2023 NFL Draft position preview: Jalen Carter is best in DT class; Jaguars may lie in wait
This isn't the best year for interior defensive linemen — especially those with pass-rush skills — so Georgia's Jalen Carter is the clear-cut pick of the litter.
But at what cost?
Carter has had a tumultuous off-season. He was charged with reckless driving and racing for his role in a fatal accident in Athens the night of Georgia's national championship celebration, showed up overweight at his pro day and couldn't finish some drills and blew off media sessions at the NFL Combine and Pro Day.
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Carter isn't likely to fall out of the top-10 — unless there is any more self-inflicted damage. But there is the definite possibility he will fall from the top five if teams are leery of his off-field problems.
Carter has been mocked anywhere from No. 4 to No. 10. Detroit, at No. 6, may find it too tempting to not pick Carter and pair him with last year's No. 2 overall pick, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
Top five interior defensive linemen
Jalen Carter, Georgia, 6-3, 314, projected middle top-10 pick in first round
Bryan Bresee, Clemson, 6-6, 298, projected second round
Mazi Smith, Michigan, 6-3, 323, projected third round
Myles Murphy, Clemson, 6-5, 268, projected third round
Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh, 6-1, 281, projected third or fourth round
Who makes a first-round move?
It looks as if Seattle at No. 5 would be the earliest spot that a team moves on Carter. If not the Seahawks, then Detroit and most certainly Atlanta at No. 8 if Carter falls that far.
The Jaguars needs
The Jaguars lost some depth when Corey Peters retired and they'll take an edge rusher before they go inside. But they might grab someone in the later rounds that can be a viable backup to DaVon Hamilton. Alabama's Byron Young (6-3, 300) might be a possibility and resembles Dawauane Smoot in that he can play outside or in. Another possibility is Auburn's Colby Wooden (6-4, 273), who has visited with the team.
Tomorrow: Safeties, nickel backs.
Read other draft position stories by the Times-Union staff
Kicker, punter
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: 2023 NFL Draft position preview: Georgia's' Jalen Carter best in DT class
