Leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft starting on April 27th, we will be releasing several draft profiles of prospects who could potentially see themselves on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Next up...
Jalen Carter (Defensive Line), University of Georgia, Junior
Jalen Carter stands in at 6'5" tall, weighing 300lbs, and possesses elite physical tools which have him as one of the top prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft.
PERRY MCINTYRE | GEORGIA ATHLETICS
Jalen Carter hits QB Hendon Hooker in 2022 at Sanford Stadium.
Overview
Is it crazy to think that with all of the talent that has been on Georgia's defensive line in the past couple of seasons, that Carter is the best of them all? Well it shouldn't be, because he is one of the best defensive line prospects to come out in the last decade.
Carter came in as one of the top recruits in 2020, and despite coming into arguably the most talented position group in college football, he still managed to get himself onto the field and make an impact. While he was only the "starter" for one season, Carter made an impact and showed good improvement each year, being dominant as both a pass rusher and run defender in his final season.
If you want to try and pick an area of Carter's game where has he has to improve on the field, it would be nit picking at this point. He does have legal concerns looming over him at the moment, but if that all is cleared up he is a can't miss prospect. However, Mike Sandro of The Athletic reported that Carter won't be a top ten pick based on the NFL GMs and executives he spoke with around the league. If that is true, lets all hope Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan are doing their homework on the situation.
According to the GMs and execs who spoke to @SandoNFL, Jalen Carter will not be among the top 10 picks in the NFL Draft.
— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) March 6, 2023
Four quarterbacks will, starting with Bryce Young.
Full analysis: https://t.co/YubpFsvirv
Pros:
- Elite first step quickness
- Versatility along the defensive line
- Great athlete
- Incredibly strong upper body
- Explosive hands
- No bad weight
- High motor
- Consistently able to shed blocks and shoot gaps
- Able to rush the passer from multiple spots
- Refined initial pass rush moves
Cons:
- One year starter
- Slightly light in his lower half
- Potential legal issues
- Explosiveness knocks himself off balance on occasion
Joshua L Jones | Syndication: Online Athens
Jalen Carter chases Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud out of the pocket in the 2022 College Football Playoffs
Youth. That is what the Steelers desperately need to add to their defensive line. Cameron Heyward is the lone proven starter on the roster right now, and he isn't getting any younger. The Steelers' defensive line isn't just stagnant run stuffers that they were at times in the past. Carter possesses the unique blend of strength, speed, and versatility to be able to become a force early in his career, that would result in Steeler Nation cheering his name for the next decade.
Run Defense and Strength
Carter has a very strong upper body that he is able to uses extremely well. Being able to land explosive punches and use his arms to shed blockers is something that Carter does better than any defensive lineman in this draft class, as well as most draft classes in the last decade. He is a tad light in his lower half, and that resulted in the top talent he faced such as O'Cyrus Torrence, and also Ohio State's offensive line, to wear him down over the course of an entire game, but that is a minor issue that he can easily rectify.
Athleticism and Pass Rush
First step quickness and change of direction are two things that you don't see at such a high level from people with Carter's size and strength. Most 300+ pounders aren't light on their feet and are able to move them as quick as Carter can, which makes it tough for opposing offensive lineman to get their hands on him before he already has an advantage.
In addition to that explosiveness, Carter has some great technique that he is able to use in a multitude of ways depending on his alignment. Carter's punch and swim is unmatched by many, as the only counter offensive lineman have is to get under his swim with a punch, but Carter is too quick for that to land consistently.
AP
Jalen Carter sacks QB Will Levis in a home game in 2022 at Sanford Stadium.
NFL Comparison - Chris Jones
Coming out of college, Jones wasn't as refined of a prospect as Carter is. But looking at what Jones has done to transform his game to an all-around elite defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, that gives NFL team's a glimpse of what Carter can do early in his career.
Draft Projection - Top 5 Pick
If you look just at the prospect on the field, there is zero doubt Carter should and will be a top 5 pick in this draft. However, there are some legal concerns surrounding Carter currently which could cause him to fall, and if Sandro is correct, that'll be him falling outside of the top 10. If Tomlin and company are able to meet with Carter and determine they're comfortable with his legal situation/mental makeup, there is now a chance they could end up with a gift wrapped present sitting there for them with the 17th overall pick. Hopefully for Carter's sake, that isn't the case.
Let us know below what you think about Carter as a prospect and the potential of seeing him in the Black & Gold! Do you think he is worth the risk with his current legal trouble? What other prospects would you be interested in seeing a profile on? Click to comment below!
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