The 2016 NFL Draft has athletes of all shapes and sizes for NFL teams and dynasty fantasy owners to fawn over. One of the more powerfully built receivers available this year is former Rutgers 
wide out Leonte Carroo. He is far from your typical receiver, but should find a significant role at the next level. I reviewed his games against Indiana, Maryland, Michigan State, Ohio State (2014 and 2015), Washington State (2014), and Tulane (2014) to get a better understanding of what skills and attributes that he brings to the NFL. Here are my thoughts:
WR-Leonte Carroo, Rutgers 6′ 211 lbs.
Cons: The first issue is his character. The receiver got suspended for assault and for curfew violations this past season. This does not go unnoticed by the league office, NFL teams, or potential fantasy owners (Martavis Bryant or Josh Gordon owners understand this). He will need a strong front office and coaching staff to keep him focused. Carroo has amazing chemistry with his college quarterback, but keep in mind they have been together since high school (had a different QB this past season). How will he do with a different style signal caller (he did just fine)? The wide out runs a bit high and doesn’t sink his hips enough to get in/out of breaks or break free from the line of scrimmage easily; this takes away some leverage and explosion from each step. Many potential owners could get excited about his 19.5 average yards per reception, but that is more about the Rutgers offense than his ability to get behind defenders for deeper receptions.
Pros: He is thicker than most traditional receivers, looking more like a muscular running back who enjoys running over smaller defenders . The former Scarlet Knight has strong powerful hands that snatch the ball well and does a good job boxing out defenders, coming up with contested catches. This wide out is one of his classes best route runners as he tells a different story each time the receiver runs the route. Carroo tracks the ball well, adjusts to it in the air, contorting himself, and catches the pigskin in stride at its highest point (sometimes with one-handed receptions) out-leaping his coverage. He works his way back to the quarterback if the receiver senses trouble and uses the sidelines as an extra blocker.
This Rutgers product is a threat to score every time he touches the ball with the second gear he has in the open field. His 29 touchdowns in three years demonstrates his red zone acumen to get open when it counts. Carroo glides almost effortlessly across the gridiron, changing directions with ease (sometimes with spin moves) showing great balance and amazing vision. This is very evident on way he runs bubble screens and crossing patterns. Teams can use him on he outside or in the slot.
Overall thoughts: Although he isn’t a traditional long and lean receiver, Carroo could make a big impact on an NFL team if he overcomes his character issues. I have him in my top ten rookie receivers. Don’t be deceived by his average yards per reception that he is a burner (only ran a 4.5 40 yard dash), but he should be able to produce some fantasy WR3 numbers and be a solid NFL WR2.
Thanks for reading!
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