The 2023 NFL Draft is fast approaching with the Las Vegas Raiders narrowing down their decisions on what to do with the seventh overall pick. While nothing will be official until draft night, Las Vegas is making it clear that all options remain on the table.
After failing to acquire the first overall pick, due to the asking price, the Raiders have turned their attention elsewhere. The Arizona Cardinals are shopping the third pick, which would allow Las Vegas to jump ahead of the Indianapolis Colts for a quarterback.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders draft picks 2023
However, the Raiders might not necessarily draft a quarterback in the first round. NFL Draft rumors have hinted as Las Vegas eyeing potential targets on Day 2 who it could draft and develop behind Jimmy Garoppolo.
With the possibility of the front office taking a position other than quarterback, reports recently surfaced that Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Jalen Carter is off the Raiders’ draft board. It appears that might not be accurate.
Josh McDaniels told Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal that Carter remains on the Raiders’ draft board. Not only that, he is being flown out to Las Vegas for one of the team’s 30 designated pre-draft visits with prospects.
It’s very likely that Carter is off at least one draft board in the NFL. While many view him as the best player in the 2023 NFL Draft, a disastrous pre-draft process has hurt his stock.
Carter was warned about reckless driving by an officer in 2022 and later cited for going nearly twice the speed limit. Just a few months after those incidents, he was alleged to have been involved in street racing at the time of a crash that resulted in the deaths of a teammate and Georgia Bulldogs staffer in another vehicle.
After not participating in on-field drills at the NFL Combine, Carter showed up to Georgia’s Pro Day overweight and he couldn’t make it through positional drills without needing assistance. It elevated concerns about his maturity and work ethic, which is one of the reasons why Las Vegas wants to bring him in for an interview.
It’s possible the Raiders uncover additional information about Carter or his pre-draft visit with the team doesn’t go well, which could get him removed from the draft board. As of now, though, it appears the Raiders are willing to draft Carter if they believe he’s the best player available.