The eighth in a series looking at the Patriots' 2011 NFL Draft picks, and the roles they might play for the Patriots next year.

Name: Markell Carter

School: Central Arkansas

Position: Outside Linebacker

Drafted: 6th Round, 194th Overall

Projected Stats: 2 GP, 0 GS; 3 tackles, .5 sacks

Projected Role: Of all of the Patriots day three draft selections, Markell Carter might have been the most interesting.  While Carter was not on a lot of draft radars, the Central Arkansas product is a real sleeper pick for the Patriots.  He has the ideal size, strength, and speed the Patriots look for in their pass rushers, and he combines that with a quick first step.  Still, no one can really have any expectations for a sixth round pick like Carter.  If he really impresses in training camp, there is a shot that he makes the 53 man roster.  More likely, I think he will land on the practice squad and I think he could be promoted at some point in the season.  Carter is a project pick, but an intriguing one nonetheless.

Bottom Line: Project pass rusher who could pay dividends down the road.