In his rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jalen Carter made a significant impact, confirming why he was considered one of the most coveted prospects entering the NFL. Although Carter narrowly missed the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year title, which went to Will Anderson Jr., his performance on the field speaks volumes about his potential and versatility.
Rookie Season Performance
Carter demonstrated his prowess on the defensive front with an impressive stat line that included 33 tackles, six sacks, nine quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles over 16 games. His ability to make big plays was further highlighted when he returned a fumble for a touchdown, a moment that underscored his knack for being at the right place at the right time.
Throughout the season, Carter ranked second among rookie defensive tackles in sacks and tied for second in quarterback hits. Additionally, he tied for first in tackles for loss with eight, solidifying his position as a key player in the Eagles’ defense. His performance was further amplified by nearly securing a sack on his very first NFL snap during the 2023 preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, showcasing his readiness to compete at the highest level from the outset.
Versatility and Adaptability
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio experimented with Carter in various positions early in training camp, occasionally lining him up on the edge in certain defensive packages. "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, illustrating his adaptability and willingness to contribute wherever needed.
This flexibility on the field is something Carter relishes. "I got a lot of space. I can line up wide where I can make the tackle set out a little farther," he explained, noting the advantages of his diverse skill set, which allows him to exploit the opposition’s weaknesses from multiple positions on the defensive line.
Filling Big Shoes
The departure of longtime defensive line leader Fletcher Cox left a void in the Eagles' defensive front — a gap that Carter has been tasked with helping to fill. Drawing parallels between his collegiate experience at Georgia and his current role in the NFL, Carter reflected, "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."
Personal Goals and Team Aspirations
Despite not clinching the Defensive Rookie of the Year title, Carter remains focused on his personal and team goals. "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 shared, emphasizing his commitment to both personal excellence and team success.
Having endured the longest break from football he had experienced since the start of his freshman year in college, Carter was more than ready to dive into his rookie season. "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 recalled, a testament to his eagerness and drive.
Looking at the level of competition, Carter acknowledges the heightened challenge in the NFL. "I look at it as the same. It's just the league. It's going to be way better competition," he commented, recognizing the rigorous nature of professional football.
Jalen Carter's rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles has indeed been a journey of growth, adaptability, and impressive on-field achievements. As he continues to evolve and take on greater responsibilities, both he and his team have their eyes firmly set on the ultimate prize — winning the Super Bowl.