News: Florida State players continue to be a popular choice in the 2013 NFL Draft with the 49ers taking former Seminole defensive lineman Cornellius "Tank" Carradine 40th overall in the second round of Friday's NFL Draft. Carradine is the fourth Florida State player taken in the draft's first 40 picks. The 49ers selection of Carrardine comes with some risk: the 24-year-old tore his ACL in a November loss to Florida. However, Carradine's rehab went well enough that he was able to participate in a pro day on April 20. Carradine reportedly ran a 4.93 40, an impressive number considering he was only five months removed from surgery. Before suffering the ACL injury, Carradine had been on a tear. During a three-game stretch in November where Florida State played Virginia Tech, Maryland and Florida, Carradine tallied a total of 27 tackles and three sacks. Despite missing Florida State's final two games last season, Carradine still managed to finish second on the team in both sacks (11) and tackles for a loss (13).
Analysis: In his predraft analysis, NFLDraftScout.com's Dane Brugler said Carradine has "agile feet and very good closing speed," something the 49ers should be excited about in their new defensive end. Carradine becomes the highest drafted Seminole defensive linemen since 2006 when the Eagles selected Brodrick Bunkley with the 14th overall pick. He has the chance to eventually replace Justin Smith for the 49ers, which is a coveted spot because he would start opposite Aldon Smith. This season, Carradine will be part of the defensive line rotation, and he could be a good source of sacks. He might not be worth drafting in most standard IDP leagues, but he is a good choice with a second-round pick in rookie-only formats assuming he's healthy to start the season.
News: Florida State defensive end Cornelius "Tank" Carradine figures to be a Top 100 pick in the NFL draft. This despite tearing his right ACL last November. Before the injury his reputation was that of an excellent defender, racking up 16.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss and a whopping 118 total tackles over two seasons following his transfer from junior college.
Analysis: The 6-foot-4, 276-pound behemoth ran a 4.93 in the 40-yard dash prior to the draft, proving his knee is close to being ready for action. If he were to participate in training camp he'd be doing so less than nine months removed from the injury. That's part of the reason why his stock has dropped. Another factor is his lack of experience since he only played two seasons with the Noles. But that might get overlooked considering his production, agility and size. Carradine will only be worth drafting late in both dynasty/keeper leagues and rookie-only drafts since his 2013 availability is up in the air, but his long-term potential is not bad.
