Tank

Carder

The 2011 Mountain West defensive player of the year, Carder racked up big numbers at TCU as a run defender. Carder has NFL-level size at 6-foot-2, 236 pounds, but might not have the speed to develop into a long-term starter. He also offers little in coverage or as a pass rusher. Carder’s future lies in stuffing the run for a team that’s had trouble doing so in recent seasons.

“He is an instinctive player. He is smart and he has played inside and out. He closes very fast,” said Bills scout Shawn Heinlen. “Plays a lot faster than he times.” Heinlen believes Carder has “great” cover skills even though he’s been billed primarily as a run-stuffer. Carder will be a special teamer as a rookie.

The athletic Carder was a two-time Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year at TCU, recording 228 tackles, including 25 for a loss as a three-year starter. The Bills drafted Carder with an expectation that he would contribute immediately as a special teams demon.

Cleveland is a perfect landing spot for a fifth-round pick who was a mild surprise in Friday’s cuts, as injury has decimated the Browns’ linebacker corps. The majority of Carder’s snaps should come on special teams, but it’s possible he’ll get some looks on defense, at least until James-Michael Johnson (oblique) is healthy.

Fourth-round pick James-Michael Johnson (oblique) is out for the opener. The Browns will also be without Scott Fujita (suspension) for the first three games. Carder will be given an extended look with Craig Robertson and L.J. Fort the only current options on the active roster.

It’s only a two-down role because Jamie Collins and Christian Kirksey are Cleveland’s three-down linebackers. Carder’s primary competition will likely be 2016 fourth-round pick Joe Schobert. Carder has mainly been a special teamer to this point in his career, but the Browns’ trade of Demario Davis opened a hole in the middle of the Browns’ defense on running downs.

It’s a big loss as Carder had been slated to start at middle linebacker this year. Now that spot will be manned by second-year linebacker Joe Schobert.

Limited to special teams the past three seasons, Carder is penciled in behind Karlos Dansby, Chris Kirksey and Craig Robertson on the inside. “Tank was injured this time last year. This spring, he’s been full go, has turned a lot of heads,” Driesbach said. “I think DC Jimmy O’Neil is really starting to recognize this guy can do some things for us. He’s a starter in my mind. If he had to go in and play from the very start of the season, he can get it done.” Despite the praise, Carder’s likeliest 2015 contributions will come on special teams.

Carder appeared in all 16 games last season, but played just 85 snaps on defense. His 53-man roster spot is not assured.

Carder missed all of 2017 with a torn right ACL. Although he’s made just two career starts, Carder had been penciled in as the Browns’ middle linebacker last summer. He will fight for a reserve/special teams role this season.