Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) is blocked by Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Olisaemeka Udoh (74) and guard Ezra Cleveland (72) at Lincoln Financial Field. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles rookie has lived up to expectations

By John Gidley | Last updated 9/26/23

The Philadelphia Eagles have a long history of talented players on their defensive line. Another one is quickly making a name for himself: rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter.

In Philadelphia's 25-11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night, Carter wreaked havoc on consecutive plays shortly before halftime. First, Carter and Fletcher Cox combined for a sack of Baker Mayfield. Carter stripped the ball from Mayfield, but Tampa Bay recovered.

On the next snap, Mayfield completed a two-yard checkdown pass to running back Rachaad White, but Carter delivered a right hook to knock the ball loose and cornerback James Bradberry recovered.

THE ROOK!!!!@breadmanjalen | #PHIvsTB | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/X9relzV6SC
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 26, 2023

Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham loved what he saw from Carter, particularly the forced fumble.

“It was a hammerhead, aint’ it? [Carter] came from out of nowhere," he said.

Early this past offseason, it was widely expected the Chicago Bears would draft Carter with the first overall pick. Even after the Bears traded the pick to the Carolina Panthers, it was still assumed Carter would be a top-five selection.

After Carter pleaded no contest in March to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing, however, he fell on draft boards.

On Jan. 15, Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed in a car accident while racing Carter. As part of his plea, Carter was fined $1,000 and sentenced to a year of probation and 80 hours of community service.

It was later reported that at the time of the crash, Carter was driving with a suspended license. Carter has since been named as a co-defendant in a lawsuit filed by Willock's family against the University of Georgia.

Carter -- a dynamic talent once expected to be the top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft -- fell to the Eagles with the ninth overall pick.

Philadelphia is an ideal landing spot for the 22-year-old. Under the guidance of veterans such as Cox and Graham, Carter can improve on and off the field.

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has expressed his support for the rookie.

"We're going to wrap our arms around him and do the best we can to help him," he said.

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