Bobby Carpenter LB 6’3 255 Ohio St.
By: Robert Davis

Bobby Carpenter is a part of arguably the best linebacking group in the country. He teams with A.J. Hawk and Anthony Schlegel to form the heart and soul of the Ohio St. team this season. As a sophomore in 2003, Carpenter played in a part time role, but still managed to finish the year with 37 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and 4.5 sacks. In his first year as a starter in 2004, he was in on more plays, tallying 93 tackles, 6.5 for loss, 2 sacks, and 3 interceptions. As a senior this past season, Carpenter tallied 49 tackles, 10.5 for loss, with eight sacks.

Carpenter is a jumbo linebacker at the college level. You do not see too many 250+ linebackers that are quick enough to play in space. But Carpenter can. He is a good athlete, moves around the field fluidly, and closes very well on the ball. He plays hard on the field, and does not shy away from contact. He is strong and can take on a block, get off and bring down the ball carrier.

There isn’t much to not like about Carpenter. He may not be the 6’3 listed, but that’s being picky. Even though he is a good athlete, he does not always display it in coverage. He can have trouble when isolated in space. Carpenter will also need to have his ankle examined. His season ended early on in the Michigan game after breaking his ankle.

Bobby Carpenter doesn’t have the upside of a lot of the linebackers in this draft, but he looks like a safe bet to be a solid NFL linebacker. As long as his ankle checks out fine - and it should - Carpenter will be a Day One selection and should move on to a successful NFL career.