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Redskins UDFA Spotlight: Why RB Martez Carter could be the next Tarik Cohen

By Jacob Camenker

BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 05: Martez Carter #4 of the Grambling State Tigers runs the ball against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on September 5, 2015 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 05: Martez Carter #4 of the Grambling State Tigers runs the ball against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on September 5, 2015 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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TUCSON, AZ – SEPTEMBER 10: Wide receiver Martez Carter #4 of the Grambling State Tigers dives over safety Tristan Cooper #31 of the Arizona Wildcats to score a touchdown in the second quarter of the game at Arizona Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ – SEPTEMBER 10: Wide receiver Martez Carter #4 of the Grambling State Tigers dives over safety Tristan Cooper #31 of the Arizona Wildcats to score a touchdown in the second quarter of the game at Arizona Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

Carter’s on-field performance

Carter has had a productive career in his four years at Grambling. Every year after switching to running back, he recorded at least 850 rushing yards. And as time went on during his career, he improved as a receiver. And it was clear that Carter, dubbed “Mr. Excitement” for his explosive on-field ability, could have a future in the NFL.

During his senior season, Carter saw a career-high 167 carries and totaled 854 yards and 10 touchdowns. Additionally, he caught 33 passes for 449 yards and two scores, and the latter two figures were career highs as well. He was a big part of the Grambling offense, and there is certainly a chance that he can play a role at the NFL level.

When watching Carter’s tape, it’s clear that he has a lot of quick cut ability that will make him a threat at the NFL level. Carter has very good lateral agility and can explode out of cuts. His smaller size allows him to change directions very easily, and that makes him a solid option when running between the tackles.

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It also helps Carter’s cause that he has good top end speed. He can outrun defenders getting to the edge to gain yards and when he gets into open space, it is hard to bring him down. He uses his combination of speed and lateral agility to make men miss. Given this ability and his good receiving skills, he could become an ideal third down back with a chance to carve out a role in an offense.

The only thing working against Carter at the NFL level is his lack of size. Because of his 5-foot-7, 193 pound frame, Carter likely will not be able to break tackles and could be stopped on early downs in obvious running situations. That said, it’s unlikely that would be his role anyway, so it won’t be much of a problem. And given the success the Redskins have had with the undersized Chris Thompson, Carter could be a natural fit with them.

Also, it’s worth noting that Carter can tend to bounce runs outside and search for the big play a bit too much on occasion. This is something that can plague athletic runners, as they look to break the big play every time they’re on the field. In his heyday, this was something that Chris Johnson was guilty of. Still, that can be coached up at the NFL level, so Carter will have a chance to produce.

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