Carlos Basham NFL Draft 2021: Scouting Report for Buffalo Bills DL

HEIGHT: 6'3 1/4"

WEIGHT: 274

POSITIVES

—Frequently played in a four-point stance as a run-first player, hiding more athleticism than appears on tape.

—Kicked inside to 3-technique and showed flashes of playing it well, like his first-quarter sack against Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

—Athleticism flashes at the goal line where he is able to get hands on low "fire out" blocks.

—Inside swim move is his key to winning in the pass-rushing game.

—Does a great job of turning his shoulders on the move, separating the direction of his hips and upper body.

—Strong enough to win leverage by fighting for it midplay.

NEGATIVES

—Foot speed could be an issue on reach blocks, boots and options.

—Did not play in a scheme where he was committed to develop as a pass-rusher.

—Pad level may be an issue, as he plays very tall when pass rushing.

—Gives up far too much ground as a run defender on stunts and slants.

2020 STATISTICS

28 TKL, 4.5 TFL, 5 SK, 1 PBU, 4 FF

NOTES

—Cousin of 2017 third-round pick pass-rusher Tarell Basham of the New York Jets.

—Tested COVID-19 positive Nov. 24.

—Currently squats over 700 pounds.

OVERALL

Basham possesses the raw skills to become a starting-caliber pass-rusher, but the defensive system he played in did not make the most of developing him. His clear positives are his ability to set the edge and counter linemen with an inside swim move, but his up (penetration) and down (giving ground against the run) play as a slanter is a major question mark.

Beyond playing on the edge, Basham has the body size and situational production to potentially play as an interior lineman on third downs as a pass-rusher.

GRADE: 7.71/10 (Round 2)

OVERALL RANK: 58/300

POSITION RANK: EDGE8

PRO COMPARISON: Breeland Speaks

Written by B/R NFL Scout Justis Mosqueda