OT: Would you draft Jalen Carter?

Since you're asking about our opinions -- and not our opinions about what Brad Holmes will do -- I'll give you my take, only based on what I've read and heard.

Lions culture now seems to be like that of the 2004 "goin' to work" Pistons -- work hard, in practice and in games. Team first. Stay on board with the coaches. No primadonnas.

Carter seems like the ultimate get-by-on-talent-on-a-good-team guy. Questions about motivation and motor.

Thus, he's clearly not a fit for the Lions as currently constructed with the culture that is in place. 

Hard Pass.

**As others have said though, I am inclined to trust Holmes -- if he wants him, then that's fine. Holmes has done well, so I'm fine with what he sees. But my opinion is no way.

I would not

Personally, I don't think the Lions are not quite at the point as an organization where they can afford to take a huge gamble at #6 and miss (seem on the right track, but not there just yet), so I would avoid Carter early. However, if he was to theoretically fall all the way to #18, and depending on what is still on the board then, I would certainly consider it. My guess is that he is going to go somewhere between picks 7-15, the red flags are hard to ignore, but someone is going to bite by mid 1st round.    

I'm a little bit torn about taking him at 6. No way he lasts till 18.

Pros: Donald-like talent, position of need, takes the heat off of Aidan, run stopper deluxe, used to winning

Cons: all the reasons mentioned (pro day, drag racing, etc.)

FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD/BRAVE - the reason I'd draft him at 6.

If the Lions hope for any chance to make it past the 1st round of the playoff, we need another great impact player. The other DLs mentioned (Wilson, Murphy, etc.) are bound to be good starters but not game changers. If he drops to Philly, I see little chance we will even advance past them in the playoffs. This isn't a QB that could make or break our future (Chuck Long, Andre Ware, Joey Harrington, etc.). If the Broncos could win the SB with an aged Peyton but a great DL, we could do the same. Same with Eagles, who won a SB with a solid D and Nick Foles. Goff is better than those two guys were those seasons.

No, I dont want the Lions or Seahawks to take him (my two rooting interests). Too many warning signs IMO

I remember when Malik McDowell was drafted by Hawks and all my Seahawks friends were so pumped....I told them, dumb pick and wasted pick, kid makes stupid mistakes...

And we know how that played out...not saying Im smart on this shit but when it comes to off field decisions there are dumb decisions and there are DUMB decisions and Carter fills the second cup

Id pass

This sounds like a cop out but if the Lions draft him, I want it and am ecstatic about it. It hasn't been talked about much in this thread but I feel like the current Lions culture and locker room would be a huge plus for Carter. His coaches would almost entirely be younger (for coaches), former players who can relate and help motivate. Campbell & AG I trust to guide and get the best out of our young players. If the Lions take him at 6 you know theyve vetted and believe in him as an organization. Because he is the #1 talent in this draft. At the Lions biggest position of need. If you add an interior wrecking ball to this defense -- watch out.

Also, Mazi isn't going to be around at pick 48. Hes trending into a late 1st round pick and I think its far more likely he goes in the 20's then falls to the 40's. Lions have to add some talent at DT with one of their first 4 picks. Honestly, it probably has to be one of the first two. Benton from UW is probably the guy would be available when the Lions draft in the 2nd and I think that is a gaping drop off from the potential of a Kancey/Mazi/Bresee.

No. Wouldn't draft him in round 7 or round 100 if they had that many.  You drag race and are involved in something where someone's life was lost you would never be on my team.  If you wanna argue that that isn't fair or try to downplay his role in it or try to chalk it up to a being immature or everyone makes mistakes then fine. You do you.  I would not entertain that when someone's life was lost.  I'd wish him good luck and root for him to succeed on another team, but I'll reward every other kid who didn't fuck up first.

nope

The thing that sets apart college players is talent, the thing that sets apart pro players is effort. Seen so many talented college players amount to nothing in the pros because they don't want to put in the work. Film only tells you so much, the staff will need to evaluate him and his work ethic to see if he'll take the next step or not. 

He isn't high risk and he won't be around at 18.

Lions fans have seen this guy before. Reggie Rogers. Nick Fairley. It doesn't work out. Even if it's true that his performance at the combine was affected by his legal problems, that's just further evidence drafting him is too risky. The questions aren't going away. I don't believe he'll be able to shoulder the pressure he's created for himself. History shows dudes like this don't change their tune, either. He'll be making the news for the wrong reasons again real soon. 

For the Lions toget where they want to be, they can't blow draft capital on a ticking timebomb. Hard pass.

I'm with you... I think he's too big a risk (especially for the Lions with other big needs) at 6. I'd probably grab him at 18 (he won't be there) and slam dunk in the second round (definitely won't be there). 

I said this last year with the Hutch/Thibs debate. Campbell wants guys who would play for free. Guys who live to ball. I didn't get the impression that Thibs was that guy (still don't) and I don't think Carter is that guy. 

Culture on a team is important. Carter does not fit the Lions culture. Gotta be a pass regardless of talent IMO. 

if he passes the MCDC "heart in it" motivation test....than in a heartbeat.