2011 NFL Draft,Linebacker,Bruce Carter,North Carolina

Four-year starter who is athletic and can run sideline to sideline. When he sees the ball he reacts, then closes quickly. Average instincts. As natural an athlete at linebacker as there is in the 2011 draft. Fluid with good hip flexibility. A knee bender with quick hands and feet. Pass rush quickness with the ability to redirect. A three down linebacker who makes plays. Doesn’t stay blocked. Good use of hands to ward off blocks. Plays on his feet. Agile getting through traffic in pursuit. Has range, speed, lateral quickness, and a burst to finish off plays on the perimeter of the defense. A grab and drag down type tackler. Inconsistent wrap up with his arms. Appears to be holding back instead of turning it loose on the field. As a zone pass defender he can recognize, react, and drop. Good turn ability with quick feet and speed. In man to man coverage he has catch speed, can recover, and can run with tight ends and backs and many slot receivers. Was third on his team in tackles with 65. He had two sacks and 5 ½ tackles for loss and one interception returned for a touchdown. In 2008 he led the country in blocked kicks with five.