FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Indiana offensive tackle Carter Smith.
2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Carter Smith
Carter Smith (OT – Indiana)
6’5″ – 313 lbs.
Background:
Four-star recruit who redshirted after two appearances in 2022 before taking over the starting left tackle job the following season, which he’s held over the past three years. In terms of sacks and combined sacks-hits-pressures, finished with 2-19 in 2023, 2-12 in 2024, and 0-6 as of the time of writing (following conference championship game) in 2025.
Positives:
Thickly-built three-year left tackle starter who’s taken big strides forward in each year of his collegiate career. Temperamentally, he should really appeal to offensive line coaches. There’s a toughness and thudding power to his blocking in the run game which allows him to generate push, and he is an aggressive finisher who works hard to stick with opponents through the whistle. Short-area quickness is adequate to chip and clip up to the second level; works well on double-teams and has a good feel for how to effectively engage linebackers. Shows solid grip strength and active feet after engaging. Shows a good understanding of positioning and is able to effectively wall off opponents from the play direction. Can generate torque with his upper body to twist defenders away from the play. The team felt comfortable leaving him on an island relatively frequently in the passing game. Generally has a very stable anchor to absorb power in pass protection, due to his thick build, relatively low pad level, and effective knee-bend. Active with his hands and works to initiate contact and maintain extension. Does a nice job of hustling in the screen game, and seems to maintain his form and line up opponents better than expected.
Negatives:
Measurements will likely be important, as his build looks to be on the smaller side for a tackle; also has very little experience anywhere except left tackle (sixty snaps at right tackle, one career snap at guard.) Has been effective on the move because of his anticipation/intelligence, but overall athleticism appears closer to adequate. Can get a bit grabby with his hand placement, which could lead to holding penalties at the next level. Looks like he occasionally plays on his heels at times in pass protection, leading him to get jolted when he’s off-balance; seems to happen because his lack of ideal length can cause him to sell out in an effort to protect the edge. Has some tendencies to duck his head and overextend when trying to land his punch too early.
Summary:
A tough, competitive three-year starter with impressive functional strength, adequate short-area quickness, and a killer instinct, his experience and awareness stand out on tape and could make him a starter at the next level. However, from a physical and athletic standpoint, looks to be more of a guard, which is a position he has never played in college, save a single snap. How he measures during the pre-draft process, and potentially how comfortable teams are with his ability to transition to guard could influence his stock fairly significantly. Would fit best in a smashmouth, inline blocking scheme.
Projection: Round 3
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