The Eagles are the reigning Super Bowl champions, and as we approach the 2025 NFL draft, this roster will look dramatically different after suffering several free-agent losses. Philadelphia suffered massive losses as the first wave of free agency saw Josh Sweat (Cardinals), Milton Williams (Patriots), Kenneth Gainwell (Steelers), Mekhi Becton (Chargers), Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings), Fred Johnson (Jaguars), Parris Campbell (Cowboys), Darius Slay (CB) and Oren Burks (Bengals) all depart.
Vic Fangio's defensive unit will look drastically different, but he'll have one major building block to craft his scheme and strategy around in 2025. Bucky Brooks released his 10 NFL defenders to build around in 2025, and Carter joined Micah Parsons and Myles Garrett, among others, on the list.
Jalen Carter is the total package as a dominant defensive tackle with an aggressive game. The third-year pro's exceptional first-step quickness and heavy hands put blockers in a bind when they are isolated against the Pro Bowler in crucial moments. Presuming Eagles coordinator Vic Fangio continues exploring ways to unleash the 6-3, 314-pounder as a disruptive playmaker at the point of attack, the football world could quickly begin to view the former first-round draft pick as the premier interior defender in the league -- and the perfect candidate to lead a unit up front.
Carter finished the 2024 regular season with 42 tackles, 12 for loss, 4.5 sacks, 61 combined QB hits and pressures, five pass deflections, and two forced fumbles.
Carter has performed at a high level despite playing 84 percent of the defensive snaps, up from 48 percent as a rookie.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jalen Carter makes a list of the Top 10 NFL defenders to build around
