Eagles 'Promise' to Take Jalen Carter in NFL Draft? 'Yessir,' Insists Troubled Georgia Star

Jalen Carter - a top prospect who comes with behavioral baggage and what one scout terms to us "a problem with maturity'' - believes the Eagles will draft him.
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The talent of Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter is undeniable. Is there also truth in a supposed "promise'' the Philadelphia Eagles have made to the player as they get ready use the 10th overall pick in the Thursday night NFL Draft.

“Yes sir,” Carter himself is insisting ... and now we need to figure out the differences between "promises'' and "maybes'' and "smokescreens.''

The defending NFC champs have done a fine job, led by GM Howie Roseman, of hiding their intentions at No. 10. But Carter - a top prospect who comes with behavioral baggage and what one scout terms to us "a problem with maturity'' - believes the Eagles will draft him if he's still on the board by the time the Philly turns comes around.

"I believe so, it might have been something like that,” Carter said when asked by NBC Sports Philadelphia's John Clark if the Eagles will draft him. ... with Clark giving the topic another gentle push.

“So, if you’re there at 10, the Eagles are taking you?” Clark said.

“Yes sir,” Carter replied.

Carter, without the baggage, would be considered by some scouts as being the most talented prospect in this draft, right up there with Texas running back Bijan Robinson. And the Eagles, after losing Javon Hargrave to the San Francisco 49ers in free agency, could certainly use additional help upfront.

Our best guess is that Carter may be misinterpreting the Eagles "promise'' ... but that there is certainly a real connection there, as there also might be with Carter and the Seattle Seahawks at No. 5, which would make the Philly attraction to the player moot. Either way, the drama - and the "promises'' - are about to unfold.

Bijan Robinson Makes it Known: He Wants to Play with Eagles, Jalen Hurts

Eagles DT Jordan Davis Brings Out Jalen Carter's 'Best Behavior,' Says Insider

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Mike Fisher
MIKE FISHER

Mike Fisher - as a newspaper beat writer and columnist and on radio and TV, where he is an Emmy winner - has covered the NFL since 1983. He is the author of two best-selling books on the NFL.