Tra Carson 2016 NFL Draft Profile

Overview
Position: Running Back
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 227 pounds
School: Texas A&M Aggies

Tra Carson 2016 Draft Profile

After being part of a three man running back committee at Texas A&M, Tra Carson was given the starting role for the Aggies in 2015 with Trey Williams leaving early for the NFL and Brandon Williams switching positions. Carson ran for 1,165 yards at 4.8 yards per carry with seven touchdowns last season as the bell-cow which was good enough for 35^th in the nation in rush yards. He improved on his stats from 2014 in every category, including yards per carry, while also catching 29 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown as well.

Carson did an excellent job at A&M in 2015 and he proved he was the only reliable Aggies running back as speed back James White spent a lot of the season injured. Carson’s lack of top end speed was a problem at times but, with a lack of depth at the position, he became the first 1,000 yard rusher for the Aggies since Cyrus Gray in 2011. He was incredibly reliable and durable throughout the season.

Strengths

• A short powerful runner who should excel in goal line and short yardage situations.
• Has good running technique. Gets his shoulder low when entering contact.
• Reliable runner who gave up just two fumbles in 2015 despite 250 touches.
• Capable of catching the ball out of the backfield.
• Adept in pass blocking which is often highly valued for a running back entering the draft.
• Has decent acceleration when attacking gaps.
• Versatile in his ability to do many different things well.

Weaknesses

• Lacks elusiveness to get around defenders.
• Doesn’t have top end speed so is unlikely to break many big plays at the pro level.
• Struggles to avoid tackles in the backfield and therefore fails to turn potential runs for loss into positive yardage.
• Would need to be part of a running back committee, ideally paired with a speed back.

NFL comparison: Rashad Jennings

Teams with need at position: New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks.

Draft Projection: Fifth round

Bottom Line:

It may take Carson a year or two to get accustomed to the speed, size and quality of opposition in the NFL level, but he can certainly play a role at the next level. His ability to run well, catch passes and block in pass protection makes Carson an intriguing prospect heading into the2016 NFL Draft.

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