Daniel Jeremiah released his updated 2023 NFL Draft Big Board, ranking the top 50 prospects in this upcoming draft class (including 19 SEC players).

No. 1 on the list for the NFL.com analyst is Georgia DL Jalen Carter, who many see as a potential fit for the Chicago Bears, who currently hold the No. 1 overall pick in April.

Jeremiah notes Carter’s versatility and ability to use both power and speed to get through blockers as reasons for him being in the No. 1 spot on his Big Board:

Carter is a highly disruptive player with the versatility to line up at any position along the defensive front. Against the pass, he has an explosive first step and understands how to work through the edges of blockers. He jars opponents with his initial strike before clearing his hips and closing in on the quarterback. He has the change-of-direction ability of a player 40-to-50 pounds lighter. He can use pure power to run through single blocks and possesses the quickness to split double teams. Against the run, he is firm and strong at the point of attack and has the range to make plays on the perimeter.

The only negative? Jeremiah says he’d like to see Carter stay upright a bit more often moving forward:

The only negative is that he ends up on the ground a little too much. Overall, Carter is a real difference maker and must be accounted for on every snap.

Will Carter go No. 1 overall? We’ll find out in a few weeks!

Adam’s take on Jalen Carter

The fit with Carter and the Bears seems to be a good one. I also have no problem with the Georgia defender being No. 1 on Jeremiah’s list. He’s a game-changing defensive lineman.

However, as is important to note, this is a Big Board ranking and not a mock draft. While the Bears would likely take Carter with the No. 1 pick, it’s very possible that they trade down with a team that wants to move up to take a quarterback.

Still, either Carter or Alabama edge Will Anderson Jr. figure to be the first defensive player off the board, whether that’s No. 1 overall or later in the top 5.