2016 NFL Rookie Predictions: Leonte Carroo can do
Bench presses have been counted, cone drills have been clocked, and tape has been reviewed. While NFL scouts have been scribbling in their notebooks for months, fantasy owners are just now examining this year’s incoming class. Through the beginning of April, I’ll be breaking down some under the radar prospects at QB, RB, and WR. We’ll tackle the big names later in the month as the NFL Draft approaches. All of this in the hopes of keeping fans of the virtual game fully informed and a step ahead of the competition. Today’s WR under the microscope is Leonte Carroo out of Rutgers.
College Highlights: Incredibly productive when on the field, Carroo started 13 consecutive games in 2014 and produced a 55-1,086-10 stat line as a junior. At the beginning of the 2015 season it looked as though the New Jersey native would build on that momentum, when he broke Rutgers’ all-time receiving touchdowns record in the first game of the year. One contest later, Carroo was suspended due to a domestic assault charge and missed two games. While his productivity didn’t wane upon his return, he missed more time with a high-ankle sprain later in the season. Despite playing in just eight games, Carroo still managed to score 10 TDs and earn First Team All-Big Ten honors.
Pluses: His hands. Good God does Carroo have a sticky pair of mitts. Committing just three drops over his college career, Carroo is a natural pass-catcher, snatching the ball away from his body. At 6-foot and 211 pounds, the former Scarlet Knight boasts a muscular/RB-like frame. A player who is more relentless than physical, the 22-year-old does an excellent job of reading defenses, using everything from his eyes to his feet in tricking opposing DBs.
Minuses: Character issues. Carroo received suspensions for the aforementioned arrest, and for violating curfew. His success at the next level is largely predicated on landing with an organization that is committed to keeping him focused. He also lacks deep speed, and struggles to separate against more aggressive DBs. His running style is stiff and his game lacks fluidity.
Pro-Comp: Roddy White, Percy Harvin
Team Fits: New York Giants, Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks
Fearless Forecast: The metrics community lllloooovvvess this kid. I, on the other hand, like him just fine. While he is an undeniably savvy route runner who was used both outside and in the slot in college, I think he’s more of a slot guy in the NFL. His sure hands coupled with his excellent vision are good enough to make him a No. 2 WR at the next level. His character issues, however, are a real concern. In redraft formats he’s a WR3 at best.
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