After a solid rookie season in 2023, Jalen Carter came back even stronger in 2024 as one of the best players on the Eagles' top-ranked defense. His effect on the defensive line went far beyond his stats, which consisted of 24 solo tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Carter drew double teams from opposing linemen, which freed up his teammates all throughout the year. Jordan Davis came back in the best shape of his young career, starting all 17 games and playing his best ball in the playoffs with two sacks during the Super Bowl run.

2021 third-round pick Milton Williams had his best season yet in the NFL, posting a career-high 34 QB pressures, seven TFLs, and five sacks. Moro Ojomo showed flashes in his second year, compiling 22 QB pressures in 388 defensive snaps. Thomas Booker filled in when needed, appearing in all 17 games grabbing 18 tackles (eight solo), four QB pressures, and a sack.

Rookie undrafted free agent from Baylor, Gabe Hall, spent the season on the practice squad and was signed to another future contract. Byron Young spent time on the active roster before being placed on Injured Reserve.

Free Agents

Williams is the lone free agent of the defensive line and is coming off of a Super Bowl performance where he posted two sacks, a forced fumble, and fumble recovery.

Bird Talk

Senior Defensive Assistant/Defensive Line Coach Clint Hurtt's scouting report on Carter and how the other guys in the room have stepped up:

"He has the ability to two-gap. He can play one gap single and penetrate and get vertical up the field. A lot of D-linemen can't do that or they don't understand how to. Very high football IQ to understand line calls, protections, identifications in the run game, knows when to take shots and when not. He can play multiple techniques. Those are the things that he does really, really well.

"Milton Williams, Jordan Davis, all of the guys outside of Jalen, they all should be recognized even more because it's one thing to have a great player who can command a lot of attention like Jalen, but are those guys performing at a high enough level to take advantage of the opportunities that have been provided and the answer to that is a resounding yes. They have done that. Huge credit to Milton and to Moro Ojomo to Jordan Davis to Thomas Booker when he's had his opportunities, our edge players, all of those guys have done really, really well."

Notable Stat

Carter was seventh among all NFL defensive linemen in 2024 with a PFF pash rush grade of 81.5. He finished ninth among the same group in total pressures (53) and second in batted passes (6), while leading defensive linemen with two forced fumbles.

Under the Microscope

With Williams on the market, it will be interesting to see what the Eagles do here. If he departs, will they primarily build through the draft as they have with Carter, Davis, and Ojomo, or look to free agency? There is a strong foundation to build upon behind the two Georgia Bulldogs who seem to only be getting better with time. Although this is a young defense, the experience is there with players having multiple playoff trips and now a Super Bowl run. – Written by Liam Wichser