2021 Raiders Draft Prospect
Name: Carlos Basham, Jr
Position: Edge/DE
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 275 pounds
Stats
Pass Rush Repertoire-4
Basham opens up the toolbox to unleash a bevy of moves that allowed him to terrorize ACC quarterbacks.First, despite his large frame, he converts speed to power with accuracy. That is to say, when he rushes with the intent to bullrush, Basham’s short-area burst allows him to generate the power to back up the tackle. Next,the spin move features a tiny bit of nuance. Basham finishes with his outside hand that clears the blocker. Meanwhile, he’s built for the rip and swim with long arms. Basham profiles as an immediate pass rusher.
Speed-3
When he pursues backside, Basham covers ground with elongated strides. He closes down on the target with little wasted motion. Regardless of passrush move, Basham never feels too far away to impact the play.
Strength-2
This trait remains rather tricky. While his bullrush and ability to jar tackles backward looks proficient, the ability to disengage against the run needs a bit of work. However, this is nitpicking and correctable by a quality line coach.
Agility-4
Whether he’s rushing from standup or wide alignment, Basham wins with first-step explosion. At the snap of the ball, he gains the advantage. As mentioned, the quickness of his hand and the spin move testify to his twitchiness. Next, the former Wake product will not overflow on screens. Instead, he slams on the brakes and disrupts the route immediately. In addition, the easy leaping ability allows Basham to knock down passes or alter the trajectory.
Tackling-3
Impact tackler. Granted, he may not deliver jarring blows that rattle. However, Basham will punch the ball out, especially from the quarterback with the hand chop. Furthermore, his wide tackle radius engulfs ballcarriers. From a technical standpoint, Basham cleaned up his game, stopping the jersey drag and using his entire frame.
Intangibles-3
From film, positioning, down and distance, you can see a combination of innate rush ability and the ability to sniff out the run. Basham plays with passion but never wild and out of control. Instead, he offered a measured approach.
Run Stopping-3
Based on his size alone, the former ACC standout should translate into an effective run-stuffer from the end/edge spot. On plays veering away from the line, Basham uses his free arm as a gauge to check runner distance. From there, he makes sure that his disruption ends in a stop.
Raiders Fit
On balance, Basham could actually be, at a much lower draft price than Clelin Ferrell should have been. The Raiders could land an initial rotational end with the future of starting. Basham, at this point, could step in, as their most evolved pass rusher. With his broad array of techniques, he would slide in and provide immediate pressure. If you’re honest, Carl Nassib did not provide any semblance of a return on the initial investment. Moreover, Arden Key reached his ceiling and that needs to signal his exodus. Basham would not present the current dilemma for Vegas. As the roster sits right now, they lack an all-around defensive end. Ferrell sets the edge but struggles mightily to get home. Meanwhile, Maxx Crosby can rush the pass but will disappear during the run. Basham gives the Raiders the proverbial best of both worlds. When Clelin Ferrell ultimately leaves Las Vegas, the team will need an in-house replacement.
Points (on a 1-4 scale): 22/28
