Buffalo Bills 2024 NFL Draft Analysis: A Look at Film of DT DeWayne Carter

Throughout the offseason and especially gaining traction ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, defensive tackle has been seen as a position of need for the Buffalo Bills. Although starting defensive tackles Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones once again return in front of the team’s defensive interior, bringing in talented players to rotate behind the pair was a major concern.

This perceived need carried even more weight when considering the fact that Jones only played in seven games in 2023. At times, the defensive line was forced to adjust on the fly for much of the regular season .

As a result, the Bills addressed that need in the third round of this year’s draft, selecting defensive tackle DeWayne Carter out of Duke with pick 95. Carter, standing 6’3″ and 302 pounds, possesses key traits that NFL teams covet when it comes to interior defensive linemen – even if some consider him a bit small compared to his peers.

DeWayne Carter’s intangibles as a difference maker off the field are superb and he immediately felt like a fantastic fit culturally for head coach Sean McDermott’s organization. Carter is ready to get to work with his boots on the ground in and around his new home of Buffalo, New York.

The Duke Blue Devil was solid in his final college season, totaling 41 tackles, but he will clearly benefit if given time to develop within Buffalo’s defensive framework. What kind of impact could he have with the Buffalo Bills in 2024? Let’s see what the movie says about the prospect of leaving Durham, North Carolina.

DeWayne Carter brings the power to the trenches

Carter showed his power during this play. Before the snap, Carter lined up on the outside shoulder of the Pittsburgh guard. In an instant, he pushed the guard away with one hand, then quickly took the guard’s angle.

DeWayne Carter’s disruptive spin move

Every defensive lineman needs a reliable passing move to win at the next level. At the start of the play, Carter was on the left guard’s outside shoulder. Once the play began, Cater got inside the guard with a spinning motion, quickly passing him and after the quarterback in a hurry.

DeWayne Carter’s football intelligence shines through

Sometimes a defensive lineman being disciplined enough to stay in his running lane is more important than being sacked. During this play, Carter engaged the offensive tackle, which forced the quarterback to attempt to scramble between the left tackle and the guard. Carter has shaken off the offensive tackle’s block at the perfect time and rushes towards the QB to stop him.

DeWayne Carter shows incessant hustle

Carter started this play inside guard. Once the running play began, the Louisville tackle came down on Carter to engage him, which Carter countered. Carter then ran across the field after the ball carrier and chased him to help him make the tackle on the other side of the field.

The fast lane

DeWayne Carter has the potential to be a solid and productive player for the Buffalo Bills. His film – here and elsewhere – shows many solid qualities and impactful acting. Carter has pure power, is a hustler, and maintains good integrity in the rush lanes. He also has a reliable passing move to win one-on-ones and will most likely look to build up his toolbox.

Perhaps most importantly upon his arrival with the Buffalo Bills, Carter’s most underrated ability was his ability to line up across the entire defensive line.

How would you rate the Bills for their selection of Dwayne Carter? How much do you envision her rookie season if she gets pushed into action?

More Buffalo Rumblings coverage on Buffalo Bills DT DeWayne Carter