...James Carpenter-OT-Alabama: 6’5″ #313
Strengths-Carpenter is a solid player. James has long arms and a quick and strong punch off the snap. He shows good arm extension and shows the ability to sink his hips and get natural knee bend. Nice job sustaining blocks and shows the ability to mirror defenders well. Has very solid but not elite feet. Good consistency with his kickslide and ability to cut off speed rushers on the outside. Shows very good functional strength and can dominate in the running game with down blocks and side blocks. Displays good physicality and keeps legs and feet churning in the run game. Shows quick enough feet to make up for missteps and slow reactions to the snap. Does a good job using his big body to wall off defenders. Shows nice ability to keep his balance and be a productive to excellent blocker on the second level. Shows the speed and athletic ability to get out in front on traps, pulls and outside runs.
Weaknesses-Needs to do a better job at keeping his pad level low. Needs to do a better job at consistently keeping his hands inside the framework of the defender. Lets blockers into his chest too much.

NFR Draft Analysis-We believe Carpenter is one of the more underrated tackles at time of press. He shows the skills to play OT in the NFL for a long time and be a very productive and possible Pro Bowl player. Carpenter should come off the board in the early second round of the 2011 NFL draft. He could even sneak into the 1st with a great combine and pro day.

NFL Comparison-Jamaal Brown

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