Eagles’ Jalen Carter Named to PFWA's First-Team, All-Defensive Rookie Team

Philadelphia Eagles rookie Jalen Carter lost out on the Pro Football Writers of America award, however, to Houston Texans edge rusher Will Anderson, Jr.; did he do enough to win the AP Rookie of the Year honor?

There’s no question that Jalen Carter tailed off late in the season. The Philadelphia Eagles rookie, though, got off to a good start and sustained his strong play throughout most of the middle stretch of a season that ended in disappointment.

Did he do enough to become the first rookie defensive player of the year in Eagles history?

Per the vote of the Pro Football Writers of America, he did not.

PFWA released the results of its voting on Tuesday and the defensive rookie of the year went to the Houston Texans’ Will Anderson, Jr.

Carter was, however, named to the PFWA’s first-team all-defensive rookie team.

Nick Sirianni chats it up with Jalen Carter :: John McMullen/Eagles Today

Here is that team:

DL – Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans; Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles; Tuli Tuipulotu, Los Angeles Chargers; Kobie Turner, Los Angeles Rams
LB – Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions; Ivan Pace Jr., Minnesota Vikings; Byron Young, Los Angeles Rams
CB – Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers; Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks
S – Jordan Battle, Cincinnati Bengals; Ji’Ayir Brown, San Francisco 49ers

The third overall pick, Anderson played in 15 games with 13 starts and had 29 tackles (16 solo), seven sacks, 67 pressures, 22 quarterback hits, 10 tackles for loss. He also added a blocked field goal on special teams. His seven sacks were fourth among NFL rookies and set a franchise rookie record.

Meanwhile, Carter was taken ninth overall and finished with 33 tackles in 16 games, with six sacks, nine quarterback hits, 33 pressures, two forced fumbles, a blocked field goal, and a 42-yard scoop-and-score touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Associated Press has been giving out the Defensive Rookie of the Year award since 1967. Never has an Eagles player won it.

The last five to claim it:

2018: Shaq Leonard, who did it with the Colts but ended this season with the Eagles.

2019: Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers

2020: Chase Young, Washington Commanders, now with the 49ers

2021: Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

2022: Sauce Gardner, New York Jets

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While Carter may not win the award, there’s no doubt he had an impact on the Eagles in his rookie season and he still hasn’t scratched the surface of what he might become.

Remember, he began the season after being sued by the family for his alleged involvement in a fatal accident earlier in the year. The incident impacted Carter in various ways.

“I’m excited to see where he goes,” said good friend and defensive linemate Jordan Davis. “He’s a great player. Everybody knows that. He’s a great player. 

"But just as an individual and as a person, just how he handled everything, all the adversity that he had on his hand – we can’t sit here and deny that he didn’t have any adversity coming in – I think he took that very well. I’m just very proud of the way that he balled out this year."