New York Jets 2018 NFL Draft Target: Lorenzo Carter

The 2018 NFL Draft is almost upon us. Here is a prospect the New York Jets should consider drafting in the third round (72nd overall).

The 2018 NFL Draft is quickly approaching and the New York Jets have some very important decisions to make. After they select their franchise quarterback in the opening round, General Manager Mike Maccagnan has a key pick to make in round number three. Let’s take a closer look at a prospect they should seriously consider tabbing with that 72nd overall pick, Lorenzo Carter from the University of Georgia.

The 6-6, 250-pounder was a four-year starter with the Bulldogs. He was one of the main cogs in their 13-2 campaign in 2017 which ended in a 26-23 overtime loss to Alabama in the National Championship Game.

Carter was named to the second-team All-SEC contingent as a linebacker last year when he tallied a career-high 62 tackles, including 8.5 for loss. He added 4.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries and a team-high three forced fumbles. Carter recorded 15 sacks during his stellar career in Athens, GA.

Let’s take a look at some of his career highlights via YouTube:

The Norcross, GA native is lean, rangy and has superb straight-line speed. Carter uses his long arms effectively to wrap a player up and to strip him of the football. All in all, he compiled six forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries during his stint with the Bulldogs. He needs to gain about 10 pounds to increase his strength and endurance for the rigors of NFL competition.

The Jets need all the help they can get in putting pressure on the quarterback. They finished a dismal 28th in the league last year with a mere 28 sacks. Gang Green is begging for a dynamic edge rusher. Carter projects to be an outside linebacker in 3-4 or 4-3 packages. While he needs to add some muscle and show improvement in run support, what he does bring to the table is plenty of speed. That’s something New York could always use more of.

Carter’s forte is his sideline-to-sideline speed in chasing down opponents. He possesses fine explosiveness at the snap and his motor is always running. He uses his length quite well to gain an advantage in leverage on opposing blockers. Carter has fine balance and pursuit to the ball. He never gives up on a play. He’s probably best suited for a 4-3 defensive scheme but he’s so athletic that he can adapt to any defensive alignment.

There is no doubt that Carter possesses natural pass rushing skills. He’s a work in progress though. He needs to add some more muscle on his thin frame. Carter has to improve his pass coverage skills.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-round projection

However, he can be used in certain third-and-long situations at first while he adopts to the pro game. He’d be an excellent choice by Maccagnan and the Jets brain trust in the third round. Carter would provide solid depth behind starting outside linebackers Josh Martin and Jordan Jenkins as well.