As college football fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming NFL Draft, one name that has been generating considerable buzz is Georgia’s standout defensive end, **Jalen Carter**. Known for his immense power, agility, and disruptive playstyle, Carter is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about players in the nation. As we approach the 2025 NFL Draft, many experts are already drawing comparisons between Carter and one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL today — **Buffalo Bills star Von Miller**, who signed a six-year, $80 million contract in 2022. Both players possess an uncanny ability to change the game, and these comparisons raise the question: Could Carter be the next Von Miller in the NFL?
In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the similarities and differences between Jalen Carter and Von Miller, how Carter’s game compares to Miller’s, and why scouts believe he could be the next big thing in the NFL.
### The Rise of Jalen Carter at Georgia
Before we explore the comparisons to Von Miller, it’s important to understand how Jalen Carter has become one of the most sought-after prospects in college football. Carter has been an absolute force for Georgia’s defense, playing a crucial role in their back-to-back national championship victories. A native of Apopka, Florida, Carter’s recruitment was highly competitive, with top-tier schools vying for his commitment. But it was Georgia, under the tutelage of defensive coordinator **Kirby Smart**, that ultimately won his services.
From the moment Carter stepped onto the field for the Bulldogs, it was clear that he was a special talent. At 6’3″ and 310 pounds, Carter combines the size of a traditional defensive lineman with the agility and quickness of an edge rusher, making him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. His ability to penetrate the line of scrimmage, rush the quarterback, and disrupt running plays has made him one of the most dominant players in the country.
During his time at Georgia, Carter has been known for his explosiveness and tenacity, excelling in both pass-rushing situations and defending the run. His versatility in moving across the defensive line — from the interior to the edge — showcases his broad skill set. Carter’s ability to dominate at multiple positions gives him a unique edge, and his performance in crucial moments has solidified his reputation as one of the most dangerous defensive players in college football.
### Von Miller: An NFL Legend
To understand the comparison to Von Miller, it’s necessary to first examine Miller’s illustrious career. Miller, who was drafted by the Denver Broncos with the second overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, has built a Hall-of-Fame-caliber career as one of the premier pass rushers in NFL history. Known for his explosive first step, edge-rushing ability, and playmaking ability in big moments, Miller has been a key contributor to some of the most successful defenses in the league.
Miller’s resume speaks for itself: **Super Bowl MVP** in 2016, **eight-time Pro Bowler**, and **three-time First-Team All-Pro**. His career has been defined by his ability to disrupt the quarterback, and his longevity in the league has solidified his place among the all-time greats. After spending the majority of his career with the Broncos, Miller signed a massive six-year, $80 million contract with the Buffalo Bills in 2022, marking the latest chapter in his storied career.
Miller is often praised for his leadership, on-field intelligence, and ability to create pressure off the edge. His combination of speed, strength, and finesse is what makes him such a lethal pass rusher. He’s capable of turning the game with a single play, whether it’s a strip sack or a key third-down stop. His impact on the field is immense, and Miller’s ability to be a force in both the pass rush and run defense is what has kept him relevant as one of the top edge rushers in the NFL.
### The Jalen Carter-Von Miller Comparison
Now that we understand the careers of both Jalen Carter and Von Miller, let’s explore why some NFL scouts and analysts are drawing comparisons between the two players. While Carter and Miller play different roles in their respective defensive schemes — Carter has predominantly played as an interior lineman and Miller as an edge rusher — there are numerous similarities in their game that make the comparison so compelling.
#### 1. **Explosive First Step**
One of the most noticeable similarities between Jalen Carter and Von Miller is their explosive first step. While Miller is known for his unparalleled ability to get off the line of scrimmage and burst toward the quarterback, Carter shares that same explosive quality. Carter’s quickness off the ball allows him to penetrate offensive lines with ease, collapsing the pocket and causing havoc in the backfield. Like Miller, Carter’s initial burst is often the difference between a sack and a failed play.
#### 2. **Versatility and Positioning**
Another striking similarity is the versatility both players possess. Von Miller is known for his ability to rush from multiple positions on the field — lining up on both the outside and inside, depending on the situation. Carter, likewise, has shown the ability to move along the defensive line, playing both inside as a defensive tackle and on the edge as an outside rusher. This positional flexibility allows both players to create mismatches against opposing offenses, forcing offensive coordinators to adjust their schemes to account for their presence on the field.
#### 3. **Playmaking Ability**
Both Miller and Carter are game-changers, capable of turning a game with one play. Whether it’s Miller’s iconic strip-sack in the Super Bowl or Carter’s ability to disrupt the passing game and force turnovers, both players are known for making plays in the clutch. The ability to take over a game in key moments is something that sets both players apart from other defenders, and it’s a trait that scouts are looking for in Carter as he transitions to the NFL.
#### 4. **Strength and Power**
Carter and Miller both bring an immense amount of strength to their respective positions. While Miller is known for his finesse and speed around the edge, his strength allows him to engage with offensive linemen and push them back when needed. Carter, on the other hand, has been heralded for his raw power, particularly when attacking the pocket as a defensive tackle. His ability to use his strength to shed blockers and reach the quarterback is similar to Miller’s bull-rush moves, which have been a staple of his game throughout his career.
#### 5. **Leadership and Work Ethic**
While Miller’s leadership in the locker room and on the field is well-established, Carter has similarly impressed his coaches and teammates with his work ethic and focus. At Georgia, Carter quickly earned the respect of his peers, becoming a vocal leader on the defense. His attitude toward improving and his commitment to his craft are qualities that draw another parallel between him and Miller.
### Why Jalen Carter Could Be the Next Von Miller
Jalen Carter’s physical tools, combined with his college production and leadership, have many predicting that he could be the next Von Miller in the NFL. With his ability to disrupt the game both in the pass rush and against the run, Carter is a rare defensive prospect who could come into the NFL and make an immediate impact. His unique combination of size, agility, and football IQ make him one of the most coveted players in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Much like Von Miller, Carter has the potential to be a game-changing edge rusher who can terrorize quarterbacks for years to come. His versatility, explosiveness, and relentless motor make him a player that NFL teams will build their defenses around. If he can translate his college success to the NFL, there’s no doubt that Carter could become a perennial Pro Bowler and one of the most feared defenders in the league — just like Von Miller.
### Conclusion
Jalen Carter’s comparison to Von Miller is not just about their shared traits; it’s about the type of impact they both can have on the field. While Carter still has a lot to prove in his NFL career, the potential is there for him to become one of the league’s top pass rushers. Just as Von Miller has defined his legacy through speed, strength, and playmaking ability, Jalen Carter has the tools to do the same. As the NFL looks to the next generation of defensive stars, Jalen Carter may very well be the player who steps into the shoes of one of the game’s all-time greats.
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