2020 NFL Draft: Terrell Carter needs to recreate freshman success in 2019

The 2020 NFL Draft cornerback class will be loaded, top to bottom with talent, but look no further than Memphis Tiger, Terrell “T.J.” Carter.

Checking in on the cornerback prospects for the 2020 NFL Draft, explosive Memphis defensive back Terrell Carter could be quite a steal.

In high school, Carter played both sides of the ball — on defense he played corner and on offense, he was a running back. Despite surpassing 2,000 yards from scrimmage as a senior he was recruited to play corner for the Memphis Tigers.

T.J. (as he’s commonly known) burst onto the scene for Memphis in 2017. Carter started all 13 games for the Tigers, leading them in total takeaways, and pass deflections. He was awarded for his outstanding play, receiving AAC rookie of the year honors.

Despite a dip in turnover production, Carter still remains an intriguing prospect when projecting to the next level. Below we’ll take a look at what makes Carter an appealing prospect.

Scouting Report

Pros:

• Carter has great ball skills. Despite being undersized Carter does a great job attacking the ball at its highest point. He doesn’t always beat the receiver to the catch-point, but he plays through the ball, breaking up the pass despite the receiver making the catch.
• More physical than most corners, he isn’t afraid to step up and lay a big hit. Using his physicality, he attacks blockers against the run maintaining outside leverage and keeping his outside shoulder clean. Good tackler.
• At the line-of-scrimmage, he displays great patience and footwork, mirroring the receiver off the line. Very smooth and balanced in his backpedal. He keeps his hands loaded and ready at his hips.
• Against superior athletes, Carter isn’t afraid to impose his will at the line-of-scrimmage. When he knows he is outmatched athletically, he uses his hands to slow down the receivers’ release and maintain leverage.
• Carter is a very smooth athlete; he has quick feet and oily hips allowing for him to stick to receivers downfield and closeout on underneath routes.
• In zone coverage, he shows solid awareness picking up routes approaching his zone. He has a good feel for when receivers get behind him.
• Durable. Has yet to miss a start for the Tigers.

Cons:

• In off-man, Carter can tend to give up too much cushion, not giving himself a chance to make a play on the ball.
• He may not fit the physical standards to be a lockdown corner at the next level. Carter is under 6-feet and doesn’t possess the speed necessary to keep up with some of the receivers at the next level.
• Needs to improve his anticipation. He tends to commit too early to vertical routes, making him susceptible to breaking routes and double moves.
• At times his aggressiveness can get the best of him. At the line, he often shoots two hands instead of one, locking his hips, making it difficult to turn-and-burn. Before and at the catch-point Carter will get too handsy, accruing several pass interference penalties. In off-man, he will allow the receiver to get on his toes because he wants to bump them. He needs to be more methodical and technical with his hands.
• Carter lacks natural hands. In the Houston game, he dropped an easy interception and had a tough time securing the interception he did make that game.

Summary:

Memphis’ new hire at defensive coordinator, Adam Fuller, will run more press coverage than the Tigers did the last season, allowing Carter to get back to his strengths: mirroring and matching his opponent at the line-of-scrimmage.

T.J. will need to duplicate his freshman year when he led the team in takeaways if he wants to see a big jump in his stock. Another year of experience should allow him to refine his skills, hopefully getting rid of some unnecessary penalties.

Although he did have his issues in off-man coverage, Carter has proven to be capable and understands his responsibility, giving him a step-up on the competition.

Projected Round Grade: 3rd Round