NFL insider has some shocking comments about Jalen Carter

Leave a Comment / College Football, Georgia Bulldogs, NFL Draft / By /
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Much has been made about Jalen Carter‘s “off-the-field issues” in light of a recent arrest for charges that stem from the night a car accident took the lives of a Georgia player and staffer.

It was compounded when Carter showed up to the Bulldogs’ Pro Day nearly 10 pounds overweight. By all accounts, it was a terrible workout for one of the top talents in the 2023 draft class.

Granted, going through the traumatic events that Jalen Carter has experienced would be difficult on anyone, so the Pro Day issues didn’t bother me that much. Moreover, for a guy that weighs 300+ pounds, a fluctuation like that isn’t crazy.

However, those concerns are growing. NFL insider Jesse Palmer told local radio hosts on 92.9 The Game that the worry goes beyond the original instances. Instead, they relate to his dedication to football.

Now, that is a more than fair reason to pass on the player, but when he’s on the field, he’s arguably the most talented player in the draft class. There are no questions about Carter’s production.

These NFL teams are billion-dollar corporations; they can dig a hell of a lot deeper than Jesse Palmer or any other insider. Recently, Jalen Carter’s agent told every team outside of the first 10 selections that he wouldn’t be taking pre-draft visits. There will be at least one club within the top 10 that feel comfortable with their findings.

I must say these aren’t substantiated reports by any means, but my radar is up. I’m not completely buying Palmer’s reports; it is notable nonetheless. We must remember Carter fought back from a serious injury to contribute to Georgia’s second National Championship run instead of healing up in preparation for the NFL Draft. There is a lot to this, but Todd McShay’s initial report is being backed up now.

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Photographer: Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire

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Falcons reportedly targeting 2nd round WRs in NFL Draft

Leave a Comment / Falcons, NFL Draft / By /
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The Falcons have taken pass catchers in back-to-back draft cycles. Kyle Pitts was the highest-drafted tight end in history, and Drake London was the first receiver off the board last year; the club is apparently not done bolstering the position either.

Multiple insiders are reporting the Falcons are targeting receivers on Day 2. Matt Miller of ESPN reaffirmed a report from Mel Kiper.

“The source also mentioned wide receiver and safety as areas Atlanta will attack on Day 2 of the draft,” Miller stated. Kiper, on the other hand gave more tangible information, including a few prospects.

“(Mississippi’s) Jonathan Mingo would be another big receiver,” Kiper said via the AJC. “If you want a slot guy, it would be Josh Downs from North Carolina. So, they have some options there if they want to go receiver there either slot or wide.”

There will be several options for the Falcons. Mingo and Downs are intriguing players with completely different skill sets. Another prospect Kiper mentioned was Jalin Hyatt.

“Or at that point, what receiver would be there who’d be intriguing? Jalin Hyatt from Tennessee. He’s a speed option. If he’s around at that point, I thought about giving him to Atlanta. He didn’t run … as fast as we thought he would at the (NFL) combine.

“He ran 4.4 instead of 4.28. He’s got to add some poundage to that frame. Maybe 10 pounds to that frame and maybe get a little stronger. He’s a take-the-top-off-the-defense receiver. He was phenomenal for (Tennessee quarterback) Hendon Hooker.”

The Falcons are seemingly in the market for another pass catcher to pair long-term with Drake London. Downs and Hyatt are closer in terms of their skill sets, but Mingo is closer to London.

From Arthur Smith’s days in Tennessee, I would put money on the big bodied pass catcher with RAC ability to be the selection. AJ Brown and Corey Davis are perfect examples of this, and London also fits the mold.

One thing is clear, though: the Falcons will be adding to the receiver room. The future of the position isn’t bright. Drake London is the only player worthwhile currently under contract.

We’ll see which direction the Falcons go in the draft later this month. There are plenty of other prospects that could be available in the second round. Jordan Addison out of USC is an interesting possibility. Zay Flowers and Tyler Scott are dangerous with the ball in their hands too.

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Photographer: David Jensen/Icon Sportswire

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