The Pittsburgh Steelers’ hope may be all but gone for a certain draft prospect falling to them at 17. Just last week, we wrote a piece on what the team should do if Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter fell to them in the 2023 NFL Draft. His stock has fallen quite a bit over recent months, including reports that he could drop out of the top 10. That led to the question on what Pittsburgh would do if he does indeed fall in the draft in a few weeks.
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Could Georgia DL Jalen Carter fall to the Steelers in the 2023 NFL Draft?
On Monday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Chicago Bears would be meeting with Carter, joining the Philadelphia Eagles as the teams to have officially met with him. The Bears possess the ninth pick in the upcoming draft, well within range to select the talented lineman. Additionally, Schefter reported that Carter's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said the Georgia product would not be meeting with any teams that are outside of the top 10.
Georgia DT Jalen Carter is visiting the Bears today. It is his second visit, with him already having visited the Eagles. Carter’s agent Drew Rosenhaus said he is declining visit requests for any team drafting outside the top 10 picks. “I’m confident Jalen will go in the top 10,”…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 3, 2023
This could all but eliminate the Steelers’ chances at getting him. There was one exception, as Carter and his agent would meet with a team if they traded *into* the top 10. The Steelers could do that, and general manager Omar Khan has shown a willingness to be very aggressive in his tenure so far. It’s not likely though, as Pittsburgh seemingly want to bank on their three top-50 selections. If anything, a trade down would probably be more likely to happen.
Steelers.com
Former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden has advocated for the team trading up to select Carter.
The Steelers are more than one player away from realistically competing for a Super Bowl, although Carter would revitalize the team’s aging defensive line. Former Steelers defensive back Bryant McFadden, who now has a podcast with cornerback Patrick Peterson, tweeted out that the one player he would trade up for would be Jalen Carter.
What would be a realistic trade for the Steelers?
After his recent legal trouble and concerns at UGA's Pro Day, it's interesting to hear this tidbit of news. It could turn off some teams, but his talent will likely be too good to pass up. There are plenty of quarterback-needy teams, which could lead to a slight fall in the draft. Still, any optimism from last week on Carter making it down to the Steelers at 17 seems to be all but gone.
What would you give up to move into the top 10 and select Carter? How good would the defensive line be with the stud rookie? Where do you think he eventually gets selected in the 2023 NFL Draft? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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