Jalen Carter vs. Will Anderson stats: Will Georgia or Alabama star be first defensive player picked of 2023 NFL Draft?

Zac Al-Khateeb

Jalen Carter vs. Will Anderson stats: Will Georgia or Alabama star be first defensive player picked of 2023 NFL Draft? image

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

Will-Anderson-081818-GETTY-FTR.jpg
  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

Getty Images
  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

Zac Al-Khateeb

Zac Al-Khateeb Photo

Zac Al-Khateeb has been part of The Sporting News team since 2015 after earning his Bachelor's (2013) and Master's (2014) degrees in journalism at the University of Alabama. Prior to joining TSN, he covered high school sports and general news in Alabama. A college sports specialist, Zac has been a voter for the Biletnikoff Award and Heisman Trophy since 2020.