Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay has showered rookie star Jalen Carter with praise ahead of the 2023 NFL season. Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, Slay expressed his belief that Carter, despite controversy surrounding him, has the potential to be a top pick in the league.
Carter, a defensive tackle from the University of Georgia, was chosen by the Eagles with the ninth overall pick in the draft. Slay believes that Carter should have actually been the number one overall pick, given his exceptional football abilities. The defensive tackle played a crucial role in leading the Bulldogs to consecutive College Football Playoff national championships.
However, Carter’s journey to the NFL was marred by a tragic car accident that occurred on January 15. The crash resulted in the death of Georgia football player Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy. Although Carter’s SUV was allegedly racing the car driven by LeCroy, he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing.
As part of his sentencing, Carter received 12 months of probation, a $1,000 fine, and 80 hours of community service. He was also required to attend a state-approved defensive driving course. These events, coupled with reports of his underwhelming performance during the pro day and being heavier than expected, caused Carter’s draft stock to drop.
Nonetheless, the Philadelphia Eagles saw past the controversy and decided to select him. According to Slay, they made the right choice. Despite the challenges he has faced, Carter possesses immense talent that cannot be overlooked. If he can channel his potential into on-field success, he could emerge as one of the top players in the league.
The praise from a respected veteran like Slay speaks volumes about Carter’s abilities and the faith his teammates have in him. As the 2023 NFL season draws near, all eyes will be on Jalen Carter to see if he can live up to the immense potential that both Slay and others see in him.
While controversy often brings scrutiny, the young defensive tackle has an opportunity to demonstrate that he has learned from his mistakes and is focused on becoming an impact player on the field. Only time will tell if he can overcome the obstacles in his path and fulfill his potential as a top pick in the NFL.
