Insider rips analysts gushing over Eagles drafting Jalen Carter

NFL insider Peter King of NBC Sports has blasted fellow analysts who have praised the Philadelphia Eagles for trading up to draft Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Jalen Carter with pick No. 9. 

"All the draft graders with over-the-top praise for the Jalen Carter pick … please," King wrote for Monday's "Football Morning in America" column. "I like where the Georgia defensive tackle was picked—ninth overall. He would have gone higher, obviously, if not for his involvement in a tragic car accident, and if not for the criticism over his practice and game effort." 

As recently as last week, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Carter the top overall prospect in this year's draft class despite the numerous red flags that apparently scared off at least a few teams that presumably could've used the star's services. 

In March, Carter pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing in connection with a fatal car accident that occurred in January. Additionally, he was accused of being overweight at Georgia's pro day and of not giving his all in practices and on every play. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio then reported on Friday that "members of the Georgia coaching staff are not Jalen Carter fans, and they weren’t bashful about saying so." 

Nevertheless, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has received positive reviews from multiple outlets for taking Carter with the ninth pick. The Athletic's Dane Brugler put Philadelphia atop his 2023 draft rankings, and Pro Football Focus gave the Eagles' draft class an A+ grade.

"Pairing Carter and (2022 first-round pick) Jordan Davis in the middle of the Philly line will be a nightmare for offensive coordinators league-wide. If Carter works out. If being the operative word," King continued. King noted that the Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions and Las Vegas Raiders were among the clubs that needed "dominating defensive tackles" but passed on grabbing Carter "for a reason" on Thursday night. 

"Roseman was in a strong position to take him, and good for the Eagles," King added. "But it’s hard to be ga-ga over the pick because no rational person knows how this will work out."

Carter will have plenty to prove to Roseman, coaches and individuals such as King starting on the very first day he walks onto a practice field wearing Eagles colors.