as many balls despite being doubled-teamed. Play in and play out, Scarlet Knight quarterbacks could confidently throw it to Carroo, knowing he would somehow make the play.
Take a look at his highlights from a game against Michigan State in 2015.
Carroo single-handed kept Rutgers in the game against the #4 Spartans. His final stats were seven catches for 134 yards and three touchdowns. Keep in mind that he did that against one of the best defenses in the country.
Weakensses
Leonte Carroo is not the fastest receiver, something you could not always tell from watching tapes. Many of his big plays were a result of the team’s play-action predicated offense. This could be a major hindrance at the next level, where he will be guarded by defensive backs who won’t bite on run fakes.
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Another weakness is his first step. This goes hand in hand with the lack of speed. Carroo struggled to get open against press coverage, something he will face often in the NFL. Prior to the snap, he is very straight up, forcing him to take a step or two to reach full throttle. Professional cornerbacks will make it very difficult for Carroo to find space if that continues.
A high-ankle sprain marred Leonte’s senior season, but it seems as if he is fully healed.
Outlook
In a draft loaded with speedy receivers, Carroo brings something unique to the table: strength. His physical play will give him the chance to be a quality wide-out in the NFL. A pass-heavy league means that receivers will be drafted early and often. On paper, Carroo seems like a first or second round pick. It is most likely, however, that some of his weaknesses will drop him to the third or fourth round. Whichever team, picks up Leonte Carroo will be getting a hard-working guy with the skills to make it at the next level.