ESPN draft expert compares Jalen Carter to Quinnen Williams

Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter has been one of the best defensive linemen in the country this season. Now, he’s expected to be a high first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. But, who is he comparable to at the next level?

For Jordan Reid, an NFL Draft analyst for ESPN, it’s a relatively easy comparison. He thinks Jalen Carter looks a lot like former Alabama defensive lineman and current New York Jets star, Quinnen Williams.

“Jalen Carter to Quinnen Williams,” Jordan Reid said.

“Both are explosive pass-rushers on the interior but are also strong at the point of attack and make flash plays as run defenders. Carter is an explosive 3-technique who can be an instant-impact prospect and eventually turn into a franchise cornerstone — just like Williams has with the Jets.”

What makes both of these pass rushers unique is how explosive they are from the interior. Most interior defensive linemen fill gaps and free up space for other rushers. It’s rare you get someone who can collapse the pocket like these two do it.

Jalen Carter has three sacks and seven tackles for loss through 11 games in the 2022 season. He should be able to add to those numbers in the College Football Playoff too.

Coming out of high school, Jalen Carter was a five-star recruit and the number 14 prospect overall in the Class of 2020. He lived up to that rating and more during his time in Athens.

Mel Kiper Jr debated Jalen Carter and Will Anderson

For teams looking for help on the defensive front seven in the 2023 NFL Draft, there are two players who stand out, Jalen Carter and Will Anderson. Who you prefer often comes down to a debate over minute details.

Recently, Mel Kiper Jr weighed in on that debate.

“As for which defender goes first off the board, it’ll come down to team fit,” Kiper wrote. “Anderson is atop most boards right now, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Carter go to the first team that needs a defensive player. You might be surprised by my Big Board on Thursday.”