Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest
Size:
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 199 pounds
Arm Length: 31 3/8"
Hand Size: 8 1/4"
Accomplishments:
Preseason Athlon Third Team All-ACC (2022)
“Caelen Carson is a sticky, competitive coverage defender who can align in multiple positions.”
Strengths:
Coverage versatility
Route recognition
Competitive edge
Concerns:
Ball production
Locating the ball in flight
Inconsistent technique
Film Analysis:
Caelen Carson plays with the swag and grit you need from an NFL CB. Defensive coordinators will love his fiery competitive streak. He is a coverage versatile defender. Carson is experienced in both man and zone coverages. He displays quick and active footwork to mirror/match his WR. He transitions adequately to stay within phase during the route stem. Good and fluid hips to flip and turn with his assignment in man coverage. Identifies quick screens and triggers quickly to get into the action. He plays with a disruptive demeanor.
Carson has good instincts and spatial awareness in zone coverage. He reroutes and passes off routes into his teammates’ zone. He will battle at the catch point with all WR body types. Check his game versus Keon Coleman.
Carson tends to face-guard his matchup on vertical/downfield routes. He struggles to turn his head around and locate the football. It can lead to defensive pass interference penalties at the next level versus more nuanced WRs. Adequate at best defending back-shoulder throws right now. He does not have the ball production you would expect from a corner with his skill set. Not a natural hands catcher, dropped a “Gimme” interception versus FSU. Heavy usage of catch technique in over coverage. Leads to sloppy technique and reps.
Carson projects as a coverage and alignment versatile CB. He has the quickness and instincts to live as a CB3/nickel defender for a team early on.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter
Written By: Damian Parson
Exposures: FSU (2023), Clemson (2023), Pittsburgh (2023), Vanderbilt (2023)
