5 NFL teams that should take the risk on Jalen Carter in the 2023 NFL Draft

Team no. 3 for Jalen Carter: Las Vegas Raiders

It goes without saying but automatically there are comments made about Jalen Carter being in Las Vegas being a possible setup for disaster. This is mainly due to the issues with former first-round pick Henry Ruggs III and his arrest in Vegas due to his own driving issues resulting in a tragic fatality.

If the Raiders can give Carter the benefit of the doubt and surround him with responsible teammates this could be a match made in heaven. Carter is tough, gritty, and an absolute disruptor in the center of the field. It has been a long time since the Raiders had a defensive tackle of that caliber. Defensive end Maxx Crosby is essentially on an island on the defensive line as Chandler Jones has been not exactly as advertised. The Raiders have depth at the defensive tackle position but none of which would be as potent as Carter.

The Raiders have the 7th pick overall and could end up being just out of reach for Carter. If Carter were to fall to the Raiders it would be a no-brainer to select him. Why? The Raiders were in the bottom three in defensive rankings for sacks with 27. The Raiders spent approximately $63 million on their defensive line and had the third least amount of sacks in the NFL in 2022.

Carter could be a star in the desert if the Raiders send his name in at #7 in April. It would naïve to say Carter would have no issues or temptations in Las Vegas. The Raiders would have to take this seriously if they select Carter and have a plan in place to mentor this young man. The juice may be worth the squeeze.