Buffalo Bills rookie named as a 'sleeper' who could play a key role for the team in 2024
A Buffalo Bills rookie was named by CBS Sports this week as a "sleeper" who could play a key role for the team in 2024. CBS Sports pointed out Bills rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter as an AFC rookie selected after day one of the draft that could shine this fall. Carter was selected by […]
A Buffalo Bills rookie was named by CBS Sports this week as a "sleeper" who could play a key role for the team in 2024.
CBS Sports pointed out Bills rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter as an AFC rookie selected after day one of the draft that could shine this fall.
Carter was selected by the Bills in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
From CBS Sports: Any number at or around 10% for a defensive tackle's pressure-creation rate is outstanding, and Carter managed to do it on close to 800 pass-rushing opportunities in his final two years as a Blue Devil. And he nearly reached that 10% benchmark thanks to a variety of moves, loose hips, first-step burst, and sustained speed to the quarterback. On the first play of every game, Carter flipped on the motor, and it never shut off until the final whistle. Now, the Bills do have Ed Oliver up front and re-signed DaQuan Jones this offseason. But this is a defense that's desperately needed another upfield disruptor either next to or behind Oliver on the depth chart. Sean McDermott rotates defensive linemen more than any other coach in football — and even if new defensive coordinator Bobby Babich calls the plays, we can assume that general philosophy will be the same. In 2023, seven defensive linemen played between 29% and 68% of the snaps. Carter will be a low-key vital part of Buffalo's rotation and has the skill and talent blend to pop in Year 1.
Carter, an Ohio native who spent five seasons at Duke, certainly has the pedigree to be a longtime NFL player.
The former All-ACC first team member was a three-time captain at Duke (which was a first in program history). Carter also received the Jim Tatum Award (given to the ACC's top scholar-athlete) while at Duke.
Additionally, Carter was one of the highest graded defensive tackles in the ACC over the last three seasons.
Carter is the type of player that doesn't move the needle on draft day, yet you look up five years later and he's in the midst of a solid NFL career.
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