Can Jalen Carter play defensive end? Analyzing why Georgia star is still worth top-10 pick in 2023 NFL Draft

Georgia Bulldogs' defensive anchor Jalen Carter is one of the best defensive talents coming into the 2023 NFL draft, even though he has a massive cloud over his head.

The Bulldogs standout helped his team to consecutive college championships and arguably the best defense in college football history. As such, he looks set to be drafted in the lottery of the 2023 NFL draft and join some of his illustrious Georgia teammates in the big league.

Yes, Carter can play defensive end, as, in fact, the versatile prospect has the smarts to be a menace all over the defensive side of the ball. Carter was regularly used as a Swiss army knife on defense in Georgia, and these talents should translate quite nicely to the NFL.

There's a reason why he was once considered the best player in this year's draft class. With his pace, jumping ability and mobility, he could be a solid ball hawk if he puts his mind to it.

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What makes Jalen Carter worth top-10 pick in 2023 NFL Draft?

Jalen Carter ticks every box you would expect for a prospect coming into the NFL Draft, and he has talent and potential to burn.

He's a defender with immense versatility and a unique blend of first-step quickness and leverages through contact. He can find quick wins against iffy guard play and finishes plays once he's in the backfield. His hand usage alternates from violent to subtle, but his feet are always active and searching for an opening.

Based on his talent, traits and projection, Carter appears ready to step into the NFL and become a productive three-down talent with Pro Bowl potential.

Areas of strength:

• Great lean muscle mass with proportional structure.
• Rushes out of stance and into premium position off the snap.
• Step-and-swim move creates an upper hand to bypass guards.
• Widens base and rolls hips to doorjamb the double team.
• Flurries with hand combinations to disorient protection.
• Leverage makes him challenging to redirect once he finds the blocker’s edge.

Areas for improvement:

• He could use a little more mass against NFL guards.
• Loses momentum when swapping power with true heavyweights.
• Could use a more diversified rush approach.
• Scouts say maturity has been an issue for him at times.

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Jalen Carter's Draft Projection

Before his legal troubles and shaky showing at the Georgia Pro Day, Jalen Carter was seen as a consensus top-five pick with the potential to go even higher. However, following the damning reports and questions about his character, it has been speculated that some franchises have taken him off their draft boards.

Carter may be cleared of all allegations, and the debacle at the Georgia Pro Day was simply because he was in the wrong headspace. So, if teams are willing to ignore the array of character red flags, he should still end up a high lottery pick. Few defenders are as talented as Carter, and it's not every day you see his rich blend of skill and tenacity declare for the NFL draft.

2023 NFL Draft Projection: Top 10 Draft Pick