Latest On Georgia DL Jalen Carter

Jalen Carter entered the offseason as a likely top 3 pick and potential number one pick. He has since been hit by two offense Chargers stemming from a fatal car crash that killed the Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruitment analyst Chandler LeCroy. Carter was charged with misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing but avoided jail time with a settlement.

Since then, we’ve learned that Carter’s pro tag left little impression on the scouts. The defenseman reportedly put on weight ahead of Georgia’s pro day and put in a “less than stellar” performance. Carolina’s trade for first overall pick ended Carter’s hopes of becoming No. 1, but it remains to be seen how these recent developments will ultimately impact his draft stock.

The Lions could end up being suitable for defensive tackle, and Detroit Free Press’s Dave Birkett writes that Detroit will host Carter on a top-30 visit. The Lions are currently armed with the No. 6 draft pick, but they could see some competition for Carter from non-QB-needing rosters like the Cardinals (No. 3) and Seahawks (No. 5). As Birkett notes, the Lions could certainly use a player of Carter’s caliber on their defensive line, and GM Brad Holmes said the organization “will leave no stone unturned” as it evaluates its first-round options.

“Honestly, you’ve heard me preach about intangibles since day 1, and I still firmly believe that intangibles are the keys to success.” said Holmes (about Birkett). “Look at one Amon-Ra St. Brown, he’s a talented player but his intangibles are as good as it gets and that’s why he’s having the success he’s having. And there are countless other players I could name to enumerate, but talent is one thing while the intangible piece, the character piece, are components. But it doesn’t make up the whole picture and the entirety of the assessment.”

If Carter sees a significant slip on the draft board, the Bears could be a landing spot at #9. Defensive tackle was a potential target for the organization before they traded first overall pick. The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain and Adam Jahns wrote earlier this month that the Bears were hesitant about the prospect even before the indictment, as some scouts questioned the player’s intangibles. It would be difficult for an organization to rely on these kinds of No. 1 players, but the Bears may be more willing to take a gamble with the ninth overall pick.