When the Philadelphia Eagles chose to draft Jeremiah Trotter Jr. in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the general consensus was that it would be a no-brainer for both the organization and the fanbase.
After all, the Trotter name happens to be a legacy in Philadelphia. His father, Trotter Sr., was a four-time Pro Bowl linebacker during the 2000s for the Eagles and a first-team All-Pro to boot. As a player, Trotter Jr. may have different strengths than his father, but there’s now one major similarity that both Eagles share.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Gifted Father’s Old Number by Eagles
As part of their unveiling ahead of rookie minicamp, the Eagles gave Trotter Jr. the number 54 — the same number as his father when he was an Eagle and helped the team reach multiple conference championship game appearances and a Super Bowl in 2004.
New numbers, who this? pic.twitter.com/jesmd9R49C
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 3, 2024
Trotter Jr. wore No. 54 in college while with the Clemson Tigers where he played over 30 games and racked up close to 200 tackles in three seasons.
The No. 54 has been synonymous with the Trotter name and the “Axe Man” nickname that was personified by Trotter Sr.’s ability as a run stuffer and timely blitzer. No one is happier that the number is being passed down to Trotter Jr. more than his father.
“I would love to see Junior get drafted by the Eagles. I would love to see him wear my number,” Trotter Sr. said before the draft to SB Nation. “We have heard from the Eagles, and they have definitely shown interest in him. I have not really thought about it, because, to be honest, you will go crazy thinking where he is going to go.”
In the end, Trotter Sr. got his wish, and it’s left several people within the organization in tears over the thought of the family being back.
Howie Roseman and Jeffrey Lurie both getting emotional when telling Jeremiah Trotter Jr. he is an Eagle.
Lurie to Trot Jr.: “How old were you when I met you? Two? Three? Four?” 🥹 pic.twitter.com/MuU1GzbiJn
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) April 28, 2024
Trotter’s Scouting Report
Despite being taken in the fifth round, Pro Football Network Draft Analyst Ian Cummings had Trotter Jr. as a fringe top-100 prospect and “one of the best linebackers in the draft.” While that could speak to the overall ineffectiveness of the linebacker class, Trotter’s skill set could be something that transfers well to the NFL game.
“Trotter’s always been a strong tackler, a sharp processor, an instinctive second-level tracker, and a finisher,” Cummings wrote. “But in 2023, he took a step up with his top-end playmaking ability, both as a pass rusher and a coverage defender.
MORE: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Cummings also mentioned his coverage skills, something few linebackers are able to do well now, as a major improvement as well.
“In coverage, Trotter’s awareness allows him to maintain proper depth, key in on targets, and hawk in front of short passes. And in the pass-rushing phase, he’s activated his burst and flexibility to become a dangerous gap-invading threat.”
While he’s still a work in progress in many facets of his game, the Clemson product and now Philadelphia Eagle is primed and ready to get his NFL career started.
Philadelphia Eagles’ Linebacker Depth Chart
Trotter may be a legacy in Philadelphia, but his spot on the Eagles’ starting defense is anything but secure. The Clemson product is expected to be comfortably behind both Nakobe Dean and Devin White at linebacker to start the season.
Should Philadelphia look to add a linebacker to the team, that would make Trotter’s path to the starting job even harder for the upcoming season.
MORE: Philadelphia Eagles Depth Chart
Of course, Trotter should be expected to get plenty of special teams snaps. Back in 2004, his father began the year solely as the team’s special teams ace and only got into the starting lineup late in the year.
If the Eagles are comfortable with his development, something similar could happen to Trotter Jr.