The Philadelphia Eagles took a major risk during the 2023 season with their defense. Several key veterans departed, which led to younger players being thrust into larger roles.
Overall, the results were not positive. The team plummeted in several rankings, as every level of their defense regressed in 2023 compared to 2022.
However, there were still a few bright spots on the unit. One of them was rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
The No. 9 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft showcased why so many people believed that he was the most talented player in the draft class. Despite playing only 51 percent of the snaps last season, he was very productive for the Eagles.
Heading into Year 2, a bigger role and even more production look to be on the horizon for Carter. That is what Josh Edwards of CBS Sports is expecting, as Carter made his All-Breakout Team for the 2024 season.
“Carter recorded six sacks as a rookie and it seemed as though he was destined for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Although Year 1 could be considered a success, there is another level for him to take his game.
The ex-Bulldog was credited with 37.2 pass rush pressures by TruMedia, which ranked No. 38 among all players,” Edwards wrote.
Carter ended up being beaten out by his collegiate rival, Will Anderson Jr. out of Alabama, for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. It was a close race between those two and Kobie Turner of the Los Angeles Rams, as they all received 14+ first-place votes.
As Edwards noted, there is another level that Carter can take his game to for the Eagles. An expanded role on defense, with the same production level, would result in some incredible statistics.
Along with the 6.0 sacks, the former Bulldog had eight tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits and 18 total pressures. He was living in the opponent’s backfield and will look to do the same in Year 2.
With improvements to other areas of the defense, Carter should find even more success in 2024 than he did in 2023. Attention will have to be placed elsewhere along the Eagles’ front seven, opening him up for more one-on-one opportunities.
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