Report: Broncos attend DE Tank Carradine's Workout

The 11 teams at Carradine's workout -- Chiefs, Lions, Browns, Saints, Bengals, Vikings, Colts, Broncos, Patriots, Falcons, Niners

— Joe Reedy (@joereedy) April 20, 2013

The Denver Broncos were among the 11 teams who attended Cornellius "Tank" Carradine's workout. According to people there, Carradine ran a 40 time of 4.75.

135 days ago Carradine underwent knee surgery, so the fact he's running a 4.75 now is amazing.

Carradine is an obvious option for the Broncos at 28. With the release of now Baltimore Raven Defensive End Elvis Dumervil, the Broncos now have a hole at DE. Carradine could help replace Dumervils production.

Many scouts are on record saying Carradine is the best pass rusher in this draft class, and that if he didn't hurt his knee last November he would be a top 10-15 pick. Carradine is a 6'4 276lb defensive end and is very athletic. Carradine also has an ideal frame that you look for at the defensive end position.

ProFootballTalk goes on to say that Carradine had an "Impressive workout".

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Carradine ran a 4.75-second 40-yard dash at a workout for NFL scouts today. That’s a good time for a defensive end in any context, but it’s particularly good for a player who had reconstructive knee surgery 135 days ago.

The 6-foot-5, 265-pound Carradine had recorded 11 sacks and was Florida State’s leading tackler when he got hurt late in his senior season. Before his injury he was viewed as a likely first-round draft pick, and after today’s showing, he still might be.

Here's NFL.com scouting report on Carradine.

STRENGTHS: Carradine flashes explosion off the snap to challenge the lateral agility of right tackles, and can swipe them away with strong hands to slingshot into the pocket. He also plays with the leverage of a shorter player, brings a strong initial punch to bull lesser tackles off the ball, and simply shoves tight ends away like ragdolls in the run game. There’s certainly no issue with his motor, as he will hustle to the sideline if the play can be made.

WEAKNESSES: Though Carradine shows most all of the physical attributes teams covet in a defensive end, his lack of experience is a negative. And if he isn’t on the field for any extended period of time in 2012, it might be tough for scouts to give him a starter’s grade because they don’t know what his level of stamina against better competition.

NFL COMPARISON: Justin Tuck

BOTTOM LINE: On most other defenses, Carradine would have started as a first-year junior college transfer, but Bjoern Werner and Brandon Jenkins limited his snaps in 2011. Still, he flashed real athleticism and strength and was able to take the starting right defensive end spot by the horns when Jenkins was sidelined for the season. Carradine appeared to be headed for a first-round selection, but a torn ACL will limit his work prior to April's draft. The talent is certainly there, however.

Carradine has been rising up many scouts big boards. NFL Networks Daniel Jeremiah ranks Carradine as his 2nd overall DE and 31st overall player in this years draft, and NFL Networks Mike Mayock ranks him as his 5th overall DE. Also rotoworlds Josh Norris ranks Carradine as his 10th overall prospect and 2nd overall DE. I expect the Broncos to be very interested in Carradine and very well could be the Broncos pick at 28

Would you be happy if the Broncos selected Carradine in the first round? Tell me what you think.

Go Broncos!