Jalen Carter was arguably the best player in college football and the best player in this year’s NFL Draft. In a myriad of talented players on the best college defense, he stood head and shoulders above the rest. He absolutely pops off of game film and there were murmurs he could be the first overall pick. That was long ago, before he started to fall down draft boards from his off the field actions. Additionally, some teams have him completely off their first-round draft boards. The Las Vegas Raiders and Jalen Carter will not be in each other’s future as they’re the first team to reportedly take Carter off their board per Vic Tafur of The Athletic.
Carter’s recent arrests are likely to be the reason to take him off boards for many teams but especially the Raiders. On March 1, Carter was booked on misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing but released shortly after posting $4,000 bond. The charges were into a relation of a Jan. 15 incident in which his teammate Devin Willock and recruiter Chandler LeCroy died in a car accident. According to reports, LeCroy had been driving at speeds up to 104 mph and had a BAC of .197. Carter initially claimed he wasn’t anywhere near the incident before later telling police that he was tailing and at times alongside LeCroy’s vehicle.
The charges are similar to that of former Raiders receiver Henry Ruggs III. Consequently, it’s that similarity which leads many to believe why the Raiders are out. Ruggs is awaiting trial on charges that include a DUI and a car accident in which a young girl and her dog were killed.
On top of the charges, Carter raised more red flags at the Georgia Pro Day. Carter showed up looking overweight and easily gassed while performing his workout. He eventually cut his workout short after not being able to finish. With the Raiders out on Jalen Carter at pick seven, his draft status is turning more into a wildcard. We won’t know exactly how far Carter will fall until draft day, but the signs right now aren’t good for him.
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