Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) hits Samford Bulldogs quarterback Michael Hiers (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Carter DL Georgia | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Jalen Carter DL Georgia
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| Last Updated: 04/21/2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.96 seconds (49%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 22.1 DOB: 04/04/2001 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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*Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine
historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance).
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| Last Updated: 04/21/2023 | |
| Draft Year: 2023 | |
| 40 time: 4.96 seconds (49%*) | |
| Age: 22.1 DOB: 04/04/2001 | |
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*Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine
historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance).
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| Overall Rating: | 91.9 / 100 | |
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| Game performance weighted rating | ||
| Tackling: |
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66% |
| Pass Rush: |
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99% |
| Run Defense: |
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98% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Top 5
Overall Rank:
#4
Position rank:
#1
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| College Games: 35 College Snaps: 991 | ||
ESPN RATING: 90/100
College Combine Results
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OVR Rank:
#5
Pos Rank:
#2
State Rank:
#1
College Combine Results
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247 RATING: 99/100
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| Ovr Rank: #9 Pos Rank: #3 | ||
RIVALS RATING: 6.0 (98%)
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Drafted: ROUND: 1 - Pick Number: 9 (PHI)
Draft Profile: Bio
Jalen Carter from Apopka High School was rated a 5-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 5-star grade by 247 Sports after Carter put up a 5.15 40-yard dash and a 28.7″ vertical in testing after high school. Carter joined Georgia after being one of the top recruits in the country and was handed the starting role right awayIn 2020 as a freshman Carter saw action in 10 games and played a total of 287 snaps for the Bulldogs. He recorded 11 tackles, 3 assists while adding 8 stops. As a pass rusher, he added 13 total pressures, which included 9 QB hurries, 2 QB hits, and 2 sacks on the season.
As a sophomore for the Bulldogs in 2021 Carter played in all 15 games and took part in 396 snaps for the Bulldogs. He recorded 25 tackles, 7 assists while adding 21 stops. As a pass rusher, he chalked up a massive 34 total pressures, and 24 QB hurries, 6 QB hits, and an impressive 4 sacks during the year. It was even more impressive considering he achieved this while playing the majority of time at DT
In 2022 as a junior Carter played in 10 games (missed five games with an MCL injury) and contributed on 308 snaps. He recorded 18 tackles, 7 assists while making 20 stops. As a pass rusher, he produced 25 total pressures, which included 17 QB hurries, 5 QB hits, and 3 sacks on the year.
Honors & awards
2022 Associated Press & Coaches' All-SEC First Team2022 Finalist for the Rotary Lombardi Award as the nation’s top lineman
2022 Preseason All-America First Team by Associated Press, the Walter Camp Football Foundation, as well as Athlon Sports
2022 Preseason All-SEC First Team, by Athlon and the media attending SEC Media Days
2022 Preseason watch lists for the Lott Trophy (nation’s top defender), Outland Trophy (nation’s top interior lineman), and Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation’s top defender)
Pro Football Focus (PFF) announced that Carter was the highest-graded defender in all of power five football
2021 Coaches’ All-SEC 2nd team
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Has elite quickness and agility considering his size. Has an impressive first step and always leaves the blocker off guard
- Carter has impressive lateral speed able to shadow backs in the run game
- Awesome change of direction skills - a super quick twitch athlete who consistently dominates slower-footed lineman
- Has the strong core and powerful hands to shed blockers and shows excellent instincts with the ability to quickly locate the ball.
- Can make the impressive chest-to-chest bear hug tackle in the hole due to his ability to wreak havoc in the backfield.
- Carter is easily strong enough in the lower body to hold up at the point of attack, and he displays a good feel as a grappler in the phone booth, consistently getting blockers off-balance before powering them to the ground
- Has the skills to play all positions along the line at Georgia he was used as a 1-tech, 2i, 3-tech, and 5-tech
- Immense strength gives ends a chance to twist inside and linebackers free lane to the passer on blitzes.
- He’s a good lateral mover who shows surprising speed for a 300-pounder when chasing the ball carrier in pursuit.
- An instinctive natural pass rusher who possesses an array of moves to dominate - needs to be double-teamed
- Not just an interior pash rusher - became a dominant run defender in 2022
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Sees the ball well but is stuck on blocks when head-up; does not shed to make plays often enough.
- Doesn't always play with a consistent pad level - leading to blockers getting into his chest
- Missed multiple games in 2022 to an MCL injury - will need to check out medically
- When double-teamed can be taken out of the game and he doesn't have an answer
- His base isn't as well developed as it could be - resulting in him being pushed back by bigger lineman in the run game
- Has had an issue taking sloppy angles to the ball carrier
- Hude disipline issue - charged with reckless driving and racing in connection with a crash that killed a teammate and a recruiting staff member
Player Comparison
Warren SappScouting Report: Summary
Jalen Carter is an elite prospect, he's simply always been great - from dominating in high school to being a five-star prospect to becoming the best player on the best defense in the nation. He's an elite athlete and his technique is almost as equally impressive. Carter will start as a rookie and could easily become a perennial pro bowler.He's the top defensive lineman in the draft and worthy of the top overall pick, although it's unlikely he's going number one.
Jalen Carter percentiles vs other Defensive Linemen (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
Update - 04/21/2023
Jalen Carter, has been charged with reckless driving and racing in connection with a crash that killed a teammate and a recruiting staff member. The Athens-Clarke County (Georgia) Police Department has issued an arrest warrant, obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press, which alleges Carter was racing his 2021 Jeep Trackhawk against the 2021 Ford Expedition driven by the recruiting staffer, 24-year-old Chandler LeCroy, which led to the Jan. 15 wreck.This could seriously harm Carter's draft stock.
Jalen Carter Three Minute Video Review
Courtesy of NFL Draft Buzz contributor Steven Wright
How other scouting services rate Jalen Carter (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
4.7
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
1.0