In his rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jalen Carter proved why he was a highly touted prospect entering the NFL draft. The young defensive tackle fell just short of capturing the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year title, an honor that went to Will Anderson Jr., but his debut year was nothing short of impressive.
A Stellar Rookie Performance
During the 16 games he played, Carter showcased his defensive prowess. He amassed 33 tackles, including eight tackles for loss, and secured six sacks. In addition to his sack total, Carter tallied nine quarterback hits and forced two fumbles, making him a formidable presence on the field. Notably, he returned a fumble for a touchdown, adding an exclamation point to his already impactful contributions.
Carter's performance ranked him second among rookie defensive tackles in sacks, and he tied for second in quarterback hits. His versatility and ability to penetrate the backfield were evident from the outset. In his very first NFL snap during a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, he nearly secured a sack, hinting at the damage he would wreak on opposing offenses throughout the season.
Adapting to New Roles
Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Carter was experimented with in different positions during early training camp. Occasionally lined up on the edge in certain defensive packages, Carter found the experience both educational and enjoyable. "It's good. It's fun," Carter remarked. "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."
Aligning wider on the field allowed Carter to utilize his agility and speed to pressure quarterbacks from various angles. "I got a lot of space. I can line up wide where I can make the tackle set out a little farther," he explained, highlighting the strategic flexibility his skills bring to the Eagles' defense.
Filling Big Shoes
The departure of longtime defensive line leader Fletcher Cox left a void in the Eagles' front, presenting a challenge and an opportunity for Carter. He drew parallels between this transition and his collegiate experience at Georgia. "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," Carter reflected.
Stepping into a more prominent role on the Eagles' defensive line, Carter's aim is clear. "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, emphasizing his team-first mentality and ultimate desire for championship glory.
Challenges and Growth
The transition from college football to the NFL is often daunting, but Carter approached it with confidence and readiness. After a long break from football—the longest since the start of his freshman year in college—he was eager to return to the field. "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," Carter said.
Reflecting on the level of competition in the NFL, Carter acknowledged the significant step up from college football. "I look at it as the same. It's just the league. It's going to be way better competition," he noted, demonstrating his awareness of the challenges that lie ahead and his determination to rise to the occasion.
As Jalen Carter continues to develop and refine his skills, his rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles has already set a high bar for what is expected to be an illustrious career. His versatility, tenacity, and dedication to his team promise a bright future for both him and the Eagles.