Carter Coughlin Overview
Position: Edge defender/linebacker
Height: 6’-3”
Weight: 236 pounds
School: Minnesota
NFL Combine Performance Data
40 Yard Dash: 4.57 seconds (unofficial)
Vertical Jump: 36.0”
Broad Jump: 126.0”
Carter Coughlin 2020 NFL Draft Profile
After spending four years with the Minnesota Gophers, edge defender/linebacker Carter Coughlin looks to continue his career at the professional level. The 6’-3”, 236-pound senior is coming off a somewhat disappointing season compared to what he did in 2018. Despite the downtick in overall, play, he still managed to have a solid season. Seeing the field for 597 snaps, Coughlin finished his season with 27 run stops, six sacks, nine quarterback hits, and 37 hurries.
Coughlin initially joined the collegiate ranks as a four-star recruit. A Minnesota native, Coughlin received offers from a wide variety of programs. However, at the end of the day, he followed in his parents footsteps by becoming a Minnesota athlete. Coughlin contributed immediately as an off-ball linebacker as a freshman before converting to defensive line in 2017. During his sophomore season, Coughlin recorded nine run stops, six sacks, seven hits, and seven hurries. He had his best season to date as a junior, recording 16 run stops, 12 sacks, 14 quarterback hits, and 26 hurries.
Strengths
- Great burst and lateral agility;
- Able to fake out offensive tackle on an outside move and beat them inside;
- Has the raw tools to transform into an off-ball linebacker;
- Hard to block on stunts;
- Multi-year starter with plenty of production;
- Solid football IQ – typically fills the right gap in run support.
Weaknesses
- Undersized for a down lineman and will probably need to be an off-ball linebacker at the next level;
- Most of his reps came outside tackle, so positional adjustment could be a process;
- Doesn’t have much strength to his game;
- Struggles to keep contain when on the edge;
- 19th percentile arm length;
- Probably can’t be pushed inside on passing downs.
NFL Comparison: Malik Jefferson
Teams With Need at Position: Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins
Projection: Round 5-6
Bottom Line on Carter Coughlin
Carter Coughlin is an NFL longshot that’s going to need time before he’s ready to contribute at an NFL level. The biggest concern for him is that he has to learn a somewhat-new position, as he spent most of his collegiate tenure playing along the defensive line. He doesn’t have the size or strength to play in that role at the NFL level, so he’ll need to transform into an off-ball linebacker. He spent some time there in college, but it’s safe to say that there will be a transition period.
Fortunately, Coughlin has the raw tools to make you believe a positional transformation is more than just a pipe dream. His lateral ability should translate into the open field, and most of his pass-rushing moves can easily transfer to an off-ball style of rushing. He rarely wins with strength, but he’s quick and can be dangerous on stunts. These moves, generally speaking, are more effective from an off-ball position. Additionally, his high football IQ should help his transition. If everything breaks right, Carter Coughlin could be a solid depth piece in the right scheme.
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