Top rookies of NFL Week 5: Sam LaPorta wins the Sam LaPorta award
NFLMocks weekly awards to the Top Rookies in the NFL
By Beau Adams

. . First win. player. W5d. Jalen Carter. Jalen Carter. 9. 54. Top Rookie defender
Jalen Carter, the ninth overall pick in the draft, has made an immediate impact for the Eagles. Despite initially being a rotational player behind veterans Jordan Davis and Fletcher Cox, Carter has consistently produced high-quality performances.
Carter has demonstrated why he was considered one of the top prospects in the draft. He has compiled 20 pressures and a pass-rush win rate of 23.2%, second only to Aaron Donald.
Jalen Carter DT ranks:
— Word On The Birds (@WordOnTheBirds) October 9, 2023
- Pressures: #1 (23)
- Hurries: #1 (17)
- Sacks: #3 (3.5)
He might just end up on an All-Pro team as a rookie. 👀
pic.twitter.com/M3nvObM36X
Carter has proven to be a force to be reckoned with as a rotational player in the Eagles' defensive front. With his two sacks in Week 5, he is the Top Rookie defender of the week and showed he is ready for a more significant role on the Philly defensive line.
Carter's performance indicates his potential to be an elite NFL prospect. His physicality and ability to produce as a rotational player hint at a bright future for this top draft pick when he finally gets a starter’s share of reps.
These performances highlight just a few rookie players making their mark in the NFL. Each week brings new opportunities, and we look forward to seeing which rookies will step up in Week 6.