Chicago Bears are doing their homework on Georgia DL Jalen Carter

The Chicago Bears have long been connected to Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter as a potential first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

In fact, the Bears-Carter connection dates back to when Chicago secured the No. 1 pick. The Bears’ need for a three-tech, and Jalen Carter’s stature as the top non-quarterback in the 2023 draft class, made the association logical.

But Carter’s NFL draft process has been turbulent, to put it gently.

Jalen Carter, a top prospect out of Georgia, is subject of an arrest warrant from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department over charges of reckless driving and racing involved in a January fatal crash. He was scheduled to address media at 10:30 ET at the NFL Combine. pic.twitter.com/QttJrobrTw

— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) March 1, 2023

While Carter’s legal troubles have been resolved, questions about his work ethic and consistency remain. His pro day was a train wreck.

Jalen Carter participated in Georgia’s Pro Day today, but only took part in the positional drills.

However, he was unable to finish these drills as he was “cramping up” and had “heavy” breathing.

Carter also weighed in at 323 pounds, which is 9 pounds heavier than he was at the… pic.twitter.com/dET0Yi2ado

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) March 15, 2023

Still, Jalen Carter’s upside is higher than any non-quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has the potential to be a cornerstone in the Chicago Bears’ defense, should he slide to No. 9.

Carter (6-foot-3, 314 pounds) finished the 2022 season with 32 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three sacks.

Chicago Bears gathering intel in case Jalen Carter slides

Indeed, there’s a chance Carter will be on the board when GM Ryan Poles is on the clock. And if that’s the case, Poles better already know whether the Bulldogs star has the character he wants in the locker room.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bears continue deep-diving into Jalen Carter’s background.

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

If nothing else, Schefter’s report proves Carter is a confident guy. At least his agents are confident. By refusing to visit teams picking outside the top 10, he’s sent a clear signal to the NFL that he expects to be selected among this year’s premier prospects, even with his background concerns.

The Chicago Bears haven’t signed any veterans capable of being their primary three-tech. Last year’s starter, Justin Jones, remains the likely first man up for the job. Free agent addition DeMarcus Walker can slide inside on passing downs, but he isn’t a traditional three-technique.

Meanwhile, Jalen Carter presents as a Warren Sapp-type prospect who almost every NFL draft analyst agrees will be a game-wrecker in the NFL.