Eagles' Jalen Carter lapping field on 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds; no Philadelphia player has won award
Bettors at one book are hammering Philly's Jalen Carter for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
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Philadelphia Eagles rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter made a big impression in his preseason debut last week despite playing just two snaps, and the Eagles are back in action Thursday night at home against the Cleveland Browns. It's not clear how much Carter might play, but he is taking by far the most action at DraftKings to win 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Early in 2023, Carter was considered by many scouts to be the top overall prospect in this year's draft. If the Chicago Bears had kept the No. 1 pick, nearly every mock draft had them taking Carter. However, concerns about Carter's motor -- he was not in shape for the NFL Combine or Georgia's Pro Day -- and an off-field incident caused his stock to slip.
The Bears traded out of the No. 1 spot to No. 9, and still could have taken Carter there. Instead, they traded back one spot with the Eagles, who gave up that No. 10 spot and a 2024 fourth-round pick in order to move up and take Carter. The Eagles love Georgia defensive players, and they also love investing in the defensive line. There was a bit of a need at the position with Javon Hargrave leaving in free agency and Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham nearing the ends of their careers.
Philadelphia lost 20-19 in Baltimore last Saturday. On his first NFL snap, Carter easily got past Ravens offensive lineman Ben Cleveland with a club move and got to quarterback Josh Johnson, forcing him out of the pocket. Johnson got the ball away just as Carter was bringing him down and Baltimore had to punt. NFL Network's Bucky Brooks said Carter "looked every bit as good as a No. 1 overall pick" vs. the Ravens.
"I've been playing football all my life, so you know it's been a moment I've just been waiting for," Carter said. "I was just doing my normal thing rushing, and I felt the guard's presence to my left heavy and I made an inside move. … Thought that was pretty awesome. I plan on doing that more."
According to Eagles beat writers, Carter's played excellently in joint practices this week. He had two sacks and a fumble recovery in one session and bowled over Browns All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio in another.
At DraftKings, Carter is the +700 second-favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year behind Texans pass-rusher and No. 3 overall pick Will Anderson (+400). While Anderson is taking only 5% of the handle and 6% of the bets, Carter is leading in both at 23% of the handle and 18% of the bets. The only player within relative shouting distance is Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez at 14% and 13%, respectively.
Philadelphia has never had a Defensive Rookie of the Year, which is stunning. The great Reggie White had 13 sacks as a rookie in 1985 but was second to Colts linebacker Duane Bickett.
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