Carlos Basham 2021 NFL Draft Overview
Position: Edge Rusher
Height: 6 ft 5
Weight: 285 lbs
School: Wake Forest University
Carlos Basham 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Overview
Wake Forest Screaming Deacons edge rusher Carlos Basham Jr. comes into the 2021 NFL Draft as one of the oldest and most experienced playmakers. Basham arrived at Wake Forest in the fall of 2016 where he redshirted. In 2017, Basham played in all 13 games as a valuable role player as he accounted for 24 total tackles, 15 solo tackles, and tackle for loss. As a sophomore, Basham encountered more playing time and was a consistent playmaker. Basham accounted for 64 total tackles, 36 solo tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries. In 2019, Basham would become the Screaming Deacons’ full-time starting edge rusher. He would account for 57 total tackles, 26 solo tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, three pass deflections, and three forced fumbles. Basham was named a part of the first-team All-ACC.
He was named on the watch list for the 2020 Bronko Nagurski Trophy and 2020 Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List. Basham played six games for Wake Forest as he accounted for 28 total tackles, 20 solo tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and four forced fumbles. He was named as a third-team All-ACC selection in his senior season. Basham finished his collegiate career with 173 total tackles, 97 solo tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks, eight pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, and seven forced fumbles. After a tremendous collegiate career, Basham was an easy selection for the 2021 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. He had three strong practice days in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers. While he isn’t a huge contributor in stats, his productivity and attributes will create a huge impact for a team that drafts him.
Strengths
- Good burst and agility off the ball and chasing down the ball carrier
- Possesses unique pass rush moves
- Great instincts, intelligence, and athleticism
- Great motor
- Plays with a great pad level
- Can play the three-technique defensive tackle as well as the edge rusher
Weaknesses
- Doesn’t possess the elite speed to some of his fellow edge rushers in this Draft
- He is not highly flexible in his pass rushes
- Often overpasses the quarterbacks in the pocket in pass rush
- Doesn’t possess the most efficient first step
- Although he attempts to overpower his blocker, he lacks the power in his push
- Needs to improve block recognitions
NFL Comparisons: Shaq Lawson
Teams With Need At This Position: Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans
Projection: Late First Round to Second Round
Bottom Line on Carlos Basham Jr.
For an edge rusher to be selected early in the NFL Draft, they would have to be quick and explosive. Basham isn’t necessarily gifted with speed, but he is explosive, powerful, and athletic. His skills and attributes make him one of the most efficient defenders off the edge. His power and skillsets make him a valuable prospect to be potentially drafted within the first round. The lack of speed and overall productivity might make him a second-round selection. He might not be a player that will be a dominant pass rusher that will contribute many sacks, but he would be able to establish himself on the edge.
A player of his skill settings and size matches the potential of Shaq Lawson, who accumulated a huge season for the Miami Dolphins this past season. While Lawson only accounted for four sacks this past season, he accumulated 18 quarterback hits. In the previous season for the Buffalo Bills, he accounted for 13 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 18 quarterback hits. This is the kind of potential that Basham would bring to his team he will be drafted by. While he might not be the first option for a number one edge rusher for an NFL program, he could be a solid contributor for a top-10 level defense.
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