2010 NFL Draft Preview: Carlos Dunlap

Carlos Dunlap is the 6'6 277lb junior out of the University of Florida. Scout.com ranks him as the fourth best defensive end and the 30^th best prospect in the 2010 NFL draft. Scout.com considers Dunlap to be a five-star prospect.

Carlos Dunlap's Strengths

1) Carlos Dunlap has great height for the position and his size is solid.

2) Great speed for his size. According to Mike Mayock of NFL Network /NFL.com, "he ran a 4.69-second 40" from the NFLDraftscout.com.

3) Played on a National Championship Team and a Sugar Bowl Champion Team at the University of Florida. Dunlap was a key member of a strong Gator defense.

Carlos Dunlap's Weaknesses

1) His character will be questioned due to a DUI arrest. According to the AP on NFLDraftscout.com, "he was placed on probation for a year and had his drivers license suspended for six months. He also must complete 50 hours of community service, participate in a victim's impact panel and pay about $1,000 in fines." He also ended up missing the SEC Championship game in which Florida lost to Alabama.

2) Carlos is a junior and while youth is sometimes strength, in Dunlap's case it is a weakness. Scouts will question his character and will also question his maturity.

Carlos Dunlap will be drafted by the Saint Louis Rams

The DUI has caused Dunlap's stock to fall. Carlos had the talent to be taken in the middle of the first round, but it looks like he will fall to the second round. The Rams would be smart to pick him with the 33^rd pick in the 2010 draft. Saint Louis would get first round talent with a second round draft. The Rams would fill another need with a potential starter in Dunlap. If the Rams pass on Dunlap the Buccaneers, the Raiders, the Giants, Steelers and Patriots would be interested.

Sources:

Scout.com

NFLDraftscout.com