Cethan Carter

The 2017 NFL draft features a rare bumper crop at tight end and while most of the media attention has centered around toolsy talents like Alabama's O.J. Howard and Virginia Tech's Bucky Hodges, it is the depth at the position that has scouts most intrigued. Carter, who leaves Nebraska fifth on the school's all-time list for receptions among tight ends (59) is a perfect example of a talented prospect who could slip through the cracks into the late rounds (or perhaps even undrafted free agency) and later surprise. With "just" 59 receptions for 744 yards and four scores over his career, Carter lacks the kind of eye-popping production to generate much buzz from the media. Carter's raw athleticism, however, has long tantalized Nebraska coaches and there is a sense that with a little more luck on the injury front, he could wind up being more productive in the NFL than he ever was in Lincoln. Carter's most productive season came in 2015 when he earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors from conference coaches despite catching just 24 passes for 329 yards and two scores. Unfortunately, Carter's career-long struggles with injuries continued into his senior campaign, when -- after an offseason of lofty expectations -- he slipped to just 19 receptions for a total of 190 yards and a single score.

in our view

Carter's career production is nothing to write home about but he possesses an interesting skill-set, projecting best as a "move" tight end or H-back in a complementary role. After an injury shortened senior season, Carter is likely to slip down the board given this year's talented tight end class but the team that invests a late round pick in this "sleeper" could be handsomely rewarded.

strengths

While an inch or two shorter than scouts would prefer, Carter possesses a well-built frame with broad shoulders and good overall musculature. He shows almost receiver-like initial quickness at the snap, slipping by the initial jam of defenders with good lateral agility to avoid and core strength to fight through contact to release into his route. Carter accelerates fluidly and creates separation from defensive backs with effective shoulder-fakes and stutter-steps. He is an aggressive and competitive blocker, landing an effective initial punch on opponents and working to sustain his blocks, showing balance and flexibility to turn and seal defenders from the ball. He shows very good awareness as a stalk blocker, looking for work to help spring teammates for big plays. Carter is a generally reliable pass-catcher, typically collecting passes away from his frame. He shows vision, agility and patience as a runner to avoid defenders as well as the speed to gain chunk yardage when he breaks into the open.

compares to

Trey Burton, Philadelphia Eagles

weaknesses

Carter lacks ideal height and already sports a muscle-packed physique, leaving him limited room to get bigger. Carter does not appear to be a natural pass-catcher, fighting the ball a bit as it comes to him, cradling it as if he were being tossed a soft ball rather than easily plucking it out of the air and securing it to his frame in one seamless motion. He does not consistently used his size fully to his advantage as a receiver, showing just average timing and body control while in the air to make the contested reception. While physical and competitive as a blocker, Carter needs to gain more strength in his upper body to sustain longer. Carter has struggled with durability throughout his career, missing at least two games in each of the past three seasons due to various foot, leg and most recently elbow injuries that each require a close look by NFL doctors at the Combine.

Carter had a standout career for Coach Jay Roth at Rummel High School in Metairie, La. Carter was a versatile performer, lining up as a tight end, H-Back and fullback in the Raiders’ run-based offense. He finished 2012 with 23 receptions for 418 yards and five touchdowns. His play helped Rummel to a perfect 14-0 record and the Louisiana Class 5A state championship. Carter shined in the state title game, catching five passes for 74 yards and a touchdown in a 35-14 victory over Barbe High. For his efforts as a senior, Carter was an all-district choice and a honorable-mention all-state selection. Carter started and was used in a variety of roles for Rummel as a junior. Carter chose Nebraska over offers from LSU, Miami, Memphis, Southern Miss, Louisiana Tech, Tulane, Louisiana-Lafayette and Florida International. He was ranked as the No. 13 prospect in the state of Louisiana by the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Carter was also one of the top players for the Rummel basketball team, leading the Raiders to a 21-11 record and a trip to the state quarterfinals as a senior.

The son of Shelly Carter, Cethan was born on Sept. 5, 1993. He was a criminology and criminal justice major. He has volunteered his time with outreach events at local community centers and hospitals.

2016

rushing
YPC	TD	YDS	CAR	LONG
11.3	0.0	34.0	3.0	16.0

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
19.0	10.0	1.0	33.0	190.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
0.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	1.0

2015

rushing
YPC	TD	YDS	CAR	LONG
24.0	1.0	48.0	2.0	32.0

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
24.0	13.7	2.0	55.0	329.0