Trotter’s prediction for Eagles young defensive star should terrify NFL

Jalen Carter is already one of the most dominant players on the Eagles’ defense — and that’s saying something, considering the team just bulldozed its way to a Super Bowl title.

But what’s even scarier for the rest of the NFL is the fact that Carter hasn’t even tapped into his full potential yet. According to former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, the 24-year-old defensive tackle doesn’t even know how to play the position.

Eagles legend sheds light on Carter’s progression

“Nothing he’s doing surprises me,” Trotter said on 94 WIP. “Word is on the street, he doesn’t even know how to play the position yet… He’s just playing off of raw talent. The sky is the limit for this kid.”

Let that sink in. Carter made the Pro Bowl and earned Second-Team All-Pro honors last season — racking up 42 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, six passes defended, and 16 quarterback hits — all while still figuring it out. He was regularly commanding double-teams, living in opposing backfields, and forcing offensive coordinators to game plan around him. And yet, if what Trotter is saying is true, we haven’t even seen his final form.

Shop Eagles Gear Here

Carter has already been dubbed the heir to Aaron Donald’s throne — even Donald himself gave him that nod. And it’s not hard to see why. His combination of size, speed, power, and relentless motor is nearly unmatched across the league. But to hear that he’s still learning the nuances of the position? That he’s just scratching the surface? That should be keeping offensive linemen and quarterbacks up at night.

The Eagles have something special here. And if Carter takes the next step in 2025, we’re not just talking about another All-Pro season — we’re talking Defensive Player of the Year type stuff. Maybe even more. Trotter’s comments weren’t a knock. They were a warning. One that the rest of the NFL would be wise to take seriously.