Syracuse senior running back Delone Carter enters the 2011 NFL Draft as an enigmatic, risky draft prospect with a lot of upside.

Carter missed all of the 2007 season (hip injury) and returned in 2008 to lose his starting job. He led the team in rushing as a freshman in 2006. In 2009, Carter bounced back as the No. 1 back for the Orangemen, rushing for 1,021 yards and 11 scores (added one receiving). Last year, he set a career high with 1,233 yards on his way to a nine-touchdown campaign.

Strengths

• Stocky, compact build (5-foot-8 5/8, 222 pounds)
• Effective jump-cut move
• Stays low in traffic
• Protects the football
• Well balanced
• Strong, aggressive pass blocker

• Interesting risk-reward prospect

  Acceptable speed - official 4.54-second 40-yard dash (1.54-second 10-yard split) at the Scouting Combine; 4.46 seconds at his Pro Day
• Strong lower body (10-foot broad jump, 37-inch vertical jump)
• Forward lean, always keeps legs churning
• Excellent in short-yardage situations
• Quality vision for cutback lanes
• High upside

Weaknesses

• Injury history (hamstring in 2008, dislocated hip in 2007)
• Suspended in 2010 for punching a student during an on-campus snowball fight
• Academic issues early in his career
• May not hold up against bigger rushing linebackers in the NFL
• Tends to want to bounce outside too often
• Hasn't been involved much as a receiver or as a route runner

Expected draft placement

Carter comes with a world of upside and equal risk between his character concerns and potential for re-injury of his hip. He could be a workhorse back in the NFL in the right system, but he will probably be a spell back initially. Carter needs to improve his receiving skills before being considered a competent third-down back.

Expect a team to take a chance on Carter in the latter portion of the third round or early fourth.