IDL Jalen Carter Scouting Report: Why He’s a Future Game-Changer

Not many prospects blow me away as Jalen Carter has, and he’s one of those players that will be shocking not to see pan out. This is because he checks every single box needed to become a dominant pass rusher and he’ll be a good player from day one. He’ll be entering the league with both good run defense skills and a refined pass-rush skillset. He played at a very high-level back-to-back years at Georgia, where he faced legit tough competition. He also played his best in the biggest games – take the Tennessee game, for example. Injuries did slow him down this past season as he only had 308 snaps, but it doesn’t appear to be a real concern. Carter’s stat line won’t leave you impressed, but based on his film, this is a rare type of talent.

Five games in total were evaluated. This scouting report includes grades on all relevant traits which were based on his film. His scouting report also factored in stats and analytics, such as PFF grades. Thank you to both TFG and PFF for inspiring this draft content. Please leave your feedback on Twitter, @FBIntellect.

D-line Stats

2022 (through WK 14):

2021:

Clip Analysis

In the clip above, Carter executes a beautiful swim move. The guard lunged forward as he stutter-stepped and he was just too quick and explosive to stop after that.

The raw power he demonstrates here is simply absurd. This is against a 330 lb lineman and he gets him to the ground.

In this one, Carter comes up clutch with a huge strip-sack; this rep was won with immense power.

Grades

Overall Draft Grade: 82.1

Traits/ Skills (see bottom of the page for scale)

Each trait/attribute is graded 1-7.

Player Notes

Jalen Carter Bio

• Jalen Carter is an uber-athletic interior defensive lineman with a versatile skill set. He is currently ranked third on The FBI 2023 Draft Board.

Pros

• He has the perfect blend of get-off, raw power, and bend to be a dominant pass rusher.
• Utilizes a good balance of power and finesse moves.
• He has tremendous body flexibility and bend – better than a lot of EDGEs.
• Has the ideal frame and arm length to play any role on the D-line.
• He plays with a ferocious motor and has aggressive hand usage.
• Has shown he can use club rips and cross chops; also has a lethal swim move.
• He flys to the ball like a heat-seeking missile.
• Was used in multiple alignments at Georgia; played 3-tech, 5-tech, and even some 1-tech/ 2i.
• Has a great anchor in run defense.
• Has quick run instincts which will allow him to develop into an elite run defender.
• He has the type of athletism to be used on spies which is incredible for a 300 lb lineman.
• Has lined up at Fullback for Georgia before.

Cons

• He needs to be more consistently keyed in on the timing of the snap; he is often a bit late.
• Occasionally plays too high, and doesn’t get the needed leverage
• Can occasionally get thrown off balance.
• Could grow to be more patient in setting up pass-rush moves.
• It’d be nice to see him execute more bull rushes but it’s a very minor flaw.
• Gets taken off the field on obvious run-defense downs – this isn’t a weakness, but is something to be noted.

Combine (TBD)

40 yd: ~4.88

10 yd:

Shuttle:

3 cone:

Broad:

Vertical:

Bench:

Arm Length:

Hand Size:

Scales And Keys

Grading Key

POT – Potential: players’ highest upside

IMP – Impact: player’s immediate impact

Stats Key

PR – Pressures

SK – Sacks

TKL – Tackles

TFL – Tackles for loss