Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Insider says Steelers could trade up for draft's top defender

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 4/17/23

The Steelers have been rumored to be a team considering a trade up in the 2023 NFL Draft. Most believe it would be for one of the top offensive linemen in the class, however, NFL insider Peter King thinks it could be for the draft's best defensive player.

According to King, Pittsburgh is looking to trade up from pick No. 17 to No. 9, currently owned by the Bears, if Georgia DT Jalen Carter is still available. He also added that it's the "best rumor of the week."

Rumor: #Steelers are looking to trade up from the 17th overall pick to 9 overall (#Bears) if Georgia DT Jalen Carter remains on the board, per @peter_king

"Best rumor of the week." he added.https://t.co/pF9OI3Y6rr pic.twitter.com/RV9kPHCqso
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 17, 2023

Carter ranks as Pro Football Focus' No. 2 overall prospect and the top ranked defender on its big board. "Carter is neck and neck with Quinnen Williams for the best defensive tackle prospect we’ve graded," PFF writes.

It would be surprising if Carter was still on the board at pick No. 9. However, there are some red flags surrounding Carter that make some believe he could fall in the draft.

He found himself in the news for reasons outside of football this offseason. Carter pleaded no contest last month to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing in connection with a fatal car accident that killed Carter's Georgia teammate Devin Whitlock and Georgia staffer Chandler LeCroy.

Carter's agent Drew Rosenhaus also announced Carter will not visit with teams drafting outside of the top 10, which is an interesting tactic as teams like the Steelers are considering a trade up.

It could be considered a controversial move for Pittsburgh, but Mike Tomlin has a good reputation of handling players with some baggage and Carter may be the latest example.

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