New York Giants: Lorenzo Carter Is Ready To Make A Leap

One of the New York Giants‘ biggest positional weaknesses is at the edge rusher position. The Giants knew this heading into the 2019 NFL Draft but passed up on the chance to draft elite pass-rusher, Josh Allen.

The Giants were in need of pass rushers heading into the 2019 offseason but ended up trading Olivier Vernon anyway. This leaves the Giants defense with a minimal number of talented pass-rushers. One pass-rusher that the Giants will need to improve is Lorenzo Carter.

Thanks to the Olivier Vernon trade, Lorenzo Carter will likely be placed in a starting role with the New York Giants. After flashing potential in his rookie season, Lorenzo Carter looks ready to make a leap in 2019.

Lorenzo Carter Stats And Highlights

Lorenzo Carter was drafted by the Giants in the 3rd-round (with the 66th overall pick) of the 2018 NFL Draft. Carter was an underrated prospect coming out of college and the Giants were lucky to get him in the 3rd-round.

Carter is a fast, uber-athletic edge-rusher. He demonstrated elite explosiveness at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine, setting a record for the longest broad jump ever by an edge rusher at 10 feet and 10 inches. He also ran an impressive 4.5s 40-yard dash time.

Lorenzo Carter saw minimal playing time as a rookie, playing in 15 games but starting in only 2 games, yet he still flashed true potential. He posted a 65.8 overall Pro Football Focus grade in 2018, which they consider being “above-average.” That was also one of the highest grades among rookie edge defenders.

Lorenzo totaled 4 sacks and 10 quarterback hits in his 2018 rookie campaign. He also recorded 43 combined tackles and 7 tackles for loss. Additionally, Carter played surprisingly well in pass defense, finishing the season with 4 pass breakups.

These statistics are even more impressive when considering that Carter was held to playing only 40 percent of defensive snaps last season. That percentage is likely to increase drastically in the 2019 season. Lorenzo Carter will take a leap as a starter on the Giants’ defense this season.