2016 NFL Draft Tevin Carter began his college career in 2010 as a WR. Six years, three schools and two position changes later, he’s hoping to be selected in the NFL Draft.
Player Summary
Tevin Carter began his college career at California as a three-star wide receiver in the class of 2010. After redshirting as a freshman, and making stops along the way at L.A. Southwest College and El Camino College, Carter wound up at Utah. As a free safety in 2014, Carter started the first four games of the season before suffering a season-ending groin injury. He made the switch to strong safety in 2015, started 12 games and was named MVP of the Las Vegas Bowl. In his two seasons he totaled 72 tackles, nine for a loss and four interceptions. He possesses a good combination of height and weight on a strong frame with adequate athletic ability.
Measureables
Height: 6’1″ 1/4
Weight: 218 lbs.
Arm Length: 32 inches
Hand Size: 9.25 inches
Pro Day Results
40-Yard Dash: 4.54 seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.60 seconds
Bench Press: 19 reps
Vertical Jump: 34 inches
Broad Jump: 10’4″
Three Cone: 7.23 seconds
Short Shuttle: 4.44 seconds
Games Watched
2015: BYU, California, Michigan, Shrine Game
2014: Colorado State
Strengths
Tevin Carter is a versatile player who lined up at both safety positions for the Utes. In zone coverage, he reads the QB well and doesn’t bite on playaction fakes as a result of good mental processing skills. He picks up receivers quickly in his zone and shows off solid closing speed to make a play on the ball and limit yards after the catch.
As seen in the play below, Carter reads the QB and explodes to the point of attack. He’s able to beat the ball and uses his length to break up the pass.
Another strength seen in that play is his ability to track the football. This comes as no surprise considering he was originally recruited as a wide receiver. When in coverage, he also utilizes his ball skills to high point the ball and possesses reliable hands to intercept the pass.
Carter displays solid competitive toughness as he is very aggressive and physical in the run game. He possesses very good run support skills as he’s able to disengage from blocks before making his way to the point of attack. He’s a physical tackler who doesn’t miss once he gets his hands on the ball carrier. His non-stop motor will appeal to NFL teams as well.
Weaknesses
Carter stands too erect throughout his backpedal as a poor angular body position and tight hips hinder is ability to change directions quickly. This, along with marginal speed, creates problems when he’s asked to play man coverage. Whether it’s against a tight end or slot receiver, Carter struggles to keep up when mirroring routes.
In this play, California throws a quick pass over the middle that goes for 15 yards because Carter was beaten immediately by a TE.
He displays marginal play speed as his inability to move laterally quickly limits the range he can cover on a given play.
In the running game he takes poor, overaggressive angles to the ball which takes him out of too many plays. Outside, he does not constrict running lanes and force the ball carrier back inside. He’s ineffective in the open field as tightness in his hips make it easy for the ball carrier to elude him.
Overall
Overall, Tevin Carter is a backup strong safety who is at his best when in zone coverage. He’s not a safety who should be asked to cover receivers in the slot from man coverage. Ultimately, he will need to play in the box in order to be effective. Some teams may even consider using him at linebacker. He’s a physically imposing prospect, but lacks the athletic ability to make an impact early in his career. Whether he’s a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent, Carter will likely spend a year or two as a special teams contributor or practice squad player.