A few intriguing defensive prospects are turning heads across the country. The fourth-year juniors’ dazzling performances are making them candidates to be the first overall pick in this spring’s NFL draft. Barrett Carter, JT Tuimoloau, and Ezeiruaku are high-level elite athletes. Collectively, they each possess a set of skills to complement one another as they step into their new roles. While still honing their skills, these players are turning heads with their impact on the pitch.
Barrett Carter: A Versatile Playmaker
Barrett Carter — the linebacker from Clemson — has been an absolute force these last three seasons. Carter has been equally disruptive on an overall basis, leading the game with 12.5 sacks. He’s accounted for three interceptions and a jaw-dropping 30.5 tackles for loss. In his first season as a full time edge rusher, he has been otherworldly. Over only 16 starts, those numbers add up to 12 sacks, 23.5 tackles for loss and 15 run stops. His versatility and playmaking ability make him a valuable asset for any team looking to add to their defense.
Carter’s standout performance was notable for many reasons, perhaps most importantly his adaptability and consistency to play multiple areas on the field and confidently switch between roles. He’s established himself, at least in the short-term, as a whistle-to-whistle game-changing three-down playmaker. His athleticism and get-off as an edge rusher will play well up at the next level too.
Emerging Talents: Tuimoloau and Ezeiruaku
With JT Tuimoloau from Ohio State, we see a player who can really threaten as an edge rusher, but he combines size, strength, and aggression. The flashes of a future dominant pass rusher at the next level are hard to miss. He’s shown that he can make plays at all spots along the defensive front, too. Tuimoloau’s versatility allows him to thrive in various defensive schemes. This can provide teams a versatile weapon to deploy strategically along their defensive line.
At 6-3, 248, Ezeiruaku, a defensive end at North Dakota State, might be considered undersized. It’s really what he did on the field that says so much about his talent. Blessed with 34-inch arms and a lethal first step, he powers right through and circles around Offensive Tackles. His closing speed of 4.45 in the 40-yard dash and fast processing skills make him a dynamic presence on the field.
Promising Prospects: Emmanwori, Porter, Morrison, and Starks
Standing at 6-3 and weighing 220 pounds, Emmanwori is reminiscent of Derwin James Jr., known for size, strength, speed, and playmaking ability. His size and length help him dominate in press situations. This combination makes him a difficult cover for his opponents.
Porter from North Dakota State is another rising star who could make significant contributions on special teams and eventually develop into a skilled man or zone defender. Having played just one season of defense, Porter’s priority is understanding his technique and developing himself to unlock the potential he possesses.
Morrison, a safety from Ole Miss, has ideal size and length that really come out in press situations. During that same stretch (2022-23), he had nine interceptions, highlighting his ability to make game-changing plays on the football.
Starks, a safety from Georgia, has an elite combination of instincts and quickness in space that make him perfect for a deep safety role. He recorded five picks in his first two seasons at free safety. This great play shows off his talent at ceasing the flow and feeling the game and quickly responding.
Leave a Reply