The Chicago Bears are sitting in a prime position at ninth overall after trading the first overall pick to the Carolina Panthers. They’re sitting at ninth overall in the 2023 NFL draft, where top prospects will be on the board.
One of those could be Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who many believe to be the best prospect in the draft. While Carter was once thought to be a top-four selection, his draft stock has plummeted after his off-field issues and poor pro day performance.
It’s why some NFL experts believe Carter could fall to the Bears at No. 9. But would Chicago take him?
The Bears recently hosted Carter on a Top 30 visit, where general manager Ryan Poles and his staff are doing their due diligence on him to determine if he’s worth taking a risk on.
According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, it sounds like if Carter is available at ninth overall that the Bears will draft him. Miller said Chicago is said to “value him highly.”
The best intel I have on the Bears? I’ve heard defensive tackle Jalen Carter (Georgia) won’t fall past their pick at No. 9. They are said to value him highly. One AFC college scouting director said the Seahawks (who pick at No. 5) and Lions (No. 6) also could take Carter in the top 10. Outside of the value, Carter would be a great fit in the middle of the Chicago defensive line. He’d be a true building block for Matt Eberflus’ 4-3 defense.
The Bears have needs across the defensive line, both interior and edge. But they’re in need of that disruptive 3-technique to power Matt Eberflus’ defense, and Carter would certainly fit the bill.
With quarterbacks set to be in demand inside the top 10, Chicago is in a good position to land him. Granted, teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions would have to pass on him just for the Bears to be in a position to land him.
But if Chicago is able to land Carter after trading back from first overall — where some believed they could draft him originally — it would be a huge win for Poles.
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