This story has been updated from a previous version.
Three years ago, only one spot separated Will Anderson Jr. and Jalen Carter in the 2020 recruiting class. They were considered the ninth- and 10th-best defenders, and the 17th and 18 overall recruits, per 247Sports' Composite rankings.
Three years later, they are once again considered neck and neck, this time in the 2023 NFL Draft. There is no mistaking this time, however: They are the top two defenders, both with cases to be the top overall pick, in their draft class.
Anderson and Carter both are thought of as can't-miss prospects on defense, with quarterbacks Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud being the only players rated above the two defenders, per most mock drafts. They are unanimously considered top-five picks, with most outlets selecting one of them to go No. 2 overall in the 2023 draft.
The only question now is whether Anderson or Carter will be the first defender off the board.
MORE: Latest Sporting News 2023 NFL mock draft
Anderson plays a position of paramount importance in the modern NFL, as his pass-rush acumen would make him a terror for opposing quarterbacks. His 2021 season — 101 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks — is considered one of the best defensive campaigns in recent memory.
Carter isn't near the pass-rusher Anderson is, but is still considered a lynchpin lineman who can become an anchor in the middle of any defensive line. His ability to engage linemen, coupled with his tremendous strength, would help him improve any defensive line (just ask LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels).
Though Carter is considered perhaps the best player on Georgia's vaunted defense over the last two seasons — including last year's No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker — emerging details surrounding his involvement in the January deaths of a teammate and recruiting staff member could affect his draft stock. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant Carter on misdemeanor counts of reckless driving and racing.
It remains to be seen which player will go first, which includes such factors as the NFL combine, team interviews and which franchise will be in position to draft a defensive player first.
With that, The Sporting News looks at both players' respective career stats, as well as where they are projected to go via industry mock drafts:
Will Anderson Jr. stats
| Tackles | TFL | Sacks | INT | PD | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 52 | 10.5 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | 101 | 34.5 | 17.5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 51 | 17 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 205 | 62 | 34.5 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
Jalen Carter stats
| Tackles | TFL | Sacks | INT | PD | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 37 | 8.5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 32 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Career | 83 | 18.5 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
MORE: Todd McShay's 'character issues' analysis of Georgia's Jalen Carter draws criticism, confusion
2023 NFL mock drafts
The Sporting News
- Will Anderson Jr.: No. 2 overall to Bears
- Jalen Carter: No. 3 overall to Seahawks
The Athletic
- Jalen Carter: No. 1 overall to Bears
- Will Anderson Jr.: No. 3 overall to Cardinals
MORE: Why Bryce Young, Will Anderson, other top Alabama NFL Draft prospects played in 2022 Sugar Bowl
CBS Sports
Ryan Wilson
- Jalen Carter: No. 3 overall to Cardinals
- Will Anderson Jr.: No. 4 overall to Bears (via trade with Colts)
Chris Trapasso
- Jalen Carter: No. 3 overall to Cardinals
- Will Anderson Jr.: No. 4 overall to Bears (via trade with Colts)
Josh Edwards
- Jalen Carter: No. 4 overall to Bears (via trade with Colts)
- Will Anderson Jr.: No. 3 overall to Cardinals
Kyle Stackpole
- Jalen Carter: No. 3 overall to Cardinals
- Will Anderson Jr.: No. 5 overall to Seahawks
Walter Football
- Jalen Carter: No. 1 overall to Bears
- Will Anderson Jr.: No. 3 overall to Cardinals
