In his rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jalen Carter has undeniably lived up to the hype surrounding him as he entered the NFL. Though he fell just shy of capturing the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year title – which went to Will Anderson Jr. – Carter's impact on the field was palpable and immediate.
Stellar Rookie Campaign
Carter's season stats highlight why he was considered one of the top prospects: 33 tackles, six sacks, nine quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles over 16 games. Furthermore, he returned a fumble for a touchdown, illustrating his knack for big plays.
The young defensive tackle ranked second among rookies at his position in sacks and tied for second in quarterback hits. He also tied for first in tackles for loss with eight, showcasing his all-around ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Such a performance is a testament to his versatility and talent, which he displayed even from his first NFL preseason game, nearly securing a sack on his very first snap against the Baltimore Ravens.
Adapting to New Roles
The Eagles' coaching staff, led by Vic Fangio, recognized Carter's versatility early on and experimented with him in various positions during training camp. "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 noted, reflecting on his willingness to adapt and play wherever necessary for the team’s success.
This adaptability extended onto the field, where Carter was occasionally lined up on the edge in specific defensive packages. His ability to handle different roles has been essential, especially following the departure of longtime defensive line leader Fletcher Cox. Carter had to quickly assume a significant role on the Eagles’ defensive front, drawing from 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 recalled.
Eyes on the Ultimate Prize
While Carter didn't receive the Defensive Player of the Year title, his ambitions remain undeterred. "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, underlining his focus on team success over individual accolades.
Adjusting to the NFL has been an enlightening experience for Carter, who had to deal with a significant break from football before his debut 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 shared, emphasizing his readiness and eagerness to return to action.
Embracing a Brighter Future
Carter acknowledges the elevated level of competition in the NFL, an aspect he views as a natural progression in his career. "I look at it as the same. It's just the league. It's going to be way better competition," he remarked, demonstrating his understanding and acceptance of the challenges that lie ahead.
As the Philadelphia Eagles look towards the coming seasons, Jalen Carter's impressive rookie performance sets a promising tone. His adaptability, natural skill, and focus on team goals make him a crucial player for the Eagles' defense. Whether lined up on the edge or at his natural defensive tackle spot, Carter's presence is one that the Eagles, and their opponents, will undoubtedly be monitoring closely.