Getty Image / Paul Abell
Nearly every football fan has their eyes on Jalen Carter right now, as his offseason has been incredibly rocky.
Now, it appears he and his agent have revealed a rather bold pre-draft strategy that has NFL fans scratching their heads. Especially considering his numerous red flags.
According to Ian Rapoport, Carter and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, are so confident that he’ll be selected within the top 10 that they’re turning down pred-draft visits from teams who don’t have a top 10 pick.
From NFL Now: #UGA DT Jalen Carter is turning down pre-draft visits from teams outside the Top 10, as his agent Drew Rosenhaus is confident that's where he's going. If a team trades into the Top 10 before the draft, he would be open to visiting them. pic.twitter.com/kf7iQCN8wO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 3, 2023
All of that is fine and dandy, except for one crucial fact. NFL teams are capable of trading up into the top 10 on draft day. So, why exclude those teams completely?
Additionally, this level of confidence is a bit astounding as well. Especially considering how many red flags surround the former Georgia Bulldog right now.
Outside of the legal issues, Jalen Carter showed up to his Pro Day out of shape and much heavier than he was at the combine two weeks prior.
It’s been nothing but red flag after red flag for this kid. Even so, Jalen Carter seems overly confident he’ll be taken into the top 10.
And he very well could be. Especially considering reports claim he’s visiting with the Chicago Bears, who hold the ninth pick overall after their trade with the Carolina Panthers.
Another team within the top 10 who have visited with Jalen Carter is the Philadelphia Eagles, per Adam Schefter.
Georgia DT Jalen Carter is visiting the Bears today. It is his second visit, with him already having visited the Eagles. Carter’s agent Drew Rosenhaus said he is declining visit requests for any team drafting outside the top 10 picks. “I’m confident Jalen will go in the top 10,”…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 3, 2023
With that said, things are certainly getting interesting for Carter. It’ll be interesting to see where he lands, as he’s one of the most watched prospects in this year’s NFL Draft.