Eagles GM is defending Jalen Carter after he was accused of not being responsible for the fatal crash

Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman defended the franchise’s decision to draft embattled Georgia star Jalen Carter despite his reckless driving charges.

The Eagles selected the national champion-winning defensive tackle as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 Draft nearly two months after he was indicted for reckless driving.

The 21-year-old entered a plea bargain after he was booked on March 1 for reckless driving and racing in connection with the car crash that killed his teammate Devin Willock and Bulldogs staffer Chandler LeCroy.

Carter was once projected as a high pick in the first round, but had stumbled after a disappointing pro day and his guilty plea, seen as a risky choice by some organizations that removed him from their boards.

But Roseman defended the team’s choice, insisting the organization investigated the incident before making the decision.

“We spent a lot of time investigating the incident around it,” Roseman said. “We talked to Jalen about different things. We’re not going to get into what we’re talking about with our players. That’s not fair. … But in the end no one hides that a tragic event has taken place.’

Carter wasn’t asked outright about the incident in a Zoom interview with reporters from the Philadelphia area after his selection, but he was asked how much the Eagles discussed the car accident with him during their pre-draft talks.

“They really didn’t ask much about the accident that happened,” he replied. “It was kind of getting to know me and the love of the game I have for football, just getting to know my personality and things like that.”

However, at a later press conference with Roseman, a reporter suggested that Carter had not “appeared responsible” for his involvement in the fatal January 15 car crash.

“I don’t think that’s fair,” Roseman said. ‘Do you want him to talk about an ongoing investigation at the moment? At the end of the day he’s just been summoned and you put him on the spot.’

“You’re being overly critical of a boy trying to enjoy the best night of his life,” he added.

Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni also jumped to the defense of his new defensive lineman, echoing Roseman’s claims that the allegations were unfair.

“We understand that all these players — they need to be developed,” Roseman continued. “They come into the competition at a very young age. They are not finished products. I think when we’re 21 or 22, hopefully we’ve all grown a lot from that time.

“And you just really want to get to know the person and what’s on their heart.” And I think when we met Jalen, we felt like there’s a kid here who loves football.”

Carter will not serve jail time after pleading guilty to misdemeanor related to the fatal January 15 car accident that killed Willock and LeCroy. Instead, he received 12 months’ probation, a $1,000 fine, 80 hours of community service, and mandatory driver training.

Carter was considered the best defensive lineman in the class this year, but the crash and its aftermath may have played a role in his drop to the NFC Champion Eagles.

Carter missed part of the scout group in Indianapolis while turning himself in to the Athens Police Department on a reckless driving charge, only hurting himself more at last week’s Georgia Pro Day.

Not only had he gained nine pounds since the recon group, but he also failed to complete several exercises and refused to participate in other events.

The Eagles were busy on draft night and surrendered the number 10 pick to take Carter. They may have gotten a bargain if he has no further problems off the field. He could end up like Warren Sapp and Randy Moss, who became stars after their draft position was dropped.