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Draft grades: Bills get 'explosive' 300-pounder who Sean McDermott will love

Jim Tatum Award for the ACC's top senior student-athlete. Finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, known as the "Academic Heisman." Allstate AFCA Good Works Team for his work with Habitat for Humanity.

DeWayne Carter's off the field resume is as impressive as his football resume.

The Bills took the Duke defensive tackle with the No. 95 overall pick in the third round of the NFL Draft on Friday.

Carter was Duke's first three-year captain and recorded 125 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 11 pass breakups, 7 forced fumbles and 4 fumble recoveries in his career with the Blue Devils.

Buffalo Bills draft picks 2024: Round-by-round selections and analysis

Here is how draft experts graded the pick:

CBS Sports

Active, high-energy interior rusher who's on the ground a bit more than what's desired because of his frenetic style. But it also gets him to the football more often than most DTs. Flashes of swim move and spin, just needs to utilize them more. Length is a plus and he works hard vs. run. Some power too. Fills niche need on Buffalo's defensive front. Needs to use his length better on passing downs.

Grade: B+

SB Nation

I like the player and fit for the Bills and Carter, but I feel like better players were on the board. Carter is experienced and can provide interior push, something the Bills lack depth in right now.

Grade: B-

Sporting News

The Bills get a needed high-energy run stopper for Sean McDermott’s front. Carter adds great intangibles and true pass-rush upside.

Grade: A

Sports Illustrated

Carter is a nice find late in the third round. Carter had 5.5 sacks for the Blue Devils in 2023, and should pair nicely with Ed Oliver in the coming years. He’s a powerful force who can push the pocket.

Grade: A

USA Today

Though he's essentially just a depth piece at this point behind Ed Oliver and DeQuan Jones, Carter could be an important one given the overall state of Buffalo's reshuffled defense.

Grade: B

Bleacher Report

The Buffalo Bills are old along the defensive interior. DaQuan Jones, Austin Johnson, DeShawn Williams and Eli Ankou will all be 30 or older at the start of the season. Aside from Ed Oliver, this group needs an overhaul.

DeWayne Carter started three years for the Blue Devils. He's stout and explosive. But he also needs to develop his technique to consistently get off blocks.

Grade: C

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Buffalo Bills expert draft grades for 3rd round pick DeWayne Carter