Tariq Carpenter Scouting Report: 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Report
Georgia Tech, Defensive Back # 2
Measurements
6’2″/ 227lbs
40 time: 4.5
Hand: 9″
Arm: 33 3/8″
Wing: 81 5/8″
Tariq Carpenter NFL Draft Profile
High School
Carpenter played his high school ball at Long County High School in Ludowici, Georgia. In the recruiting class of 2017, he was rated as a 3-Star prospect both by ESPN and 247Sports. He was named First Team All-State by recruitgeorgia.com and an All-Region, All-District, and All-Area honoree. He was a two-way player at WR and DB and also returned kicks. Tariq was also a four-year letterwinner and a three year captain for the team. Before signing with Georgia Tech, he had offers from Mercer, UCF, Memphis, and UMASS.
College
During his freshman year, he only played special teams where he accounted for two tackles. The next year, he started all 13 games and that continued for the rest of his collegiate career. He used his COVID year and finished off his career this past season. Carpenter ended his tenure at GT with 223 tackles (153 solo), 6.5 TFLs, 3 forced fumbles, 22 passes defended, and 4 interceptions.
Tariq Carpenter Strengths
Overall Athletic Ability
Georgia Tech DB Tariq Carpenter
If you are looking for a big body that can move with fluid hips and solid foot quickness, Carpenter is your guy. He is not your typical run stopping safety. A guy with his size should not be able to move the way he does. Carpenter has above average speed, acceleration, and explosion which allows him to cover ground in a hurry. He has long strides, but can tempo down in an instant to make sudden movements. Carpenter shows quality short area quickness. On top of that, he has good twitch and coverage ability with slippery hips and quality foot quickness to make seamless transitions. He also offers quality strength which he uses when tackling, taking on blocks, and covering TEs.
Frame / Length
This guy is put together. His official measurements are just over 6’2 and 227 pounds, but when you stand next to him he towers over most. Carpenter really appears to be 6’4 or 6’5. He also has insane length. It seems like he can practically touch his knees when his arms are by his side. He has high hips and long legs which is why he can cover ground in very few steps. Carpenter uses these tools to make plays on the ball in the air and devour ball carriers when he tackles. Because of his body type, teams can mold him into whatever role they need him. Whether a team needs him to bulk up or get leaner and twitchier, he has the frame and body type to do so.
Versatility
Because of his athleticism and body type, Carpenter can be played in multiple positions. I witnessed this first hand at the Hula Bowl. He played safety, both in the box and post, middle linebacker, outside linebacker and even played some corner in press coverage. He excelled in all these spots. Carpenter had the athletic ability to keep up with receivers, the size to take on tight ends, and the combination of both to compete with the running backs. The Yellow Jacket is a jack of all trades that can take advantage of matchups.
Tariq Carpenter Weaknesses
Instincts and Play Recognition
When watching the tape, I did see some hesitation in his game. He can take some time to react to what the offense is doing, both in zone coverage and in the run game. Carpenter has the explosion and aggressiveness to come downhill or make tackles after a completion, but he could make more plays. When I spoke to him about this, he told me that GT used him as their RPO guy. On every play, he would have to look at both the running back and receiver to determine where to play. I understood his slight hesitation once he explained how he was used.
Tariq Carpenter Draft Stock
Looking at the draft rankings, you do not see him anywhere. After a stellar performance during practice and the game at the Hula Bowl, Carpenter earned himself big time money. He interviewed with all 32 teams and his stock should dramatically increase. Additionally, he has since been invited to the Senior Bowl, where I expect he will put up another excellent performance. Look for him to shine there and again at his Pro Day to continue to raise his value. Therefore, he is a late round guy that can make an immediate impact for a team.
Player Comparison
When I watch Carpenter, I see Isaiah Simmons. He is a guy that can play multiple spots on defense and play them well or can be put in a specific position and excel. His ideal position would be either at FS or OLB.
Final Thoughts on Tariq Carpenter Scouting Report
Georgia Tech DB Tariq Carpenter
Carpenter is a versatile defender that will only add value to a team’s defensive and special teams units. Not only is he a good football player, but he is very humble. When speaking to him and watching him interact with teammates and fans, he was a class act. He made a point to be the first to his teammate to congratulate them when they made a play. He asked me what I thought his stock was when the week was over and I told him he made a solid case to at least be a late round pick and his response was, “I just need to keep my head down and keep grinding.” An attitude like that with all the attention of the NFL scouts and great performance during the Hula Bowl week shows what kind of man he is. Tariq Carpenter is a name that needs to be remembered.
Austin Cundiff- Tariq Carpenter Scouting Report Analyst
