Jalen Carter’s legal troubles could affect Patriots’ draft plans

Day 1 of the NFL Combine was just supposed to be about standard media appearances for defensive linemen and linebackers. Instead, it turned into a spectacle when the news of Jalen Carter's outstanding arrest warrant came through.

Carter, a defensive tackle who is considered one of the best prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been charged with misdemeanor racing and reckless driving in relation to a car crash that called a Georgia teammate and team staffer in January. The 21-year-old was allegedly speeding alongside the vehicle driven by Georgia recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy, who died in the crash along with Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock, and fled the scene only to later return and answered questions from police.

The top prospect has since left the NFL Combine and has made arrangements to turn himself in to authorities in Georgia, maintaining in a statement that he expects to be cleared of any criminal wrongdoing.

Though it's too early to know what will befall Carter in the draft, pundits are predicting a small slide in his draft stock, though not quite enough of one to get him to the New England Patriots at pick No. 14.

Even if that doesn't happen, however, a draft-day fall for Carter could affect the Patriots' draft plans in other ways.

For one thing, it could push up several defenders, especially edge rushers, to fill the void left in his absence. For example, Texas Tech EDGE Tyree Wilson, whose intriguing length and athleticism for his size already have him rising up draft boards, could now become the second defensive player off the board after Alabama's Will Anderson if Carter dips into the bottom of the top 10.

If that prompts a run on edge rushers, the Patriots might miss out on players like Iowa's Lukas Van Ness or Will McDonald, who feel like strong fits in New England if they can last until the middle of the first round. Both have gotten recent top-10 buzz and might actually make it there if their NFL Combine performances are good enough.

Also, there could be an even greater chance that top offensive tackle options like Northwestern's Peter Skoronski or Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr. come off the board before the Patriots pick. For instance: the Chicago Bears, who have been connected to Carter for months, might now decide to trade down further than originally projected and target a tackle -- one of the many positions they have a need at -- as opposed to sticking with Carter.

Such ripple effects could make a few situations more likely: the Patriots targeting a position other than offensive tackle at No. 14, like cornerback or wide receiver, or trading down in the first round to target other prospects later. One option in the latter case might be Tennessee tackle Darnell Wright, who is generating buzz after showing out at the Senior Bowl and proving he could shut down college football's best pass-rusher in Alabama's Anderson this past season.

Who knows what could happen with Carter's legal issues between now and then? It could, perhaps, blow over somewhat if his charges never rise above misdemeanors, though the fact that he reportedly didn't notify teams he met with about these issues might turn teams off. Or things could maybe even escalate, causing an even bigger slide than anticipated. If Carter did somehow dip all the way to No. 14, it might be hard for Bill Belichick to pass him up.

We won't know until Draft Day itself. But Carter's absence now puts the spotlight on a number of players who could strengthen their own draft stock and maybe throw the draft board into chaos before the Patriots are on the clock.