Scouting Report: Carson Vinson, Offensive Tackle, Alabama A&M (2025 NFL Draft)

As we edge closer to the 2025 NFL Draft, the plan is to dive deep into as many prospects as we can. We’re talking about everything from their raw strengths to the areas they need to polish, and what they can potentially bring to an NFL team. Our focus spans from highly anticipated top-10 picks all the way to those hidden gems who might get scooped up as undrafted free agents. Today, we’re taking a closer look at Alabama A&M’s offensive tackle, Carson Vinson.

CARSON VINSON, OT, ALABAMA A&M (R-SENIOR) – HEIGHT: 6’7"*, WEIGHT: 314 LBS*

SENIOR BOWL PARTICIPANT

MEASUREMENTS

THE GOOD

Carson Vinson stands out with his ideal size, height, and reach. On the field, he’s an agile mover who handles space exceptionally well. In pass protection, he can mirror pass rushers laterally, effectively one-on-one. He’s also great at combo blocks with guards, reaching the second level swiftly, and he seals defenders with convincing reach blocks. One gets the sense of his aggressive mentality as he persistently finishes plays. Vinson’s ability to stay composed during pass protection scenarios is notable; he’s adept at manoeuvring around twists and stunts while efficiently batting away pass rushers’ arms. His performance at the Senior Bowl against top-tier talent only solidified his potential.

THE BAD

However, synchronizing his hands and feet can sometimes be a struggle. Occasionally, instead of adjusting his footing, he relies more on latching and holding during run blocks. Vinson might also lunge prematurely, hoping to make the first move rather than allowing natural contact. His size and reach have served him well against less competitive foes, but technical refinement is crucial as he transitions to a higher level of play.

BIO

Hailing from Morrisville, NC, Vinson was a two-star recruit and also an avid basketball player during his high school years. Tragedy struck at 15 with the loss of his mother, Tonya, fueling his dedication on the field. Over his college career spanning 48 games, he consistently started at left tackle after his redshirt year in 2020. Notably, he was the sole player from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to receive a coveted invite to the Senior Bowl. Vinson earned first-team All-SWAC honors in 2024.

TAPE BREAKDOWN

Vinson’s trajectory has skyrocketed through this draft process. Emerging from the modest setting of Alabama A&M, his Senior Bowl invite was a standout achievement for an HBCU player. There, and later at the NFL Combine, he demonstrated the athleticism packed within his tall frame, and his long arms are a classic fit for an NFL offensive tackle.

Watching Vinson play, you appreciate the hallmark traits of a blindside protector. His lateral movements, size, and length make him a strong adversary for edge rushers. An impressive 1-on-1 at the Senior Bowl against Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart showcased his skills, as Vinson neatly countered an inside spin move, forcing Stewart out of pocket—a testament to his abilities.

Vinson’s poise in pass protection means he can use his size strategically, either anchoring against a bull rush or knocking down a defender’s arms to prevent them from gaining leverage. Such adaptability is evident from his matchups against Auburn.

Yet, it’s in run blocking where Vinson truly shines, as he drives defenders backward or sideways, opening lanes for his team. His athleticism lets him make plays on the move or scale up to the second level to block effectively.

Despite his promising skill set, Vinson has hurdles to overcome before confronting the elite competition. Impatience sometimes creeps in as he aims for initial contact, occasionally leading to inconsistency with his footwork. Clips of him showing off potentially costly holding illustrate the need for better technical precision.

CONCLUSION

Carson Vinson is a fascinating prospect. His height, length, and exposures at the Senior Bowl, coupled with his NFL Combine performance, make him a juicy option for NFL franchises. The path to becoming an effective tackle at the next level will involve honing technical skills, boosting his strength, and adding more mass to handle the intense physicality of the league’s best edge rushers.

When considering what he could evolve into, Terrence Steele springs to mind—a raw talent who turned into a worthy starter for the Dallas Cowboys. As Steele adapted over time, a similar journey could be on the horizon for Vinson. With the right coaching, he might transition from a backup to a rotational player or even a future starter.

Projection: Undrafted Free Agent
Depot Draft Grade: 7.4 – Rotational Player (4th Round)
Games Analyzed: Auburn (2024), Southern (2024), Jackson State (2024), Senior Bowl