BREAKING: Eagles trade up for Jalen Carter in chaotic first round of 2023 NFL Draft

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Eagles jalen carter
Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) waves to the crowd before the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game between Georgia and TCU, Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. Georgia defensive tackle Jalen 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.(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Where there’s smoke, there’s often fire. The Philadelphia Eagles have been linked to Georgia DT, Jalen Carter, for months now, and it was for good reason. The Birds traded a 2024 4th-round pick to move up and snatch a franchise DT away from the Chicago Bears.

Who is Jalen Carter?

Jalen Carter is an exceptional talent and on paper is a great fit on the field in Philadelphia. He’s a former teammate of both Nakobe Dean and Jordan Davis, completing a trinity of dominant Georgia players to be wearing midnight green.

It is worth noting that there are some viable off-field concerns. Carter was involved in a crash that resulted in the death of a teammate, and his work ethic has been questioned on occasion. A spotty pro-day video also failed to do his incredible talent justice, leaving his standing in the top-10 uncertain. It’s not anymore.

Jalen carter
Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter watches as players warm up on the field before the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

The Eagles have obviously done their due diligence here, leaning on both Davis & Dean who played closely with Carter during their time as Bulldogs. If the Eagles feel they can get the best out of him and can ease those character concerns, it’s a dream selection that will beef up their defensive line for years to come.

He dominated in both 2021 and 2022, ending his career with 83 tackles, 18.5 TFL, and 6 total sacks. His explosiveness is unmatched in this draft class and he’s the perfect complement to Jordan Davis, whom the Eagles drafted last year.

The Eagles have a monstrous pass-rush once again with two Bulldogs at the center of it all and if the Eagles can work through those character concerns, this could be an incredible pick.

P Photo/Ashley Landis