Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter has been connected to the Chicago Bears since the start of NFL Draft season. An ideal fit for the Bears’ vacant three-technique, Carter’s ranking as the top non-quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft has remained strong despite questions about his character.
Remember: just because a player is rated as the top non-quarterback doesn’t mean he’ll be the first non-quarterback picked. Carter has a real chance of sliding to the Chicago Bears at No. 9, which is why GM Ryan Poles continues to do his due diligence on the game-wrecker.
Jalen Carter has few peers talent-wise in the 2023 NFL Draft. Sure, he isn’t the model of consistency on every rep, and there are frustrating moments on film when his motor isn’t running hot. But few interior defensive line prospects have come along in recent years with his ceiling.
Names like Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh, and Warren Sapp are mentioned when offering player comps for Carter. And while I believe those comparisons are a bit rich, they add context to the kind of player draft analysts think he can become.
In this NFL Draft series on Bears Talk, you get to form your opinion on whether a prospect warrants the Bears’ consideration at No. 9 overall (or even later).
Next up: Jalen Carter
(Previous film rooms: Paris Johnson Jr. | Peter Skoronski | Broderick Jones | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Tyree Wilson)
