Carriker Will Be First Husker, But Not Necessarily Best
5 comments so far
April 26, 2007 by
Adam Carriker is almost surely going to be the first Husker taken in the 2007 NFL draft. His combination of size, strength and speed make him the perfect prototype for a defensive end in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Jay Moore and Stewart Bradley are also highly regarded players but neither seems as rare a find as Carriker and thus will last longer on the first day. Brandon Jackson may last until the second day and it’s questionable whether Zac Taylor and Matt Herian will be drafted at all.
But putting aside where players will be drafted and its easy to believe that Carriker won’t necessarily be the best Husker. Jay Moore was arguably as good an end as Carriker and definitely not much worse. Depending on where he goes and how he develops, he could be every bit the performer that Carriker will be. Bradley lead NU in tackles as a senior and tied for the team high in forcing three fumbles and lead the team by recovering four. Considering how essential turnovers are for NFL teams that might make Bradley the top defender out of Nebraska this year.
Matt Herian once appeared destined for All-American status, but was never the same after a leg injuries in 2004. But perhaps another year is all Herian needed to fully recover and now he could become the speedy receiving threat he’d been in seasons past.
Herian, along with Jackson and Taylor will probably benefit from their exposure to the west coast offense. It seems very likely that the teams that would seek out Taylor, Jackson, and Herian would be teams that run a west coast system. Cory Ross credited Callahan with making it easier for him to understand pro concepts when he arrived in Baltimore which helped him earn a roster spot. Similarly, the Husker offense will be attractive to teams that want players that can handle the complexity of a west coast system.
While durability is certainly a concern about Jackson the trend toward two back offenses makes him an ideal candidate to be part of a west coast tandem. His versatility means he could be either an every-down back or a third-down specialist. In the right spot (and if he can handle the punishment) you could imagine him putting up Brian Westbrook-like numbers. Taylor would seem likely to be groomed slowly but could be ready in a pinch due to his exposure to pro sets. He might become another Ty Detmer or A.J. Feeley, who is kept ready behind a franchise quarterback. While it’s a longshot, he could emerge as a late-round superstar like Tom Brady. While I wouldn’t bet on it, I wouldn’t be totally surprised either.
Carriker certainly is deserving of being the first Husker selected, but there seem to be a number of ways that he could be surpassed by other Huskers on the field. Beyond the extra money and extra attention the top picks get, it’s really anybody’s guess as to which Husker will have the best career.
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Tyler Apr 26 07
The only thing I would like better than to see Zac Taylor make it in the NFL is to see him come coach here. How selfish is that? Well, maybe I'll lend him to the NFL for 10 years and then he can come back when he's financially secure. Good luck to all the Huskers in this year's draft.
Darren Apr 26 07
Nice post, Steve. You are right about the NFL. We won't really know who the best pro player in this group is until about three years from now.
Personally, I'll put my money on BJax. I feel he is the same kind of talent that Buckhalter was/is. Only BJax benefits from having played in a pro style offense. If he lands with a team that runs some varient of the WCO (Denver?), he could be very productive.
doombob Apr 26 07
Going out on a limb here (according to my friends and our mock drafts), but I think Jay will go on the first day (third round). I think he's one of the most underrated Husker potential draft picks.
Tyler Apr 26 07
Good call on the Carriker/Moore comparison. What one has to look at is that Carriker rarely (if ever) going on an uncovered tackle where he will have the chance to get some sacks. Moore on the other hand, will most likely be used in a Terrell Suggs type role where will be a hybrid linebacker position where he could be in a two or three point stance. I think Moore (at least statistically) could have a much bigger impact than Carriker if he is put in the right scheme. Adam will be on the interior of the line 90% of the time because he'll be drafted by a 3-4 team, which means that while he may dominate the man across from him, the chances for great stats arent there. Good post Steve.
Gregory Apr 28 07
I enjoy the fresh perspectives!
I think of our DE's still in the NFL, along Grant, finishing a decent (well paid) career.
"On the hoof", Adam compares pretty well. Mike Rucker is probably the best, although Kyle Vandenbosch is a leader on Tennessee's Defense. Then, Cris Kelsey is a starter I believe, up in Buffalo. Trever Johnson might still be on someones roster, I'm not sure. Not a bad roster of DE's, but quite a drought since Kelsey.
I like Adam's opportunity at St. Louis. Has he reached his ceiling?, is the only question I might have about him. Physically though, who he is right now, is pretty good.
I'm just glad this type of player development is back at Nebraska, especially along the interior lines. So, studs like Adam and Jay, should be a more common occurrence, come draft time.
Does anyone doubt that Brandon Jackson should re-start a representative list of capable Nebraska RB's?