Jalen Carter Named a Finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

Former Georgia football All-American defensive tackle Jalen Carter has been a star as a rookie for the Eagles and has been named a finalist for the NFL DROY.

Since he was a freshman at Georgia, it just seemed like a matter of time until Jalen Carter was dominating at the highest level in the sport. The Apopka, Florida native looks like he's carved out of stone and moves with unnatural quickness for someone who weighs 314 pounds. 

The Philadelphia Eagles saw those same traits and drafted Carter with the ninth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Now, after a highly successful rookie campaign, Jalen Carter has been named a finalist for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year by the AP.

Nov 19, 2022; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) looks on before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field / Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

As a rookie on a loaded Eagles' defensive line, Carter carved his role out, seeing the field early and often. He finished the 2023 season with 20 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown. 

Jalen Carter, as advertised 💪 @breadmanjalen | @eagles#MINvsPHI on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/eMkDgB2kEz pic.twitter.com/OjK5nJEjFi

— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2023

AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Finalists

• Will Anderson Jr. - Houston
• Jalen Carter - Philadelphia
• Kobie Turner - Los Angeles Rams
• Joey Porter Jr. - Pittsburgh 
• Devon Weatherspoon - Seattle

During his time at Georgia, Jalen Carter was a force, winning two national championships and becoming a unanimous All-American in 2022. He tallied 83 tackles during his three seasons in Athens, including 6 sacks and 18.5 tackles for a loss. 

Other Georgia News:

• All-American Honors Roll In for Standout Georgia Freshman
• Georgia Bulldogs Could Surpass 2023 Totals in This Year's NFL Draft
• OL Tate Ratledge Returning to Georgia For 2024 Season

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