Jalen Carter Shines in Rookie Season With Eagles
As a rookie for the Philadelphia Eagles, Jalen Carter has unquestionably showcased why he was one of the most highly touted prospects entering the NFL. Though he fell just shy of capturing the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year title—an honor that went to Will Anderson Jr.—Carter's performance on the field has spoken volumes about his potential and burgeoning talent.
Carter's rookie campaign was nothing short of impressive. Over the course of 16 games, he amassed 33 tackles, six sacks, nine quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles. Notably, he also returned a fumble for a touchdown, further highlighting his playmaking abilities. Among rookie defensive tackles, Carter ranked second in sacks and tied for second in quarterback hits. Additionally, he tied for first in tackles for loss with eight, establishing himself as a formidable force on the defensive front.
Reflective of his diverse skill set, Carter nearly secured a sack on his very first NFL snap during a 2023 preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. It was a moment that foreshadowed the impactful presence he would bring to the Eagles' defense.
Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Carter was experimented with in different positions early in training camp. Occasionally lined up on the edge in certain defensive packages, Carter welcomed the versatility. "It's good. It's fun. I actually haven't been on the edge that much, but I always tell them if you need me anywhere, we got a package for it when I'm on the edge, and we'll see what happens," Carter remarked.
The transition to the NFL also meant stepping into a larger role following the departure of longtime defensive line leader Fletcher Cox. Drawing parallels between his collegiate experience at Georgia and his current NFL role, Carter said, "I'm looking forward to it a lot. It reminds me when I was at Georgia. I was behind JD [Jordan Davis], Travon Walker, all of them good guys. And when them guys went into the draft, it was me and my class coming up, and we had to take that step and take a big role in trying to win another national championship."
Despite his significant contributions, Carter kept his personal goals somewhat under wraps, revealing a humble yet driven approach to his professional ambitions. "I keep my goals private, man, because I didn't get my defensive player of the year. I just want to be the best. I want to connect with my team. The main goal is to win the Super Bowl," he stated.
The offseason before his debut NFL season marked the longest break from football for Carter since his freshman year in college. Eager to return to the field, Carter was ready to make an impact. "I was ready to play for a long time. That was the longest break I had from football since the start of my freshman year in college. So just getting back to it, I was ready, and I just made a play," he reflected.
Understanding the elevated level of competition in the NFL, Carter remains unfazed, viewing it as another challenge to overcome. "I look at it as the same. It's just the league. It's going to be way better competition," he noted, underscoring his readiness to face the next level of adversaries.
While Jalen Carter may not have taken home the Defensive Player of the Year title, his rookie season has clearly set the stage for what promises to be a stellar career. His blend of versatility, determination, and raw talent suggests he's just getting started—and the best is yet to come for both Carter and the Philadelphia Eagles. The main goal remains fixed: winning the Super Bowl, a goal that Carter, with his relentless drive and skill, is poised to help the Eagles achieve.