Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

What sounds like a red flag for Jalen Carter is actually great news for Philly

Originally posted on Inside the Iggles
By Anthony Miller | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 4:00 PM ET

There have been many great draft picks by Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, but defensive lineman Jalen Carter is up there, and it honestly just got better.

The Eagles selected Carter in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he has been a superstar in the making. He was a runner-up for AP Defensive Player of the Year with 33 tackles, nine quarterback hits, eight tackles for loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown in 16 games.

His 2024 season was even better as he moved into a starting role with 42 tackles, 16 quarterback hits, 12 tackles for loss, six pass deflections, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 16 games. That performance was enough to help him be a Pro Bowler and a second-team All-Pro.

The scary part about that? He hasn't even reached his untapped potential yet, according to one former Eagles legend.

The surprising truth about Carter that will scare Eagles fans in multiple ways

While appearing on the 94WIP Afternoon Show, former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter shared a shocking quote about Carter that will open fans' eyes to his development. Trotter says Carter is still learning how to play on the defensive line.

“Word is on the street is he doesn’t even know how to play the position yet…From guys I talk to inside…he doesn’t even know how to play the position yet. He’s just playing off of raw talent. The sky is the limit for this kid.”

“Word is on the street is he doesn’t even know how to play the position yet…From guys I talk to inside…he doesn’t even know how to play the position yet. He’s just playing off of raw talent. The sky is the limit for this kid”

— Jeremiah Trotter on Jalen Carter@AfternoonsWIP
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) June 2, 2025

Trotter might know a thing or two about that intel since he's been around the organization for over two decades. He also happens to have his son, Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., on the team.

For someone who hasn't thoroughly learned how to play the position, Carter sure knows how to hide it. According to PFF, Carter was ranked 22nd in overall grade among interior defensive linemen with 74.1, but was ninth in the NFL in pressures against other interior defensive linemen with 53.

There are some things coaches can teach, but Carter's skills are not something that is taught. That is all natural skills.

It also leaves some to wonder where his development will be in 2025. Coming into his third season, Eagles fans would hope he would start to have a better understanding of the position and what defensive coordinator Vic Fangio wants from his guys.

Carter has a chance to be even better than he was a season ago. That's incredible to think about. Good luck to the rest of the NFL as Carter is about to be feasting in 2025.

This article first appeared on Inside the Iggles and was syndicated with permission.

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