2015 Minnesota Vikings: Multiple Reports That Duron Carter has Vikings As Top Choice
Arif Hasan
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With Ben Goessling of ESPN reporting that Duron Carter has expressed a preference for the Minnesota Vikings above other teams, moving the Colts down the proverbial order of preference. Nothing’s done yet, as it seems like money may be what sways him.
Duron Carter said the #Vikings are his top choice at the moment. Colts are still in the mix, too. Could visit Browns, Panthers and Redskins.
— Ben Goessling (@GoesslingESPN) January 9, 2015
Hearing Duron Carter could fetch a signing bonus in the neighborhood of $100K on a three-year deal. That’s big money for a CFL guy.
— Ben Goessling (@GoesslingESPN) January 9, 2015
Goessling is right that that is big money for a CFL player. Top CFL receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux received league minimum and no signing bonus to join with the Vikings (and later Washington and the New York Jets). The previous report of Vikings being a favorite comes from Viking Update.
This is beginning to feel a lot like college recruiting. Don’t be surprised if he flips his decision at the last moment. As Miller reported, there could be a sleeper steal in the Carolina Panthers—the opportunity to work with Cam Newton and a depleted receiver corps, along with some money, could be big.
I still see Vikings and Colts as the Duron Carter favorites, but money talks. Could see someone stealing him @carpetkaiser
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) January 9, 2015
Duron Carter is working out for the Vikings today, has interest from 49ers and Browns, but don’t rule out Panthers as a sleeper team
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) January 9, 2015
He happens to have a scouting report on Duron Carter up:
Wide Receiver Duron Carter, Free Agent (6’5″, 209 lbs)
Strengths
- Powerful, explosive move off the line of scrimmage.
- Has a long, lean frame with excellent wingspan and hand size.
- Adjusts well to the ball in the air and shows good body control on the move.
- Has produced well against professional athletes in CFL last two seasons.
- Can play both in the slot or on the boundary with success.
- Dominant over the middle and isn’t afraid to make catches in traffic.
- Solid route-runner with an ankle-breaking inside move on slants and posts.
- Very tough, plays with a chip on his shoulder.
Weaknesses
- Very limited college football experience.
- Played at Ohio State and Coffeyville Community College. Enrolled at Alabama and FAU, but never played there.
- Went undrafted in 2013 NFL draft due to concerns about maturity and work ethic.
- Has a reputation for being high-maintenance.
- Struggled in CFL to beat a jam and work through physical cornerbacks.
- Tried to make the Sportscenter catch too often and passed up sure-handed grabs.
Pro Player Comparison: Martavis Bryant, Pittsburgh Steelers