2018 NFL Draft: A closer look at Georgia prospects for the Chiefs

Marc Weiszer covers all things Georgia football. We talked about two potential Chiefs draftees: Lorenzo Carter and Trenton Thompson.

The Kansas City Chiefs are in need of help among their front seven and the University of Georgia has two players that could help fit the bill in the upcoming 2018 NFL Draft.

The same school that produced Justin Houston has another edge pass rusher in Lorenzo Carter that has been linked to Kansas City during the draft lead-up process. Georgia also is sending Trenton Thompson to the NFL, another player who could interest and certainly help the Chiefs.

We recently asked Marc Weiszer, beat writer for the Athens Banner-Herald, to tell us more about these UGA prospects.

Lorenzo Carter, OLB (6-6, 250 lbs.)

What kind of player is Lorenzo Carter?

Carter is a tall, rangy pass rusher. Asked primarily to rush the passer, was at times asked to drop into coverage to help keep him on the field. Much more comfortable playing in space and rushing the passer then as a pure run stopper.

Helped himself at the combine posting a 40 time (4.50) then the top two Georgia draft running back prospects, Nick Chubb (4.52) and Sony Michel (4.54). Tested really well athletically. Recorded 14 sacks and 6 forced fumbles during his career at Georgia.

Lorenzo Carter strengths? Weakness?

Carter’s greatest strength is his pass rush abilities. Despite basically disappearing for his sophomore season, Carter still put up good career numbers. He is really athletic and is a solid pass rusher.

However, he needs to be more consistent overall (recorded neither a sack nor a tackle for loss during his sophomore season) and better against the run. However, Carter was asked to get behind the line of scrimmage primarily, which he did well during his junior and senior seasons.

Are there off the field concerns with Carter?

None whatsoever. Great kid, always had a smile on his face. Very well-rounded as off the field. Played in the marching band in high school. No worries or concerns with him whatsoever.

Is Lorenzo Carter a late bloomer?

No, not really. He had a good freshman season as a rotational player, but completely disappeared as a sophomore season which led to a lot of questions. His junior season was obviously better, but the senior season was all around a very good season.

NFL Combine Profile: Lorenzo Carter

Trenton Thompson, DL (6-4, 295 lbs.)

Was Thompson’s declaration for the draft expected? 

Somewhat. During the bowl prep Thompson had indicated he planned on returning to Georgia for the 2018 season, however, it appears his mother was pushing for him to enter the draft and that was the decision he ultimately went with.

What kind of player is Trenton Thompson?

A solid player who’s battled injury issues throughout his three year career in Athens. Had a rough spring in 2017. Top overall recruit in 2015, Thompson is a solid pocket pushing defensive lineman with an abundance of potential but has of yet been able to be consistent. Likely not truly ready for the NFL and could have been a much higher selection next year had he returned.

Trenton Thompson Strengths? Weakness?

Thompson is a solid rush defender and a good athlete. Only spent three years in college so there is potential. Solid run defender and can push the pocket.

Flashed pass rush potential in the 2017 Liberty Bowl, recording three sacks against TCU. However, was without a sack this past season, partially due to injury and in part to scheme. Has a long history with injuries, including both shoulders and a knee injury that knocked him out of multiple games during the 2017 season. There was an incident in the spring of 2017 that led to Thompson withdrawing from school for the spring semester.

Are there off the field concerns with Thompson?

In February of 2017,  Thompson suffered an undisclosed medical emergency and had an encounter with Athens police, due to what the program is calling an “adverse reaction to medication,” that led to him withdrawing from school for the semester.

How would you describe Thompson?

Athletic but inconsistent due in part to his injury history. More potential then production.

NFL Combine Profile:  Trenton Thompson

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Marc Weiszer writes all things Georgia for the Athens Banner-Herald. You can follow his work on twitter at @marcweiszer.