Jalen Carter

Latest On Jalen Carter, Seahawks

April 26th, 2023 at 5:02pm CST by Sam Robinson

Jalen Carter met with every team holding a pick from Nos. 5-10. Despite the turmoil the Georgia-developed prospect encountered this offseason, he may still end up being a top-five draftee.

The Seahawks hold the highest pick of the teams to have met with Carter. While another team could leapfrog the NFC West franchise — or the Texans or Cardinals could provide a surprise, based on what we have heard thus far, green light on the talented defensive tackle — the Seahawks’ No. 5 slot may well be the ceiling for Carter, given the quarterbacks who could go off the board from Nos. 1-4.

Pete Carroll looks to be on board with a Carter selection, with SI.com’s Albert Breer reporting the 14th-year Seattle HC “really likes” the idea of adding the ex-Georgia game-wrecker to his team’s defensive line. Carroll believes he could make Carter a fit, despite the higher-risk profile his recent arrest created, Breer adds.

It would not be a stretch to see the Seahawks gambling on Carter’s upside. Seattle both drafted Frank Clark in the 2015 second round, despite a domestic violence arrest leading to his dismissal from the Michigan program, and acquired Sheldon Richardson via trade in 2017 — two years after the defensive tackle was pulled over for driving 143mph with a firearm in his vehicle. While the Seahawks did not extend either player, they felt confident enough each could avoid off-field trouble. Both did while in Seattle. Malik McDowell also carried off-field questions coming into the 2017 draft, when the Seahawks selected the D-lineman in Round 2. The team also signed Aldon Smith in 2021 but released him before he played a game with the team; Smith was arrested for felony DUI causing injury that offseason. Those two investments burned the Hawks. This Carter call, due to the draft capital required, brings higher stakes.

Other Seahawks power brokers may not be as convinced as Carroll, but Breer adds the Super Bowl-winning HC — after Carter’s visit — is comfortable here. The Bears and Eagles are believed to be OK with a Carter add as well, but they hold the Nos. 9 and 10 picks. The Seahawks could have first dibs on a player viewed as a top talent in this draft. Carroll has final say on Seattle’s 53-man roster, though it is unlikely Seattle would pull the trigger without GM John Schneider signing off on Carter.

The Seahawks have already added multiple interior defensive linemen — Dre’Mont Jones, Jarran Reed — and gave the former a $17MM-per-year deal. But Seattle ranked 30th in run defense last season. Adding Carter to that group would make for one of the most significant D-tackle offseasons a team has put together in some time. Carter reached a plea deal and will not serve jail time in connection with the two misdemeanor charges that emerged this winter.

Eagles Eyeing Move Up In Round 1?

April 26th, 2023 at 4:17pm CST by Sam Robinson

4:17pm: Indicating the Eagles are exploring a trade to move up, NFL.com’s James Palmer notes it could be for Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson. The multiyear Buckeyes starter has gained steam in the final days, and Palmer adds Johnson impressed the Eagles on his visit. The Cardinals have been connected to Johnson as well, but they are still exploring a move down to collect assets and better position themselves for an O-lineman.

2:36pm: The rare Super Bowl entrant to hold a top-10 pick in the following draft, the Eagles are widely believed to have their eye on pass-rushing help. They appear prepared to trade up from No. 10 overall to acquire it.

Philadelphia is laying groundwork for a trade higher into top 10, per ProFootballNetwork.com’s Tony Pauline, who notes (on Twitter) the move would be for a pass rusher. The Eagles lost Javon Hargrave in free agency and have not re-signed Robert Quinn but have a fairly deep group of edge defenders. Though, all four of those players (Haason Reddick, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett) are on veteran contracts.

Eagles connections to edge players have formed during the pre-draft process. The NFC champions are viewed as fans of Georgia outside linebacker Nolan Smith and are believed to be high on Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness as well. Another report, via the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora, indicates the Eagles are intrigued by Van Ness.

It is certainly possible one of these rushers — if not both — will be available at No. 10. ESPN’s Scouts Inc. ranks Van Ness and Smith as the 15th- and 16th-best prospects in this year’s class. Philly has not been closely connected to the top edges in this year’s class — Will Anderson Jr., Tyree Wilson — and a move into top three, where Houston and Arizona are open to moving down, would be costly.

The Eagles have made a trade on Day 1 of the draft in four of the past five years. Last year, they traded a first-rounder to the Saints, in a complex pre-draft swap, and moved up for Jordan Davis. Philly then used the third of its 2022 first-rounders to acquire A.J. Brown.

The team has also been viewed as perhaps the lowest floor for Jalen Carter, the consensus best defensive tackle in this year’s class and one of the top overall talents. Just ahead of the draft, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes that perception remains. Carter met with the Eagles and every other team holding a pick between Nos. 5 and 10. The Bears are also seeking a D-lineman and are believed to be OK drafting the higher-risk prospect.

Like other teams without a quarterback need, the Eagles stand to benefit by other teams pouncing on passers in the top 10. Philly does have the No. 30 overall choice as well, and both Breer and La Canfora have Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez going off the board at No. 10. With the Eagles’ starting corners — Darius Slay, James Bradberry — going into their age-32 and age-30 seasons, respectively, the Super Bowl contenders figure to strongly consider bolstering this position with one of their first-round picks.

Draft Rumors: Stroud, Wilson, Carter, Kancey, Bears, Van Ness

April 23rd, 2023 at 5:23pm CST by Ely Allen

When the Panthers traded up for the No.1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, the betting odds for who would be selected swung from Alabama’s Bryce Young to Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. As we have crept towards the pivotal day, Young has forced his way back into the favorite position. Questions about how the teams following Carolina will approach their picks have some believing in a potential slide for Stroud on Thursday. According to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, the current belief is that Stroud won’t make it past the Raiders at No. 7 overall.

While some believe that quarterbacks could be the focus of the first four picks, there are possibilities for each pick. The Panthers could choose Young, and there’s a chance the Texans will go pass rusher. Arizona likely won’t take a passer after paying Kyler Murray, and the Colts have Kentucky quarterback Will Levis as an option opposite Stroud. The Seahawks and Lions follow them, but both have veteran quarterbacks coming off of strong seasons.

That brings us to the Raiders. Even after Las Vegas brought in Jimmy Garoppolo, rumors have claimed that the team will still look into drafting a passer with their top pick. If Stroud somehow pinballs his way past the first six picks, it would be extremely difficult for the Raiders to pass him up.

Here are a few other rumors as we close in on Draft Day:

As we mentioned above, if the Texans pass on quarterback, they could choose a pass rusher with the second-overall pick. Many believe Texas Tech defensive end Tyree Wilson could be that selection, but according to Pauline, Houston has some problems with his medicals. If Wilson is not their selection as a pass rusher, Alabama’s Will Anderson would likely be the other option.
There has been some reported certainty that Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter will be the Seahawks choice at No. 5 overall. According to Pauline, that certainty is coming from more external sources than internal. Reportedly, Seattle has some hesitancy about handing over the $30MM of guarantees that Carter would get in that draft slot. We’ll have to wait and see if that hesitancy wins out.
One name that continues to rise up draft boards is that of Pittsburgh defensive tackle Calijah Kancey. Despite the lack of ideal size, at 6-foot-1, 281 pounds, Kancey has convinced many that he is a lock to be selected on Day 1, according to Pauline. The Saints, in particular, are a team that have really done their due diligence on Kancey. They could feel really good about nabbing a certain first-round talent with the 29th pick of the draft.
According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears could be looking to add a tight end in a year that is incredibly deep at the position. Chicago won’t likely use a top ten pick on Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer or Utah’s Dalton Kincaid, but thanks to the Roquan Smith-trade, the team has two second-round picks and may use them on such prospects as Georgia’s Darnell Washington, South Dakota State’s Tucker Kraft, or Iowa’s Sam LaPorta.
Speaking of Iowa, a recent mock draft by Pro Football Network’s Adam Caplan slotted Iowa pass rusher Lukas Van Ness as a top ten pick. Caplan explains that he’s spoken with several executives that believe Van Ness won’t make it past the Eagles at No. 10 overall. Philadelphia had been looking into pass rushers in free agency with an aging Brandon Graham, and Van Ness may be the answer.

Latest On DT Jalen Carter’s Draft Stock

April 22nd, 2023 at 10:06am CST by Ben Levine

Jalen Carter‘s troubling pre-draft process reportedly led some teams to completely remove the Georgia defensive lineman from their draft boards.. Carter is unlikely to climb back into the top-four, but his draft stock may not have taken as big of a hit as initially anticipated. Adam Caplan of ProFootballNetwork.com writes that teams still have the defensive tackle as the top-graded player on their draft boards.

Carter will not face jail time in connection with the misdemeanor charges he faced after two members of Georgia’s football program, offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy, died in car accident. Further, the defensive lineman had a weak pro day, but it sounds like the prospect did some work to repair his image during his private workouts with NFL teams.

Sources told Tashan Reed of The Athletic that Carter remains atop the Raiders draft board. While the organization is aware of “how drafting Carter could garner a negative reaction” following Henry Ruggs‘ fatal DUI felony charge, the front office has also done their due diligence on the prospect.

“We looked at Jalen like every other player that’s in the draft,” Raiders GM Dave Ziegler said. “I don’t think we want to cheat the process with any prospect in that regard. We want to hit those bases for each individual prospect. And, of course, on some prospects it’s deeper; there’s just more things to look at and more things to consider based on their situation. Jalen, in that regard, was similar to a lot of players in the draft and we feel very comfortable with the work that we’ve done on him.”

Lions general manager Brad Holmes shared a similar sentiment about Carter. While the executive didn’t elaborate as much as Ziegler, he did acknowledge that the front office “felt better” about the lineman following his in-person visit (per NFL Network’s James Palmer on Twitter).

Carter’s agent declared no visits to teams without a top-10 pick would take place, putting the Lions (No. 6) and Raiders (No. 7) in prime position to select the Georgia product without making a trade. In addition to those two organizations, Carter has also visited with the Seahawks (No. 5), Falcons (No. 8), Bears (No. 9) and Eagles (No. 10).

Falcons Hosting DT Jalen Carter

April 18th, 2023 at 4:52pm CST by Sam Robinson

After his agent declared no visits to teams without a top-10 pick would take place, Jalen Carter is wrapping up his run of meetings with teams in that range. The last stop: the Falcons, per ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter).

Carter visited the Lions (No. 6) on Monday, Schefter adds (on Twitter), and has met with the Seahawks (No. 5), Bears (No. 9) and Eagles (No. 10). A report last week indicated Carter had not yet visited the Raiders (No. 7), but Schefter notes the oft-discussed defensive tackle did make a trip to Las Vegas for that previously reported meeting. Carter will close out his pre-draft itinerary with the Falcons meeting today.

Seeing as teams use their “30” visits to look into players with injury pasts or off-field concerns, Carter has been a popular player on the interview circuit. An arrest warrant emerged in connection with the car accident that killed two members of the Georgia football program, breaking up Carter’s Combine. Carter has since reached a plea agreement and will not serve jail time for his alleged role in the January accident, but teams understandably want to do as much work as they can before considering a Carter investment.

Multiple teams are believed to have taken Carter off their draft boards. In addition to being present at the scene on the night of the accident and drawing charges of reckless driving and speeding, the top-tier prospect was previously ticketed (by Athens, Ga., police) for driving 89 mph in a 45-mph zone in September 2022; Carter received a $1K fine for that violation.

While Carter’s reputation has taken a significant hit during this pre-draft process, he continues to be viewed as a top-10 pick. Carter expects the arrest to affect his draft stock but appeared to indicate not every team that has hosted him asked him about it.

“A couple teams asked me about it, but they really didn’t get too in depth about the accident,” Carter said during an HBO Real Sports piece (h/t Pro Football Talk). “They just wanted to hear my side and that was it. … Yeah, I feel like [the January incident] is gonna matter a little bit. Because, you know, NFL teams look deep into your life. But it could’ve been something I did back in elementary [school]. You know, I’m pretty sure they’d know. So you know, this coming out at the time it did come out I’m pretty sure is going to affect a little bit.”

The Falcons have made multiple major moves to address their defensive line this offseason, agreeing to terms with David Onyemata shortly after the legal tampering period began and later signing Calais Campbell despite the Jets pushing to add him. Only the Bears finished with fewer sacks than the Falcons (21) last season.

An Apopka, Fla., native, Carter became an integral part of Georgia’s back-to-back national championships before declaring for the draft after three seasons. Both ESPN’s Scouts Inc. and NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah rank the 314-pound defender as this year’s fifth-best prospect.

NFC Draft Rumors: Bucs, Commanders, 49ers, Seahawks

April 15th, 2023 at 3:18pm CST by Ely Allen

Every year, pundits and analysts debate the value of drafting a running back in first round. The Buccaneers are the latest to enter into this forum as they are reportedly considering doing just that, according to Buccaneers staff writer/reporter Brianna Dix.

The player in question for Tampa Bay is Texas running back Bijan Robinson. Robinson is far and away the consensus top running back on the board. In three years with the Longhorns, Robinson totaled 3,410 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns while averaging 6.3 yards per carry. While not his main mode of attack, he can hurt in the passing game as well, as evidenced by his 60 catches for 805 yards and eight touchdowns over his collegiate career.

No running backs were taken in the first round of last year’s draft, with Breece Hall being the first off the board in the second round, but two years ago, we saw two running backs taken on Day 1. Despite durability being a main cause of concern for rookie rushers, Najee Harris rewarded the Steelers with a league-leading 381 touches and a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie. Travis Etienne unfortunately had to sit out his rookie season, but his debut season with the Jaguars in 2022 was nearly as impressive as Harris’s rookie year, despite only starting 12 games.

Beyond last year, we’ve seen the Chiefs move past Clyde Edwards-Helaire in favor seventh-round rookie Isiah Pacheco. We’ve seen a first-team All-Pro honor for Josh Jacobs in Las Vegas. We’ve seen the rollercoasters of Saquon Barkley and Sony Michel‘s careers, as well as the disappointment of Rashaad Penny‘s. The debate continues on into 2023. There has certainly been both hits and misses with first-round running backs, but where will Robinson fall in that storyline?

Here are a few other draft rumors from around the NFC:

The Commanders have made it clear that they believe in second-year quarterback Sam Howell to take over the starting job in 2023, leading many to believe that taking a passer on Day 1 is off the table. According to ESPN’s John Keim, though, if a strong prospect like Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker is still available in the second or third round, Washington may not be able to pass them up. For the first round, though, it appears that the team has done their homework on the 2023 NFL Draft’s batch of offensive linemen. Jordan Reid, also of ESPN, specifically mentions Ohio State tackle Dawand Jones as a name that has been linked to the Commanders.
The 49ers received a healthy amount of compensatory draft picks, including three third round picks. It’s a good thing, too, because without them, San Francisco’s first 2023 draft pick wouldn’t come until late in the fifth round. Surprisingly, despite needs at both offensive line and defensive back, Matt Miller of ESPN is hearing that the 49ers have done more work studying tight ends that any other team in the league. The team has lauded the depth of this year’s draft class, and Miller notes that this is a historically great tight end class. He mentions Michigan’s Luke Schoonmaker, South Dakota’s Tucker Kraft, and Old Dominion’s Zack Kuntz as potential options for San Francisco at the end of Day 2 who could end up working with George Kittle in the tight end room.
The Seahawks can go in a couple of different directions in the first round with both the No. 5 and 20 picks. They may keep their eyes on the available quarterbacks, if they fall in love with any, to sit for a year or so behind Geno Smith and Drew Lock. What Miller really sees them doing is taking advantage of a potential early run of quarterbacks to nab one of the draft’s top defensive linemen like Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. or Georgia’s Jalen Carter. If they don’t like any of their options at defensive line either, Miller reports that Seattle is reportedly in love with Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

Falcons Taking “Serious Look” At QB Prospects?

April 15th, 2023 at 12:43pm CST by Ben Levine

The Falcons have been doing their homework on rookie quarterbacks. According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, the Falcons have been “taking a serious look” at the 2023 QB draft class.

Despite their efforts, Miller believes it would take a “dream scenario” for the Falcons to end up with a top quarterback prospect, and the reporter believes the organization would only extend itself for Alabama’s Bryce Young or Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. Barring a trade, there’s no chance those two QBs will be on the board when Atlanta is on the clock at No. 8. By that point of the draft, Florida’s Anthony Richardson and Kentucky’s Will Levis will also likely be gone, and the front office would surely trade back before going with someone like Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker. In other words, the Falcons probably won’t have the ability to make a choice at the position when it’s their turn to pick, but it sounds like the front office could pounce if an opportunity presents itself.

It makes sense that the Falcons would only make a push for one of their preferred prospects, especially since they used a 2022 third-round selection on Desmond Ridder. The Cincinnati product went 2-2 as a starter last season and will mostly likely lead a depth chart that also consists of Taylor Heinicke and Logan Woodside.

ESPN’s Michael Rothestein explored some options for the Falcons at No. 8, noting that an edge rusher, cornerback, or guard could all be in play. The reporter also wonders if the Falcons would be willing to reach for Texas running back Bijan Robinson, and he also questions if the front office could end Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter‘s potential fall down the draft board. Rothstein doesn’t expect Atlanta to select a WR with their first-round selection, with Miller adding that the position (along with safety) will be a clear emphasis for the front office during the second day of the draft.

Raiders Targeting Defensive Upgrades, Meet With DE Tyree Wilson

April 14th, 2023 at 4:17pm CST by Sam Robinson

Reliable defenses have eluded the Raiders for most of this century. Last season marked the franchise’s 20th straight ranking in the bottom half in scoring defense. Patrick Graham‘s unit ranked 26th in points allowed and 27th in DVOA, making it logical to expect the AFC West franchise to seek help in the draft.

The team will do so, and the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore notes help will be sought on all three defensive levels. Although the Raiders have added a few pieces on defense, they have not devoted much money beyond the midlevel Marcus Epps contract. After the Davante Adams trade cost Las Vegas’ first- and second-round picks last year, the team should be expected to add defensive help early in this draft.

Substantial guarantees remain on Chandler Jones‘ deal, but after the former Cardinals All-Pro did not live up to expectations last season, Bonsignore adds the Raiders are eyeing edge help that would both prepare them for Jones’ departure — which could happen in 2024 — and give the veteran pass rusher more rest in 2023. The team met with Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson on Thursday, Albert Breer of SI.com tweets.

Jones, 33, finished with just 4.5 sacks last season; three of those came in one game. His 2023 base salary and roster bonus represent a $16MM guarantee for the Silver and Black. Due to the void years tacked onto Jones’ three-year contract, it would cost the Raiders $7.2MM in dead money to cut him (without a post-June 1 designation, that is) in 2024. The Raiders signed ex-49er Jordan Willis as a backup but look to be targeting edge help. Both NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah and ESPN’s Scouts Inc. rate Wilson as a top-six player, but teams’ quarterback maneuvers could push him down to the Raiders at No. 7. Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness also sits as a possible edge upgrade for the Raiders, who have also done considerable homework on quarterbacks.

The Raiders have hosted each of the top quarterbacks available this year, including Hendon Hooker, but their defense may have too many needs for Josh McDaniels’ team — which already signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year deal that guarantees him $33.75MM — to take a quarterback in Round 1. Instead, cornerback looks like a strong consideration. The Raiders should be monitored for a corner at 7, Jordan Reid of ESPN.com notes. They hosted Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr. and Maryland’s Deonte Banks on visits, and Reid adds the team has also work on top corners Devon Witherspoon (Illinois) and Christian Gonzalez (Oregon). Mel Kiper Jr.’s most recent mock sends Witherspoon to Vegas.

Robert Spillane (two years, $7MM) could be ticketed for a full-time role with the Raiders, being on the radar to wear the green dot signifying communication. The Raiders should be expected to look into this year’s linebacker class, per Bonsignore, but that will not happen until at least Round 2. On Day 2, Las Vegas holds the Nos. 38, 70 and 100 overall picks.

A Jalen Carter visit surfaced, with word of that meeting coming out shortly after a report indicated the Raiders would not consider the Georgia defensive tackle, and could be in position to select the high-risk proposition. But The Athletic’s Vic Tafur adds the Carter meeting has not yet transpired. The Bears (No. 9) and Eagles (No. 10) have both emerged as potential Carter landing spots, though the Seahawks (No. 5) have as well.

Jalen Carter Unlikely To Fall Out Of Top 10; Bears, Eagles In Mix For DT?

April 13th, 2023 at 2:39pm CST by Sam Robinson

APRIL 13: Carter’s floor may be settling in at No. 9. The Bears are unlikely to let the higher-risk prospect fall past them in Round 1, Matt Miller of ESPN.com notes. The Bears are believed to value the two-time national champion defender highly, and they are prepared to bolster their defensive line in this draft.

APRIL 11: Beyond this year’s lot of first-round-caliber quarterbacks, Jalen Carter has been the highest-profile player during the pre-draft process. The Georgia defensive tackle might be the most talented non-QB available, but off-field red flags have affected his perception.

Carter will not face jail time in connection with the misdemeanor charges he faced after two members of Georgia’s football program, offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting analyst Chandler Lecroy, died in car accident. A police investigation revealed Carter and Lecroy were “operating in a manner consistent with racing” that morning in January. A March plea deal led to Carter receiving a $1K fine and community service, but multiple teams are believed to have taken the standout interior D-lineman off their draft boards due to character concerns.

Carter, who also did not perform well at his pro day, should still not be expected to endure a Laremy Tunsil-like fall in Round 1. The high-end talent remains likely to go off the board in the top 10, according to ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler and Matt Miller. Execs around the league believe a team will invest in Carter early, and Fowler adds Eagles buzz has emerged.

The Eagles, who took Georgia nose tackle Jordan Davis 13th overall last year, hold the No. 10 overall pick by virtue of their pre-draft trade with the Saints in 2022. GM Howie Roseman‘s penchant for building up Philadelphia’s lines has come up regarding Carter, as has Philly’s collection of veterans — including the recently re-signed Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox — that could potentially help the suddenly riskier prospect assimilate. The Eagles lost Javon Hargrave to the 49ers in free agency as well; Cox is on another one-year contract and going into his age-33 season.

Philly’s potential as the Carter floor aside, Miller notes his survey among NFL staffers led to a conclusion either the Seahawks (at No. 5) or Bears (No. 9) will be the landing spot. Seattle both drafted Frank Clark in the 2015 second round, despite a domestic violence arrest leading to his dismissal from the Michigan program, and acquired Sheldon Richardson via trade in 2017 — two years after the defensive tackle was pulled over for driving 143mph with a firearm in his vehicle. The Seahawks have a significant investment at D-tackle this offseason, giving Dre’Mont Jones a three-year deal worth $51MM, and reached an agreement to bring back Jarran Reed. Seattle, which has been linked to QBs as well, would certainly show a tremendous commitment to its defensive interior with a Carter selection. Mel Kiper Jr.’s most recent mock draft sends Carter to Seattle — as the first non-QB taken.

Chicago has added both DeMarcus Walker and Rasheem Green, but both additions qualify as moves for supporting-casters rather than surefire impact presences. The Bears are looking to add up front in the draft — likely both on the edge and inside — and they joined the Eagles in hosting Carter recently.

Carter is not planning to meet with teams outside the top 10, though teams holding non-top-10 choices — draft real estate previously believed to be unrealistic to land Carter — began digging into the former Bulldogs interior anchor. He has met with the Seahawks, Lions, Raiders, Bears and Eagles thus far; each team holds a pick between Nos. 5 and 10. While this draft houses a few notable edge defenders, a notable gap exists between Carter and his D-tackle prospect peers. That stands to strengthen his position inside the top 10.

Jalen Carter To Visit Seahawks; DT Off Multiple Teams’ Draft Boards?

April 10th, 2023 at 9:04am CST by Adam La Rose

As the draft draws nearer, an important unanswered question remains regarding the future of Jalen Carter. The former Georgia defensive tackle is still receiving interest from teams set to pick within the top 10, but not every NFL franchise is looking to add him.

The latest known visit for Carter will be with the Seahawks tomorrow, as noted (on Twitter) by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That comes as little surprise, given the news that the highly-touted defender will not be meeting with teams which do not own top-10 selections. Seattle has pick No. 5, and could be well-positioned to add Carter to their new-look defensive line later this month.

The Seahawks made a re-tooling of their front seven a priority heading into this offseason, and it has resulted in moves such as the signing of Dre’Mont Jones, one of the top free agent defensive linemen, and a reunion with linebacker Bobby Wagner. Drafting Carter would add further to their upgrades along the defensive interior, provided he could replicate his high-level play with the Bulldogs upon transitioning to the NFL level. The 6-3, 310-pounder was named a consensus All-American in 2022 after another productive season with the national champions.

However, Carter’s stock has taken a hit for multiple reasons recently. He faced misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing, which resulted in a plea agreement being reached; he will not face jail time as a result. Carter also drew poor reviews after his pro day, particularly for the state of his conditioning. Especially given his decision to only focus on teams slated to pick at or near the top of the board, plenty of uncertainty surrounds where he will ultimately land on draft night.

On that point, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer notes that “at least a couple” NFL teams have taken Carter off their board altogether. He adds, though, that Carter should still be considered a first-round lock, and is unlikely to fall outside the top half of the Day 1 order. Much will depend, of course, on the evaluations teams make of him during his top 30 visits and their projections of his ability to perform at the level he demonstrated with the Bulldogs before his pre-draft issues arose.

Tomorrow’s Seattle visit will soon be followed by one with the Raiders. The Lions, Eagles and Bears are also among the teams which have show interest in Carter, so there could still be significant competition to land arguably the class’ most talented prospect later this month.

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