DeWayne Carter Bio
DeWayne Carter is an American professional football defensive tackle who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 10, 2000, in Pickerington, Ohio, Carter developed into one of the most productive interior defensive linemen in college football before entering the NFL. The Buffalo Bills selected him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 95th overall pick. Carter has established himself as a disruptive force against both the run and pass, demonstrating the versatility and physicality that characterized his successful tenure at Duke University.
Early Life and Background
DeWayne Carter grew up in Pickerington, Ohio, where he attended Pickerington Central High School. At Pickerington Central, he developed into a highly decorated prep athlete, earning recognition as The Columbus Dispatch All-Metro Team Defensive Player of the Year following his senior season. During that campaign, Carter recorded 83 tackles, including eight tackles for loss, and five sacks, showcasing the pass-rushing ability and run-stopping prowess that would define his playing style. His standout high school performance demonstrated his potential as a future impact player at the collegiate level.
Following his impressive career at Pickerington Central, Carter received interest from multiple college programs. He ultimately decided to continue his football career at Duke University, joining the Duke Blue Devils program. This decision marked the beginning of his journey toward becoming a professional athlete, as he prepared to compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference against some of the nation’s top college football programs.
Path to American Football
DeWayne Carter arrived at Duke University in 2019 and immediately began his college football career. His first season saw limited action, as he recorded just one tackle against Alabama while learning the nuances of the collegiate game. The experience of facing powerhouse programs like Alabama provided valuable lessons that would serve him well in subsequent seasons. Carter used his early college years to develop physically and technically, building the foundation for his eventual breakout performances.
The 2020 season represented a stepping stone in Carter’s development. He recorded 11 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack, while also catching one reception for 11 yards, demonstrating his versatility along the defensive line. His performance that season showed flashes of the disruptive playmaking ability that would become his trademark. Carter continued to refine his technique and grow as a player throughout the offseason, preparing for an expanded role in the years ahead.
DeWayne Carter Career
Duke Blue Devils (2019–2023)
The 2021 season marked Carter’s emergence as a standout performer in the ACC. He delivered a career-best performance in week three against Northwestern, tallying three tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles in a dominant display. Carter finished that season with 36 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and four forced fumbles. His exceptional play earned him third-team All-ACC honors, validating his development into one of the conference’s premier defensive tackles.
Building on his 2021 success, Carter enjoyed a stellar 2022 campaign that solidified his reputation as an elite interior defender. He opened the season with a strong performance against Northwestern, recording four tackles, one tackle for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble in a 31–23 victory. Later that season, he contributed five tackles with two tackles for loss and two sacks to help Duke beat Boston College and become bowl eligible for the first time since 2018. Carter finished 2022 with 36 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, four pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, and one touchdown. His outstanding season earned him second-team All-ACC recognition.
Buffalo Bills Era (2024–Present)
DeWayne Carter’s professional career began when the Buffalo Bills selected him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 95th overall pick. Joining a franchise with strong defensive tradition, Carter transitioned to the NFL level where the speed and physical demands increased significantly. He made 11 appearances as a rookie, earning three starts along the defensive line. Carter recorded 14 combined tackles and one pass deflection during his inaugural professional season, showing glimpses of the promise that made him a Day 2 draft selection.
Playing Style and Strengths
DeWayne Carter projects as a three-down defensive tackle capable of disrupting both the running and passing games. His quick first step allows him to penetrate into the backfield, while his hand technique enables him to shed blocks and make tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage. Carter’s motor runs consistently high, and he demonstrates good awareness in zone coverage, occasionally dropping back to deflect passes. His experience in Duke’s diverse defensive scheme prepared him to align at multiple positions along the interior line.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Carter’s most notable achievements was earning first-team All-ACC honors in 2023, his final college season. That year, he also appeared on the Bronco Nagurski Award preseason watch list, which honors the nation’s top defensive player. His progression from third-team to first-team All-ACC over three seasons demonstrated consistent improvement and established him as one of the most respected defensive tackles in the conference. Carter’s draft selection by the Buffalo Bills represented the culmination of his journey from Ohio high school star to NFL player.
DeWayne Carter Career Achievements
Throughout his football career, DeWayne Carter accumulated numerous accolades that reflect his impact at both the collegiate and professional levels. His All-ACC selections across three consecutive seasons underscore his sustained excellence against high-level competition.
Duke University Highlights
Carter’s college career featured consistent recognition from the Atlantic Coast Conference. He earned first-team All-ACC honors in 2023, second-team recognition in 2022, and third-team honors in 2021. Over his final three seasons, he recorded 108 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, seven pass deflections, seven forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. His four forced fumbles in 2021 tied for the team lead and demonstrated his ability to create game-changing plays.
Professional Career Statistics
During his rookie season with the Buffalo Bills in 2024, Carter appeared in 11 games with three starts, recording 14 combined tackles and one pass deflection. While his professional statistics remain limited due to his early career stage, his draft pedigree and college production suggest promising future contributions.
| Competition | Games | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College (2021–2023) | 35 | 108 | 20 | 10 | 7 |
| NFL (2024) | 11 | 14 | — | — | — |
2025 Season Performance
DeWayne Carter entered the 2025 NFL season with high expectations following his rookie campaign. The Buffalo Bills coaching staff had planned to increase his role in the defensive line rotation, building on the foundation established during his first professional season. Carter participated in training camp and preseason activities, working to refine his technique and build chemistry with his new teammates and coaches.
Unfortunately, the season took a significant turn when Carter suffered a torn Achilles tendon on August 31, 2025. The injury required season-ending surgery and placed him on the reserve list, ending his 2025 campaign before it truly began. The Achilles injury represents a major setback for the young defender, as recovery from such injuries typically requires extensive rehabilitation lasting several months. Carter’s absence created an opportunity for other defensive tackles on the roster to step into expanded roles.
The Buffalo Bills organization expressed support for Carter throughout his recovery process. The defensive coaching staff remains optimistic about his long-term future with the franchise, viewing the injury as a temporary obstacle rather than a career-defining setback. As Carter works through his rehabilitation, the Bills anticipate his eventual return to the field, hoping he will resume the upward trajectory that characterized his college and early professional career.