2023 mock NFL Draft: 49ers watch NFC get significantly stronger

2023 NFL Draft, Pick No. 3: Arizona Cardinals – Jalen Carter, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

The Cardinals need to improve their defense with EDGE Chandler Jones leaving the season before and defensive tackle J.J. Watt retiring at the end of this season. Luckily for the Cardinals, they can upgrade either position here, with Jalen Carter the best player available along the defensive line.

This season, Carter recorded 32 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and three passes defended. It’s worth remembering Carter missed some time also due to a hit sustained against Missouri.

Carter is a physical freak with exceptional strength and speed to go with a big size (6-foot-3, 310 pounds) that can cause havoc up the middle of opposing offensive lines. He had only three sacks for the 2022 season, but that’s not nearly reflective of the havoc he caused (he also missed some time after a dirty hit against Missouri).

While EDGEs get the lion’s share of the praise when it comes to rushing the quarterback, a strong interior presence arguably makes more difference, as causing pressure up the middle disrupts plays faster and makes it harder for quarterbacks to make plays since they can’t climb the pocket. Carter looks physically set to be the next big interior pass-rusher in the NFL.

There are some concerns about his makeup that he isn’t a hard worker, but that’s not an uncommon criticism for elite college talents, as they haven’t had to do much with their physical talents to be dominant.

That changes in the NFL, but teams shouldn’t be too worried about improving his work ethic in the pros.