For several weeks, Georgia Bulldogs star defensive tackle Jalen Carter was considered the most talented player in the entire 2023 NFL Draft class and a lock to be a top-five pick. But after an arrest warrant forced him to leave the NFL Combine and reports of vague character issues, Carter appears to be slipping on draft boards. He’ll have a chance to prove himself once again at Georgia’s Pro Day on Wednesday, but it sounds like his workout will be limited.
On Wednesday morning, Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy announced that Jalen Carter will only be participating in position drills at Georgia’s Pro Day.
“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,” Nagy said in a tweet.
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
It’s worth noting that Carter did not participate in the 40-yard dash or any other testing at the NFL Combine.
This is definitely an interesting decision from Carter, who has shown impressive athleticism and explosiveness throughout his time at Georgia, and the NFL world expressed plenty of concern about it on Twitter.
Jalen Carter deciding not to have his speed recorded today… After no combine, now just doing on-field drills?
Alarm bells. https://t.co/MihMJmRFPp pic.twitter.com/mJibSULpcb
— Bearlissimo (@Bearlissimo1) March 15, 2023
Looks like we won't get athletic testing for Jalen Carter prior to the draft https://t.co/6cpyIVtvU9
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) March 15, 2023
I was really hoping to see him test.
And adding 9 pounds in a week sounds like a lot…. https://t.co/PmvceH8TW8
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) March 15, 2023
This seems suboptimal. https://t.co/liXgaYjR7s
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) March 15, 2023
Does he fall to #Packers at 15? https://t.co/ulkYvU4cNh
— Steve Fifer (@SparkyRadio) March 15, 2023
Earlier this year, Carter was projected to be selected as high as No. 1 overall in the upcoming NFL Draft. But some more recent mock drafts have him slipping even outside of the top 10.
