NFL Draft rumors and reports are flooding in at a dizzying rate. It’s almost hard to keep track of them all, but one is particularly intriguing for the Falcons, as Todd McShay of ESPN stated Jalen Carter could likely fall to Atlanta’s 8th overall pick.
“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 falls past Seattle’s 5th overall pick, where most people think he’ll go, McShay believes the Raiders would be the next possible landing spot.
“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 Vegas passes on him and takes a cornerback, which many consider the most likely pick, McShay believes the Bears, not the Falcons, are the next logical landing spot.
“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.”
Now, if Jalen Carter falls to the Falcons’ 8th overall pick and the club passes, we will know the regime values intangibles much more than initially anticipated. The Georgia defender is arguably the most talented non-quarterback prospect in this class, but the red flags continue to be raised.
A pre-draft process that included an arrest on two misdemeanor charges relating to the tragic accident that claimed the lives of two Georgia Bulldogs was followed by a very disappointing pro day in Athens in which Carter was unable to finish drills after showing up 10 pounds heavier than at the NFL Combine.
His draft stock continues to take a tumble, as Brady Henderson noted that McShay said, “Carter’s effort level in practice…left something to be desired.”
There’s always talented prospects who slide down draft boards for one reason or another, and it seems like Jalen Carter is next in line. Concern about effort level is a reasonable cause for the Falcons passing on him, but it sure would anger a lot of fans, most of whom are also Dawgs.
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Photographer: Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire
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