The Rams got their man in the first round of this years draft. Carriker will come in and be an iunstant starter most likely and he will help out on an improving defense.
Rams Rookie Minicamp Opens Today
Saturday, May 12, 2007
First round pick, Adam Carriker is one of 32 players that will come in St. Louis this weekend for the team’s rookie minicamp. The group includes all eight drafted rookies, 20 undrafted free agents and four first-year veterans. Many of the players will get evaluated, hoping to earn a roster spot. For the draft picks, it's a chance to come in get firmiliar with some of the players, coaches, drills, and plays. It's a major learning experience for all players. Players were fitted for their uniforms friday, and introduced to the playbooks. As players walk into the lockerrooms and see the lockers of players like Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, and Leonard Little, they are in awe. "Carriker and many of his new teammates spent Friday playing the part of the awestruck kid. Tennessee cornerback Jonathan Wade said he spent about 10 minutes in front of receiver Torry Holt’s locker counting his shoes and looking on in awe. Undrafted defensive end Alton Pettway waxed about being in the locker room once inhabited by Marshall Faulk and having a locker next to Leonard Little. " - Nick Wagoner, St. Louis Rams Senior Writer
Rookie Minicamp info WHEN: Saturday and Sunday. WHERE: Rams Park in Earth City. SCHEDULE: Practices from 10:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. and 3:35 p.m.-5:05 p.m. both days. ACCESS: Minicamp is closed to the public.
The Rams Go For Wade After taking a defensive lineman and a fullback, Rams fans finally have someone they can get a little excited about. Cornerback Jonathan Wade will come in and battle for playing time. With Fisher gone and Butler on his way out, it leaves the Rams with Fakhir Brown, Tye Hill, Mike Rumph, and Lenny Walls. Wade will battle for the 3rd or 4th CB spot most likely. He used to be a WR and is still learning at the CB spot, but he is still very talented. Good pick by St. Louis.
Bio from nfl.com
Jonathan Wade Height: 5-10 Weight: 192 Position: Cornerback College: Tennessee
OVERVIEW Wade is an emerging talent who came into his own as a senior, his first season as a full-time starter. A versatile athlete, he was originally recruited as a wide receiver, playing with the offensive unit during his first two years at Tennessee before shifting to the defensive backfield as a redshirt sophomore in 2004. Wade also excelled on the Volunteers' track team. He was a member of two of the three fastest 4x100-meter relay teams in school history, capturing 2005 indoor and outdoor All-America recognition. The outdoor 4x100-meter relay team placed third at the NCAA Finals with a time of 38.83 seconds, third best in school history. He was the squad's top 200-meter sprinter in 2004 with a season-best 20.79 and sprinted to the team's best 55-meter time of 7.36 at the Tennessee Invitational. He also anchored Tennessee's 2003 SEC champion and NCAA outdoor runner-up 4x100-meter relay that clocked 38.72 in the NCAA finals, the second-fastest time in Volunteers history. Wade was an All-America selection by Tom Lemming and Super Prep, adding Class 5A all-state honors as a senior at Evangel Christian High School. He started three seasons at cornerback and twice started as a wide receiver, leading the team to a 54-3 record, three Class 5A state titles and the 1999 national championship. Wade recorded 24 tackles with 30 pass deflections and three interceptions as a senior. He was also an accomplished track-and-field athlete, winning the 200-meter dash title with a time of 20.95 at the 2001 World Youth Championships. He also won the 2001 state 100-meter and 200-meter titles. He set the state record in 200-meters (21.03) and his best 100-meter time was 10.15, earning him Louisiana 2001 Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the Year and all-state MVP honors in track by The Shreveport Times as a junior. He also excelled in the classroom, earning Principal's List and Honor Roll student accolades. After enrolling at Tennessee in 2002, Wade appeared in the final 12 games, starting three games as a receiver. He caught eight passes for 84 yards (10.5 avg.) and rushed nine times for 78 yards (8.7 avg.). He also played on special teams, posting two tackles. A left shoulder injury against Marshall required surgery, shutting down Wade's 2003 season after only two games. He had a five-yard reception, but lost 10 yards on a reverse. When he returned to the field in 2004, he shifted to left cornerback, starting five of 13 games. While adjusting to his new position, he posted 24 tackles (19 solos) with a pass break-up and a forced fumble. Wade started seven of 11 games he played in during 2005. He came up with 32 tackles (26 solos) with 1.5 stops for losses and a fumble recovery. He batted away five passes and intercepted two others, adding one more tackle on special teams. The All-Southeastern Conference choice started all 13 games at left cornerback in 2006. He was credited with 52 tackles (44 solos) and six stops behind the line of scrimmage. He caused a fumble and posted three special teams stops. He had 13 pass deflections and four interceptions while also gaining 18 yards on a kickoff return. In 51 games at Tennessee (14 on offense), Wade started three times as a receiver and 28 times as a cornerback. He finished with 110 tackles (90 solos) and 7.5 stops for losses of 22 yards. He recovered one fumble, caused two others and posted six special teams stops. He had 19 pass deflections with six interceptions for 112 yards in returns (18.7 avg.), including a touchdown. He rushed 10 times for 68 yards (6.8 avg.), caught nine passes for 89 yards (9.9 avg.) and had an 18-yard kickoff return. ANALYSIS Positives: Has a lean, angular frame built for speed, with knotted calves, tapered muscles, long limbs and outstanding quickness … Gets a quick break on the ball and, while he is a bit of a gambler, he has the recovery speed to get back into the play … Can allow a big cushion because of his explosive closing burst … His experience on offense was beneficial, as he is alert to the receiver's route progression and moves … Has the natural hands to catch the ball cleanly and away from his frame … Has the change-of-direction agility and flexibility to make plays from sideline-to-sideline … Best when playing in man coverage, as he does a good job of using his hands to jam and re-route … Has very good recovery skills, but needs to refine his backpedal, as the shuffle-and-bail technique he uses affects his quickness coming out of breaks … Better when playing off the receiver, as he has the speed to close on plays in front of him … Does a good job of using his hands to knock the receivers off their rhythm … Shows nice feet and loose hips to turn and trail, but must develop better route anticipation (can lose position at times) … When he doesn't use his shuffle technique, he gets a much quicker break on the ball … Will flash nice feet to plant-and-drive out of transition cleanly (when not shuffling) … Opens his hips properly to turn and run with the backs along the perimeter … Has the second gear needed to recover and close … Showed good improvement covering on the go route and shows the body control and adjustments to compete for the ball at its high point … Plays bigger than his size indicates due to his fine leaping ability … Will sell out to break up the pass and is best when competing for the ball in flight … Catches the ball cleanly and is a good open-field runner with the burst to separate after the interception … Worked hard in the 2006 off-season to improve his strength, and while he is still a work in progress in run support, he showed improvement staying square to make the open field tackles (still need wrap-up technique work). Negatives: Has only dedicated one off-season to football (spent his first four years competing with the track team in the spring) and still lacks an ideal feel to read the play (slow to see it develop) … Gets fooled often on play-action and screens … Could be even quicker in his coverage ability if he abandons the shuffle technique he uses in his backpedal … Has loose hips, but his explosion is sometimes negated because of his marginal pedal … Will eyeball the backfield too long, causing him to miss the route progression working in the zone … Improved a bit in 2006, but seems to lack courage when asked to step inside the box to lend run support (shies away from contact) … Lacks the hand punch to defeat blocks in closed quarters and doesn't stay low enough in his pads to make an impact taking on a lead block … More of an ankle biter as a tackler, getting reckless by grabbing rather than wrapping and securing … Has a good break out of his pedal, but sometimes opens his hips too early in transition … Needs to keep his arms more active in order to prevent bigger blockers from reaching him. Compares To: Fred Smoot, Washington -- Wade looks the part as a man coverage defender, but you really have to question his desire to hit, especially against running plays … He needs to refine his backpedal technique and must add more bulk, but the additional weight could affect his quickness … A former track man, he has only one year of full-time starting experience … His speed will bring good value as a nickel back, but unless he can develop better courage, he will be a liability against running plays. INJURY REPORT 2003: Suffered left shoulder AC joint damage against Marshall and underwent surgery on Sept. 22, missing the rest of the season. AGILITY TESTS Campus: 4.45 in the 40-yard dash … 335-pound bench press … 450-pound squat … 300-pound power clean … 35-inch vertical jump. Combine: 4.46 in the 40-yard dash … 1.62 10-yard dash … 2.64 20-yard dash … 4.4 20-yard shuttle … 11.58 60-yard shuttle … 7.07 three-cone drill … 40½-inch vertical jump … 10-foot-6 broad jump. HIGH SCHOOL Attended Evangel Christian (Shreveport, La.) High School, playing football for head coach Dennis Dunn … All-America selection by Tom Lemming and Super Prep, adding Class 5A all-state honors as a senior … Started three seasons at cornerback and twice started as a wide receiver, leading the team to a 54-3 record, three Class 5A state titles and the 1999 national championship … Made 24 tackles with 30 pass deflections and three interceptions as a senior … Also an accomplished track-and-field athlete … Won the 200-meter dash title with a time of 20.95 at the 2001 World Youth Championships … Won the 2001 state 100-meter and 200-meter titles … Set the state record in 200 meters (21.03) and his best 100-meter time was 10.15, earning him Louisiana 2001 Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the Year and all-state MVP honors in track by The Shreveport Times as a junior … Also excelled in the classroom, earning Principal's List and Honor Roll student accolades. PERSONAL African American Studies major … Born Jonathan Charles Wade on Mar. 27, 1984 … Resides in Shreveport, La.
Head Scratching pick by the Packers The Packers have needs on the offensive side of the ball. Obviously, Green is gone. I think Vernand Morencey is and should be their starter. If Marshawn Lynch would have fallen to them, I think they would have taken him, though I think Lynch is highly overrated and wont have a good career. Even If a DE like Carriker or Anderson slipped to them, they would probably take one of them. But since none of that happend the Packers made a head scratching move by selecting DT Justin Harrell. Harrell was a high prospect until injuries slowed him down and he didnt have a highly productive season this year. He may battle for a starting job, but I still feel this was the wrong pick for the Packers, they could've traded down if they really wanted him. Otherwise they should have taked Greg Olsen.
Rams Select Adam Carriker The Rams did trade for James Hall earlier this offseason, but they liked Carriker. He will have to batte for a starting job right away, but may eventually replace Leonard Little. The pick is good. Many people predicted this, nothing to special.
Bio from nfl.com
Adam Carriker Height: 6-6 Weight: 292 Position: Defensive End College: Nebraska
OVERVIEW One of the Big 12's most dominant defensive players, Carriker has drawn favorable comparisons to New England Patriots standout Richard Seymour. Both have the explosive burst to penetrate the backfield and the range to chase down ball carriers along the perimeter. The team's 2004 Lifter of the Year, not only does Carriker have impressive strength and an imposing frame, but has also excelled in the classroom. He is a three-time All-Big 12 Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll member. Carriker was a standout quarterback and rush end at Kennewick High School in Washington. Even though his team did not win a game his senior year, he still earned second-team All-Big Nine Conference honors on defense and played in the state all-star game. Carriker recorded 15 sacks, five pass break-ups, four forced fumbles and 25 tackles for loss in his only season as a defensive end. He was a three-year starter at quarterback and served as a team captain three years. He ran track one year and earned All-Conference baseball honors three times as a designated hitter and first baseman. Academically, he was named to the Principal's list. Carriker attended Big Red Football School in 2001, and also visited Washington State, Oregon and Oregon State before choosing to enroll at Nebraska in 2002, spending the season as a defensive end on the scout team. A high ankle sprain in 2003 would sideline the reserve defensive end for three games. In limited action in nine contests, he made three tackles (2 solos) with a 9-yard sack and three pressures. His ankle problems continued in 2004, which cost him one game of action. He would go on to play in 10 games, starting four at right defensive end before shifting to left end for the final four games. He produced 36 tackles (19 solos) with three sacks, seven stops behind the line of scrimmage and seven pressures. Carriker started all year at "Base" (right) defensive end in 2005. He earned first-team All-Big 12 Conference honors and was named the team's Defensive MVP. He ranked seventh on the team with 43 tackles (26 solos), but he led the conference and ranked 15th in the nation with 9½ sacks. His 17 stops for losses were a team-high and placed him fourth in the league. He added 21 pressures with three pass deflections and recovered one fumble. In 2006, Carriker was named All-Big 12 Conference first-team, Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, All-American third-team and team Defensive MVP. He started every game at "Base" defensive end, finishing with 52 tackles (24 solos), as he led the team with seven sacks and ranked second with 16 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He picked off a pass and deflected 12 others while also blocking a kick. He was also credited with 12 quarterback pressures. In 45 games at Nebraska, Carriker started 34 times. He collected 134 tackles (71 solos) with 20½ sacks for minus-156 yards and 41 stops for losses totaling 184 yards. He posted 43 quarterback pressures and recovered one fumble. He also batted away six passes, picked off another and blocked one kick. ANALYSIS Positives: Has a well-built frame with long arms, good chest muscle definition, tight waist, good bubble and decent thickness in his thighs and calves … Lacks sudden explosiveness, but shows the initial quickness, balance and body control to charge hard in his backside pursuit … Keeps his pads down nicely for a player of his size, allowing him to gain position and hold his base well vs. double teams … Has the functional change-of-direction agility to work his way down the line … Demonstrates a punishing hand punch and excellent overall strength to easily handle multiple blockers, stack and control … Plants his foot into the ground to anchor at the point of attack and is quite effective at shooting the gaps when working in-line … Leader by example type, but the staff says he will not only play with pain, but simply refuses to come off the field when hurt … Has a strong work ethic and is a good program type who does not hesitate to mentor the younger players … Just adequate coming off the line, but uses his long arm reach and strength to gain advantage out of his stance … Might be a better fit for tackle due to his lack of edge quickness, but he has the strength and size to destroy interior blockers on contact and bull rush with consistency … Shows valid instincts and great vision to quickly locate and run to the ball … Aware of blocking schemes and does a good job of locking out blockers and locating the ball at the X's … Solid wrap-up tackler whose strength lets him quickly disengage from blocks … Has the lower-body power in his anchor to neutralize double-team action, consistently stacking while holding ground … Has enough speed to slip off some blocks and uses his hands well to keep the opponent off his body … His arm strength lets him consistently gain separation, stuff and shed … Also has the feet to adjust on the move … Shows good desire and effort in his lateral pursuit (more on short-area play than going long distances) … Does a nice job of neutralizing the outside run and forcing it back inside … His long arms let him engulf ball carriers, showing good strike form to wrap, secure and take down … Presses the corner well and uses his strength to compensate for adequate speed in attempts to pressure the pocket … Gives a good second effort in attempts to disengage … Lacks the extra burst to close on the quarterback, but will collide and push blockers back into the pocket … Has enough functional quickness to pursue from the backside. Negatives: More of a power-oriented pass rusher than an explosive edge rusher, making him a better candidate to play one-gap as a defensive tackle … Has a strong hand punch, but needs to recoil and set quicker when engaging blockers … Also must keep his hands active; he lacks ideal chop-and-rip moves when trying to disengage … Lacks an array of moves as a pass rusher and is more of a "meat and potatoes" type who prefers to punish the blocker rather than try to avoid … Might be at maximum growth potential; the added bulk on his frame in 2006 impeded his explosion off the snap. Compares To: Richard Seymour, New England -- Carriker is more suited to play like Seymour does in the 3-4 alignment -- out on the edge as a run stuffer and inside as a pass rusher. He has outstanding strength and size, but needs to develop better hand usage in his attempts to disengage. He does a good job of splitting double-teams and does a good job of keeping his feet when moving through trash. He won't spend most of his time chasing down quarterbacks; he doesn't have the explosive closing speed. But he is very effective at pushing blockers back into the pocket. With his size/strength combination, using him as anything outside of the way Seymour plays would be wasting his athletic ability. INJURY REPORT 2003: Suffered a high ankle sprain vs. Utah State (9/06), missing the next three games vs. Penn State, Southern Mississippi and Troy State. 2004: Sat out the Pittsburgh contest after suffering a high ankle sprain vs. Southern Mississippi. AGILITY TESTS Campus: 4.85 in the 40-yard dash … 440-pound bench press … 600-pound squat … 370-pound power clean … 33 5/8-inch arm length … 9 5/8-inch hands. HIGH SCHOOL Attended Kennewick (Wash.) High School, playing football for head coach Warren Hull … Played quarterback and defensive end … Even though his did not win a game his senior year, Carriker still earned second-team All-Big Nine Conference honors on defense and played in the state all-star game … Recorded 15 sacks, five pass deflections, four forced fumbles and 25 tackles for loss in his only season as a defensive end … Was a three-year starter at quarterback and served as a team captain three years … Ran track one year and earned All-Conference baseball honors three times as a designated hitter and first baseman … Academically, he was named to the Principal's list. PERSONAL Graduated in December 2006 with a degree in Business Administration … Three-time Big 12 Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll member … After graduation, he was married to the former Angela McBride, the sister of former Husker defensive end Jeff McBride … Volunteers his time as part of Nebraska's hospital visitations and as a speaker during American Education Week … Born 5/06/84 in Hastings, Nebraska … Resides in Kennewick, Wash., where his family moved to when he was 3 years old.
Press Pass Adam Carriker Auto
Press Pass Adam Carriker #47
