Top draft prospect doesn't want to talk to Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need help when it comes to their defensive line. The loss of Rakeem Nunez-Roches and the current absences of Akiem Hicks and Will Gholston have the Buccaneers in need of a couple of bodies to play alongside Vita Vea and the newly-acquired Greg Gaines. Todd Bowles recently mentioned a hopeful reunion […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need help when it comes to their defensive line.
The loss of Rakeem Nunez-Roches and the current absences of Akiem Hicks and Will Gholston have the Buccaneers in need of a couple of bodies to play alongside Vita Vea and the newly-acquired Greg Gaines. Todd Bowles recently mentioned a hopeful reunion with one or both players, but as we all know, that's not guaranteed.
The Buccaneers may have to look toward the draft to help the front seven. If they do, they may as well go ahead and cross Jalen Carter off their draft wishlist.
That's because Carter and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, have publicly stated they have declined/are declining/will decline any and all interviews with teams outside of the top-10. They firmly believe Carter is a lock to go in the first 10 selections of the 2023 NFL Draft, so, they think it's a waste of time to speak with any team picking at No. 11 or later.
Unfortunately, that means the Buccaneers won't be speaking with Carter. Granted, he was a long shot at No. 19, even with his recent off-field issues. But still, you never know how far a player will actually drop (see: Aaron Rodgers). So, you never want to completely abandon hope when it comes to a certain draft prospect.
And honestly, I'm not sure if I'd want to draft Carter after hearing this. It reeks of egocentrism and he comes off as awfully conceited. It also shows a lack of awareness: It's an extremely bold stance to take, especially considering his recent developments.
It'll be very interesting (and very humorous) if Carter does fall out of the top-10. It's highly likely he won't, as he's one of the draft's best players, but we've certainly seen crazier things before.
It's definitely something to put on your watchlist when it comes to what to pay attention to in a few weeks.
