Eagles star Jalen Carter overlooked for the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year Award

It isn't quite the Vince Lombardi Trophy or a massive extension. We have several more years before needing to discuss Jalen Carter and the latter, but whether we want to believe this or not, guys enjoy personal achievement. After all, when negotiating at the table, they'd like to have something on their resume.

Something tells us, if you asked him, the young Philadelphia Eagles star would still certainly tell you he'd rather be playing in Sunday's Super Bowl. Sometimes, you have to celebrate the small victories though, and Carter will have to wait for those as well.

There will be no consolation prize as he was overlooked by Pro Bowl voters, and now, he's been overlooked for another postseason honor at the NFL Honors.

Eagles rookie Jalen Carter misses out on the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

He's been the subject of conversation since last offseason. Some of it was painted in bad lighting. Some of it was because of his undeniable talent. There's no reason to revisit most of that in this setting, but once the smoke cleared and the dust settled, and with what would have had to have been Dom DiSandro's blessing (he always does his research), Philly selected Jalen Carter in the 2024 NFL Draft with the ninth overall selection.

Yeah... We can dig it. We're talking about the best player in last year's draft here.

As expected, there were growing pains. Carter hit a bit of a rookie wall. We understand. He has probably never played so much football in his life, but there was much to celebrate, and celebrate we shall. This young man is immensely talented, and the Birds are lucky to have him. Just check out some of the resume.

Following rumors of a broken blocking sled in practice. he showcased the talent that made the Eagles gamble and draft him so high in the first place during every game day setting. He forced fumbles, racked up sacks, and even blocked a field goal attempt on special teams. He also almost intercepted an intentional spike on national television. He and Fletcher Cox combined for a defensive TD toward the end of the season, albeit in a road team loss.

For his efforts, Jalen Carter has earned the respect of teammates, opponents, and peers. He won't be named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year though. That honor will go to Houston Texans star Will Anderson Jr. as Philly's young star finishes a close second with 122 votes compared to Anderson's 151.

Personally, despite the slow finish, we would have given the honor to Jalen AND we would have voted him onto the Pro Bowl roster too. Maybe it's just us. Hey, there's always next year, right?

Besides... Something tells us he'll make a few before he calls it a career. We'd be willing to wager a king's ransom on that one. In the meantime. Kudos are in order for Mr. Carter. Hopefully, he'll use this as motivation to return in year two with an even better season.

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