Georgia's Jalen Carter Hailed as 'Game Wrecker' by SEC Coach Ahead of 2023 NFL Draft

Former Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Jalen Carter is widely regarded as one of the best prospects in the 2023 NFL draft, so much so that he is considered to be a level above his predecessor who was a first-round pick last year.

"We knew Jordan [Davis] was a good player, but everybody circles 88 as the game wrecker," one SEC offensive line coach told The Athletic's Bruce Feldman of Carter.

Davis was selected 13th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2022 draft. He was limited to 13 games as a rookie due to an ankle injury, finishing with 18 total tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass defended. He also appeared in all three of Philadelphia's postseason games on its run to Super Bowl 57.

Carter has unique traits that give him the potential to be a franchise cornerstone on the defensive line.

"Holy s--t! This 88 jumps off the tape. I think he is the best one in the front. He is so big but so quick-twitch. He has an uncanny ability to redirect and [he has] really good balance," a veteran line coach told Feldman last winter. Another coach who went up against Georgia late in the season described Carter's initial quickness as "ridiculous."

Carter starred for Georgia for the past three years and in 2022 he recorded 32 total tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles despite missing two games with a knee injury. He helped lead the Bulldogs to a perfect season and a second straight national championship.

B/R's most recent NFL draft big board ranks Carter as the No. 2 overall prospect in this year's class behind only Alabama edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr. Whichever team lands Carter would be adding a game-changer to its defense.