Another red flag emerging about Jalen Carter ahead of draft?

There’s yet another red flag hovering over the status of Georgia Bulldogs star defensive tackle Jalen Carter days ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. 

For a piece published on Monday, Brady Henderson of ESPN noted that draft analyst Todd McShay said, “Carter’s effort level in practice…left something to be desired” as it pertains to the prospect’s draft stock. Additionally, McShay mentioned that “multiple sources” informed him the Seattle Seahawks aren’t “expected” to take Carter with the fifth-overall pick. 

“I don’t see Carter falling out of the top 10, but it’s reasonable he could slide to the back end of it,” McShay added. 

Some view Carter as the most talented defensive player of his class, but he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing last month in connection with a fatal car crash in January. He also weighed nine pounds heavier at Georgia’s pro day than he was at the combine and struggled through position drills. 

Despite those negative headlines, agent Drew Rosenhaus has repeatedly insisted he knows Carter will be a top-10 pick. Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes hinted last week that he could take Carter with the No. 6 pick, but it’s thought Holmes could use that asset on a quarterback depending on who falls out of the top five. 

“I’ve heard people say the motor runs hot and cold,” McShay explained about Carter. “I don’t see it that much. If you’re playing that many snaps in the SEC and the humidity and all that, you might not go 100% on every single play. But my goodness, that guy gives effort on the field, despite all the negative stories about his practice habits.”

In a mock draft shared on Monday, NBC Sports’ Peter King predicted Seattle will take a chance and grab Carter with the fifth choice despite McShay’s thoughts. McShay said he knows the Chicago Bears “spent a lot of time with (Carter) and putting in work on him” and indicated Chicago would happily take Carter with pick No. 9.