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Jalen Carter, a controversial defensive tackle who used to be the speculative top pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, fell to the Eagles as the No. 9 pick.
The All-American, who helped push the Georgia Bulldogs to two consecutive national championships, dealt with legal trouble and off-the-field issues, despite being considered the most talented player in the NFL Draft and listed as a potential No. 1 prospect by multiple analysts.
Following the pick’s announcement by NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell on Thursday, Carter received a soft amount of cheers, likely due to the controversy.
“I don’t know. It’s a lot,” a teary Carter said to ESPN after being asked about the past few months. “It’s time to work.”
The 22-year-old was hit with misdemeanor reckless driving charges stemming from an alleged drag racing incident after the Bulldogs’ 2022 title parade in which teammate Devin Wilcock and Bulldogs recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy died in Athens, Ga.
