Jalen Carter told the Eagles 'they got the best player in the Draft'
Jalen Carter didn’t hold back on his thoughts about the Eagles drafting him ninth overall. He’s excited to join some fellow Dawgs, too.
Carter rode the waves of uncertainty following a NFL Draft process that saw many publicly doubt his character.
Off-the-field setbacks sent Jalen Carter – widely regarded as the best overall player in the 2023 NFL Draft – on a downward tumble this spring.
Carter still went in the top 10, however, after the Philadelphia Eagles traded up with the Chicago Bears to get the explosive defensive lineman.
And he does not doubt confidence in himself, even if the experts cast a wary eye toward his future as a pro.
ESPN’s Suzy Kolber spoke with Carter moments after the Eagles made him the ninth overall pick in the draft
After thanking God and his family, Jalen Carter shared his intentions for what his Philadelphia introduction will look like.
“It’s time to work,” Carter told Kolber.
“The Eagles got the best player in the draft. I feel sure.”
The Georgia Bulldogs’ first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft doubled down when Kolber pointed out that the Philadelphia Eagles also spoke on the phone with Jalen Carter earlier on Thursday.
“I told them they got the best player in the draft. Day one when I get there it’s time to work. We’re fixin’ to win the Super Bowl.”
Carter will join his former Georgia football teammates and 2022 NFL Draft picks, Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean on the Eagles’ defense
Carter couldn’t hold back his excitement about a Dawgs reunion when Kolber pointed out the connection to him.
“You’ve got former teammates there already,” Kolber said.
“What does that mean to you?”
“That means a lot,” Carter said.
“Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean… We’re fixing to win.”
A little Georgia stability and familiarity could go a long way for Carter as he overcomes the valleys of this NFL Draft process.
Obviously, the Eagles are familiar with the results and talent that can come from Georgia’s program.
They took Jordan Davis in the first round last year. Nakobe Dean took his own slide all the way to the third round before Philadelphia scooped him up.
Both Bulldogs got a taste of NFL success right out of the gate, as their franchise lost to Kansas City in Super Bowl LVII.
Now, Philadelphia has a young core of Dawgs on its defense as the defending NFC Champions attempt to take the next step.
