Jets Scouting Combine Target: Duke Tackle to Improve Run Defense?

While the New York Jets are in need of significant upgrades on offense, they will also be eyeing potential defensive talent at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine. Could Duke defensive tackle DeWayne Carter help to improve their run defense?

With the NFL Scouting Combine set to begin in earnest on Tuesday, the New York Jets will be eyeing a number of pro-football hopefuls, which they deem capable of helping the team contend for a playoff spot in the upcoming season. 

Though the task of rebounding from a dismal 7-10 finish in inherently daunting, the Jets face the need to restock a competent offense around returning starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. 

Still, the Jets are unlikely to ignore the chance to upgrade their defense, which was ranked No. 3 overall last season. As a result, they may wish to dedicate their attention to a talented group of defenders, apt to make an immediate impact on an NFL front seven.

Accordingly, Duke defensive tackle DeWayne Carter may be a name to monitor for the Jets in the week’s leading up to April’s Draft.

Cred: Duke Athletics

Known for his prowess in defending the run, Carter projects as a 3-tech defensive tackle. During his four years with the Blue Devils, he totaled 87 tackles — 21.5 of which were for a loss — and 11 sacks. At his best, Carter is a tough player, with the size (6-3, 305) to sustain the double team. As a fifth year senior, he logged a total of 548 snaps in 12 games for the Blue Devils in 2023. Carter earned 19 tackles, 10 assists, and 15 stops. As a pass rusher, he tallied 22 total pressures, which included 17 quarterback hurries, 3 quarterback hits, and two sacks on the season.

Though help at safety has been purported as a prominent area of need for the Jets, adding talent to their interior defensive line would be the smarter move. Despite finishing the season ranked No. 2 in pass defense, the Jets plummeted to No. 25 when defending the run — allowing 124 yards-per-game on average, while yielding 14 rushing touchdowns. Despite employing one of the NFL’s best at the position in Quinnen Williams, the impending departure of Quinton Jefferson, as well as the free agency of Al Woods and Jayln Holmes, the Jets could use some help on the line’s interior. 

While he is still a developmental project in pass defense, Carter could see the field as a run defender in a reserve role for New York, if selected.

NFL Scouting Combine Preview: Elite Offensive Tackles On Display For Jets

Carter may have raised his Combine awareness with a strong showing at this year’s Senior Bowl. Throughout the week of practices, the ACC product routinely won his one-on-one matchups, including a Thursday morning bull rush, which took an opposing offensive lineman off his feet. A player with Carter’s size and instincts would not only act as an inherent run deterrent, but would also help to clear the way for linebackers and edge rushers to make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. 

Both defenisve linemen and linebackers are scheduled to hit the field at Lucas Oil stadium for measurements and workouts on Thursday. 

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