Detroit Lions Betting Favorite to Draft Jalen Carter

The Lions currently have the best odds to draft the Georgia defensive tackle.

The Detroit Lions are currently the betting favorites to land Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter in the 2023 NFL Draft, according to odds on the DraftKings Sportsbook. 

Carter is a consensus first-rounder who was once believed to be the top defensive prospect in the draft. Throughout the offseason, character concerns have emerged that have threatened his status. 

On the field, the Georgia defender is a dynamic talent who excels in the middle of the defense. In three seasons with the Bulldogs, he totaled 18.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. 

The Lions have the sixth overall pick in the draft, which begins on April 27. Right now, the team is at +300 odds to take Carter, which is the best of any NFL team. 

The Chicago Bears are second at +450, while the Atlanta Falcons are third at +900. Atlanta has the eighth overall selection, while Chicago holds the ninth. 

Detroit is indeed doing its due diligence on the prospect, as he was scheduled for a pre-draft visit with the organization. 

Lions coach Dan Campbell has spoken about the importance of football character when it comes to adding players. So, the Lions will be evaluating whether or not the Georgia product fits the bill. 

The Lions are also considered favorites to land Michigan kicker Jake Moody. 

As for Moody, Detroit is the favorite at +250. The 2021 Lou Groza Award winner was 69-for-84 on field-goal attempts in his career at Michigan. 

Other NFL teams near the Lions include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at +450 and the Los Angeles Rams at +650. 

He's a popular late-round selection for the Lions in mock drafts, but his prowess could see him drafted earlier than kickers are typically taken. 

The Lions re-signed incumbent kicker Michael Badgley to a one-year contract earlier in the offseason, but could opt to bring in a kicker to compete with him throughout training camp.