It sounds like the Las Vegas Raiders have already made a decision about Georgia Bulldogs star defensive tackle Jalen Carter ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft.
One “league source” has informed Raiders insider Vic Tafur of The Athletic that “Carter is not an option for the Raiders at” overall draft pick No. 7.
Last week, Carter pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing regarding his alleged role in the Jan. 15 automobile accident that claimed the lives of Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy. Also this month, Carter was reportedly nine pounds heavier for his pro day than he was at the combine and then struggled to complete positional drills.
Tafur pointed out that Carter’s legal matter is “too close to home for the Raiders and their fans in the Las Vegas community following the 2021 arrest of former receiver Henry Ruggs.” In November 2021, Ruggs was charged with DUI resulting in death, DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm and two counts of reckless driving following a crash that killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog.
“He is accused of driving 156 mph with a blood-alcohol content of 0.16 before crashing into Tintor’s car,” Tafur added about Ruggs.
In a mock draft shared on March 11, ESPN’s Todd McShay predicted that the Houston Texans will take Carter with pick No. 12. More recently, Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN said on March 21 he thinks the Detroit Lions could grab Carter with the sixth overall choice.
As of Thursday, six different CBS Sports analysts had Carter listed as a first-round selection in their mocks.
