In his rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jalen Carter showcased why he was considered one of the most promising prospects entering the NFL. Despite falling just shy of the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year title, which ultimately went to Will Anderson Jr., Carter left an indelible mark on the field.
Remarkable Statistics
Over the course of 16 games, Carter amassed an impressive 33 tackles, six sacks, nine quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles. Adding a memorable highlight to his season, he returned a fumble for a touchdown, underscoring his relentless pursuit on the field. His performance ranked him second among rookie defensive tackles in sacks, tying for second in quarterback hits and tying for first in tackles for loss with eight.
Versatility on Display
Jalen Carter's versatility was evident early in his career. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Carter experimented with multiple positions during training camp, lining up occasionally on the edge in specific defensive packages. Reflecting on his adaptability, Carter noted, “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.”
This ability to line up wide provided him with added space to maneuver, further complicating the task for opposing offensive lines. “I got a lot of space. I can line up wide where I can make the tackle set out a little farther,” Carter explained.
Transition from College to NFL
Carter drew parallels between his collegiate experience at Georgia and his current role in the NFL, especially after the departure of longtime Eagles defensive line leader Fletcher Cox. “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 reminisced.
Personal and Team Goals
Despite not claiming the Defensive Player of the Year title, Carter remains focused on his primary objectives. “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, showcasing his team-first mentality and unwavering ambition.
The young defensive tackle also shared insights on his readiness and eagerness to return to the field after his longest break from football since his freshman year in college. “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 said.
Embracing NFL Competition
Adjusting to the heightened level of competition in the NFL was another aspect Carter had to embrace. Acknowledging the leap from college football to the professional league, he observed, “I look at it as the same. It’s just the league. It’s going to be way better competition.”
In summary, Jalen Carter’s rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles was marked by significant achievements and a clear display of his potential. His versatility, combined with his ability to draw on past experiences and set ambitious goals, positions him as a pivotal player for the Eagles' defensive lineup. As Carter continues to develop and adapt to NFL competition, his contributions will undoubtedly be crucial in the Eagles’ pursuit of future success.