On paper, Lorenzo Carter and Oshane Ximines both had extremely comparable rookie seasons in the NFL for the New York Giants. Carter posted 4.0 sacks over 40% of defensive snaps, which is a solid number for a first-year player in a new scheme. Carter passes all of the eye tests, with incredible speed and length.
However, Carter’s production in year two fell off significantly, even after experiencing a 25% bump in snaps. He was given more opportunities on defense and taken out of the special-teams significantly. After posting a 0.0% missed tackle right in his rookie season, he allowed eight missed tackles in 2019, compiling a 15.1% rate.
Additionally, in nearly 300 added snaps, he only added 0.5 sacks, two tackles, and three quarterback hits to his overall numbers. He actually recorded one less tackle for a loss over 12 games started compared to just two in 2018.
Ultimately, Carter has the physical traits to develop nicely for the Giants, and year three could be his turnaround season after a tough sophomore campaign.
Generally, Patrick Graham has had success utilizing linebackers in the 3-4 base defense. Kyler Fackrell, who worked with Graham as his linebackers coach in 2018 with a Green Bay Packers, helped him to 10.5 sacks in a similar role. I believe Carter can increase production and finally reach his potential, but they must not bury him in a depth role, they must keep him rotating in and gaining live snaps to test his abilities.
The expectation is that Ximines will elevate his game year two, which could give the Giants a nice one-two punch off the edge. In the case that they retain Markus Golden, having Carter and Oshane displaying quality pass rush moves and beating their respective assignments would be a gargantuan deal.
Here is Lorenzo Carter’s draft profile via Walter Football and what made him so special as a prospect entering the NFL:
There is no doubt that Carter definitely passes the eyeball test. He has shocking speed to go along with excellent height, length, and a natural build. Carter can be a dynamic pursuit defender. He is fast off the edge to chase after quarterbacks and running backs. When Carter is decisive, he can be deadly with a burst to close while packing a punch when he gets there. Carter needs to develop more pass-rushing moves, but he is versatile to rush from the edge or up the middle on the blitzes. Carter has the athletic skill set to be a dynamic pass-rusher, but it needs to be brought out of him, which he hasn’t done up to now.
We have seen small displays of this talent, specifically against the New England Patriots last season. Against the Pats, Carter posted 1.0 sacks, three tackles, two quarterback hits, and one forced fumble. This is the type of ability he contains, but his inconsistency has been disappointing. Nonetheless, it’s too early to write him off completely, as the upcoming season could provide a new life for the former Georgia stand out.