Jalen Carter Sliding to the "Back End" of the Top-10

After a tumultuous pre-draft process that included an arrest on a pair of misdemeanor charges in connection with the tragic accident that claimed the lives of Georgia OL Devin Willock and Georgia recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy and an uninspiring pro day in Athens in which he was unable to finish drill work after showing up nearly 20 pounds heavier than his playing weight during his All-American 2022 campaign, Jalen Carter’s draft stock has been the source of much speculation since Georgia claimed its second-consecutive national championship in January. That speculation has not abated as the 2023 NFL draft draws closer. If anything, it has intensified in the final days prior to the start of the draft on Thursday.

Multiple mock drafts in recent weeks have predicted that the Seattle Seahawks will select Carter with the No.5 overall pick in this year’s draft. However, in an article released Monday discussing the latest draft buzz surrounding each first-round selection in this year’s draft, ESPN Senior Writer and draft analyst Todd McShay challenged those predictions.

“Multiple sources have told me Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter isn't expected to be the [Seahawks’] pick. I don't see Carter falling out of the top 10, but it's reasonable he could slide to the back end of it.”

If Carter does fall past the Seahawks at No.5, McShay views the Las Vegas Raiders as the defensive tackle’s next possible landing spot, contradicting an earlier report from Vic Tafur of The Athletic that the Raiders had removed Carter from their draft board. While McShay revealed that sources have indicated to him that the Raiders are more likely to draft a cornerback with the No.7 pick, he also suggested Carter could be an option for Las Vegas if he is still on the board when their selection rolls around.

“While I keep hearing cornerback, this is a potential landing spot for Carter, too. Las Vegas has a need at defensive tackle, and Carter is arguably the most talented prospect in the class.”

If Carter is still waiting on his name to be called as the curtain begins to close on the top-10 draft selections, McShay believes the Chicago Bears may view Carter as too talented to pass on and could be inclined to use the No.9 pick on the former Georgia All-American.

“This could be the Carter pick. To be clear, I don't have direct info the Bears like Carter, but they've spent a lot of time with him and putting in work on him. And he makes a lot of sense for them. Coach Matt Eberflus' defense hinges on a 3-technique with penetrating ability, and that's Carter. Chicago traded back, picked up all those additional picks, added a new WR1 in DJ Moore and could now select perhaps the best prospect in the 2023 class way back at No. 9? That's a huge win.”

While McShay still contends that Carter will be drafted inside the top 10 of this week’s NFL draft, his draft picture remains as murky as ever as the draft looms just days away.

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