Georgia’s Jalen Carter has been one of the most heralded defensive prospects that we’ve seen in quite some time. His tape speaks for itself. He’s nearly unblockable, and once he transitions to the NFL, he’ll help change the face of his prospective D-line. Are the Las Vegas Raiders interested? Given recent off-the-field developments, Carter’s stock is in a dubious state. It’s possible that he’ll be available to general manager Dave Ziegler at No. 7 in a few days at the NFL Draft. However, what’s very interesting is that many fans were under the impression that the Raiders (Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels included) weren’t interested in Carter.
Once again, we have seen how this regime operates in Year 2; no one outside of that duo really knows anything.
Would the Raiders and Dave Ziegler actually consider Jalen Carter? Why wouldn’t they…
Georgia DT Jalen Carter is visiting today with the Raiders.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 12, 2023
It was just a few days ago that Vic Tafur of The Athletic wrote that the Raiders were “crossing off” Carter from their board. As Tafur pointed out, charges against Carter stemming from racing and reckless driving weren’t doing him favors. However, looking back, it’s interesting that something so “concrete” would’ve been published. Don’t forget, Tafur mentioned that his statement was derived from a “league source.” In other words, not someone named Ziegler or McDaniels.
Another Raiders beat writer, Vincent Bonsignore, refuted that claim outright shortly thereafter. Still, it goes to show you that this current power structure in Las Vegas is as tight-lipped as anything that the Raiders have ever had.
Previous regimes, such as the one headed by Mike Mayock, made sure to snuff out “inside sources.” Right now, the Raiders’ draft plans are as much anyone’s guess as yours or mine. What we do know is that the organization’s brain trust is doing its due diligence. In such a pivotal draft, the Raiders need to get it right.
Whether they go defense or quarterback; there are too many jobs on the line to let anyone know what’s afoot.
*Top Photo: John Bazemore/Associated Press
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