Why Duke DT Would Make Brad Holmes 'Pound the Table'

Duke defensive tackle has leadership skills and intangibles NFL teams will covet.

Duke defensive tackle DeWayne Carter / William Howard-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions have made it clear they are targeting football players with elite NFL skills and intangibles off the field that will potively impact the organization.

One of the traits general manager Brad Holmes and the coaching staff inquire about and value is if a players served in a leadership role on the team they played for.

In a recent list of draft prospects to 'pound the table' for, NFL writer Charles Davis identified Duke defensive tackle DeWayne Carter as a player many front office personnel staffers will covet this year.

Davis explained, "Carter is the first player in Duke history to be a team captain for three straight seasons, which speaks volumes given the leaders that have come through that program over the years. He was also a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, aka the academic Heisman, last season."

The talented defensive lineman also made his presence known along the interior of the defensive line last season.

"He wasn’t a captain because of his personality and smarts alone, though. The Ohio native produces on the field, too. He is a playmaker on the interior, collecting 25 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 11 pass breakups and seven forced fumbles over the past four seasons," writes Davis. "His intangibles are off the charts, and he reminds me of Steelers 2023 second-round pick Keeanu Benton when I watch his tape."

Detroit's defensive line added Marcus Davenport and DJ Reader this offseason. Alim McNeill has established himself as one of the most disruptive defensive tackles over the past couple of seasons.

With Josh Paschal, Brodric Martin and Levi Onwuzurike also competing for playing time in 2024, Carter could be a player that adds depth but also has a very high upside at the next level.