Lorenzo Carter

in our view

Carter is a rare athlete who has experience in a pro-friendly defensive scheme and showed excellent versatility in college, lining up with his hand in the dirt, rushing from a standing position as a 3-4 outside ‘backer, and dropping into coverage against tight ends, backs, and even receivers. That kind of scheme versatility, combined with a penchant for closing like a bear trap and a naturally long frame will get him drafted no later than the second day. Still, there will be questions about Carters lack of sack production after managing just 9.5 over his final two college seasons, despite starting 19 games over that span.

strengths

Long, rangy frame with excellent wingspan and “spider-like levers.” Sets the edge very well and holds containment without sacrificing flexibility or option to disengage from his blocker. Gets excellent leverage for such a tall player and beats offensive linemen to the punch to earn good hand placement allowing him to control his adversary rather than the other way around. Will get his hands into the air to affect passes and bat balls away. Still has room to add bulk to his frame without sacrificing speed or agility. Was mentioned by coaches as athletic enough to play cornerback if necessary. Is a willing tackler who wraps up well and brings anger to each hit. When rushing the passer, stays wide and keeps his eyes up, never losing sight of the ball and keeping himself in position to make a play away from his immediate location. Times the snap well and gets a great jump on the ball because of it. Presses blockers with his early movement and puts them on their heels with his athleticism. Drinks all the coffee in Glengarry Glen Ross — is a closer! Does not miss tackles when he gets close to passers or backs. Will flat out lay people out whether rushing from a standing or down position. Has a knack for forcing fumbles and his length makes him an asset on kick-block units, as well. — Hunter Ansley 2/2/2018

compares to

Leonard Floyd, Chicago Bears — Yes, it’s an easy comparison to draw considering both played at Georgia and both have nearly identical frames, but sometimes the obvious answer is the right one. Floyd was slightly more sudden in his movements, where Carter has more fluidity and deliberate strength. Still, both proved that they can affect the passer from standing positions all over a defense, and both are likely to have entered the league after rising throughout the entire draft process due to natural athleticism and great length and range as linebackers.

weaknesses

Has a tendency to get high and leggy when not moving forward. If he’s not solely rushing the passer, he can allow blockers to get under his pads and drive him off the ball, especially against power runs when he’s standing off the ball. Is more fluid than sudden as a pass rusher, so athletic offensive tackles can occasionally get the best of him. Times the snap well, but has a more gradual than instant first step. Is uncomfortable in coverage in the flats, and allows a lot of separation because he plays high and on his heels when not headed downhill. Wasn’t able to earn more than five sacks in any one season, despite elite physical tools. — Hunter Ansley 2/2/2018

Norcross, coached by Keith Maloof

American Family Insurance USA Today All-USA First Team

Parade Magazine All-America first team

member of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2013 Super 11 and Class AAAAAA All State Team

named to the Georgia Sports Writers Association All-State Class AAAAAA First Team Offense

PrepStar five-star prospect, Top 150 Dream Team, #1 ranked DE and #2 ranked overall player in the country

Rivals.com four-star prospect, #36 player nationally, #3 DL nationally, #4 player in the state

Scout.com five star prospect, #23 player nationally, #5 DE nationally, #1 player in the state

247Sports.com five-star prospect, #20 player nationally, #2 DE nationally, #2 player in the state

ESPN.com five-star prospect, #14 player nationally, #3 DE nationally, #2 player in the state

played in the Under Armour All-American Game

finished his senior season with 132 tackles, including 40 tackles for losses and six sacks

led his team to a 13-2 record and a state championship.

LORENZO LEMUEL CARTER

Major: Psychology.

2017

2016