2023 NFL Draft: Jalen Carter reportedly shows up heavier, fails to complete position drills at Georgia pro day

Not too long ago, Georgia quarterback Jalen Carter was a strong candidate for the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. All of a sudden, his design margin seems to plummet.

Carter reportedly had disastrous professional day Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach. Carter, who weighed in at 314 pounds at an NFL scouting camp in Indianapolis, reportedly made his pro day 9 pounds heavier. Carter chose to only participate in positional exercises, but struggled to finish. According to Schlabach, he “had convulsions and was breathing heavily.”

This is yet another disappointing development in Carter’s precipitous fall from the top of the draft. Carter’s downfall began at the mill when reports surfaced that he had an arrest warrant in Georgia for reckless driving and racing. Carter was allegedly racing with Georgia lineman Devin Willock and staffer Chandler LeCroy when they were both killed in a car crash in January.

Carter left the mill, turned himself in, and posted bail.

Carter returned to the combine, although he did not participate in any drills at the event. He met with the teams and took measurements. Carter was supposed to speak to reporters in Indianapolis, but this did not happen after he left the event to sort out his legal situation. According to Schlabach, Carter also did not speak to reporters after his professional day on Wednesday.

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Although Carter may be drafted, he is still expected to be taken high in the first round. Scouts from all 32 teams watched Carter’s professional day. The event was reportedly attended by three NFL head coaches – Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Matt Eberfluss of the Chicago Bears and Arthur Smith of the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have the highest pick in the draft – #8 – of the three teams.

Prior to the reunification, it seemed inconceivable that Carter would drop to the No. 8 Falcons. Things could change in the weeks leading up to the draft, but it’s hard to imagine Carter becoming a better defenseman. drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft.