It wasn’t long ago that Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter was a strong candidate to go No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Suddenly, his draft stock appears to be dwindling.
Carter reportedly devastating pro day Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach. Carter, who weighed 314 at the combine, reportedly showed up nine pounds heavier by his pro day. Carter decided to only participate in positional drills, but struggled to complete those drills. He was reportedly “convulsing and breathing heavily” according to Schlabach.
It’s another disappointing development in Carter’s rapid decline from the top of the draft. Carter’s downfall at the NFL combine began when reports surfaced that he had a warrant out for his arrest in Georgia for reckless driving and speeding. Carter was reportedly racing Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and employee Chandler LeCroy when both died in a car accident in January.
Carter leaves the combine, turns himself in, and posts bond. He may still face additional punishment because of his alleged involvement in the incident.
Carter was able to return to the Combine, although he did not participate in any practices at the event. He met with the teams and took their measurements. Carter was supposed to speak to reporters at the combine, but did not do so after leaving the event to deal with his legal situation. Carter did not speak to reporters after his pro day, according to Schlabach.
Although Carter may fall in the draft, it is still expected that he will be taken high in the first round. Scouts from all 32 teams watched Carter at Pro Day. Three NFL head coaches, Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Matt Eberflus of the Chicago Bears and Arthur Smith of the Atlanta Falcons reportedly attended the event. The Falcons hold the highest pick – No. 8 – of those three teams in the draft.
Before the alliance, it would have seemed unthinkable that Carter would be number 8 on the Falcons. Things could change in the weeks leading up to the draft, but it’s hard to imagine Carter being the top defensive player. Taken in the 2023 NFL Draft.
