3-4 defensive end/defensive end 

Arkansas State

6-5 285

40 time: 4.89

Draft roard overall prospect rank: #94

Draft board 3-4 defensive end rank: #9

Overall rating: 70*

1/27/10: He has carried his late season momentum into his Senior Bowl week and has stepped up as one of the most dominant defensive line prospects at the Senior Bowl, which is a bit of a surprise because he’s not used to top notch competition. He also has excellent size and athleticism. 

1/20/10: A very strong prospect of a small school kid with 10 sacks in 2008 at 6-5 285, but he struggled some in 2009. He did end up with 9 sacks, but 6 of then were in his last 3 games, including an amazing 4 sack showing in the season finale. He is still a nice mid round prospect with similar measurables to Tyson Jackson who went #3 overall last year. He can play 4-3 left end and 3-4 defensive end and maybe some 4-3 defensive tackle in nickel packages, but his best fit is as a 3-4 defensive end where I think he’s a future starter. The level of competition is an issue for him though.

            8/8/09: NFL scouts love big defensive ends who can run and Alex Carrington fits that mold. He should run a low-mid 4.8 40 at 285 pounds, which will allow him to play both 4-3 left end and 3-4 defensive end, making him very valuable. He has exceptionally quickness and pass rushing ability for someone of his size. He had 10.5 sacks last season and 19 tackles for loss last season. He didn’t play against great competition in the Sun Belt, but he put up great stats and those, combined with his athleticism and measurables make him an intriguing prospect. He’s not going to be a star at the next level, but he should be a solid starter at 3-4 defensive end in the future and with more teams switching to the 3-4 and needs ends, Carrington has a bright future. His pass rushing abilities allow him to play left end, where he size is a huge plus and he can play some 4-3 defensive tackle, on pass plays, which will make him even more valuable in the NFL. His pass rushing moves, run stopping ability, speed, and size are all only slightly worse than Tyson Jackson, who went 3^rd in 2009. Pass rush ability is seen as an added plus for a 3-4 defensive end, not a necessity. Carrington has the moves and skills to get into the back field and break up plays, but also is a strong run stopper. Most importantly, he doesn’t over pursue which allows him to be strong against the pass at the right times and strong against the run at the right times. He has more to prove and needs to get himself recognized by NFL scouts more because he’s only seen as a 5^th or 6^th round prospect at this point, but he has 3^rd or 2^nd round skill if he keeps it up. 

NFL Comparison: Kendall Langford

*=For a breakdown of what this means, click here