Eagles Rookie Jalen Carter Already Among NFL Elite in One Key Stat

Jalen Carter is already proving himself as one of the best defensive players in the NFL. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Jalen Carter is already proving himself as one of the best defensive players in the NFL. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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There’s not much that NFL teams covet more than getting after the opposing quarterback. Elite pass-rushers are some of the highest-paid players in the NFL for a reason, and the way teams draft reflects that too. Recent drafts have brought some incredible d-line talent into the NFL over the last few years, and Philadelphia Eagles rookie Jalen Carter is no exception.

We knew Carter was going to be a great fit in Philly, but not many people saw him already producing alongside the NFL’s elite defenders this quickly.

Jalen Carter Elite

Carter has recorded 11 pressures (sacks, QB hits and hurries) through the first two weeks of the season, which ranks No. 5 in the NFL. The only players above him include the two favorites to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year plus another guy tied for 8th in the odds.

It’s also notable that everyone else on the list is an edge rusher, where you usually expect to see the bigger production for pass rushers. Carter’s not only doing this as a rookie, but he’s also doing it as a defensive tackle. That’s Aaron Donald-type impressive.

It’s not just the production that has Carter standing out as elite, either. PFF has also given him an outstanding overall grade of 90.2 through two weeks, which has him ranked No. 3 among all interior defensive linemen.

It’s hard to consider anyone else a threat to win Defensive Rookie of the Year at this point.

But with the way Carter is playing, DRoY isn’t even going to be the conversation Eagles fans are focused on. He’s going to start working his way into the All-Pro and Defensive Player of the Year conversations if he keeps this up.

It’s amazing how good he already looks with just two NFL games under his belt, and it’s crazy to think about just how much better he has the potential to become by the end of the season.

Section 215 readers can unlock $350 in bonuses just for betting $5 on Carter or the Eagles on DraftKings Sportsbook as long as they sign up through our exclusive link below. Any $5 wager will get you a guaranteed $200 bonus which pays out instantly, plus up to $150 in no-sweat bets. Make sure to unlock your $350 before the offer expires!