The NFL Draft will begin on April 25, 2024. We take a look at Duke interior defensive lineman DeWayne Carter, who is a force in the trenches and has his Pro Day quickly approaching on March 28.
Carter was rated a three-star recruit by ESPN and a three-star recruit by 247 Sports coming out of high school. He eventually committed to Duke over schools like Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and others.
A force in the interior, Carter appeared in 45 games (over 2,000 snaps) throughout his career, totaling 126 tackles (48 solo), 118 pressures, 30.5 TFL, 22 sacks, 14 pass deflections, and 14 forced fumbles.
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DeWayne Carter, Defensive Tackle, Duke
Name: DeWayne Carter
Jersey: No. 90
Position: Defensive Tackle
School: Duke
Class: Redshirt Senior
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 302 lbs.
10 Yard Split: 1.72
Arm Length: 33″
Hand Size: 10 1/4″
Vertical: 32″
Awards: Third-Team All-ACC (2021), Second-Team All-ACC (2022), First-Team All-ACC (2023), Jim Tatum Award (2023), Team Captain (2021-23)
Games Watched: Florida State (2023) North Carolina (2023) Notre Dame (2023)
Major Injury History: None
Real pretty spin move from Dewayne Carter aligned in a 3T
— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) March 10, 2024
DeWayne Carter’s Strengths
Displays explosion with a quick first step off the line of scrimmage, instantly creating inside leverage with his hand placement. Delivers a strong initial punch while using his lower-body strength to anchor inside. Very good read and react ability as he keeps his eyes in the backfield to make an initial decision and dislodge blockers. Impressive ability to shed blocks with good pad level. Good lateral agility, bend, and foot quickness to disrupt zone and outside run plays. Elite balance and a strong, flexible core with very good hand timing, strength, and placement. Very good leg drive as he’s able to put pressure on the quarterback in his bull rush and mow over offensive linemen. Elite motor and effort, demonstrating the ability to chase down ball carriers from the backside.
DeWayne Carter’s Weaknesses
Arm length can be questionable at the next level. Needs to find a consistent counter move to add as his secondary rush off the bull rush. Questionable sack production as he needs to find a repertoire of hand counters.
Summary
Along with his production, he was a captain for three seasons, defining his leadership ability. Carter is a true three-tech who can dominate single gap/lane responsibilities. He has powerful hands at the point of attack and impressive foot quickness to disrupt inside. He also possesses his football IQ with the necessary explosion, lower body strength, hand placement, and hand strength to be an active three-down, starting-caliber defensive lineman at the next level. Carter could also move out further to a 4i/5i tech in an odd front. He would best fit in a 4-3 scheme.
Pro Comparison: Ed Oliver
Draft Projection: Fourth Round
Grade: Second Round
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