The Buffalo Bills picked former Duke defensive tackle DeWayne Carter with their final pick on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL draft.
Carter received word that he was the Bills’ No. 95 overall pick while at home with his family. Amanda Montgomery, the rookie’s fiancée, sat directly by his side. A few days before the draft, the Ohio native surprised Montgomery by dropping down on one knee in Creekside Gahana.
The couple announced the news on Instagram on April 29. They captioned the post, “4.22.2024 -The beginning of forever.🤍”
One admirer said, “HELL YESS!!!!” Go Bills, baby!! “Mafia will welcome you with open arms 💙❤️💙❤️.” Sayler, wife of Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir, wrote, “Congratulations 🥳🥳!!”
Carter arranged flowers and framed images in the background of the proposal, including one from when they initially started dating over ten years ago. Carter shared the same photo when they celebrated their eighth anniversary in 2022. “Who would’ve thought we’d be here,” he captioned the homage.
“You have remained consistent in the face of adversity, new locales, and new experiences. We’ve gone on many holidays, birthdays, and trips. To the innumerable games you have attended in Ohio and now around the country to support me.
“Finally, the milestones that we have been blessed to experience and share with each other, I wouldn’t trade them for anything. “Thank you for always being yourself and loving me. I wouldn’t trade what we have for the world❤️.”
DeWayne Carter Reported to Rookie Minicamp in Buffalo
DeWayne Carter’s first reps as a Buffalo Bill #BillsMafia @WKBW pic.twitter.com/7Ek8r6R9Zp
— Dom Tibbetts (@DomTibbettsTV) May 10, 2024
During rookie minicamp this weekend, the 23-year-old defensive tackle got his first taste of playing for the Bills. Carter joined Buffalo’s nine other 2024 draft picks, 12 signed undrafted free agents, and 26 players on a tryout basis.
The Bills Mafia was delighted to get a first look at the team’s new tackle. “I’m just excited to get here and earn my role,” Carter told Bills reporter Maddy Glab. He is ready to work with a “elite group of veterans” in a city that is “second to none” and has a “elite” staff.
Got our first look at the #Bills rookies today at rookie minicamp, including 3rd round defensive lineman DeWayne Carter out of Duke.#BillsMafia @WGRZ pic.twitter.com/Zo2sKGtZh7
— Jonathan Acosta (@_jacosta) May 10, 2024
Glab stated that, in addition to being a powerhouse on the field, he was also an academic All-American. Based on the guys picked this year, Bills general manager Brandon Beane definitely valued strong character.
“At the end of the day, my parents set few rules. “One of them was to treat others as you would like to be treated,” Carter explained. Carter thinks he’s in a good situation after hearing the Bills Mafia’s welcome. “You guys have been awesome already,” Carter said of the fan following. “On social media.” Even in the airport! There was love, so I can only picture what it will be like on Sunday.
According to Andy Young of Spectrum News 1, the Bills expect Carter to be a plug-and-play addition to the defensive line rotation right away. His skills, intelligence, and leadership abilities should enable him to dig right in.”
DeWayne Carter Is Expected to Play Backup to Ed Oliver & DaQuan Jones
Dane Brugler of The Athletic ranked Carter as the twelfth-best defensive tackle in his draft preview. Last season, the 6-foot-2, 302-pounder had 41 total tackles, four passes defensed, one sack, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
“Overall, Carter doesn’t have a true difference-making trait on the field, but he is smart, strong and very active,” Brugler stated. “He might never be a full-time starter, but he will give a team value as a rotational three-technique (even fronts) or five-technique (odd fronts).”
DeWayne Carter certainly has some power in his game, which shows up on tape. I’m excited to see him develop alongside Ed Oliver… pic.twitter.com/RE59LTaEvX
— BillsDigest (@billsdigest_) May 5, 2024
Except for starters DaQuan Jones and Ed Oliver, the Bills’ defensive tackle room looks very different from last season. According to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, Carter is expected to have an impact on the 53-man roster.
With Tim Settle, Jordan Phillips, and Poona Ford out, they brought in Austin Johnson and “Carter as the top backups behind Oliver and Jones,” Buscaglia wrote. “(DeShaun) Williams could remain, but his contract makes it easy to dismiss him and likely bring him back as a practice squad member. The current odds are that they will only keep four from this bunch this year.
