NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Indiana OT Carter Smith

Carter Smith is an alert, powerful blocker with a stifling punch and the competitive toughness to steer and finish consistently. Though only average in lateral quickness and arm length—leading to some soft edges—his strength and strain limit damage. He projects as a dependable starter inside a run-first, play-action based system.

Smith is a 6'5", 313-pound tackle prospect, who entered the Indiana program as a 3-star recruit in the 2022 class.

Smith started 13 games at LT in 2024 on a unit that was a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award. He started 12 games at LT during the '23 campaign.

Brandon Thorn: Brandon is the author of the Trench Warfare newsletter, which focuses exclusively on offensive and defensive line evaluation. He also contributes as an analyst to Establish the Run, serves as the scouting coordinator for OL Masterminds and is a selection committee member for the Joe Moore Award. 

Where He Wins

James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

— Very good play-strength with well-timed, stifling strikes to connect and tie up his target.

— Potent inside strike in pass protection to punch through moves and widen the corner.

— Frames up and collects targets in the run game, with the leg drive and upper-body strength to pin and secure lanes.

— Plays with excellent competitive toughness and effort to strain and steer defenders away from the ball late in reps.

Areas of Improvement

Justin Casterline/Getty Images

— Mechanical, regimented mover who can be a tick late redirecting and recovering out of compromising positions.

— Mediocre arm length can leave him stacked at the fingertips of the long-arm.

— Will open hips and turn shoulders early when threatened with a high-side speed rusher from a wide-9 alignment.

Grade, Rank and Pro Comparison

Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

GRADE: 7.4 (High-Level Backup/Starter Upside - Round 3)

COMPARABLE GRADE: Jordan Morgan (7.5 in 2024), Cody Mauch (7.4 in 2023), Luke Goedeke (7.3 in 2022)

OVERALL RANK: 65

POSITION RANK: OT5

PRO COMPARISON: Braden Smith

Measurables and Testing Data

Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Height: 6'5"
Weight: 313

Workout numbers and data will be added at a later date.