Jalen Carter  |  Georgia 6’3” 314 lbs.  |  04/04/2001 (22)

Jalen Carter was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, becoming the first Defensive Tackle and ninth overall player selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

Carter earned significant playing time, including two starts in 10 games as a true freshman at Georgia during the 2020 season. He recorded 14 tackles, three TFLs, and one blocked kick. Carter played in a committee, alongside 2022 first-round picks Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt on the defensive line for the national champion Bulldogs in 2021. He was a second-team All-SEC selection after posting 37 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, three sacks, and two blocked kicks. 

In 2022, Carter led a Bulldogs defense that allowed the fewest rushing yards per game in the nation. He earned first-team Associated Press All-American and all-conference honors despite missing time during Georgia’s title run with knee and ankle injuries. He registered 32 tackles, seven TFLs, three sacks, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in 13 games.

His raw ability, physical traits, and tools show he is ready to step into the NFL and dominate pending maturity issues. 

FILM

Carter has incredible pop and explosiveness for his size. He can win with his first step or with his abrupt punch before a quick hands-move. Carter shows scheme versatility and could excel in an even or odd front. He plays with excellent leverage against offensive linemen and sheds blocks well. In addition to his incredible strength, he shows active football which can help him maintain leverage or win outright. Simply put: Jalen Carter is the most dominant player in the NFL Draft, regardless of position.  

ATHLETIC TESTING

Carter drew the ire of some general managers when he chose not to participate in any of the tests at the NFL Scouting Combine. He only measured in and held interviews with NFL teams.  Two weeks later, he showed up nine pounds heavier to the Georgia Pro Day and quit while working out during positional drills. Carter didn’t speak to reporters in Athens after missing his media session at the combine and his subsequent poor performance during his Pro Day. 

Carter’s draft stock appeared to drop when this was coupled with the news of his arrest for his alleged role in a car accident in Athens that killed Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy.

DRAFT ANALYSIS 

Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent, all things considered

Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Excellent

Carter was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. 

FANTASY INSIGHTS

Jalen Carter goes ninth overall and lands in Philly, amid his red flags due to a legal situation and his lackluster Pro Day efforts. The former Bulldog graded out as PFF’s third-highest-graded defensive tackle in 2023 and his run-stop percentage ranked second-best in the nation. He is the best player available and also fills a need along an Eagles’ defensive line that looks very different in 2023 due to recent losses in free agency. 

Carter is the DT1 of the class with his superior ability and traits, but he does not come without concerns. His effort and maturity could lead to his demise, so there is definitely risk involved with this pick. Still, the upside is a top-three IDL in dynasty IDP leagues. Expect to see him drafted early in the second round of dynasty rookie drafts. 

Thank you for tuning in to DFF’s 2023 NFL Draft Coverage! Stay tuned as we break down every fantasy-relevant pick during the draft. Please consider becoming our yearly DFF subscription so we can deliver top-notch analysis and fantasy breakdowns. Only $1.67 per month ($19.99 per year) gets you our 105-page dynasty rookie draft guide, access to the DFF Discord for free personalized dynasty team advice, hundreds of dynasty articles and so much more…

I appreciate your time! If you enjoyed this piece, you can find more of my work and countless other quality reads and content offered here at Dynasty Football Factory. Also, you can interact with me on Twitter at @DocFFFN. #DFFArmy #FantasyFootball #AlwaysBeBuilding #NFL #NFLDraft #NFLTransactions #NFLTrades #AlwaysBeScouting #PlantYourFlag