The majority of Carter’s 10 games last season were spent on special teams, and he was not at full strength following ACL surgery on his left knee in December 2010. But now the team believes he’s ready to run and chase ballcarriers effectively. Having some speed at that position really could bolster a defense that was saddled with slower players in Bradie James and Keith Brooking last season.

The Cowboys might need to be patient with the 6-3, 233-pound Carter, as he’s still developing. But as a defense, they struggled to cover running backs and tight ends last season, even fullbacks in the flat, and Carter’s athletic ability and (the Cowboys hope) improved instincts and knowledge could give him the edge in winning a starting spot.