2022 Georgia football profile: Jalen Carter will have a remarkable season
Georgia football looks to have yet another surefire first-round NFL Draft pick on its defensive line this season.
The Dawgs had an embarrassment of riches along the defensive front in 2021, producing four first-round picks just from the front seven. Even with that much talent around him, Jalen Carter was still highly productive and viewed by some to be the best player of the bunch.
Carter finished his 2021 campaign with 37 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. The sophomore finished second on the team in tackles for loss while sharing a defensive line with the likes of Travon Walker, Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt.
This type of production on such a star-studded defensive unit has fans excited to see what he can do as the main guy in his junior season. An increased snap count and greater opportunity to produce as the top option could result in a massive season for the elite defender.
Georgia football defensive lineman Jalen Carter will steal the spotlight in 2022.
Carter is already one of the most highly rated prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft, and a big season could see Georgia produce the first overall pick in back-to-back seasons.
Let’s look at what he brings to the table in 2022.
Strengths
As a projected top-five draft pick, most of Carter’s game is a strength. At 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, his lateral movement and quick twitch abilities are already elite for a player with a frame that size.
He has showcased an elite first step and impressive quickness in engaging once the ball is snapped, providing himself solid leverage and positioning against opposing blockers. His arsenal of finesse and power moves allow him to quickly win matchups on the line of scrimmage and disengage to pursue the ball carrier.
Beyond his elite athleticism and agility, his strength and power add versatility to his game, making him a massive problem for offensive linemen. His ability to quickly gain leverage and immediately overpower his blocker wreaks havoc on offensive plays whether he directly makes the tackle or not.
As a tackle, Carter often is not directly responsible for making a tackle, but he eats up blocks similar to Jordan Davis and allows others to make plays as a result. This ability was Davis’ specialty, and his counting stats weren’t very impressive as a result.
Still, NFL scouts understood and appreciated the role he played, as evidenced by him being taken with pick No. 13 in the draft. Carter’s versatility to play in this role and be the primary defender on any given play make him a gem in the eyes of scouts.
Weaknesses
In such a highly rated prospect, weaknesses can be hard to find. Carter’s game just needs some general refinement given his overall lack of experience in-game. Developing more of a consistent and stackable rush move repertoire will enhance his game and allow him to become even more of a menace than he already is.
After serving as just a rotational piece as a freshman, last season was his first year seeing the field at a higher rate. The junior will have the opportunity to gain more reps and on-field experience in 2022, further improving as an already elite prospect.
Video Highlights of Jalen Carter
2022 Season Prediction for Jalen Carter
Carter will have a chance to be the focal point of a reloading Georgia defense in 2022. Fans and scouts alike are expecting big things from No. 88 this year.
With increased responsibility and more of a workload than in years past, expect Carter to rack up 50 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and four sacks. He has yet to force a fumble during his college career, but he should buck that trend and force at least one in 2022.
These numbers could easily vault Carter to the top of NFL Draft boards. With his unique skillset, though, Carter could exceed these predictions and make his case for being one of the best defensive tackles ever to play college football.
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Big things are coming from Carter in 2022, and fans should be excited to see what he can do.