Agent: Jalen Carter Won't Meet With Teams Outside Top 10
Expert Analysis 4/3/23
Despite a rocky pre-draft process, former Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter (scouting report) and his camp are adamant he'll go in the top 10 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Carter won't take pre-draft visits with teams picking outside the top 10, his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN on Monday.
"I'm confident Jalen will go in the top 10," Rosenhaus told ESPN. "He's a good person, a family man, loves football and is a generational talent."
On Monday, Carter will meet with the Chicago Bears, who hold the No. 9 pick after trading back with the Carolina Panthers. He's already met with the Philadelphia Eagles, who have the No. 10 and No. 31 picks. In The 33rd Team's most recent mock draft, Carter was taken 10th by the Eagles.
Last month, Carter pleaded no contest to charges of racing and reckless driving stemming from the car accident that took the lives of teammate Devin Willock and Georgia recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy on Jan. 15. Carter was sentenced to 12 months probation, a $1,000 fine and 80 hours of community service. He also must complete a state-approved defensive driving course.
Carter's troubles didn't end there. He showed up to his pro day nine pounds heavier than his weight at the NFL Combine and could not finish position drills as he dealt with cramping and heavy breathing.
Coming into the pre-draft process, Carter was regarded as potentially the top overall prospect in the class. Despite his legal troubles and poor pro day performance, The 33rd Team analyst Rick Spielman believes Carter is still the best defensive tackle in the class.
"Carter will remain the top defensive tackle in the class, and I don't think he'll fall out of the top 10," Spielman said. "You, at least, have an understanding of the legal issues. There is going to be no jail time. He was nine pounds overweight at his pro day ... that'll be a lot of talking points in draft rooms. Although, he's too talented to fall too far in the draft."
Carter is the No. 4 overall player on The 33rd Team's most recent big board, after spending most of the offseason at No. 1.