Adam Carriker DE 6'6 296 Nebraska 4.9

Carriker starter to come into his own during his sophomore season with the Huskers, after posting 36 tackles, seven for loss, and three sacks despite battling an ankle injury. He blew up as a junior, becoming one of the most feared ends in the country, finishing with 43 tackles, 17 for loss, and 9.5 sacks. Carriker didn’t disappoint as a senior, as he again was an all around force. He had 34 tackles, 13.5 for loss, and six sacks on the year, to go along with an interception.

Adam Carriker is an interesting blend of talent. He has excellent size and strength, but has the athleticism to go along with it. He is already bigger than a lot of NFL defensive ends, and has the strength to push tackles out of his way. He has the ability to bull rush lineman, and can also hold his ground at the point of attack. Carriker has been a productive pass rusher in college, and knows how to get to the quarterback. He also has good straightline speed for a player his size.

While he is a good athlete for a player his size, he is not the freak many people make him out to be. He probably lacks the explosive quality you look for in top tier defensive ends. He has bulked up to 295lbs this year, but he doesn’t look to have the same agility he had prior.

Adam Carriker is a player that shows nice all around skills, and should be a complete defensive end at the next level. He may be best suited as a 3-4 end because of his size and power, and lack of explosive pass rush ability off the edge. Carriker had a nice showing on the post season circuit, showing off an impressive combination of size, strength, and athleticism. He has established himself as a first rounder, that could really go anywhere outside the Top 10.