Jalen Carter was hammered by NFL scouts over Georgia’s poor work ethic and effort level

Former Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Jalen Carter is widely regarded as one of the top picks for the 2023 NFL Draft. However, the incumbent All-American may not be drafted as high as his peers due to non-football concerns.

Carter, 22, was one of the most dominant players in college football last season. He received unanimous All-American honors and led Georgia to its second national championship behind a defense that allowed just 12.8 points per game.

• Jalen Carter (career) stats: 57 QB rushes, 18.5 tackles for loss

While there were some early NFL draft rumors regarding concerns about Carter’s maturity ahead of the pre-draft process, he was still considered the top prospect in the 2023 draft class. En route to the NFL Combine, Carter had an opportunity to secure his status as a top 3 pick.

Related: NFL reporter offers insight into Jalen Carter’s projected draft range

However, an arrest warrant was issued for him shortly after his arrival. The 6-foot-3 defense device received two misdemeanor charges, charges of racing and reckless driving, linked to racing on the same night of the accident that killed teammate Devin Willock and recruited associate Chandler LeCroy.

Carter agreed to a plea deal to avoid jail time and maintained his innocence throughout the trial. He later met with NFL teams to discuss his off-field issues, including reports that in 2022 he was warned by an officer about reckless driving and cited for nearly double the speed limit.

While Carter reportedly failed the interview and a poor showing at the Georgia Pro Day increased concerns about his work ethic, many still predicted he would be a top five pick. While that could still be the case, scouts in the league clearly still see issues with the All-American defensive lineman.

Scouts who spoke with GoLongTD.com’s Bob McGinn praised Carter’s skills but criticized his work ethic, conditioning and lack of consistency. Of the scouts McGinn spoke to, one called it “lazy” with an engine that “runs hot and cold,” while another scout was even more critical.

“They put him on the treadmill almost every day. He doesn’t love football, doesn’t love the weight room. Terrible family background. No leader. He’s phenomenally talented… He’s the epitome of star or bust.”

Anonymous NFL scout on Jalen Carter

Related: Several NFL teams have not had “positive experiences” with Jalen Carter

The off-field concerns with Carter are something NFL teams certainly need to investigate thoroughly by speaking to Carter, his former coaches, and Georgia law enforcement. However, he was only charged with misdemeanor or cautioned for public reporting.

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Concerns about Carter’s effort level and work ethic as a footballer are another harsh assessment. At 314 pounds, Carter is one of the heaviest players on a football field and the Bulldogs coaching staff wanted to keep him fresh all season. Given that Carter was also struggling with injuries, pausing a few plays per game and managing his replays were sensible actions in 2022.

When NFL executives and coaches learn from Georgia’s coaching staff that Carter doesn’t love the weight room, it’s a cause for concern. However, he is already one of the most talented young players in football and his poor showing at the Bulldogs’ Pro Day could be explained by the fact that Carter is still mourning months after the death of a team-mate.

RELATED: NFL insider thinks Jalen Carter could fall out of top 10 picks

Despite the red flags several NFL teams are obviously seeing with his decision making and maturity, Carter will still be a top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. While there’s a risk for the team drafting him, the upside is an all-pro defensive tackle that disrupts play like few others at his position.