Steelers Draft Digest: Jalen Carter Falls to Steelers in New Mock After Legal Troubles

In a new mock draft, the Steelers draft an uber-talented player who just had legal issues arise at the NFL Combine on Wednesday.

: Top defensive lineman Jalen Carter ran into legal troubles on Wednesday when Athens police issued a warrant for his arrest stemming from the January 15th crash that resulted in the death of one of his former teammates, Devin Willock, and a recruiting staffer, Chandler LeCroy. The police release states that Carter exhibited ‘racing-like’ qualities. He was charged with two misdemeanors for racing and reckless driving.

Carter left the scene after stating at first that he was never there, and drove away from the scene after being found over a mile away from the scene. It was believed that he misled the police and changed up his accounts. However, Carter responded in a statement, left the NFL Combine, and went back to Athens to face the charges.

“IT IS MY INTENTION TO RETURN TO ATHENS TO ANSWER THE MISDEMEANOR CHARGES AGAINST ME AND TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE COMPLETE AND ACCURATE TRUTH IS PRESENTED. THERE IS NO QUESTION IN MY MIND THAT WHEN ALL OF THE FACTS ARE KNOWN THAT I WILL BE FULLY EXONERATED OF ANY CRIMINAL WRONGDOING,” the statement read.

Carter was scheduled to speak to the media at 10:30 on Wednesday at the NFL Combine but did not speak after leaving to face the charges.

: In a new mock draft by Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports, he has Carter falling to the Steelers, and the Steelers draft brass deciding to stop his fall. Due to their need at defensive line, Trapasso believes that Carter could be the perfect fit for the Steelers to potentially take a chance on.

“The Steelers stop the Carter fall and feel they have the right coaching structure and locker room to handle everything that will come with making this selection,” Trapasso wrote.

Oftentimes in recent years, Pittsburgh has shied away from those with obvious ‘character concerns’ such as legal issues. However, Carter’s talent is undeniable and he is a high-level player. It would something to balance for the team if they get into this position.

: With the NFL Combine here and in full swing, the Steelers are meeting with prospects. So far, key prospects such as Bryan Bresee, Noah Sewell, Drew Sanders, and others have met with the team. That list will only continue to grow as more players come into Indianapolis for the NFL Combine. Tomorrow is defensive backs, and of course, the big one to watch will be none other than Joey Porter Jr.

: In Mel Kiper’s new mock draft, he has the Steelers going out and getting Joey Porter Jr. That is certainly one that continues to be likely and often mocked. With NFL bloodlines as well as the Penn State connection, Porter Jr. fits what the Steelers like and need from the position.

“The 6-foot-2 Porter next on my board. He didn’t allow a single touchdown in coverage last season, and quarterbacks averaged just 3.7 yards per attempt when he was the nearest defender in coverage. While I would have like to see him come down with more interceptions — he had one in 30 college starts — he broke up 11 passes last season, so the ball skills are there,” Kiper wrote.

🏈: According to Adam Schefter, the Bears are looking to move off the No. 1 overall draft pick. With no apparent need at quarterback thanks the belief in Justin Fields, they will instead look to recoup picks and instead reload on the defensive side of the football. That could affect the Steelers draft plans if the right team moves up to the spot and gives the Bears an extra pick before No. 17 overall.