Bengals UDFAs

[Bengal Dude]

I'm glad we got Tra Carson. I think he can be our PS development RB.

Here's his CBS write up:

Quote:STRENGTHS: Powerfully-built with proportionate body mass. Physical mentality, squaring his shoulders and running behind his pads. Sturdy contact strength to deliver blows and knock would-be tacklers on their heels. Gear-grinding finisher when he churns his legs through contact, crawling for every inch. Runs with purpose and tough to slow down once he gets going north-south downhill.

Fluid lateral footwork to make strong cuts without losing momentum, bursting off his plant foot. Holds the ball high and tight, protecting it with both arms. Active as a pass-catcher with reliable hands. Waited his turn to be the starter and responded with a career-year in 2015, finishing fifth-best in the SEC in rushing.

WEAKNESSES: Carrying a lot of weight, not all of it good weight. Taller runner and doesn't consistently finish with forward lean. Bad habit of stopping his feet at contact, allowing defenders to take their shot. Slows after contact and takes too long to reach top speed after gearing down.
Needs to put more thought into his moves, relying too much on jump cuts. Doesn't exhibit much elusiveness or make-you-miss to his run style. Tunnel vision and needs to better trust the blocking design, especially on screens in space. Inconsistent in pass protection due to poor technique.

IN OUR VIEW: Carson won't make defenders miss. He is a banger between the tackles with a contact-driven mentality, making him a chore for defenders to finish off (Sumlin: "He's a workhorse...can do everything for us and he's a leader").
He is a reliable pass-catcher, but needs to improve his focus and fundamentals as a blocker to earn a roster spot, likely in a third down role.
Dane Brugler (2/21/16)