Gabe Carimi   Position: OT School: Wisconsin Height: 6’7" Weight: 314 lbs Class: RS-Senior 40 time: 5.27 All-Star Game: Senior Bowl Team Captain: 2010 Draft Projection: Mid 1st Round

Summary

Gabe Carimi is another in a line of solid offensive lineman produced by the University of Wisconsin. Taking over for Joe Thomas in 2007, Carimi has played in and started 49 games in the past 4 seasons. Carimi, the 2010 Outland Trophy winner, possesses ideal size and the type of work ethic and drive NFL teams look for. The consensus around the draft community is that he will ultimately be a right tackle in the NFL. While that could be the case, I may be in the minority in thinking he can play left tackle at the next level if he improves his footwork and his anchor strength. Carimi should hear his name called somewhere in the mid to late first round.

Pass Blocking

Carimi possesses a nice kick step and also good quickness in getting off the snap and into pass blocking position. His strength allows him to be able defend all power moves from rushers, and his instincts and experience kick in when defending stunts and blitzes. Where Carimi begins to struggle is when matched up against speed. His footwork gets short and choppy and the depth on his initial move off the snap is inconsistent, forcing him out of position and lunging at the edge rusher. Carimi does possess quick, powerful hands and once engaged with a blocker in pass protection he does not let go, however he will need to improve his anchor strength at the next level. Some question his agility, hence the calls for a move to right tackle, but I believe he is agile enough to play on the left side effectively.

Run Blocking

Probably the best and most complete aspect of Carimi’s game is run blocking. He is powerful at the point of attack and is an ideal drive blocker. He has really nice short-area quickness, gets under the opponents pads and churns his legs. He can get to the second level well, but in space tends to get ahead of his feet and once again lunges at defenders with his arms. He will fit much better in a power blocking scheme as opposed to a zone blocking scheme. Carimi has a powerful frame that allows him to swallow defenders at times. At times he does not finish blocks which will need to change in the NFL, but overall plays with great effort and tenacity.

Awareness

Carimi’s vast experience provides him the ability to understand a wide array of defensive fronts and also be able to react early on stunts and blitzes. He never seems fooled or out of position. He knows when to pass off blocks to his guard when a blitzer comes in off the edge. Carimi does a great job on the run game of chipping while getting to the second level. He possesses a high football IQ.

Hand Placement

Carimi is technically sound at most times. He can get a bit lazy with his hand placement, relying too much on his strength instead of technique. He is sometimes late getting his hands up after the snap, instead leaving them low and out of position. When in position, his hands are quick and powerful. Carimi gets under the opponents pads and keeps his hands inside. He uses his hands well and understands leverage.

Mobility

Carimi possesses average mobility and some say this will be a concern at the next level. While I don’t find him to be overly athletic, in a power scheme the agility he shows is sufficient. He can get out a pull when needed and his lateral agility is above average. He is not a natural knee bender, and at his height this is an aspect of his game that will need to improve. He can lose balance at times.

Footwork

Carimi’s footwork is pretty good, but certain aspects could be improved. For instance, he tends to turn and run at speed rushers when he is getting beat off the edge. He needs to be more consistent in getting depth in his initial drop in pass protection. These types of things are can easily be fixed at the next level, and more importantly he is a willing learner and hard worker. Carimi has excellent leg churn when engaged with defenders.

Additional Information

Injuries may be a bit of a concern for Carimi, and teams will need to do in-depth medical checks before making a final decision. Carimi is tough enough to play through small injuries but has missed time in his career with a knee injury, and also had to sit out the Senior Bowl after injuring his ankle. He is also a 4 time member of the Big Ten All-Academic team.

Production/Experience

2010: Played and started in all 13 games.
2009: Played and started in all 13 games.
2008: Played and started in 10 of 13 games, missed 3 games due to injury
2007: Played and started in all 13 games
2006: Redshirted.

Academics

Carimi is a civil engineering major.

Awards & Honors

2010: Outland Trophy winner … consensus All-American … Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year … consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection … Academic All-Big Ten … Wayne Souza Coaches Appreciation Award (Offense).
2009: First-team All-Big Ten by media and second-team All-Big Ten by coaches … fourth-team All-American by Phil Steele … Academic All-Big Ten.
2008: Honorable mention Sophomore All-American by CollegeFootballNews.com … Academic All-Big Ten.
2007: Second-team Freshman All-American by Rivals.com and The Sporting News … honorable mention Freshman All-American by CollegeFootballnews.com … first-team Freshman All-Big Ten honors from The Sporting News … UW co-Rookie of the Year … Academic All-Big Ten

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