Carter’s game is a cross between those of former Penn State first-round defenders Micah Parsons and Chop Robinson. He played off the ball early in his career, attacking plays from sideline to sideline and ripping into the backfield on blitzes, much like Parsons did while in Happy Valley. Nittany Lions coaches moved him to the edge to replace Robinson this season, where Carter uses his speed to win outside and shows surprising power to push lesser tackles into the backfield.
Pearce has not racked up as many tackles for loss or sacks this year as he did in his All-SEC sophomore campaign, much like Will Anderson Jr. over his final two seasons at Alabama. He did not dominate against Oklahoma or North Carolina State (facing left tackle Anthony Belton, whose name you’ll see below). Pearce stood out against Florida, though, forcing and recovering a goal-line fumble, getting into the backfield multiple times in the fourth quarter and stopping an overtime run play that led to a missed field goal. He’ll be a top-10 pick with a productive second half of the year.
Arriving in Baton Rouge as a top-notch recruit, Campbell immediately stepped into the Tigers’ starting left tackle job. The tall, athletic lineman has added lower-body strength while maintaining quickness out of his stance and blocking on the move. He’s tough to beat when fluid in his movements, wide in his base and using one or two hands inside as a pass protector. Campbell plays a bit high and narrow at times, but he’s still a young player who could work his way into an elite starter at the next level.
Banks possesses a guard’s build, but his length and agility have kept him at left tackle during his three years with the Longhorns. His anchor is too strong for most pass rushers to push him backward, but he also manages to cut off their advances with initial quickness and strong hands. Banks redirects defenders around the pocket, staying engaged to keep them from cutting the corner to the quarterback. The junior lineman will bend at the waist at times, slipping off run blocks, but he’s still a top talent.
The 2023 first-team All-Big Ten Conference selection is the best front-seven defender in this draft class. His motor, strong hands and ability to win off the snap at 320 pounds are exquisite, and he’s not afraid to leverage double teams on run plays so his teammates can attack the ball-carrier. Graham plays inside and outside on the Wolverines’ front, consistently tracking down running backs and quarterbacks (he had two sacks against Minnesota in September). Regardless of how tall or long he measures at the NFL Scouting Combine, Graham will be a thorn in the side of pro offenses for years to come.
