Raiders' Josh McDaniels refutes Jalen Carter NFL Draft report

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels has refuted a report about the team's position on Georgia Bulldogs star defensive tackle Jalen Carter ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft. 

Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal tweeted on Thursday night that he spoke with McDaniels and that the coach "reiterated what he told reporters about Jalen Carter on Monday" that the Raiders "are doing their due diligence on Carter, who remains on their draft board." McDaniels also confirmed that Carter will meet with the Raiders "as one of their 30 visits in April." 

McDaniels was reacting to the fact that Las Vegas insider Vic Tafur of The Athletic reported on Thursday that "Carter is not an option for the Raiders at" pick No. 7 of this year's draft. 

Carter pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing last week over his alleged role in the Jan. 15 car wreck that claimed the lives of Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy. According to Mark Schlabach of ESPN, Carter was sentenced to 12 months of probation, a $1,000 fine and 80 hours of community service. He must also attend a state-approved defensive driving course.

Tafur wrote that Carter's matter "is too close to home for the Raiders and their fans in the Las Vegas community following" the disturbing situation involving former wide receiver Henry Ruggs. Ruggs is still awaiting trial regarding a November 2021 crash that resulted in the death of 23-year-old Tina Tintor. 

"If there are two players tied on our board, we would draft for need," McDaniels said earlier in the week. "Other than that, we will always take the best player. Adding a really good player, even if you have other guys in that position room, really can’t hurt you. It only makes you better." 

Carter may have dropped down some draft boards after he struggled to complete positional drills during his pro day and reportedly showed up for that workout nine pounds heavier than he was at the combine. Nevertheless, Pete Prisco of CBS Sports predicted in a mock draft updated on Wednesday that the Raiders will select Carter with the seventh choice in April. 

"There was talk about Jalen Carter being the first pick in the draft at some point, but off-the-field issues have impacted his status," Prisco noted. "Even so, the talent is there. The Raiders need help inside, so they can take the chance."