Terrance Carter Jr. has been one of the most productive tight ends in college football over the last two seasons, and his scouting report looks at how productive he might be during the 2026 season, and how well his skill set might translate to the next level.
Early 2027 NFL Draft Terrance Carter Jr. Scouting Report
Measurables:
Height- 6’2″
Weight- 245 lbs
Background:
Carter attended Harker Heights High School in Texas, where he was a three-star recruit. He committed to Louisiana and redshirted in his first season with the team. In the 2023 season, Carter appeared in 12 games and made two starts, with his first career start coming against Georgia State. In the 2024 season, Carter became one of the top contributors for the Louisiana offense and started 13 games during the season.
He finished second on the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, helping Louisiana reach the Sun Belt Championship Game. After a successful sophomore season where he earned All-Sun Belt First Team honors, Carter transferred to Texas Tech for the 2025 season. At Texas Tech, Carter started 12 games in his first season with the team and instantly became one of the most impactful players on offense. Carter finished second on the team in total receptions and earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors.
Strengths:
Carter is a versatile tight end with great receiving ability. He is a well-rounded runner with the ball in his hands and is arguably the best run-after-the-catch tight end in college football. Carter has great speed and elusiveness, along with very good vision, power, and balance as a runner as well. He does a tremendous job of making defenders miss in open space, and he led all tight ends in college football last season with 23 forced missed tackles, according to Pro Football Focus. His 370 yards after the catch ranked third among all tight ends.
As a receiver, he is able to consistently create separation in the short area of the field, and he has good body control and does a good job playing through contact at the catch point. Carter has been a big part of the offense at both Louisiana and Texas Tech over the last two seasons and has had elite receiving production. He has recorded 1,313 receiving yards over the last two seasons and ranked in the top eight in receiving yards among all tight ends both seasons as well.
Weaknesses:
Carter is an undersized tight end at 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds. He is not a strong in-line blocker and needs to improve his technique and strength at the point of attack. As a receiver, Carter needs to limit dropped passes. Carter also has a limited route tree and could continue to improve his ability to consistently make an impact as a pass catcher deep downfield as well.
Terrance Carter Jr. Scouting Report Overview:
Carter is a versatile tight end who has been one of the most productive and impactful tight ends in college football over the last two seasons. His receiving skills and playmaking abilities with the ball in his hands after the catch make him one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the 2027 NFL Draft. However, he is also an undersized tight end and needs to improve his technique and play strength to become more consistent as a blocker. If he can continue to develop as a route runner and has yet another highly productive season in 2026, Carter has the skill set to potentially be a Day 2 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Main Photo: Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
