Jalen Carter discontinued pre-draft visits with teams outside the top 10 for a reason, and as we speculate on what Philadelphia will do at No. 10, Chicago is starting to show their hand.
Ian Cunningham is the Bears’ assistant GM, a disciple of Eagles GM Howie Roseman.
More from Ian Cunningham on Jalen Carter: "I think Jalen's a really good player. I mean there's no denying the talent, you turn on the tape a couple years ago when they first won the national championship and they had all those defensive lineman on the field, you couldn't help
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) April 25, 2023
The fast-rising NFL executive had some intriguing things to say about the Georgia All-American defensive tackle, and there’s no doubt that Chicago covets the Bulldogs’ disruptor.
Ian Cunningham on Georgia DT Jalen Carter, who visited the Bears on a top-30: "Me personally, I think just spending more time with him and really just getting to know him, we were able to be there with him. Our first conversation was I think at the combine. Second time,
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) April 25, 2023
Carter played alongside 2022 first-round picks Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt on the defensive line for the national champions Bulldogs in 2021.
Carter was a 2021 second-team All-SEC selection after logging 37 tackles, 8.5 for loss with three sacks, two blocked kicks, and two starts in 15 games.
In 2022, Carter led a Bulldogs defense that allowed the fewest rushing yards per game (77.1), garnering first-team Associated Press All-American and all-conference honors despite missing time during Georgia’s title run with knee and ankle injuries.
Carter finished the season with 32 tackles, seven for loss with three sacks, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in 13 games and nine starts.
The comments were eye-opening, and if Howie Roseman wants Carter, he’ll need to make a draft night trade following the Seahawks’ pick if Seattle chooses to pass on the defensive tackle.
