2012 Possible Atlanta Falcons Draft Pick Profile: LB Tank Carder

With Atlanta losing Lofton to free agency, there is minimally a need for some depth at the linebacker spot. Carder is a guy who can play all three spots in the linebacker corps and could be a late round selection.

Tank Carder

Linebacker

Texas Christian University

Combine Measurements

Height: 6'2-1/4" Weight: 236 pounds

Arm Length: 31-1/2" Hand Measurement: 9-1/8"

40 yard dash: 4.69 sec. 20 yard split: 2.74 sec. 10 yard split: 1.62 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.18 sec. 3-cone Drill: 6.89 sec. Bench Reps: 19 reps

Vertical Jump: 36.0" Broad Jump: 10'1" 

Stats

2007 - Redshirt

2008 - 11 Games, 0 Games Started, 9 Tackles, 1.0 Tackles for Loss

2009 - 13 Games, 13 Games Started, 89 Tackles, 10.0 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks, 1 Interception, 1 Fumble Forced, 1 Touchdown

2010 - 13 Games, 13 Games Started, 61 Tackles, 9.5 Tackles for Loss, 3.5 Sacks, 1 Interception, 1 Fumble Forced, 1 Fumble Recovered

2011 - 13 Games, 13 Games Started , 70 Tackles, 4.5 Tackles for Loss, 2 Interceptions, 2 Touchdowns

Scouting Report

Strengths

He has a great frame and good athleticism. He's very instinctive in the running game and is one of the top emotional leaders for the Horned Frogs team as a whole. He's one of the best guys at beating ball carriers to a spot and hitting them head on.

He's one of the top tackling players in the college ranks and rarely misses a tackle. He can create turnovers in many ways and does best when he can bust through the offensive line and make a play in the backfield.

Weaknesses

He isn't the quickest and has issues in coverage. He's very stiff in his drop backs and change of direction in coverage. Carder isn't great at shedding blocks either and his biggest issue is where he fits in a defense in the NFL.

Overview

Carder is an all around good player and can contribute early in his career at special teams and should be good depth. He's a leader and a hard worker and has been a three year starter for one of the better defenses in the college ranks.

How he would fit into the Falcons' plans?

Atlanta would take him in the third day at some point and he could end up being a guy who will backup all three linebacker spots and provide excellent depth and versatility to the Falcons linebacker corps.