Both Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus have indicated the Chicago Bears will be active on the offensive line in the upcoming draft. It would not surprise anybody if they double down on that area, using not one but two picks to infuse it with young talent. That is why they’re using every opportunity to meet with prospects they like. One name that has popped up over the past week is Ja’Tyre Carter out of Southern.
After a solid college career, Carter boosted his draft stock over the past couple of months with strong showings at the Senior Bowl, scouting combine, and his pro day. He has decent size to go along with surprising explosiveness for an offensive lineman. The young man is chasing a bit of history. If he gets drafted this year, he’d be the first Southern player to do so since 2004 and the first offensive lineman since 1988. That’d be quite an accomplishment. According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, he’s now on the Bears’ radar.
Southern OT/OG Ja'Tyre Carter will work out privately for the #Falcons this week. He'll soon meet virtually with #Chargers.
Carter previously met with #Buccaneers, #Packers, #Bears and #Patriots (@_RyanFowler_ 1st on these).
Carter leaped a 34.5 inch Vertical at 312 pounds 👀
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 13, 2022
It isn’t hard to see the appeal.
Pole said he wants linemen that are quick and play with attitude. Carter checks both boxes. He showcased his versatility by playing both guard and tackle in college and seeing no dip in his performance. Experts believe he’s a better fit at guard, given his size and length. Either way, it’s clear he plays with an edge and isn’t afraid to give defenders a little extra on each rep. This isn’t a player that fears anybody.
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Southern OL Ja’Tyre Carter v Houston DL Logan Hall.#seniorbowl pic.twitter.com/qBmKG8kyZP
— Chase Goodbread (@ChaseGoodbread) February 1, 2022
Big time late add by the Senior Bowl adding #Southern LT Ja’Tyre Carter! Among one of the best #HBCU prospects in this year’s draft class, showcases athleticism and power in both the run and passing games. Excited for this late add!
pic.twitter.com/iNPgMsjsw4 https://t.co/H3X8WnpsHJ
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) January 20, 2022
Ja'Tyre Carter stones Winfrey on this rep pic.twitter.com/KARpUAjRG9
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 2, 2022
The common complaints with Ja’Tyre Carter aren’t anything deal-breaking. He has issues keeping his pad level low and doesn’t always get off on the snap quickly enough. That would be a problem for a team running an outside-zone offense, which the Bears plan to do. He also needs to improve his hand-fighting technique. Such things are coachable, and Carter would see a significant upgrade in that department under Eberflus and his staff.
Expectations are that Carter will go somewhere on Day 3 of the draft. Start looking for his name around the start of the 5th round unless the Bears secure a 4th round pick before that time.
