Adam Schefter believes Bears could have chance to draft Jalen Carter
Once considered a front-runner to land as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter's recent legal troubles likely have him set for a wait when the NFL's big show boots up in Kansas City at the end of April.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently stated on an episode of ESPN Chicago’s 'Peggy & Dionne' that he believes the Chicago Bears could benefit from Carter’s off-the-field issues and likely wait, with it not out of the realm of possibility that Chicago could snatch the 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive tackle with the No. 9 overall pick.
"I think there's a real chance he's going to be there for them, and they're going to have to do the work on him and spend some time,” Schefter said. “And I know they'll be at his pro day, watching him closely, meeting with him. And once they do that they can decide what they want to do."
Carter, a projected top-five pick just 12 days ago, faces charges of reckless driving and racing stemming from a Jan. 15 wreck that killed Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy.
He released a statement during the NFL Combine maintaining his belief that he would be absolved by the start of draft.
“It is my intention to return to Athens to answer the misdemeanor charges against me and to make certain that the complete and accurate truth is presented,” Carter said. “There is no question in my mind that when all of the facts are known that I will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing.”
This past season, the 21-year-old tackle recorded 32 tackles (seven for loss), three sacks, three passes defensed and two forced fumbles for the national champion Bulldogs. He has logged 30 or more tackles, seven or more tackles for loss and three sacks each of the last two seasons at Georgia.
Carter would fill one of Chicago’s top needs — a big-bodied, run-stopping giant with pass-rushing ability who they can plant in the middle of its defensive line. The Bears return just one of their three primary defensive tackles from last season, Justin Jones (52 tackles, three sacks, 12 for loss).
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