NFL Free Agent HUB Profile: Stephen Carlson, Tight End
STEPHEN CARLSON
TE | 6043 | 249 | 0938 | 3278 | 7748 | Agent: Shane Costa
Evaluation:
A self-made big body tight end who possesses wide receiver traits, Carlson is a physical pass-catcher who has molded himself into an adequate blocker. The converted wideout from Princeton has clearly dedicated himself towards refining his skill-set, bulking up to create a wider frame and showing vast improvement in his route running concepts. He especially proved to be a mismatch inside the red zone and was able to utilize his size to box out defenders, where only he could make the catch. While there is some hip stiffness to his movement, Carlson is light on his feet and was fluid moving through bag drills. He demonstrated sound hand placement in blocking drills, along with the ability to generate push during one-on-ones. Carlson took well to the HUB Football coaching staff on 11/13/22, which included John DeFilippo, Norm Chow and Eugene Chung. The New York native and Princeton graduate clearly has a high level of passion for the game with an Ivy degree in hand and has enhanced his overall game enough to warrant another NFL opportunity.
Background:
After leaving Princeton as one of the all-time great wide receivers in school history, Carlson converted to tight end when making his transition to the NFL. Blessed with an ideal frame at 6-foot-4, 240-pounds, he possesses an intriguing blend of size and athleticism. Carlson spent three seasons with the Cleveland Browns, making seven starts before a torn ACL suffered during preseason in 2021 put him on the road to recovery. Despite not being a natural tight end, Carlson was known for being a stout blocker during his time in Cleveland. Now fully healed, the New York native seeks to latch on with another NFL or USFL organization. Demonstrating that he can move and cut like he did prior to the injury would go a long way toward a successful comeback trail.
