UGA star Jalen Carter selected by Philadelphia Eagles as 9th overall draft pick

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — University of Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter has been drafted to the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2023 NFL Draft.

The 22-year-old from Apopka, Florida was the ninth overall draft pick in the first round on Thursday night, which aired live on Channel 2.

Carter will join former UGA teammates Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean on the Eagles defense plus fellow classmate Nolan Smith, who was selected by the Eagles later.

“Having guys that I already know there, I think that’s very important. It’ll help me transition into the NFL,” Carter told Channel 2 sports director Zach Klein after he was drafted.

Head coach Kirby Smart congratulated Carter shortly after his selection Thursday night.

“Jalen @breadmanjalen !! The @Eagles are lucky to have you. Super happy for you and proud of you. You’ve come a long way since your first day in Athens and I know that tonight is a dream come true. Looking forward to watching you dominate on Sundays. GO DAWGS!!”

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The path to the NFL Draft stage for Carter, who many analysts believed at one point could have been the top pick, has not been short of controversy.

Last month, Carter was charged with misdemeanor reckless driving and street racing in connection to a crash that killed a teammate and recruiting staffer in January.

Chandler LeCroy, 24, and UGA offensive lineman Devin Willock, 20, died in Jan. 15 crash on Barnett Shoals Road. The crash happened just hours after the Bulldogs celebrated their second consecutive national championship with a parade in downtown Athens.

Carter pleaded no contest to his charges and was sentenced to 12 months of probation, a $1,000 fine and 80 hours of community service, as well as a defensive driving course.

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