Ka'Deem Carey NFL Draft 2014: Highlights, Scouting Report for Bears RB

Ka'Deem Carey, RB, Arizona (HT: 5'9⅜", WT: 207 lbs.) 

Chicago Bears

Fourth Round: 117th Pick

NFL Comparison: Zac Stacy, RB, St. Louis Rams

Height	Weight	Arm	Hand
5093	207	31 3/4"	9 1/2"

40-yd dash	10-yd split	Vert	Broad	3-Cone	Shuttle
4.70	1.59	32.5"	9'7"	7.08	4.38

Positives

• Good cutback runner, demonstrates quick reflexes and lateral agility
• Three-down running back who offers value in the passing game. A solid receiver and blocker
• Fairly elusive, changes speeds well and can make defenders miss in space
• Impressive balance, a resilient runner who breaks tackles
• Soft hands out of the backfield, contributes as a receiver. Shows the ability to track the ball and make plays outside of his frame. Very good catch radius
• Shows some burst, puts his foot the ground and explodes through the hole
• Almost always falls forward, twists and keeps his legs churning to gain extra yardage. Strong lower body and leg drive help him to generate yards after contact
• Vision allows him to pick out holes and find cutback lanes
• Possesses nimble feet and shows some wiggle, keeping defenders guessing in the open field
• Willing and capable pass protector. Displays a physical streak as a blocker and picks up blocks in space
• Not the most powerful, but finishes runs. A tough, high-effort runner who gives it his all
• Good size for an NFL running back, listed at 5’10” and 207 pounds
• Has been durable to date, not missing any time to injury despite heavy workload
• Was one of college football’s most productive running backs the past two seasons. Ran for 100 yards or more in 16 straight games to cap his highly decorated Arizona career
• Has special teams experience. Served as a kick returner in 2011

Negatives

• Not a dynamic or electric back, more of a move-the-chains type than a home run hitter
• Lacks breakaway speed, can be caught from behind. His poor timed speed at the Combine could potentially damage his draft stock
• Can be too hesitant. Occasionally guilty of dancing in the backfield and losing yards
• Average acceleration, does not have the extra gear to pull away
• Could improve his pad level, has a bit of an upright running style
• Not an especially powerful or bruising runner
• On the light side for an NFL feature back, will need to continue to add muscle at the next level
• A well-rounded running back, but he is not exceptional in any one area
• Ball security is an issue, must eliminate fumbles
• Has improved pass protection, but blitz recognition and technique leaves something to be desired at times
• Maturity may be a question after having been suspended for the 2013 season opener 

Year	Team	Car	Yds	Avg	TD
2011	Arizona	91	425	4.7	6
2012	Arizona	303	1,929	6.4	23
2013	Arizona	349	1,885	5.4	19

Year	Team	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD
2011	Arizona	15	203	13.5	2
2012	Arizona	36	303	8.4	1
2013	Arizona	26	173	6.7	1

Personal Notes

• First-team All-American 2013
• First-team All-Pac 12 2013
• Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year 2013
• Was charged with misdemeanor assault and disorderly conduct stemming from a December 2012 incident involving his then-pregnant ex-girlfriend, but charges were dropped in June 2013
• Served a one-game suspension at the start of the 2013 season
• First-team All-American 2012
• First-team All-Pac-12 2012

Ratings Chart

nces.ed.gov

Overall

One of college football’s most productive running backs over the past two years, Ka’Deem Carey made the decision to forgo his senior season. He is a solid, well-rounded player who can play three downs, but he lacks any extraordinary attributes. Blessed with agility, vision and balance, he has a chance to be a feature back at the next level despite a lack of ideal speed. 

Draft Projection: Third-Fourth Round