Eagles VIDEO: Jalen Carter 1st Play - Destroys Ravens QB
It took one play for Jalen Carter to demonstrate that the "baggage'' he might be bringing with him after a tumultuous end to his college career is something the Philadelphia Eagles are willing to work through.
In the recent 2023 NFL Draft, the Eagles’ chose to invest in the two-time defending national champion Bulldogs defensive lineman. And in his first-ever game as a pro - Saturday in a 20-19 loss to the Ravens - Carter put on display why the investment just might pay off.
Oh, and it took just one snap, the Eagles' first defensive play of the preseason ... as the No. 9 overall pick Carter burst through the offensive line of the Baltimore Ravens,beating anyone who even thought of getting in his way, and then almost breaking in two the hapless Ravens QB Josh Johnson.
Said Carter: "First play of my NFL season, getting to the quarterback, that was pretty awesome. I plan on doing that more."
Was Carter the best overall player in this year's draft class before the fatal car-racing tragedy that causes some to question whether he'd make it back to the top psychologically? Both of those issues are real, and it's too early to know the destiny of this potential Eagles star.
But if the positive buzz wasn't there before? The first-year player wreaked havoc on defense on one play, showing the world what the veteran Eagles see every day in practice.
Five-time All-Pro center Jason Kelce revealed that the Eagles offensive line has collectively discussed how to deal with blocking the rookie during training camp.
"Jalen Carter, the way he's moving around,'' said Kelce, "already the guards are talking about different things to try and do against him... We're talking about him, I think I'll be interested to really look at the tape and see what it looks like.''
True. But we kinda saw "what it looks like.'' And it looks like Jalen Carter is prepared to spend some time in the NFL being a challenge to block.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Philadelphia Eagles? Click Here.
Want even more Philadelphia Eagles news? Check out the SI.com team page here
