Former Georgia standout defensive lineman Jalen Carter was once projected to be one of the first players selected in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. However, some character concerns along with an extremely questionable pro day on Wednesday may be vaulting him quickly down the draft board.
It emerged earlier this month that Carter had a warrant out for his arrest for his alleged involvement in a fatal crash of his teammate. While this obviously isn’t a good look, there were previously very few questions about his play on the field.
After his pro day on Wednesday, that is no longer the case. He came into it as a much different-looking player.
Carter weighed in at 323 pounds on Wednesday, which is nine pounds heavier than his NFL Combine weight. It was also revealed that he would only be participating in position drills and not do crucial measurable tests like the 40-yard dash.
SOURCE: Georgia DT Jalen Carter will only do position drills at today’s pro-day. No 40 or other testing. Carter weighed in at 323 pounds, up 9 lbs from Combine.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 15, 2023
That was the first red flag for many. Another came when he proceeded to look extremely out of shape for a player of his caliber in his position drills.
According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Carter was so tired that he failed to finish the end of his position drills due to heavy breathing and cramps.
Video emerged from Carter’s workout and he certainly looked far more winded than most fans have ever seen him.
Update: Georgia DL Jalen Carter couldn’t finish his position drills due to breathing heavily and cramping up, according to @Mark_Schlabach
Reports say he showed up 9 pounds heavier at his Pro Day than he was at the combine. He declined to run a 40.pic.twitter.com/v7bQ61XIem
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 15, 2023
Many are the NFL world took notice of this and proceeded to blast Jalen Carter for an extremely underwhelming performance.
My man Jalen Carter is looking GASSED.
You had one job and that’s to be in shape for your pro day. If you can’t do that the NFL will be hard for you. You can’t physically dominate everyone. Not a good look. #DaBears #Bears #ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/UJNNs6Mo9J
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) March 15, 2023
Jalen Carter’s Pro Day.
Yikes. pic.twitter.com/lNWlvPNrhW
— Barstool College Football Show (@BarstoolCFB) March 16, 2023
Jalen Carter having a rough pathway into the NFL… https://t.co/fVHJm8sRvT
— Moe Moton (@MoeMoton) March 15, 2023
Others feel for Carter and are speculating that his off-the-field problems have led to some mental and emotional hurdles.
Whatever happens between now and the draft, I hope Jalen Carter can find himself again from a mental and physical standpoint. Bc he looks like he's struggling. Obviously made a huge mistake re: his involvement in that fatal car crash, but don't want to see him spiral out now.
— Khari Thompson (@kdthompson5) March 15, 2023
I'll be honest, I am not particularly concerned with figuring out what Jalen Carter's moral character is but I have to imagine that dealing with a legal situation as intense and traumatic as this is going to make working out and conditioning a bit more difficult https://t.co/4cKCd3Bq4A
— Arif Hasan, but NFL 🏈 (@ArifHasanNFL) March 15, 2023
Regardless of why he looked so out of shape, it is very clearly concerning to see a player that is so accomplished at the college level look so out of place during a pro day.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.