Since the Philadelphia Eagles were able to find a way to select defensive tackle Jalen Carter with the ninth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, there hasn't been a more dominant interior linemen in the league than Carter.
His play over the last two years is evidence enough that Carter is going to be in the running for Defensive Player of the Year. Bleacher Report writer Brent Sobleski feels the same way, as he included Carter in his five defenders who can dethrone Patrick Surtain II as the award winner in 2025.
"In a world once dominated by Aaron Donald, the Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Carter is the closest thing to the retired three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
His explosiveness and movement skills for a 314-pound athlete are rare. They've been evident since before he even became a starter for an elite Georgia Bulldogs defense. Those traits have translated, and they'll be on full display this fall when Carter transitions to the focal point of the Eagles defensive front.
With Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat and Milton Williams now gone from the Eagles' lineup, Carter should be showcased as Philadelphia's defensive centerpiece. He has the capabilities to dominate and exceed the 10.5 combined sacks he registered during his first two seasons."
Carter's time has arrived to be the next great defensive force on the line
Despite his sack numbers dropping from six in 2023 to 4.5 in 2024, Carter did so much more with his play. He posted multiple career-highs with 42 tackles, 16 quarterback hits, 12 tackles for loss, six pass deflections, and two forced fumbles in 16 games. During the postseason, he had seven quarterback hits, three pass deflections, two sacks, and one forced fumble.
The first time Pro Bowler and All-Pro selection has done everything to prove how elite he is. What shocked fans this offseason is his defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, admitting he's still learning the position. Carter even admitted that he still has room to improve his game.
Of course, this is all music to Eagles fans' ears, but a scary reminder to the rest of the league of how much better Carter can get. His pure, raw skill has gotten him far in his two-year career, but if Carter figures out the technical part of the job, he could be even better.
It's season three for Carter, and it's a big one for him. At the pace he is going, he could be lining up for a big pay day within the next two years. That's money the Eagles would gladly pay for a rare talent like Carter.
