Georgia’s Jalen Carter will not be attending practice at the Scouting Combine

Jalen Carter will not train with the Scouting Combine originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

Georgia’s Jalen Carter will not be attending practice at the NFL’s Scouting Combine this week.

Carter will undergo a physical exam and meet with teams for preliminary interviews. According to his agent, he will be training at Georgia Pro Day on March 15.

It’s not uncommon for the NFL Draft’s top talent to skip the combine in favor of their pro days, a more controlled and favorable environment.

RELATED: Ex-NFL GM on Bears’ offseason: ‘It’s rare and exciting’

Carter is the name most commonly associated with the Chicago Bears in mock drafts, even as they trade down.

Carter fills a need in defense for head coach Matt Eberflus, so it’s an obvious fit.

The other defensive star under discussion is Alabama pass rusher Will Anderson Jr.

“If I look at this year’s draft class and what I know so far, you have a chance where they’re picking to put an impact player on the defensive side of the ball,” said ex-NFL general manager Rick Spielman NBC Sports Chicago’s Football Night in Chicago. “There will be a lot of discussion. Should it be Jalen Carter? Do you want it to be Will Anderson?”

The Bears arguably possessed the worst defensive line last season. They recorded the fewest sacks (20) in the NFL last season and hardly put any pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

A player like Anderson, who has hit 27.5 sacks over the past two seasons, would greatly benefit the Bears.

“I think Will Anderson has a chance to be a franchise-type pass rusher,” Spielman said. “Good boy. I spent some time with him down in Alabama.”

On the other hand, the Bears’ defense also struggled to defend the opposing offensive run game, allowing for the second most rushing yards per game and most rushing touchdowns last season.

A consistent gap stopper like Carter could help clog up the middle and rush the quarterback.

The story goes on

“Jalen Carter makes the difference as a three-point technician or under-tackle,” Spielman said. “Those are harder to find because I don’t think you’re going to see guys like that in the free-agent market.”

So therein lies the question the Bears are likely to dwell on for much of the offseason – Carter or Anderson?

“I just think it’s hard to find a breakthrough three-point technique,” Spielman said, referring to Carter. “I know with Chicago’s defense and what [Matt] Eberflus likes to run that when you have a game-destroying three-point technique that makes all the difference in the world. You can build on that.

“And those guys are rare to find, especially a Jalen Carter guy.”

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