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.
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.
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″
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
2021
- One of 20 players nationally with multiple placement kick blocks in 2021