Zach Carter inks rookie contract with the Cincinnati Bengals
Former Florida Gators defensive lineman Zachary Carter has agreed to terms with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network. Cincinnati selected Carter with the 95th overall pick in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The estimated salary according to Spotrac for the 93rd pick in the draft is $5,065,635. It also carries an estimated $864,098 signing bonus.
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Carter was a selfless player while at Florida. The Tampa native played all across the defensive line. Carter amassed 102 total tackles, 17.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles over four seasons. He started at defensive tackle in all twelve games in 2022 but also played defensive end during his career as well. Now, Carter joins the AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals and a defensive line that already consists on
Carter was a former four-star recruit according to the On3 Consensus rankings, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average. He played high school football for Hillsborough and is a Florida native who played all four seasons of his college career with the Gators.
NFL Draft analysts weigh in on Carter’s NFL prospects
Lance Zeirlein of NFL.com
“Carter is viewed as position versatile, with the ability to play defensive end in an odd or even front. His skilled hands and quick feet make him a perfect candidate to move inside in nickel packages as a rusher. Some evaluators like his girth and envision him adding weight to become a full-time three-technique in a one-gapping front. Carter possesses the anchor for the point of attack. He needs to improve his stack-and-shed technique to make more plays in the run game. He’s a skilled, thoughtful rusher, but a fluctuating motor creates inconsistencies on tape. The sum doesn’t always equal the parts, but he has the size and skill to become a quality starter with splashy, interior rush potential.”
The Draft Network
“Zachary Carter held offers from nearly every prominent college football powerhouse in the country. After redshirting in 2017, Carter cracked the Gators’ defensive line rotation in 2018, his role grew in 2019, and he started in his final two seasons. While the Florida defense was a disappointment in 2021, Carter emerged and played his best football. Carter is a versatile defensive lineman that features a balanced skill set against the run and pass. He projects best as a 4-3 defensive end. But has plenty of experience playing in the B-gap, which he should get chances to do in the NFL to maximize his ability to shoot gaps and rush from the interior. Carter has good length and plays with active hands, low pads, and thrives in tight quarters. When it comes to areas of concern for Carter entering the NFL, he is more of a linear athlete with modest flexibility. He will need to stay committed to developing his hand technique so that he can soften edges to get off blocks and make plays. Carter has the makings of a quality rotational defensive lineman with inside/outside versatility.”
