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.