Bears aren't giving up on one of the NFL's top prospects just yet
The Chicago Bears aren’t ruling anything out with the NFL Draft just over a month away.
In the midst of a free agent frenzy, the Chicago Bears are continuing to do its due diligence for the upcoming NFL Draft.
University of Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter is thought to be one of the draft’s top prospect, if he’s not the top prospect. When Chicago had control of the No. 1 overall pick, many believed that the Bears would be an ideal fit for Carter. However, recent issues on and off the field leave Carter’s draft projection in question.
Carter was charged with reckless driving and racing, both misdemeanors, stemming from an incident on January 15 in which Georgia player Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy were both killed.
On Thursday, Carter plead no contest and will not face any jail time. Instead, he now faced 12 months of probation with a fine of $1,000 and must serve 80 hours of community service as well as a defensive driving course.
He didn’t work out at the NFL Combine, but did partake in Georgia’s Pro Day. However, Carter showed up nine pounds heavier than his weight at the combine and was noticeably laboring during drill work.
Even with recent concerns, Carter projects to be a dominant force at the next level. When Bears GM Ryan Poles was asked about the possibility of selecting Carter if he falls to Chicago at No. 9 overall, Poles wouldn’t rule it out.
“We aren't really there, yet. Like the combine, it's a collection of information. We got some there. We got more, you know, at the Pro Day. We'll bring him in and talk to him and get to know him even better. And in some point in mid-April, we'll sit down and put it all on the table and see how we want to handle it.”
The Bears will have to get clarity on what has been going on with the All-American whenever the team brings him in. Chicago has bolstered the middle of its defense with the signings of T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds.
If Carter slips to Chicago on draft night, he would be another formidable addition in the middle of the defense if he can prove that the off-field issues are not going to be a problem moving forward.
