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via Imago
FILE – Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter speaks during media day ahead of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game between Georgia and TCU, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. Carter, projected as one of the top players in next month’s NFL draft, has been charged with reckless driving and racing in conjunction with the crash that killed offensive lineman Devin Willock and a recruiting staff member. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department has issued an arrest warrant, obtained Wednesday, March 1, by The Associated Press, which alleges Carter was racing his 2021 Jeep Trackhawk against the 2021 Ford Expedition driven by the recruiting staffer, 24-year-old Chandler LeCroy, which led to the Jan. 15 wreck. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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via Imago
FILE – Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter speaks during media day ahead of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game between Georgia and TCU, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. Carter, projected as one of the top players in next month’s NFL draft, has been charged with reckless driving and racing in conjunction with the crash that killed offensive lineman Devin Willock and a recruiting staff member. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department has issued an arrest warrant, obtained Wednesday, March 1, by The Associated Press, which alleges Carter was racing his 2021 Jeep Trackhawk against the 2021 Ford Expedition driven by the recruiting staffer, 24-year-old Chandler LeCroy, which led to the Jan. 15 wreck. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
The NFL draft is one of the most highly anticipated events in the world of American football. Every year, millions of fans tune in to watch as their favorite teams select the best college players from across the country. However, this year’s draft has been marred by controversy surrounding one of the top prospects, Jalen Carter.
Carter, a standout defensive tackle from the University of Georgia, has been projected to be a top 3 draft pick by many analysts. However, his draft prospects have been jeopardized by the news of his alleged involvement in a tragic accident in January. The accident claimed the lives of two people and has resulted in Carter being charged with two misdemeanors: reckless driving and racing.
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Jalen Carter’s draft prospects
For NFL teams, drafting a player with a criminal record can be a risky proposition. Teams are often hesitant to invest in players who may be a liability off the field. Especially when it comes to serious offenses. As a result, the charges against Carter have put his draft stock in question.
However, it’s worth noting that Carter’s alleged involvement in the accident occurred before he was drafted. This means that he will not be subject to potential NFL discipline over the issue. Any legal consequences he may face will not impact his status as an NFL player.
Carter has expressed confidence that he will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing, and even if he isn’t exonerated as to the charges filed to date, it shouldn’t impact him. Because the incident occurred before he was drafted, he will never be subjected to potential NFL discipline over the issue.
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Could this affect Jalen Carter in the long run?
The charges against Carter could still have an impact on his draft standing. NFL teams are notoriously risk-averse when it comes to drafting players with any kind of off-field concerns. The charges against Carter could cause some teams to shy away from him. Even if he is ultimately exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing, the mere fact that he was charged with these offenses could still raise red flags for some teams.
However, it’s important to remember that Carter is still one of the top prospects in this year’s draft. He has been projected to be a top 3 draft pick by many analysts, and his on-field performance speaks for itself. He is an exceptional athlete with the skills and talent to make a significant impact at the NFL level.
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via Getty
Jalen Carter during between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Ohio State Buckeyes in Atlanta, on Dec. 31, 2022.Michael Wade / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images file
Ultimately, whether or not the charges against Carter will impact his draft standing remains to be seen. There are sure to be teams that are willing to overlook any concerns and take a chance on him. It’s impossible to know for sure how the draft will play out, but one thing is certain: Jalen Carter is an exceptional player who will have a successful career in the NFL, regardless of where he is drafted.
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