Top Prospect Jalen Carter 9 Pounds Heavier, Struggles at Georgia's Pro Day
Analysis 3/15/23
Jalen Carter's tumultuous pre-draft process continued at Georgia's pro day on Wednesday in Athens, as the defensive tackle weighed in nine pounds heavier than he did at the NFL Scouting Combine and struggled with his conditioning, per an ESPN report.
Although Carter (scouting report) is considered one of the most talented prospects in the draft and is ranked as the No. 1 overall player on The 33rd Team's Big Board, this is the latest issue that could cause him to drop in the draft.
In wake of Carter's pro day performance, former Minnesota Vikings GM and The 33rd Team analyst Rick Spielman said he wouldn't be surprised if Carter is, "off some NFL Draft boards."
Working out in front of all 32 NFL teams, including three head coaches — Atlanta's Arthur Smith, Chicago's Matt Eberflus and Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin — Carter elected not to perform in the testing portion of drills, doing only positional work. He was not able to finish the position drills as he dealt with cramping and heavy breathing, which — coupled with his added weight — indicates he is out of shape. That's another troubling sign for a player with so much on the line.
"As an NFL prospect, you have one job: That is to be in shape and be ready to go for your pro day," said Clay Harbor, an analyst for The 33rd Team. "You show up, you're in shape for the biggest job interview of your life.
"Jalen Carter showing up gassed, not being able to finish his workout, having gained nine pounds since the combine a month ago ... shows me that he's not the guy that's willing to put in the work.
"I think he drops past the mid-first round, maybe even the beginning of the second. If I'm an NFL GM, NFL player personnel man, I do not want this guy on my team."
Carter did not perform in testing drills at the combine and had to leave Indianapolis on March 1 to return to Georgia to address two misdemeanor charges for reckless driving and racing stemming from his involvement in a Jan. 15 car accident that left two people dead. He posted bond quickly and returned to the combine to interview with teams, but the timing of his arrest likely impacted his stock.
Carter elected not to speak with the media at the combine or his pro day. He is scheduled to appear in Athens-Clarke (Ga.) Municipal Court on April 18, nine days before the first night of the draft.