Jalen Carter DT Georgia: Scouting Report

Height: 6’3

Weight: 300

Overall

Jalen Carter is an explosive defensive tackle in Georgia’s mixed defense. In his 3 seasons with the Bulldogs, he has played in 36 games, starting 8 of them. He missed two games this past season due to a left ankle injury, but he was able to return and play at full strength down the stretch. He played all over the defensive line, primarily as the 3-technique or the 1-technique but he also lined up in a 4i and 5-technique. He is a dominant player on film, and he has the opportunity to make an immediate impact to begin his NFL career.

Pass Game

In the pass game, Carter shows flashes of a quick first step and he has a very powerful initial punch to both drive his man into the pocket and create separation. He has an excellent swim move and can flip his hips to get skinny through the line of scrimmage and quickly get to the quarterback. He plays with a high motor but at times when the quarterback gets out of the pocket and he is still being blocked, he will slow up rather than pursue the football at full speed. He will also play too high at times and bring his feet too close together limiting his drive into his man but that can be easily fixed at the next level. He has an elite blend of size, explosiveness, and upper body strength that is unteachable in the NFL. He will be a dominant force against the pass early in his career.

Run Game

In the run game, Carter continues to show his explosiveness in getting to the ball-carrier. He does a good job extending his arms after initial contact and using his vision to find the ball-carrier. He then fights through blocks and  is a sure-tackler. He also constantly goes for the football creating lots of turnovers on film. 

Last Word

While Carter has experience playing all over the defensive line, he projects best as either 3-technique or 1-technique in a 4-3 defensive scheme. He has true versatility allowing him to play at either spot and can be used as a rotation man along the whole front line if needed. On film he constantly makes plays against both the run and the pass. He is a true 3-down lineman who will excel on 3rd downs with his pass-rushing prowess. 

One-Liner: Jalen Carter has elite size and explosiveness to make plays all over the field and he has the ability to develop into an All-Pro defensive tackle.

Grade: 7.7 (High End 3 Down Player)

Games Watched: 2022 - Tennessee, Oregon; 2021 - Clemson

Team Fits: Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks