Carter has rare athletic traits, but where does he play? Is this the type of player Belichick would take to mold into…well, whatever he wanted?
NEPD Staff Contributor: Jeff Fidler
Forward by: Mike Gerken
This time of year is always tough for Patriots fans. We all get jacked up for the start of free agency only to see other teams go out and buy the shiny new toys. The Patriots rarely dive into the big money pool, but lets remember that winning free agency doesn’t correlate to winning games. I think right now the team is probably working hard to keep the guys that they want and will look to pick up value players later. The most important free agent the Patriots need to lock up is probably Offensive Tackle Nate Solder. Locking him up would allow the team to continue to get younger and more athletic on defense. That is where today’s Two For Tuesday comes in. Jeff has outlined two guys (in 2 separate posts to allow for easier reading) who may not have a true position when they get to the NFL, but their athleticism is undeniable. Griffin has a great story that everyone knows by now and despite his athletic profile, Carter seems like an afterthought at this point. So which one of these guys do you like for the Patriots, if either and where would you draft them?
Lorenzo Carter – Patriot-Type Player – DE/OLB – 6’6/250 – Georgia
Background
- Moved to Georgia from Memphis at very young age.
- Big time 5 star recruit coming out of High School
- Comes from athletic family he’s very close with. Played basketball growing up. Father played basketball in college.
- Well spoken, well liked young man that always looks at the positive
Strengths
- Carved up 6’6/250, almost perfect physique for an OLB/Rush type player w/ room to add weight. Almost 35 inch arms & big 10+ hands.
- Versatility, Instincts & Athleticism – Was a chess piece at Georgia. Rushed the passer, played the run, lined up on the edge, in box, dropped in coverage covering T.E.’S & RB’S. Long, rangy athlete that ate up yards chasing down ball carriers. Long arms & ability to jump will throw off QB throws & could be used on s/t. Looks very comfortable moving overall & laterally in flat & along the l.o.s. For the most part see’s ball, gets ball. Quick to figure what offense is doing.
- Pass Rush – Very good burst off the line & at times showed real bend around the loop. Good job of using length. Will look to hit OL’men w/ single arm/Long arm to stay clean. At times showed inside/out & crossed over OT’s face. At times will use swats to soften edge. Has closing speed.
- Run Defense – At times shows real stack & shed. Good hand placement & punch, always trying to get inside his man’s chest. Good motor. Good chase & pursuit. At times good instincts. Will look to rip out the ball or knock it loose.
- Upside & Football I.Q. – Was asked to do all a lot prior to the year & responded by being a Jack of all trades type for Smart at Georgia. Who runs a tough, complex system. Carter was asked to everything well & did. Pressured the QB on limited snaps & caused several turnovers.
Concerns
- Pass Rush & Hands – Has to work on hand usage when rushing the QB & in the run game. Too long to let guys get inside on him. Has to develop go moves & counter. No plan right now besides burst & bend
- Weight & Strength – Has to put on lbs no matter the position he ends up at. Off the ball LB, Edge, or a tweener. Either way he should be around 260. Has to develop stronger core & lower half.
Summary
Carter’s future really depends on 2 things. Adding size & continuing to develop in close quarter, hand to hand fighting. He’ll only get bigger & stronger training full time on an NFL program. So I’m not too concerned about that but there are rumors he has a hard time keeping on weight. It’s critical for what he’s going to be asked to do at the next level. 2nd, He should be working some hand experts to develop as pass rusher. His get off & flexibility are real. He has to add & top off that part of game.
TRAITS THAT TRANSLATE
Here are some clips that show off Carter’s versatility
Not my highest rated player in tonight's game, but UGA's Lorenzo Carter (No. 7) is my favorite player playing tonight. 6-6, 245 lbs. He does it all. Can drop into coverage or rush off of the edge. Traits are off the charts. Steal for whoever drafts him.
— J.R. (@JReidDraftScout) January 8, 2018
Carter has nice instincts, again wins a matchup with a much bigger left tackle, somehow manages to stay aware of what QB Dobbs is doing, gets off the ball and rags him down to stop any chance of him scrambling pic.twitter.com/PjqdXQZk73
— Nicholas McGee (@nicholasmcgee24) February 21, 2018
Initially jarred back by the pulling guard but again gets off the ball and stops Anderson for a limited gain pic.twitter.com/fi8kSVged8
— Nicholas McGee (@nicholasmcgee24) February 21, 2018
You want players who have shown they can contribute in a multitude of different ways. To that end, let's finish with Carter making the biggest play of the game on special teams in the Rose Bowl pic.twitter.com/CACYLGCk9r
— Nicholas McGee (@nicholasmcgee24) February 21, 2018
For those wanting Honey Badger here is something to think about. The Cardinals offered him 9 mil/year in trying to restructure his contract. He turned it down looking and expecting more somewhere in the 11 mill/yr range. In 5 seasons with the Cardinals he has only played a full 16 games 1 time 2017. He missed 6 games in 2016, 2 games in 2015, 3 games in 2014 and 3 games in 2013. A total of 14 games in 5 seasons that is nearly a full year due to injuries. Two teams who have that kind of cap space who have serious interest right now San Fran and Houston Texans. Good luck out bidding them.
Here is that Honey Badge link
https://twitter.com/JasonLaCanfora/status/974044870586372099
CB Nick Nelson Wiscon had a fantastic pro day today
He didn’t do the 3 cone 20 shuttle or Vert at the combine but he sure did today
3 Cone of 6.69 would of been 3rd for cb’s at combine
2 Shuttle 3.88 would of been 1st at combine for cb’s
Vert 36.5″
At the combine he measured 5’10 5/8″ 200 lbs 30 6/8″ Arm L 74 6/8″ Wingspan who ran a 4.52 40 and a 123″ broad jump and 17 on the bench.
He had 19 PBU’s this year according to PFF the most of any CB in this draft(and I’ve also seen 21 in other places) and 15 PBU’s before he transfered to Wisconsin at Hawaii.
With those 3 cone and 20 shuttle times and that production I’d imagine he is someone that would be on the Patriots radar.
Tony Pauline wrote this in his pro day report
I’m told Nick Caserio of the New England Patriots was on hand specifically for Nelson and Cichy.
Phil Savage the Senior Bowl guy had him ranked ahead of some well known CB’s here for this one part of the combine.
https://twitter.com/SeniorBowlPhil/status/970779014460821505
Here is a montage of plays
https://twitter.com/PeterAriz/status/961636113390735360
Matt Miller in one of his earlier mocks in Feb had Nick Nelson going in the 3rd round to the Vikings.
Here is a thread that shows both positives and negatives on Nelson
https://twitter.com/TylerDBrooke/status/956709678217682946
Here is a play even though it doesn’t show it in it’s entirety of him coming from the bottom of the field to chase down a player and in the comment section it mentions him catching him at the 1 yard line which you don’t see but I remember a while back that BB loves that type of never give up/quite on a play mentality in players
https://twitter.com/ConnorJRogers/status/968605869532426240
Kevin Brown #1 video of Wisconsin CB Nick Nelson (#11) can run with receivers and cover man-to-man. Here vs. Illinois.
https://twitter.com/nfldraftnik/status/947849663478157312
Kevin Brown video 2 Wisconsin CB Nick Nelson (#11), an early #NFLDraft entry, can help right away as a punt returner while he develops for the pros at corner.
https://twitter.com/nfldraftnik/status/947846810177097729
In an end of year article titled NFL Draft stock report: Wisconsin CB Nick Nelson. It mentions Nelson being tasked with covering the opponents’ best receiver on a week-to-week basis with his ability to play man coverage without the need for safety help over the top allowed defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard the freedom to draw up more aggressive schemes for the Badgers’ nation-leading defense.
In the article it also mentioned he received a 2nd round grade from the advisory committee.
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/31/16835750/nfl-draft-2018-nick-nelson-scouting-report-wisconsin-football?utm_campaign=buckys5thquarter&utm_content=entry&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
Mike Lucas a color analyst and writer for UWBadgers.com said this Nick Nelson plays deep ball about as well as any CB around here for awhile. Always has his head turned to QB helping prevent PI calls. Loves being challenged.
Steve E you will like this
Ndamukong Suh is looking to go to the highest-bidder.
Adam Bogdan
And for those hoping Suh was in play for the #Patriots this should flush that dream right down the toilet.
Suh has been in Seattle even before news broke of Miami looking to release him two days ago.
Michael Lombardi
No one thinks Ebron is a tight end, he is a big slot receiver that does not block, which is why he is now a free agent.
One crazy thing about Ebron is he is turns 25 on Apr 10th while TE Hayden Hurst of South Carolina will turn 25 on Aug 24th. They are 4 months apart. Ebron has been in the league 4 years while Hurst is in this years Draft.
Russell I think you need a new source because he/she is providing you with some real bad info
Reports that the @Patriots offered free agent QB A.J. McCarron a contract are completely false, league source confirms.
Looks good that Patriots will get Trent Murphy at 3 yr. $16.5 mil Buffalo signs Trent Murphy for 3 years 21 million only 4.5 million off
Here is the AJ McCarron link
https://twitter.com/globejimmcbride/status/974016880527708160
Ebron got released like i predicted. Now we should get him and then cut Dwayne Allen.
The more I read the more realize need a good tackler at FS since last line of defense.
Need SS to Cover TE’s plus a good tackler as well as being Physical .
Get the speed at LB which a big need. Hope resign waddle and Garcia returns to form . Langi if returns to form could be a steal at LB too as well as Rivers. Really wish HT restructure his contract always hurt be nice add more cap space
2 Fred Warner Will coverage LB has good size too so good chance Pats take him.
2 Kyzir White SS Chung Role cover TE’s really good tackler physical
2 Kyle Lauletta QB
3 Fatusaki DL DE DT Big can move all over the line build nicely can collapse pocket
4Brandon Parker OL
4 DJ Reed Slot Nickel FS good athlete good tackler for last line of the defense has ball skills as well.
5 James Butler RB can do it all thanks Stephen for this
6 D Flowers Hback nice chess piece on Offense
Patriots have offered OLB Trent Murphy (Washington) 3 yr. $16.5 mil. coming off ACL were he missed 2017.
Patriots made offer to QB A.J. McCarron 3yrs. $24.5 mil.
oops my insider said offer to QB McCarron was $17.5 mil. 3yrs. , NOT $24.5 sorry. Looks good that Patriots will get Trent Murphy.
My question is why?
Am I wrong in thinking that is an awful lot for an unproven QB2? I am beginning to hope they take Lamar Jackson in the unlikely event he falls to 31.
Reading tweets from Tyrann Mathieu believes he can make more money on free agent market than previous contract he was on…if so kiss that dream good bye for the Patriots. No way they will pay him $11 mill + per year
Best shot now for Pat’s would be Suh + Vaccaro.
NFL CHANNEL REPORTING SOLDER SIGNING WITH GIANTS.
Patriots are hurting so far in free agency with players leaving for greener pastures. Granted, Patriots don’t have an excessive amount of cap dollars to work with so they had to bite the bullet and let Solder, Lewis, and Amendola go elsewhere. I don’t count Butler because he wasn’t expected to be back anyway. However, I do feel like some of the moves as far as players leaving and no significant signings so far ties into Butler’s Super Bowl benching. I think some players both inside and outside of New England are becoming skeptical of coming or staying in New England and the Patriot Way even though it gives them a solid chance to win a Super Bowl. Rumor has it that Patriots are trying to sign AJ McCarron from Cincinnati. I actually think this would be a good move. I would even go so far as to still draft a QB somewhere in the lower rounds if the one they want falls to them, ie., Falk, Lauletta, etc. I would then release Hoyer since I would have a solid and younger number 2 QB in McCarron behind Brady and let McCarron and whoever they draft work to prove who can take over the mantle for Brady.
I’d be surprised of ‘dola, Solder, or Lewis weighed Butler’s benching in their formulas. They got top dollar. They got so much top dollar the Pats might get 2 3rd round compensatories in 2019, and a couple others to boot.
The Pats usually wait out the feeding frenzy of the first few days of free agency and then start working the phones when remaining players’ expectations moderate.
I am worried the Pats are going to have to gamble on talented players coming back from damage to get lower prices.
Nothing new or unusual I agree. I am surprised they let Solder go I had talked myself into thinking he would be resigned. Well guess that puts OLT as a priority now. By time this week is done we are all going to have to redo our mocks.
Nate Solder has signed with N.Y. Giants
Solder deal; 4 yr. $ 60 mil.
Yea…as much as I like Solder Pat’s aren’t paying 15 or 15.5 per year for him.
Good for him though.
Now the Pat’s #1 priority needs to be a tackle in this draft class.
Player to watch now is Ndamukong Suh when released.
$8.5 million of his 2018 salary becomes guaranteed if still on Dolphins roster by March 18th.
Don’t expect him to be released until March 17th.
I don’t like that guy and I don’t see him as a Pats kind of fit. Yea he’s a good DT but also a thug, bully whatever you want to call him. Not good for the locker room IMO.
Anyone have thoughts on drafting Maurice Hurst if he falls with health concerns? Obviously I hope he’s healthy enough to continue his football career, but I think he’d be great DL addition.
Hurst is near the top of my board. If healthy he will go way before we have a chance at him. If not healthy (depending on what’s wrong) he might but then will he be worth a high pick? What have you heard concerning his health?
Maurice Hurst Medical update
Hurst is expected to return to Indianapolis for the second medical check
Before leaving the combine Hurst stated It was an irregular EKG. Same thing [happened] at Michigan, I Went through a lot of tests and got that all figured out and was cleared, so hopefully just do the same thing once I get back to school and come back for rechecks.”
Michigan will host its pro day on March 23, and Hurst said he will participate if cleared.
The medical recheck will be held in early April.
You may get more information out during Michigan’s Pro Day but the real test isn’t back in Michigan or Cleveland as some reports have said but rather with the NFL doctor’s during the medical recheck in early April. Those are the reports that the NFL teams will go by.
DE//OLB Kareem Martin signed with the Giants.
a little off topic but think I am all in on Kyle Lauletta a few things catch my eye on his reports as well on tape.
First thing is has experience in the Pistol shotgun as well under center.
Second thing is his Eyes moving LB’s how many times have we seen Brady fool players with his Eyes? too many times to count lol.
3rd thing is has good footwork in Playaction as well in the setup. I know Jimmy G has these 3 skills which main reason Pats drafted him
A 4th trait is gets back out Quickly on timeing route throws sure seems like a fit to me . How wrong am I on this? He sure seems like the perfect fit to learn from Brady
With Dion Lewis gone, we could use another 3rd down back, and we already needed another early downs back and short-yardage specialist.
Interestingly, Shane Vereen, Danny Woodhead, and Legarette Blount are all free agents right now.
The first two are working their way back from injuries and the third has a slight contusion to the birth certificate.
I continue to believe that capable RB can be found in many places besides the top of the draft.
-Underutilized veterans for $1-$2 Million per year.
-Up and comer veterans for $2-$3 Million per year.
-UDFA roulette
-Trade or swap late draft picks to rent the tail end of a rookie deal.
-Aging veterans who still have some tread left on their tires and will take less to be part of something.
So, lots of players might fit the above.
As of this evening, there are 13 FA RB with significant starting experience still available.
Replacement for Lewis could be Ito Smith. Really like his potential, very Lewis like. If he was a couple inches taller and 15 lbs heavier he’d be a high round pick I believe.
I made mention yesterday of Middle Tenn Pro Day where the 2 players that were known was WR Richie James and CB Charvarious Ward (Malcolm Butlers cousin) well I just came across this
Per @MikeDetillier on @Midday180: Belichick made a stop at #MTSU to see @_TheRealDBU at his pro day Monday and could get some hype from there. “Ain’t a lot of 6-foot corners who run like him.”
Middle Tennessee CB Charvarius Ward with nice open-field tackle here.
https://twitter.com/nfldraftnik/status/954158846322331649
Middle Tennessee CB Charvarius Ward (#2) has natural man-to-man coverage tools.
https://twitter.com/nfldraftnik/status/954158582223835137
HT 6005
WT 198
Arm 32 1/4
Wing 77 1/2
37 1/2 vertical jump
11 ft broad
40: 4.43/4.47
20 Shuttle:4.44
Bench: 12
3 Cone: ??? Ran but no time listed
CB Charvarius Ward (@NFLPABowl invitee) has technical skill to play anywhere in the secondary. You can tell he was well coached at #MTSU. Patience & footwork
https://twitter.com/FBallGameplan/status/948678776338165761
Ranking all 32 offensive lines from the 2017 NFL season
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-ranking-all-32-offensive-lines-from-the-2017-nfl-season?utm_content=bufferf3df0&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=nfl
With Dion Lewis’s contract Patscap said it’s likely the Pats will receive a 6th round compensation pick in 2019.
With Malcolm Butler’s contract it’s likely to be a 3rd round compensation pick as has been mentioned here which will replace the pick we used to trade for Danny Shelton
Also the Pats signed this rugby guy someone named Nate Ebner tonight
Yay! I love Ebner. So hard to find 4 down core special teamers that can also play Safety, Linebacker, and do trick plays on kick offs in a pinch. Literally a jack-of-all-trades.
Andrew Fleischer a PFF Analyst tonight dropped a RB for the Pats Iowa ‘s James Butler. This is what he said
James Butler as a late-round/UDFA match with the Patriots wouldn’t be too far-fetched. Iowa OC Brian Ferentz: “We probably made a mistake not getting him in our program a lot sooner. So far what we’ve seen out of him, he’s just verified everything that we thought we knew.
James Butler’s @PFF elusive rating of 95.2 was 14th in the RB class, forcing 72 missed tackles (4th highest number in the class). He fumbled 3 times on 609 career carries.
Oh, and he’s a very good receiver. His 2.17 yards per route run was 9th in the draft class, and on 40.6% of his runs, he wasn’t tackled on 1st contact, the 4th highest percentage in the 2018 draft class. This is why i’m eager to see his Iowa pro-day numbers.
Iowa’s Pro Day is March 26. James Butler is listed as 5’9” 210 lbs on Iowas Website
thanks for this info Stephen this RB Butler seems interesting mayb have 2 butlers again lol.
Dion Lewis is a titan-McCinnon or Rex. Sounds like jordy nelson wants to be a patriot.
Jordy Nelson just trying to gain leverage. He is in route to Oakland and will likely sign there. New Raiders WRs coach Edgar Bennett oversaw Packers’ WRs from 2011 to 2014. Their coordinator from 2015 to 2017. Reggie McKenzie with Packers when Jordy Nelson drafted there.
Well there goes that idea. Sounded like he was gonna sign for a bargain. Probably makes crabtree available
Hope Bill will get a deal done with Solder before to long. Still hoping Lewis will be back but not sounding good. Ito Smith would be my choice to replace Lewis as draft prospects go. Really no vet available with same quality’s that I’m aware of.
I’m hoping for a solder return but if he decides to leave i hope he chooses the browns. That way pats would atleast have a chance at joe Thomas.
may not be same quality but think vetRB Damian Williams could be a good fit from dolphins.
Yea id take damien over gillislee
Nate Solder getting offer from the Giants…………
From what I gather Solder is gonna stay with pats and dion lewis is a gonner.
And the Browns and Texans are on him. But…..
From NEPD_Loyko twitter:
Per @tomecurran Nate Solder will NOT be taking any visits and still top priority is to remain with #patriots.
Chris Hubbard OT (Steelers) age 26, signs with Browns,, 5 yr. $37.5 mil.
Well that should mean one player is out of the Solder Sweepstakes.
Dunno. Hubbard was a backup RT last year. He’s getting paid quasi-starter money, but RT.
Brown is primarily used as a RT started 10 of 14 games at Right and in an article on Cleveland.com it stated
The signing won’t preclude the Browns from continuing to pursue Patriots left tackle Nate Solder, who would step in as the immediate replacement for Joe Thomas. Solder, 29, is also being pursued by the Texans and Broncos.
This Mock Gives Pats the D a Jags look with Smith N Jack along with Atl Jones and Riley. Adds speed with coverage. Tackle and Cover would be in affect which is highly needed in todays NFL.
1st:Dorance Armstrong olb DE Rush set edge drop back
2nd:Darius leanard Hybrid can cover has crazy make up speed War Daddy
2nd:Fred Warner Will bigger coverage type smooth in space
3rd:Deshon Elliot FS Rangy good at high pointing the ball
4th:Brandon Parker OT
5th:Litton QB leader type communicates very well from what seen or heard
6th:Dmintri Flowers H-back nice chess piece for Offense
Good Luck to Danny Amendola great clutch player and great example for a Pro Athlete to
young people.
Free Agents for Patriots
Kareem Martin DE Cardinals
Jordy Nelson WR Packers
Preston Brown ILB Bills
Prince Amukamara CB Bears
Patriots Mock Draft
1 Luke Falk QB Washington St.
2 Maurice Hurst DT Michigan
2 Kyzir White SS West Virginia
3 Anthony Averett CB Alabama
4 Ryan Izzo TE Florida St.
5 Brian Allen G Michigan St.
6 Akrum Wadley RB Iowa
Stay aggresive Pats and win the off season again.
Per Chris Price
Since the start of ’16 season, only 2 WRs have 80 or more catches & a catch rate of 73% or better in the regular season: Danny Amendola & Cordarelle Patterson. Amendola is also the only Patriots WR who has a catch rate of 72% or better who has at least 50 receptions in that time.
That is why in earlier posts I’ve been looking at slot type WR who match Danny Amendola’s traits with one of those traits being a catch rate of 70% or greater and two of those in this draft are Trey Quinn and Keke Coutee
Trey Quinn 2017 Targets 155 Catches 114 Catch Rate 73.5% at 10.8 yards per catch
KeKe Coutee 2017 Targets 121 Catches 93 Catch Rate 76.9% at 15.4 yards per catch
Also Anthony Miller in 2016 Targets 134 Catches 95 Catch Rate 70.9% 15.1 yards per catch
Both these guys are great prospects to possibly replace Amendola with. If I had to choose I think I’d take Coutee. He’s a little shorter and lighter but a little faster. Like to see a comparison of cone times though and am sure you have those closer to hand then I do, so if you would please.
Danny Amendola..KeKe Coutee…Trey Quinn
5’10 1/2″…………5’9 3/4″……….5’11 3/8″
183 lbs……………181 lbs………..203 lbs
40:4.58…………..4.43……………4.55
10 Split:1.56…….1.54……………1.59
20 Shuttle 4.25….4.15……………4.19
3 Cone 6.81………6.93……………6.91
Vert 31 1/2″………34 1/2″……….33 1/2″
Anthony Miller DNP due to injury
On the plus side, Amendola’s $12M, and it looks like Butler’s $61M, might help the compensatory picks in 2019.
Who will take over for Amendola in the slot? Maybe Riley McCarron. He’s got very good (albeit Pro Day) agility numbers, he’s been in the system for a season, and this offseason gets to shadow JE11.
Nobody knows if he’ll be clutch, but the first step is learning the route tree and knowing where TB12 expects him to be. The second step is learning to hide the route until the last possible instant. The third step is being really sudden to get open and making the catch. It’s plausible it could be him.
One of the other benefits with Keke Coutee is he returns kicks averaged 31 yards per return this past year.
Trey Quinn has no kick punt return experience.
Big fans of both for a while now. KeKe is severely under rated still. Waterbug type. Teams def aren’t sleeping on him tho.
I’m glad Quinn is getting some love. Finally utilized the proper way.
2 guys that have their best football in front of them
I was hoping Moore would be on the board in the 2nd but think he’s long gone by then.
absolutely sucks losing DA but with our depth and his age and injury history and the money he is signing for we had no spot for him at that price. Business. Still have plenty of WR’s. Can someone other than JE step up and fill the DA clutch void? God I hope so.
Good news – Lewis and Solder have not yet committed elsewhere. Neither have Waddle or Fleming. In a world of short money by the Pats and lots by others and so many early signings announced them not signing is a positive – at least for now.
I wish DA the best. He served us well. I don’t with Miami the best and hope he doesn’t serve them well. One way for a competitor to “get better” is by making your competition weaker. Again need somebody to grasp the opening and opportunity an d preventing that from happening.
TE Adam Breneman
The game of football has meant so much to me and has given me many amazing memories. It hurts me to share that due to an injury I am forced to officially retire from football
Thank you, football.
I have dreamed my entire life of playing in the National Football League. From the time I was in middle school I knew I wanted to play tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles. It seemed my dreams started to become reality in high school when my coaches recognized my talent and encouraged me to train and compete at the highest levels of the sport. I have always known that I was good enough to play professional football, but, in a lot of ways, that has become the most frustrating part of this journey.
As many of you know, I have been challenged with a few injuries during my career. However, only a handful people outside of my family know the full extent of the injury that I suffered at Penn State. In 2014, an MRI revealed that I had significant damage in my left knee. This specific injury required me to have a complicated surgery and a long recovery process. At the time, my doctors told me that my knee would never again be the same and that there was a chance I would never come back from the injury. In January 2016, after almost two long years of rehabbing with little success, I wrote a letter to Penn State fans announcing my retirement from football.
As I began working in the “real world,” my knee suddenly started to feel better. It was the dream that I had of playing in the NFL from as early as I could remember, and knowing that I’m good enough to do so, that drove me back to the game. When I transferred to UMass in 2016, my knee felt much better. It wasn’t perfect, but it was better, and thanks to the exceptional training staff at UMass and some Advil, I was able to achieve All-American status that season.
This past season things began to deteriorate quickly. Even though I enjoyed on-field success, I knew my knee was getting rapidly worse with every game I played. The consistent dream of playing in the NFL was my motivation to push through the pain. I knew what was happening, but I was afraid to accept it and be disappointed yet again.
When the season ended, I hoped with some time off and without the physical rigors of the season, my knee would begin to feel better. However, once I started training daily for the NFL draft in January 2018, I realized my situation had not improved. After additional medical evaluations and creative treatments, my doctors and I have come to the realization that there is no solution that will allow me to continue to play football.
It hurts me to share that at just 22 years old, I am officially retiring from the game of football. Football has given me so much in my life and I am very proud of all my accomplishments both on and off the field. From what we were able to accomplish at Penn State during one of the most trying times in college football history, to becoming a 2-time All-American at UMass, I will always look back and have amazing memories of my career. This game has allowed me to receive a highly regarded undergraduate degree from Penn State’s Smeal College of Business and my M.B.A. from UMass’ Isenberg School of Management. Beyond my education and unforgettable memories with my teammates and coaches, football has given me so many amazing opportunities and ever-lasting relationships for which I will forever be thankful.
Letting go of my dream to play in the NFL has taken some time to accept, but I have come to terms with the reality that God has a different plan for me. For as much as football has challenged me emotionally and physically, I would not change a single thing. My career was not perfect and certainly not how I imagined it back when I was a 5-star recruit, but it was my reality. My journey is my story, and I’ve learned to be very proud of it.
Thank you to all of you who have stood by me and supported me during my career. From the people in the Cedar Cliff community and throughout central Pennsylvania, to the amazing fans at Penn State, and my great supporters at UMass, you all have greatly impacted my life in such an amazing way and for that I will be forever thankful. I can only hope that I gave you a fraction of the joy you’ve given me with your love and support.
I know so many of you who have supported me over the years will feel disappointed for me. Please don’t. I am truly blessed to have lived a dream that so few people get the chance to experience. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities this game has given me. But, as they say, all good things must come to end. While this chapter of my life is coming to a close, I look forward to what the future has in store for me and writing the next chapter of my life.
Thanks for everything,
Adam Breneman #81
Nice article. Thanks Stephen J. Almost brought a tear to my eye, almost.
HUGE Lorenzo Carter fan.
I would take him with our first pick.
Word on the street is Ndamukong Suh to Patriots…nothing official yet.
But where there is smoke…
The man is a penalty machine. No doubting the talent but I for one really, really dislike him.
How are they going to afford both Suh and Solder.
Who is more important to them at this point in time
Then they just traded for Danny Shelton and have Malcolm Brown still under his rookie contract
So if Suh were brought aboard yes the combo of Shelton and Suh would be better and nice to think about but is it significantly better and is it worth it if it means losing Solder so that we could afford his(Suh’s) contract. Not to mention any other future extensions that are coming up.
Where there is smoke this time of year means its most likely not happening especially with the Pats. When there is smoke with the Pats its usually the Pats doing someone a favor and not them pursuing someone. There was no smoke last year when they signed CB Gilmore it just came out of no where.
Pat’s restructure Brady’s deal among other things.
It’s not impossible.
The Pat’s are masters at cap management.
Also, I didn’t come up with this idea. Don’t shoot the messenger! 😛
W.T.F….
Amendola to Miami? Why?
It’s not like he’s been asking for a lot of money and has been taking pay cuts in year’s past.
Your right. It’s not like he is asking for a lot of money. He wants to play in warmer weather and he wants to start playing golf in late Dec. Its like driving a Lamborghini and giving that up to drive a 71 Pinto. So I want to wish him luck catching passes thrownby the great Ryan Tanehill. Oh but wait they even have the better QB in jay Cutler. Yea good luck with that LOL.
Reading more into the Pat’s weren’t going to pay Amendola 2 yers / $12 million.
Pats already stacked at WR: Cooks, Edelman, Hogan, Mitchell, Dorsett, Britt…I think Dorsett is going to get a chance to fill in Amendola’s spot. Big shoes to fill though.
Side note: Dolphins don’t have Cutler – he only signed 1 year deal. And I have a feeling they are trying to move up the board to draft a QB…like Mayfield.
Don’t believe Tannehill will be around much longer.
Per Patscap
Wideouts on the Patriots current roster and their signed thru years:
Brandin Cooks:2018
Julian Edelman: 2019
Chris Hogan: 2018
Phillip Dorsett: 2018 with an option for 2019
Kenny Britt – 2018
Malcolm Mitchell – 2019
Cody Hollister – 2018 – ERFA in 19
Riley McCarron – 2018 – ditto
Please Stephen I know you know better.
As of right now they are good at WR for 2018. Pat’s have a long way to go before the 2019 roster is set.
All I’m saying is that the WR core may not be as set as most people think it is.
They have been unwilling to pay Danny Amendola big money for the last several years being the number 4 WR. Who fills that role on the team now long term. People would probably say Dorsett maybe but not at the cost of his current option price and if not then what he’s here this year then moves on. Then you have Riley McCarron a favorite of mine who I would love to see step and be that person but if he was so ready and they were so high on him I’d imagine he would have a higher salary then he does on the practice squad to make sure he sticks around. Then why have they been looking at so many slot type WR’s recently if one or both of Dorsett or McCarron are the one’s expecting to fill that roll. You have to look at what they do not what they say.
Well all we older guys do seek the warmth you know? Amendola will be missed though he was a clutch receiver. Good luck to him and in Miami he should get lots of golf in after regular seasons are done. (evil smile)
As I have been saying for a while now Amendola was gone due to age health and needing to limit/manage his reps at practice so that he could play down the stretch being the number 4 receiver on the roster. It was time to move on and get younger. Then look at below our WR’s and when their contracts expire most are on their last year this year except for 2 there is going to be a lot of change turn over happening. Then add in that the Pats have looked at several Danny Amendola type WR’s during combine and pro days the writing is on the wall as far as what direction they are headed.
Say what ????? Just got on-line and didn’t know. How does that make Keke look for a possibility now?
Carter has spoken with the Patriots. Carter compares to the Bears, Lenard Floyd; 6’5″ 245 lbs. 33 1/8 arms , 10 1/8 hands, 4.6 40 yd., 39 1/2 V, 129″ B-Jump.
Great report, Carter has similar traits to, Temaine Edmunds, who is a 1st round guy.
Then if the Pat’s don’t get Rashaan Evans or Leighton Vander Esch – I hope they get him.
From what I’m reading and comparing him to…reminds me of Jamie Collins…only bigger and faster than Collins was at the combine measurements.
I bet he’s on the Pats radar for sure.
I agree that Carter is 10-15 pounds to light to consistently set the edge.
His arms are 34″ exactly. Not “almost 35 inches.”
We don’t have a 3-cone time for him, and sometimes lanky guys can’t set the edge.
Those are my only two knocks on him. If he could play OLB and cover TE and RB, I’d be ecstatic.
I had the measurements but for some reason I had him w/ + 34 in my mind, my mistake either way.
I think private workouts will be a big factor in terms of teams becoming comfortable to confirm or check those boxes.
I think he’s a guy you want to keep close to the line in terms of coverage. I’m not sure I want him chasing, turning etc no matter his agility. Flat, shallow zone, keep it in front of him.
Where do/would you like him?
mock draft 3/13: 2nd(SF) traded to DET for 2nd(#19) and 3rd(#18).
1st:Leighton VanderEsch ILB/OLB
2nd:Justin Reid S
2nd:Dorance Armstrong JR DE/OLB
3rd:Quenton Meeks CB
3rd:Dallas Goedert TE
4th:Logan Woodside QB
5th:Brandon Parker OT
6th:John Kelly RB