Buffalo Bills select DeWayne Carter in 3rd round of 2024 NFL Draft

Duke defensive tackle DeWayne Carter has been selected by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, taken with the No. 95 overall pick.

Carter became the first three-time captain in program history, evidence of how meaningful he was to the bottom line for the Blue Devils. He contributed across the span of five seasons.

The veteran defensive tackle saw his production in terms of disruptive stats (tackles for a loss, sacks and forced fumbles) slide considerably as a senior, but he was excellent for the better part of his final three years at Duke.

In total Carter logged 126 tackles, 25.0 tackles for a loss, 12.0 sacks, seven forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 11 passes defended and a blocked kick.

Prior to enrolling at Duke, DeWayne Carter was a three-star prospect and the No. 496 overall recruit in the 2019 recruiting class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

He also checked in as the No. 57 defensive lineman in the class and the No. 17 overall player in the state of Ohio, hailing from Pickerington (OH) Pickerington Central.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about DeWayne Carter

Carter’s greatest asset is likely his leadership ability, which should help him latch onto the roster fairly quickly. He’s an excellent guy to have around in the locker room.

But Carter is also a pretty talented pass-rusher, especially if he can get back to the productivity levels he enjoyed as a sophomore and a junior.

Here’s what the NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein had to say in evaluating DeWayne Carter:

“Three-time team captain with undisputed leadership ability to go with his production. Carter is best suited for a one-gapping scheme that allows him to utilize his foot agility and upfield mentality. He plays with bend and leverage but is average at holding his ground against power. Issues mirroring initial lateral movement from blockers is a concern against zone-based running attacks.

“While he doesn’t have jarring rush production, he might be a more talented pass rusher than run defender on the pro level, thanks to his bull rush and lateral quickness. Carter has the ability to become a good rotational piece in a 4-3 scheme.”