Home Steelers DraftProspect Profiles 2018 Draft Prospect Profile: EDGE Lorenzo Carter

2018 Draft Prospect Profile: EDGE Lorenzo Carter

by Chris Nicolaou

The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t have many current needs, but one they may want to shore up in the future is outside linebacker. Bud Dupree may not be in Pittsburgh for the long haul after having another disappointing season after many were expecting a double digit sack-breakout season. The back half of the 2017 season, it really seemed like Dupree was giving much less than 100% effort. If the Steelers decide not to exercise Dupree’s fifth-year option, they’ll need a new starting outside linebacker. Even if Dupree is retained, depth is surely needed. Today, we examine Lorenzo Carter.

Lorenzo Carter #7 | University of Georgia
6’5″ 245lbs | Senior

2017 Stats: 62 total tackles (31 solo), 8.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 3 FF, 3 FR

Background: High character kid, known for having a smile on his face and a positive attitude. Goes out his way to help people.  Both grandfather and father were preachers. ESPN.com five-star prospect, #14 player nationally, #3 DE nationally, #2 player in the state. Psychology major.

What’s to like: A lot of length at 6’5”. Long arms that helps keep blockers off. Understands outside leverage and forcing runs inside to his help. Has experience in a two and three point stance. Possesses hip flexibility to honor a good bend. Athletic and is quick to his mark. His mission is always to force fumbles. Understands responsibility of playing the run. Has experience in coverage. Counters well after initial move fails. Uses his hands well with swipes, deflections, leverage.


Concerns:
Thin frame that needs more bulk. Timing off the snap is a bit late. Thin legs don’t help his balance and base, can get pushed around. Questionable core strength needed at the NFL level. Needs coached up in his responsibilities in coverage. Will need to learn not to lean on his length to win, needs to establish additional pass rush moves. Lateral agility in man to man coverage is questionable.

Verdict:  An underrated prospect who should rise as the process proceeds. A lengthy guy who will need to put some bulk on. Can come in, learn the system and become a special teams demon. Depth is needed at outside linebacker and if Bud Dupree can’t prove to be worth exercising his 5th year option after the 2018 season, he may be on his way out. Carter is lengthy, athletic and will be a good edge rusher at the next level. He’s a starting caliber talent and is also NOT Jarvis Jones.

Grade: 79.5 (Mid 2nd Round Grade)

Games Watched: 2017 Notre Dame | 2018 Oklahoma | 2018 Alabama |

Credit: Sports reference (stats), Gridiron Now (picture), Youtube (film)

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1 comment

2018 Steelers Draft Preview: EDGE Rusher - Steel City Blitz April 19, 2018 - 6:14 pm

[…] intriguing prospect is Georgia’s Lorenzo Carter (READ: SCB Prospect Profile) who has the size, speed, and athleticism to play either as an inside linebacker or an EDGE rusher […]

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