NFL

2023 NFL Draft: Jalen Carter player profile | Height, weight, college stats and highlights

Many of the teams who own the top picks are on a mission to strengthen their defense. Georgia’s Jalen Carter is just what they need.

Update: Apr 27th, 2023 09:20 EDT

Some years, the NFL draft is about wide receivers or running backs. Not this year. The 2023 NFL draft is all about quarterbacks and defense. For those who need big run-stopping ability up front, there is one name at the top of the list. Jalen Carter.

The Georgia Bulldog defensive lineman is a top-five pick at any position and has racked up some serious numbers over the past two years in Athens, notching up 15.5 tackles for loss and six sacks.

His off-field legal trouble has colored his prospects, which were exacerbated by a disappointing pro day, but he is still one of the most talented defensive linemen on offer.

The Seattle Seahawks are the betting favorites to pick Jalen Carter in the NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/ngfpPjThfH
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) April 26, 2023

Here is a quick rundown of his scouting report.

Jalen Carter

Georgia, Defensive line

Age: 21

Hometown: Apopka, Florida

Projected ranking

Position: 1
Overall: 3

Likely landing spots

Seahawks (5)
Lions (6)
Bears (9)

NFL combine measurements

Height: 6′3″
Weight: 314 lbs
Arm reach: 33.5″
Hands: 10.25″

Past few days I was hesitant. But I am all aboard the Jalen Carter train if he miraculously falls to 9.

1. Tape does not lie. He is head and shoulders the best player in this draft class.

2. If Bears want to win a Super Bowl, this team needs its “Tommy Harris” at 3T.

Seriously pic.twitter.com/KxFpPOhWiG
— DeeksView (@DeeksViewOG) April 27, 2023

Scouting report

Carter possesses elite quickness for his size and is capable of frustrating interior offensive linemen in their run blocking. He tends to create chaos with his quick feet and strength primarily against the running game.

Strengths

Extremely quick and attacks gaps in the offensive line, using his strength and leverage to push into the backfield. He is balanced on his feet and rarely goes to ground.

Weaknesses

Not as strong in the pass rush, often playing too high and relying on single pass-rush moves and techniques rather than cycling through them.

College stats

Year	Games	Tackles	For Loss	Sacks
2020	10	14	3.0	0.0
2021	15	37	8.5	3.0
2022	13	32	7.0	3.0

College Accolades

Honors

2022

First-team All-American (Associated Press, FWAA, Walter Camp, Sporting News)
First-team All-SEC (AP, coaches)

2021

Second-team All-SEC (coaches)

Notable statistics