Prospect for the Pack: Wake Forest edge rusher Carlos Basham Jr.
The Green Bay Packers will enter the 2021 NFL draft hoping to find a few more valuable pieces to add to an otherwise talented roster after winning 26 regular-season games and making the NFC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons under coach Matt LaFleur.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect capable of landing in Green Bay later this month.
Up next is Wake Forest edge rusher Carlos Basham Jr.:
What he can do
– Great motor combined with elite physical skills created consistent production. Tallied 35.5 tackles for losses, 20.5 sacks, eight pass breakups and four forced fumbles over 33 career starts. Almost 150 total pressures over final three seasons
– Freaky athlete. Landed at No. 2 on Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks list.” Big, explosive and strong. RAS of 9.39.
– Experience standing up and rushing, and can slide inside and rush from the interior. Will be versatile in rush alignments
– Has quick feet and a bigger catalog of finesse moves than you’d expect from a rusher his size. Za’Darius Smith-like
– Swim move can be devastating
– Players with his combination of effort, power and athleticism don’t usually bust. High floor prospect
– Strength shows up when setting the edge. Not easy to move
– Can scrape down the line and make run stops. Had an impressive tackle while working across the formation on A.J. Dillon in 2019
– Tons of second-effort rushes after being initially stopped. Offensive tackles never get a break
– Good at finding the ball and disrupting the quick passing game. Shows awareness here
– Lacks bend and probably won’t be a corner-turner as a pure speed rusher at the next level, but he can find quick ways to the quarterback. Will win early in reps with variety of inside moves
How he fits
Basham looks like a prototypical Packers edge rusher. Big and athletic. In fact, one of his best athletic comparisons is Rashan Gary. Basham cut weight and aced all the pre-draft testing. The Packers have Gary, Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith returning as the top three edge rushers in 2021, but Preston Smith isn’t likely to be on the roster in 2022, creating future need at a premium position. Giving Basham to outside linebackers coach Mike Smith could help him unlock his full potential as a rusher. His scheme versatility and ability to rush from the inside make him an ideal fit in Green Bay.
NFL comp
Shaq Lawson or Rashan Gary. Basham’s effort level and physical traits compare favorably to both. Lawson and Gary were first-round picks, and both players started their NFL careers slowly but have emerged as quality edge rushers. When fully developed, Basham’s usage could be Michael Bennett-like.
Where Packers could get him
Most likely late in the first round. There isn’t much of a consensus on Basham as a prospect, with a wide range of potential outcomes. The second round is possible, but big, super-athletic pass-rushers with his history of production don’t usually last too long. Basham is an option for the Packers at No. 29.
