Green Bay Packers: 3 Potential D-Line Targets in 2021 NFL Draft

Carlos Basham- Wake Forest, Senior (redshirt)

Carlos Basham is another versatile defensive lineman that the Green Bay Packers could target in the first round. At 6’ 5”, 275 pounds, Basham isn’t like the other players I highlighted. He’s an established edge rusher, recording 10 sacks in 2019 and earning a pass-rushing grade of 90.7 from Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

Basham has active hands and tree limbs for arms. That combination gives him success using a bull-rush, a swim move, and a myriad of other moves. Basham also uses that length to shut down passing lanes. He can convert speed to power and has a decent inside counter. Basham has elite explosion and athleticism for an edge rusher, which is just as valuable from the interior.

Against the run, Basham uses his pass-rushing skill to slip blocks and create havoc in the backfield. He has the power to stand-up smaller blockers and can see the whole field. Basham does a fine job holding the edge and chases plays down from behind. He’s a solid wrap-up tackler and has a keen ability to play in space.

Typical of men with his frame Basham doesn’t have the ability to anchor inside the guard and fails to consistently hold his run fit when asked to play from that position. He tends to take himself out of run plays. As a pass rusher, Basham will occasionally resort to middle school technique and lead with his head, nullifying any advantage his length might give him. Basham shows just average flexibility and bend around the edge.

Wake Forest utilizes Basham similar to how the Green Bay Packers use Za’Darius Smith. As an edge rusher, Basham, more often than not, applies pressure from outside of the tackle, in a two-point or three-point stance. However, he’s often positioned over the center to create serious matchup issues for the opposing offensive line. Basham also can be found in the 5-tech and is effective at stopping the run from this position.

With the trio of edge rushers the Packers already have, Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and Rashan Gary, Basham would likely be asked to put on some weight and assume a starting defensive end role, with the expectation that he be moved up and down the defensive front.

The addition of Basham would give the Packers one of the scariest pass rushes in the league, and a future starting edge-rusher if one of the aforementioned trio decides to leave after their contract expires. It’s an interesting option if nothing else. If Carlos Basham is on the board when the Green Bay Packers are making their selection, it’s an option that should be explored.