Lions' GM Holmes: Jalen Carter Did 'Nice Job' in Pre-Draft Interview
Expert Analysis 4/20/23
Once viewed as a consensus top-five pick, Jalen Carter's (scouting report) pre-draft process has made his status as a top-rated prospect uncertain. However, Carter's pre-draft visit with the Detroit Lions went well, general manager Brad Holmes told reporters on Thursday.
"He came in, and he did a nice job," Holmes said. "Again, it's always case by case. He came in; we enjoyed our time with him, and he did a nice job. I'll say even after he left his visit, I felt better about him."
The Lions, who hold the No. 6 and No. 18 overall picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, have been reported to be interested in Carter this offseason. Carter's strategy of only visiting teams with top-10 picks drew some criticism, but it appears those interviews are going well.
>> READ: Carter is Making Mistake in Interview Process
Carter's troubles started when he was forced to leave the NFL Combine in March after an arrest warrant was issued for 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.
The Georgia defensive tackle pleaded no contest to the charges on March 16 and 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.
In a recent interview on HBO's "Real Sports," Carter said only some teams have asked him about the charges from the Jan. 15 accident.
“A couple of teams have asked me about it, but they really haven’t gotten too in-depth about the accident,” Carter said. “They just want to hear my side, and that’s it.”
Just one day before he pleaded no contest, Carter showed up nine pounds heavier than his combine weight at Georgia's Pro Day. He couldn't finish positional drills and struggled with conditioning.
Despite all of Carter's off-field issues, The 33rd Team analyst Rick Spielman believes Carter's talent is too good to pass up inside the top 10.
“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 IDL1 and No. 4 overall player on The 33rd Team’s most recent big board.