4. Carlos Basham, Wake Forest
Size: 6-3, 275
The Good: In a world full of hybrids and edge rushers, here’s your best true defensive end in the draft.
Boogie might be big enough than tough enough to hold his own against the run – he made 173 career tackles in his four years – but he’s consistently quick enough off the ball and always works to get behind the line with 19.5 sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss. Still improving, he added another element to his game over the last two seasons with seven forced fumbles.
Able to work in any system, he could keep the weight, stay at 275ish, and still be tough enough to hold up in a 3-4, or if he needs to add another burst, he’s got weight to drop to add even more flash to his style.
Carlos ‘Boogie’ Basham didn’t play inside a ton at Wake but there are some 3rd down/sub reps in his career to look at
I’m glad he got more 3-tech experience down at @seniorbowl – I honestly feel he can win up-and-down the DL
Size. Strength. Sudden. Relentless. pic.twitter.com/0JcNGMr8X8
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) March 6, 2021
The Not-So-Good: Yeah … the weight.
He’d probably be a sure-thing late first rounder if he was about 260 or even a bit lighter – if that really would make him a half-click quicker. As is, he’s not lumbering, but he’s not a flash who’ll get behind the line by blowing past any NFL offensive tackle.
There’s a bit too much tweener to him – he’s not going to be a tackle and he’d be far better on the outside in a 3-4.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He’s an interesting prospect who could instantly step in and be a key part of any defensive line rotation. He’s not going to be a superstar of superstars who has to be gameplanned for at the next level, but he’ll always bring the effort, he’ll make his share of plays behind the line, and can be a factor against the run.
Projected Round: Second