Can Falcons Draft Georgia's Jalen Carter? Here's How It Could Happen
In a perfect world where the Atlanta Falcons could draft any rookie they wanted, it's hard to find someone they wouldn't draft over Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
A proven winner with two National Championship rings, Carter is a transformative defensive line who would wreck havoc in Atlanta next to Grady Jarrett.
With the Falcons picking at No. 8 in this year's NFL Draft, it's going to be difficult to nab Carter, but here's a scenario where Atlanta can end up with the best defensive lineman in the country.
1. Chicago Bears select Alabama LB Will Anderson Jr.
The Bears, mulling between the best two defenders in the draft, take Anderson to boost their pass rush on the edge.
2. Houston Texans select Alabama QB Bryce Young
The Texans could take Carter here, but a quarterback is at the top of their needs, and they get the pick of the loot.
3. Carolina Panthers trade up from No. 9, select Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud
The Panthers, needing to jump the Colts in order to take a quarterback of their choosing, trade up with the Cardinals to take Stroud.
4. Indianapolis Colts select Kentucky QB Will Levis
With Young and Stroud off the board, the Colts take Levis at No. 4 and pick their quarterback of the future.
5. Atlanta Falcons trade up from No. 8, select Georgia DT Jalen Carter
The only way the Falcons can realistically take Carter is by trading up. However, moving from No. 8 to 5 is significantly less difficult than going up into the top 3, where Carter will most likely be taken.
The Seattle Seahawks, who hold the No. 5 pick, have this selection as part of the Russell Wilson trade, meaning the team could look into trading down in order to gain more assets from that massive deal. The Seahawks could target a pass rusher like Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson or Clemson's Myles Murphy, both of whom could be there at No. 8 anyway.
The Falcons may have to surrender a high pick, possibly a first-rounder, in order to take Carter, but taking a favorite for the Defensive Rookie of the Year may be worth it for Atlanta.
Follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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