Philadelphia Eagles legend Jeremiah Trotter Sr. has passed the torch to his son, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who is set to make his mark in the NFL. The younger Trotter, a standout at Clemson University, is projected to be a second-round pick in the upcoming draft. In a recent mock draft, he is predicted to join the Eagles with the 54th overall selection.
The Eagles’ linebacker position has been a weak point in their defense this season, according to experts. With the middle of the field being exploited by opposing teams, the addition of Trotter Jr. could bring a much-needed boost. His speed and physicality align with the emphasis that new defensive coach Vic Fangio places on the position.
Trotter Jr. has an impressive college resume, starting 26 games for the Clemson Tigers over the past two seasons. During that time, he accumulated 177 total tackles, 12.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 4 interceptions. He was also a finalist for the prestigious Butkus Award, which recognizes the top linebacker in the nation. Although he didn’t win the award, he was named the top linebacker in the 2024 draft class by Pro Football Network.
Standing at 6-foot and weighing 230 pounds, Trotter Jr. possesses the qualities of a well-rounded linebacker. His instincts, awareness, and tackling ability make him a reliable asset on the field. With his impressive stats and skill set, he is considered one of the best linebackers in college football.
Trotter Jr.’s potential arrival in Philadelphia brings a sense of nostalgia, as his father was one of the Eagles’ great linebackers in the past. However, he is not just riding on his family name; he has proven himself to be a formidable player in his own right. With the Eagles’ linebacker position in need of improvement, Trotter Jr. could be the missing piece to bolster their defense.
Eagles Linebacker Tradition Continues with Trotter Jr.
The Philadelphia Eagles have a long-standing tradition of excellence at the linebacker position, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. has the potential to continue that legacy. Alongside notable players like Bill Bergey and Seth Joyner, Trotter Jr. possesses all the qualities needed to become another great linebacker for the team.
Trotter Jr. has already shown his skills on the field, earning impressive grades from Pro Football Focus. With an 80.4 grade in run defense and an 82.0 grade in coverage, he has proven to be a well-rounded player. However, he does have some room for improvement, particularly in his tackling technique. In both 2023 and 2022, Trotter Jr. missed a significant number of tackles, but with the right coaching, he can refine his technique and become even better.
The Eagles’ new defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, has a successful track record of working with young linebackers. During his time with the Chicago Bears in 2018, Fangio helped rookie Roquan Smith develop into an All-Pro player. Additionally, as the head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2019, Fangio worked with Pro Bowl linebackers Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. With Fangio’s guidance, Trotter Jr. would have the opportunity to thrive and reach his full potential.
While there are no guarantees in the draft, if Trotter Jr. falls to the Eagles in the second round, it could be a remarkable story. With the team’s need for a linebacker and Trotter Jr.’s promising talent, his arrival in Philadelphia would be an exciting addition to the roster.
Beth Mishler-Elmore is a sports reporter covering the NFL draft and player prospects.
