height: 6'0″
weight: 199
hand: 8 1/4 inch
arm: 31⅜”
Wingspan: 75⅝”
40 yard dash: Not applicable
3-cone: Not applicable
shuttle: Not applicable
vertical: Not applicable
Wide: Not applicable
positive
— Versatile player who can split reps well between outside cornerback and slot defender. These adjustments can accommodate both the playoffs and the press.
— Smart defender with great route recognition. Make good use of it, understand the scheme, and act accordingly.
— A physical defender who uses his hands to take on blocks. Quickly moves away from blockers and makes plays in the run game and screen game.
negative
— Below-average eye discipline and awareness in zone coverage. Sometimes he gets too aggressive and gets out of position.
— Average braking ability. Sometimes I can't believe my eyes, I'm slow to get up from breaks and my footwork is bad. The initial angle at break is poor and you cannot get the ideal burst.
2023 statistics
— 11G, 42 TOT, 1 TFL, 1 FF, 1 FR, 8 PD
Note
— Born March 3, 2002
— 19 career starts.
—3-star recruit in the 2020 class, according to 247Sports
— 2022 Preseason Third Team All-ACC (Athlon)
— 2021 Preseason Second Team All-ACC (PFF)
whole
Kaylen Carson is a versatile defender with two years of experience as the starting cornerback at Wake Forest. He completed 26 passes and had three interceptions in his four years in college. Combined with his ability to play from the slot, Carson has shown he can step up and fill his role in both the run and passing games.
Carson is a defender with a short memory. He does a very good job of competing on each rep and moving on to the next rep, even after abandoning a play. He is a versatile defender who can play in both man and zone schemes, but he often gives up too much cushion in either coverage and ends up being easily caught in front.
During press coverage, Carson is shown making lateral movements at the line of scrimmage. While practicing on the field, he is good at sinking his hips into receiver breaks. He has good footwork, but can sometimes be out of control and lack the explosiveness needed to compete at the catch point. He also lacks the ability to play above the rim and can sometimes struggle to cover big receivers down the field.
Carson is a willing run defender who makes quick reads and triggers downhill. When taking on a block, he uses his physicality to shock and control the blocker. He does a very good job of getting off the ball and getting to it while using his hands and quickness in short areas.
However, he is inconsistent between tackle receivers and running backs. When tackling running backs, he often dives and doesn't seem to wrap around the ball carrier. When trying to tackle a receiver, he does a good job of trying to get his feet through the tackles, but is still inconsistent.
Ultimately, Carson should be a late Day 3 selection in the 2024 draft. He has versatility as a defender, but his lack of on-ball production and tackle safety are his biggest pitfalls. He adds depth to the room at multiple positions and should be able to contribute on special teams as well.
School year:5.9 (Backup/Draftable — Rounds 6-7)
Overall ranking:181
position rank:CB26
professional comparison: Rashad Fenton
Written by B/R NFL Scout Corey Giddings
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