Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter on stage after being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles ninth overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles take big risk in drafting Jalen Carter

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated 4/27/23

Did the rich get richer or did they reach too far?

Months after riding a dominant defense to an NFC championship, the Philadelphia Eagles may have just drafted the most polarizing player in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Not long ago, many believed Georgia’s Jalen Carter could be the first-overall pick. At 6’ 3” and 314 pounds, the defensive tackle stood out on a team loaded with defensive talent. In three years with Georgia, he had 83 tackles, three passes defended and six sacks.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper ranked Carter as the best overall prospect in the draft. Pro Football Focus named him the draft’s second-best prospect, calling him a stronger version of the Jets’ Quinnen Williams.

: Eagles trade up with Bears to take DT Jalen Carter at No. 9 overallhttps://t.co/bp2bZIvw7p pic.twitter.com/f4gxXwBvQq
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 28, 2023

In Philadelphia, Carter joins a defense that led the league with 70 sacks in 2022 and looks to feature former Bulldogs Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean in 2023. With Javon Hargrave leaving for San Francisco, the team needs a player with Carter’s skill set.

During a recent press conference, Eagles’ general manager Howie Roseman discussed the need to get a unique player at pick No. 10.

“I think the most important thing when picking in the first round and certainly when you're picking at No. 10 is that you get a unique player,” Roseman said. “I think there's so few unique players in any draft.”

Carter certainly fits that description, but he also comes with baggage. He recently pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing in relation to a car accident that killed a Georgia teammate and staff member. The star lineman was sentenced to 12 months of probation, a $1000 fine and 80 hours of community service.

Shortly after his sentencing, Carter showed up overweight to Georgia’s Pro Day, unable to finish his position drills and opting out of athletic testing. The Eagles downplayed these concerns after bringing him in for a pre-draft visit, but Eagles fans may not be so forgiving.

Philadelphia gave Chicago the tenth-overall selection and a 2024 fourth-round pick to take Carter with the ninth pick. That’s a reasonable price, especially if Carter pans out. If he doesn’t, the team could pay a much higher price.

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