2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Caelen Carson

Strengths

• Solid NFL frame with adequate length and hip fluidity to mirror receivers
• Physical cornerback who plays with an edge and swagger, tenacity allows him to match up against bigger receivers
• Football IQ is high, often took it upon himself to direct traffic in the secondary
• Inside/outside versatility
• Well-versed in route recognition as a former WR
• Excellent short-area burst

Weaknesses

• Can get overly aggressive in coverage, which will lead to flags at the next level
• Has trouble locating the ball on vertical routes downfield
• Can get sloppy with fundamentals at times
• Ball skills, while adequate, could be better

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for Caelen Carson

Caelen Carson, like Kentucky's Andru Phillips, is another player flying under the radar as the 2024 NFL Draft inches closer and closer. Though this cornerback class doesn't have a bona fide superstar like recent classes, it's an incredibly deep group that offers talent well into the third and fourth rounds. Teams will be able to find serviceable, immediate starters even in the back half of the third round, and for a position as volatile as cornerback, that's invaluable.

Carson will need some refinement at the next level and may have to cut his teeth as a slot cornerback. In that role, he'll get more favorable matchups that let him take advantage of his bullying playstyle, and teams will be able to use his tenacity in the run game to stifle opposing offenses.

Carson will also need a coach to guide him about consistently maintaining his fundamentals. There are moments on film where he seems to get lazy with his footwork or eye discipline, and at the next level, he won't be able to take plays off if he wants to remain employed.

With the Chicago Bears already having a top-five slot cornerback in Kyler Gordon, they don't have any interest in using a top-85 draft pick on a player like Carson. But I do think he represents value for the team that drafts him. Earlier this year, Mel Kiper had Carson as high as his CB8 in all of college football, but inconsistent fundamentals and redundancy make him a player to pass on for Matt Eberflus and Ryan Poles.

NFL Comparison: Aaron Robinson