Tag: Carter

Mar 1, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; An empty podium for Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (not pictured) during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Still the 1? QBs rise, DT Jalen Carter falls in top pick odds

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Bryce Young exits the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine with a firm grip as the favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick, oddsmakers say.

FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings all upped Young’s chances of being the top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft over the past week, despite Young’s decision to postpone his passing session and on-field testing until the Alabama Pro Day on March 23.

Young is -190 at FanDuel with former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud +350 and ex-Florida QB Anthony Richardson making another big climb to +600.

Richardson, with his 6-foot-4, 244-pound frame, led all quarterbacks at the combine in the 40-yard dash, broad jump and vertical jump.

Will Anderson, who worked out as a defensive end, is the top defensive player at FanDuel at +1200.

No player dropped further in No. 1 pick futures odds this past week than ex-Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter. The pre-combine buzz around Carter pushed him to +550 to be drafted No. 1. After he left Indianapolis to turn himself in for a reckless driving and drag racing warrant connected to the deaths of two people in Athens, Ga., Carter dipped to +4000 at FanDuel.

He’s +5000 at DraftKings, and both books list Carter on the board behind former Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson (+3500).

BetRivers took a $1,000 bet on former Kentucky quarterback Will Levis to be the No. 1 overall pick at +2500 odds (potential payout of $25,000) with another $1,000 wager on Wilson being the first defensive player drafted at +550.

Defensive players are also taking a hit in No. 1 pick futures after Bears general manager Ryan Poles all but admitted there’s not much of a chance Chicago will pick No. 1 overall. As the Bears fish for the best trade offer, the most likely scenario involves a team that needs a quarterback swapping picks with the Bears.

Richardson opened at +10000 at BetMGM and was +500 as of Tuesday morning.

Richardson has 22.7 percent of the handle at BetMGM, where Young is the leader in total handle at 28.8 percent.

At PointsBet, Richardson is just +350 — dead even with Stroud — and Young is the favorite at -165.

–Field Level Media

Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia DT Jalen Carter leaves Combine, facing warrant in fatal crash

Posted on | by Field Level Media

On the cusp of the biggest moment of his life, Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter faces arrest warrants for reckless driving and racing in connection with the Jan. 15 fatal crash that claimed the life of Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock and football department staffer Chandler LeCroy.

Both charges are misdemeanors punishable by up to $1000 fine and one year in jail.

Carter, 21, was interviewed by police and told authorities he wasn’t present at the time of the accident, according to the report.

But details of the arrest warrant, citing video recorded before the crash, allege Carter was the driver of a 2021 Jeep Trailhawk that pushed LeCroy, who was driving a 2021 Ford Expedition, to speeds exceeding 100 mph.

“The investigation found that (Carter and LeCroy) were operating their vehicles in a manner consistent with racing shortly after leaving the downtown Athens area at about 2:30 AM,” the warrant from Athens-Clarke County Policy Department said Wednesday. “The evidence demonstrated that both vehicles switched between lanes, drove in the center turn lane, drove in the opposite lanes of travel, overtook other motorists, and drove at high rates of speed, in an apparent attempt to outdistance each other. Evidence indicate shortly before the crash the Expedition was traveling about 104 miles per hour. The toxicology report indicated that LeCroy’s blood alcohol concentration was .197 at the time of the crash. Investigators determined that alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving and speed were significant contributing factors to the crash.”

The legal blood alcohol concentration limit in Georgia is 0.08 percent.

Police said the case was given to the Solicitor General’s Office on Wednesday.

The report was released just 20 minutes before Carter was scheduled to take the podium in a press conference setting at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Carter is ranked among the top players in the draft and considered a likely top-5 pick in April.

Carter never took the podium because he reportedly left town on Tuesday night.

He was in Indianapolis on Monday and Tuesday and met with teams in formal interviews before the warrant was issued.

The warrant was issued just as Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith was at a podium in Indianapolis in a press conference. He was asked about the crash that killed Willock, who was a good friend.

That’s my guy,” Smith said before emotions began to overtake him, causing his hands and lips to quiver. “I get sensitive talking about it just because I love him. And he never did anything wrong in his three years. He was supposed to graduate. Most people don’t know his brother passed like that. No one should deserve to die like that.”

Smith shook his head as he continued, banging the lectern and removing his steamed glasses from his face covered in tears.

“Three years in a row, that man showed up (and) worked day in and day out. He’s a two-time natty champ, man. And it’s written in stone. Devin, I love you, baby. Seven-seven (Willock’s jersey number), you living forever. ‘Do it for Dev,’ that’s what I tell them boys at Georgia. ‘You lost a brother. Do it for Dev.’ I’m sorry to get emotional, man.”

Police said Carter also was ticketed in September for driving 89 mph in a 45 mph zone.

–Field Level Media

Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) and linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson (10) react after a play against the TCU Horned Frogs during the fourth quarter of the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia DL Jalen Carter enters 2023 NFL Draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter is headed to the NFL.

Carter fought through multiple injuries as a junior in 2022 and amassed 32 tackles (seven for loss) and 3.0 sacks. After winning his second national title with the Bulldogs on Monday, Carter announced he was turning pro.

“88 out,” his message read on Twitter.

Voted to the All-SEC second team as a sophomore, Carter had 8.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks in addition to 33 quarterback pressures and two blocked kicks — one in the national championship victory over Alabama.

Field Level Media rates Carter among the top 10 overall prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft, which begins April 27.

At 6-3, 310 pounds, Carter has a combination of explosiveness and athleticism that will draw significant interest from general managers in April.

–Field Level Media

Dec 10, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Army Black Knights outside linebacker Andre Carter II (34) reacts after a play against the Navy Midshipmen during the first half of the 123rd Army-Navy game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA Today Sports

Bill provision paves draft route for Army LB Andre Carter II

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Army linebacker Andre Carter II and other pro prospects at service academies are on the verge of being eligible for the NFL draft.

Players at Army, Navy and Air Force would be clear to enter the 2023 NFL Draft under the provision to a recently passed congressional bill filed Tuesday. The provision affords deferred service for players pursuing professional sports opportunities.

The 6-foot-7, 260-pound Carter had 15.5 sacks last season and three in 2022. He is the son of former No. 7 overall pick Andre Carter, who attended Cal and played defensive end in the NFL for 13 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers (2001-05), Washington Commanders (2006-10), New England Patriots (2011, 2013), then-Oakland Raiders (2012) before shifting to a coaching career in 2015.

Carter II is considered a first-round pick, rated in the top 32 by The Athletic and No. 22 overall by ESPN in the ’23 draft class still taking shape nearly one month before the underclassman deadline to enter.

However, the provision is temporary, according to the language of the bill published on the Senate Appropriations Committee site Tuesday that says the modified bill “shall only apply with respect to a cadet or midshipman who first enrolls in the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, or the United States Air Force Academy on or after June 1, 2021.”

Carter II said he considered transferring before the 2022 season, but opted not to leave based in part on the Army and service academy policy permitting players to enter the NFL draft and defer service to post-career. The December passage of the original version of the bill would have eliminated Carter’s chance to enter the draft despite having a chance to be the first cadet drafted in the top 50 in more than 75 years. The modified version could reach the desk of President Joe Biden this week, CNN reported.

“We are grateful for the support, time and energy of the United States Military Academy leadership, the Long Gray Line, and so many others throughout the country who offered their expertise and influence to quickly reach a resolution,” Carter’s parents, Andre and Melissa, told ESPN.

Sep 10, 2022; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) hits Samford Bulldogs quarterback Michael Hiers (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia DT Jalen Carter, potential No. 1 pick, sidelined 1-2 weeks

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter is out 1-2 weeks with a knee injury, head coach Kirby Smart said on Monday.

Carter, a projected top-five NFL draft pick, injured the medial collateral ligament in his left knee when he took a shot to that area in Saturday’s game against Missouri.

“We don’t know how long it’s going to be, but it doesn’t look good for this week,” Smart said.

Carter entered the game with an ankle injury, but Smart said he lobbied to re-enter the game. Georgia (5-0) faces Auburn this week, followed by a game against Vanderbilt and the No. 2-ranked Bulldogs’ bye week.

ESPN ranks Carter as the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft and The Athletic ranks him as the top defensive prospect in the draft.

–Field Level Media

Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) celebrates after a defensive stop on fourth down in the second half the NCAA Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Alabama Crimson Tide defeated Cincinnati Bearcats 27-6. Cotton Bowl Cincinnati Bearcats Alabama Crimson Tide Ac 428

2023 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The 2022 NFL Draft contained unique depth in the late rounds due to players taking advantage of COVID eligibility, but it lacked truly elite prospects at the top of the draft.

The 2023 prospect pool looks similarly strong in the late rounds, but seems more well-rounded at the top. It’s headlined by two star defenders and a potential franchise quarterback.

Here’s a closer look:

10. TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame: One of the most productive receiving tight ends in college over the last two years, Mayer has excellent size and athleticism for the role.

9. OLB Nolan Smith, Georgia: An exodus to the NFL will weaken Georgia’s defense next year, but Smith will be a pillar as he works to cement himself as a first rounder.

8. QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State: Stroud’s accuracy needs improvement, but he is strong-armed and productive with great upside as a passer.

7. LB Henry To’oTo’o, Alabama: Rangy and nimble with great instincts, To’oTo’o has the type of athletic profile and football intelligence to be the first linebacker picked.

6. CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State: The son of former Steeler Joey Porter, the younger Porter has the explosiveness and ball skills to be a lockdown corner in the NFL.

5. OLB Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame: A gifted hybrid pass-rusher who can rush as a defensive end or drop into coverage as a linebacker. Foskey’s versatility will intrigue teams.

4. WR Kayshon Boutte, LSU: Boutte has some injury questions, but his elite fluidity of movement and slick routes will be eye catching for scouts.

3. QB Bryce Young, Alabama: Undersized but remarkably accurate with a lightning quick release. Young’s precision and off-script ability make him the favorite to be the first passer selected.

2. DT Jalen Carter, Georgia: Carter’s production was undercut by sharing a defensive line with three first rounders last year. He’ll get a lot more opportunities as a junior.

1. DE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama: After collecting 17.5 sacks as a sophomore, Anderson seems primed to be the top pick in next year’s draft.

–Field Level Media

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antonio Hamilton (33) does a backflip while celebrating their 34-33 win against the Minnesota Vikings in Glendale, Ariz. Sept. 19, 2021. Cardinals Vs Vikings

CB Antonio Hamilton re-signs with Cardinals on one-year deal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Arizona Cardinals announced Tuesday that they have retained cornerback Antonio Hamilton on a one-year deal.

Hamilton had a career-best 38 tackles in 17 games (two starts) for the Cardinals last season. He recovered one fumble and defended four passes.

The 29-year-old Hamilton has also played for the then-Oakland Raiders (2016-17), New York Giants (2018-19) and Kansas City Chiefs (2020) during his NFL career. He has 88 tackles and nine passes defended in 74 games (four starts).

Arizona also claimed outside linebacker Ron’Dell Carter off waivers on Tuesday. Carter was waived by the Houston Texans on Monday.

Carter, 24, spent most of the last season on the Cardinals’ practice squad before Houston signed him late in the season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 24, 2020; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Michael Carter (8) with the ball in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

North Carolina RB Carter, WR Brown skip bowl, enter draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

North Carolina running back Michael Carter and wide receiver Dyami Brown shifted from Orange Bowl preparations to training for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Carter announced Monday via social media that he would not play in the Tar Heels’ bowl game against No. 5 Texas A&M on Jan. 2.

“Thankful would be an understatement,” the senior wrote on Twitter. “I give God the praise because without him, I’m nothing. I want to thank my parents for laying down the foundation for success. I want to thank my brothers for all their love and honesty. I want to thank the entire 850 for embracing me as their own and for their unwavering support. I want to thank Coach (Larry) Fedora for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime and his continued support, and to Mack Brown for trusting me to help lead this program and make our team feel comfortable in a time where we needed it most.

“I want to thank Coach (Robert) Gillespie for being there for me and pushing me to where I am now. I’m a better player and man because of him. Thank you to all the coaches who have pushed me and believed in me. I also want to thank all my teammates, I love y’all 4L. Last but certainly not least, I want to thank Tar Heel Nation. It’s been an honor to represent UNC, and I can confidently say I gave you all I had.”

Carter, a Florida native, rushed for 3,404 yards in four seasons in Chapel Hill, including 1,245 yards and nine touchdowns, plus 25 receptions and two TDs in 2020.

Brown, a junior, led the ACC with 1,099 receiving yards in 2020 and has 21 career touchdowns.

“These past three years went by fast but the people that I’ve met and the friends that I’ve made within the three years is just amazing,” Brown wrote. “So many memories and stories to tell but I would like to thank y’all as well because you are family to me. To the fans, I love y’all because even without knowing me, you have supported me and did not stop supporting me. To the start of a dream, with that being said … I’ve decided to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.”

–Field Level Media