Seahawks On Georgia DT Jalen Carter: Draft Polarizing Defensive Star at No. 5?

If Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter is available at No. 5... Seattle must decide if the numerous red flags are worth adding one of the most physically talented players in this draft class.

After a solid start to NFL free agency, the Seattle Seahawks enter the 2023 NFL Draft in a great situation but at least one looming question. 

Take a QB high, or ...

If Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter is available at No. 5... Seattle must decide if the numerous red flags are worth adding one of the most physically talented players in this draft class. 

In NFL.com's latest mock draft the Seahawks add Carter. 

Pete Carroll and John Schneider take the best player available to upgrade a defense that needs a makeover after last season's disappointing performance. Carter's off-field issues must be examined carefully, but there's no question about his on-field talent.

The character concerns about Carter are due in part to a car-racing incident in which a crash that left a Georgia Bulldogs teammate and a Georgia staffer dead.

Carter entered no contest plea to the charges on March 16. According to attorney Kim T. Stephens, Carter was sentenced to serve 12 months of probation, pay a $1,000 fine, perform 80 hours of community service and complete a state-approved defensive driving course.

It has been speculated that some of his recent problems are "psychological'' in nature due to the fatal crash.

Carter was a consensus top-five pick earlier this offseason and he could become a valuable contributor to this new-look Seahawks defense. Carter was a key part of Georgia’s stout defense that allowed the fewest rushing yards per game (77) in 2022. In the Bulldogs’ back-to-back championship run, Carter finished with 69 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, six sacks and two forced fumbles. 

Seattle has already made several moves to shore up the defensive front, including bringing veteran All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner back home. However, the Seahawks must continue to improve a defense that ranked 26th overall and third-worst on run defense in 2022. 

With Carter, the risk is there. ... As is the potential reward. 

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