Eagles brass defends selecting Jalen Carter after reporter says he didn't seem 'accountable' for deadly crash

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The Philadelphia Eagles got arguably the best player in the NFL Draft at the ninth overall selection, but there's a big reason why that was the case.

Standout defensive lineman Jalen Carter's stock fell in part due to his involvement from a January high-speed crash that killed his former Georgia teammate Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy, a recruiting staffer.

It was revealed during the NFL Scouting Combine that Carter was the driver of a vehicle that raced the Jeep that Willock and LeCroy were in. The latter vehicle crashed after traveling at speeds over 100 mph, killing Willock and LeCroy.

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Jalen Carter poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected ninth overall by the Philadelphia Eagles during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, on Thursday. (David Eulitt/Getty Images)

Carter was charged with two misdemeanor counts of reckless driving and racing, and he pleaded no contest. He was sentenced to 12 months' probation and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. Carter was also ordered to serve 80 hours of community service and will have to complete a state-approved defensive driving course.

But while his stock fell, the Eagles were still aggressive in grabbing him, and felt they couldn't wait any longer — so they traded from the No. 10 selection up one spot to nab the defensive lineman.

Carter met with Philadelphia media right after he was selected, but one reporter felt that he did not "come across as accountable" for his involvement in the deadly crash.

General manager Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Srianni took exception to