CLEMSON — Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. from Clemson football is officially an NFL rookie after being picked 155th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft on Saturday.
Here’s what Trotter brings to Philadelphia, based on our own observations from his tenure at Clemson:
What Jeremiah Trotter Jr. brings to Philadelphia Eagles in 2024 NFL Draft
Trotter is a determined player who has a nose for the football that has helped him lead Clemson in tackles in two straight seasons (89 in 2022; 88 in 2023). He plays with contagious energy that can inspire teammates.
Trotter was the sixth Butkus Award finalist in Clemson history, which is given to the best linebacker in college, and is the son of Jeremiah Trotter, who played 11 seasons in the NFL.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.’s highlights, strengths, weaknesses at Clemson football
Trotter set an ACC Championship Game record with three sacks and added a team-high-tying nine tackles vs. No. 24 North Carolina on Dec. 3, 2022. He recorded a career-high 13 tackles against Florida State on Oct. 15, 2022, helping him earn ACC Linebacker of the Week and Clemson defensive player of the game honors.
The 6-foot, 230-pound linebacker lacks size, length and explosiveness compared to the other middle linebackers in the class. Still, he compensates for that with his on-field IQ, which puts himself in positions to make plays and stuff the stat sheet.
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Jeremiah Trotter Jr.’s stats at Clemson football
Across 39 games (26 starts), Trotter recorded:
- 192 tackles (29.5 for loss)
- 13 sacks
- 14 pass deflections
- Four interceptions (two pick sixes)
- Three forced fumbles
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.’s player comparison in NFL
According to NFL.com, Trotter’s NFL comparison is Nick Bolton, who played at Missouri and was drafted 58th overall in the second round in 2021 by the Kansas City Chiefs. Both are tackling machines, leading their respective schools in tackles in two straight seasons, and have immense football IQ.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
