The Eagles traded up in the fifth round to select linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. with the 155th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Eagles sent Indianapolis a 2024 fifth-round pick (No. 164 overall) and a 2024 sixth-round pick (No. 201 overall) in exchange for the 155th overall pick to bring Trotter Jr. home!
“It was a great moment,” said Trotter Jr. about being drafted by his hometown team. “It’s something that I’ve worked to try to be at and try to accomplish my whole life. I’m extremely grateful, I thank God; I thank the Eagles organization for giving me that chance and having that opportunity. I’m just ready to get to work now.”
Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Trotter Jr. is the son of Eagles Hall of Fame linebacker Jeremiah Trotter.
Trotter, also known as the “Axe Man,” was a fan favorite in Philadelphia, making four Pro Bowls in three stints in Midnight Green. Throughout the entire draft process, the Trotters were hoping Jeremiah Jr. would end up where his dad is viewed as a legend.
“Jeremiah grew up a huge Eagles fan, obviously, and to get that call from Mr. Lurie (Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie) and Howie (Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman), it’s truly a blessing,” the elder Trotter said on a phone call with PhiladelphiaEagles.com following his son being selected.
“I know the type of legacy he left with this organization and the fans, how they treat him,” Trotter Jr. said. “It definitely means a lot to be able to play, come in, and continue that legacy, and help out the team any way I possibly can.”
After attending Saint Joseph’s Prep in North Philadelphia, Trotter Jr. (6-0, 228 pounds) spent three seasons at Clemson where he showed signs of his dad’s physicality and football IQ, but also created his own style that led to sustained success in the ACC.
In 2023, Trotter Jr. was one of the most productive inside linebackers in the nation. He led his team in tackles (88) and tackles for loss (15.0) and was tied for the team lead with 5.5 sacks. This was his second consecutive season leading Clemson in tackles (92), tackles for loss (13.5), and sacks (6.5).
Per Pro Football Focus, Trotter Jr.’s 92.0 coverage grade since 2022 is the best among FBS linebackers with a minimum 600 coverage snaps. He was also one of three Power 5 players to have 10+ sacks, 4+ interceptions, 3+ forced fumbles, and 2+ pick-sixes in a two-season span since 1996 (UCLA’s Akeem Ayers and UNC’s Julius Peppers).
Trotter Jr. was named a first-team All-ACC player in 2023 after being an honorable mention the season before. The 21-year-old is a two-time second-team Associated Press All-American.