Andre Carter II Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Ben Margot/Associated Press)

School: Army (Junior)

Position: EDGE

HT: 6’7

WT: 260 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #71

Andre Carter II was an unranked and unrecruited player in high school. Carter played his high school football at Westbury Christian School in Houston, Texas. Carter II chose to enroll at West Point because he says that it is not only an honor to play in the NFL, but is an honor to serve in the United States Army. Army West Point has given Carter II the opportunity to take part in both of these honors. In high school, Carter played on the offensive side of the ball, both at tight end and wide receiver. He was recruited to Army to play on offense, but during his first season at West Point, Carter II redshirted and found his place on the edge.

Carter II has eye-popping measurables that make him a natural fit on the edge to rush the passer. Carter II provides speed off the edge with long strides and quick twitch movements. Carter’s quick first step allows him to charge into the chest of offensive linemen with power and momentum. Carter does not often let linemen get comfortable in the phone booth. His frame and length keep offensive linemen off balance and does not allow them to set up their anchor and get settled. Perhaps the most notable trait of Carter is that he went to West Point. He will have a natural leadership quality that is ingrained in these military academy players. Any locker room would love to have a guy on the defensive side of the ball who truly knows how to lead. He is also a truly smart, high-IQ defender who does not hesitate when making his move.

Carter’s weaknesses are just as glaring as his strengths are. Carter was expected to test well at the combine or at his pro day, by just about everyone. Not only did Carter not meet expectations, but he disappointed pretty heavily. All of his athletics tests had him finishing well below average for the position. Given the fact that he is this big, rangy, athletic freak, it is disappointing that the athletic testing does not match the eye test. Carter’s size is definitely enticing, but it limits him in some aspects of his game. Carter often plays at too high of a pad level. He allows offensive linemen to get their hands into his chest and knock him off of the path to the backfield. His height also works against him in the sense that running backs throwing in a chip block have a bigger target to chip. Carter is a bit clumsy when it comes to handling chip blocks or double teams. The last thing that is an undeniable question mark about Andre Carter II is the military commitment that he made when he enrolled at West Point. As of 2019, certain athletes can have their commitment waived until their professional playing career is over, but it is no guarantee that the Army will waive his commitment to let him go to the NFL.

In a rotational role, Andre Carter can provide offenses with a scary and long frame. He can work into a more consistent role over time but he will need to work on his pad height and elusiveness in the phone booth.

Scheme Fit: Odd Front Blitz Heavy

Ideal Role: OLB

Best Team Fits: TEN, NYJ, GB

Player Comparison: Danielle Hunter

Player Grade: 76.5