NEWSLETTER
Jalen Carter’s draft stock appears to be spiraling.
It began in early March when a report surfaced that Carter misled police about a teammate’s fatal car crash. This news, which came out at the beginning of the NFL Scouting Combine, caused Carter to head back to Georgia to deal with that situation. But after getting booked and released, Carter returned to the Combine to finish interviews, measurements, and other activities. Carter’s return to pre-draft football activities was a first step toward addressing his newfound issues with teams at the Combine. And yet, because Carter didn’t do any drills, we knew all eyes would be on him at this pro day.
Unfortunately, it sounds like that was a flop for Carter because he reportedly came in overweight and did not finish his position drills. I don’t imagine NFL teams were looking for something like this from a potential first-round pick:
Sheesh! That sounds like a rough time.
Carter has been on our radar as a possible Bears draft target since early December. We were looking for fits who could be top 5 picks back then. And with Carter projecting to be a game-wrecking 3-technique DT, he was a prospect to keep tabs on. But fast forward to March, and I have so many questions. And I imagine the Bears — who were in attendance at Georgia’s pro day — have their questions.
A month ago at this time, Carter was in the mix to go first overall. But only in a scenario where the Bears were to keep that pick. Now, I’m unsure where Carter goes. And not just because the Bears already sent that pick to Carolina in the D.J. Moore trade. This is a player with loads of talent and upside who fits what the Bears want to do on defense. And maybe they can still get him with the No. 9 pick (if they stay there). But off-the-field concerns and a poor showing at Georgia’s Pro Day aren’t going to help his draft stock. And while there is still time to bounce back, it will take some heavy lifting. I hope Carter is up for the challenge — both in terms of football and personal stuff — because this won’t be easy.
