Eagles' Jalen Carter Comes Up Short in DROY Race

Originally posted on FanNation Eagle Maven
By Zach Dimmitt | Last updated 2/8/24

The Philadelphia Eagles' season ended sourly, but rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter was one of the bright spots on an inconsistent defense.

As a result, he earned a spot as a finalist for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, but came up short when it was revealed Thursday at NFL Honors that Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. won the award.

Anderson won against a five-player race that featured Carter, Seattle Seahawks rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner.

Carter finished the regular season having played in 16 games while posting 33 total tackles, six sacks, nine quarterback hits, eight tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery, which he returned 42 yards for a touchdown in Philadelphia's 33-13 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14.

Carter was the talk of the 2023 NFL Draft due to both his No. 1 overall pick-worthy talent and some concerning off-field issues.

Regardless, the Eagles took a chance on the Georgia product and traded up one spot with the Chicago Bears from No. 10 to No. 9 to select Carter after he nearly fell out of the top 10.

This article first appeared on FanNation Eagle Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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