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

YearGamesTacklesFor LossSacks
202010143.00.0
2021 15378.53.0
2022 13327.03.0

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