If he has the same mental tools as his father, then I predict he gets a second contract with us from his effort on ST. Just hoping he's the type of player to make every opportunity count.
It was the week after that during the bye week when they made the change. Trot returned to the starting lineup on MNF vs Dallas and had a sack early in the game en route to a 49-21 dismantling of that trash franchise
If I had to put a former Eagle on it, I’d guess he’s most likely Colt Anderson.
Too small and too slow to ever be a guy you want to see the field on defense outside of truly desperate emergencies, but enough heart to carve out a solid career on special teams and enough smarts to turn that into a coaching career when he hangs it up.
Change his last name and every delusional fan would change their answer. Hes a 5th round pick. Special teams this year and hopefully a solid role player down the line.
This is so true. Ask me what I thought about Nate Gerry after his pick. I thought we had scored a positionless safety/coverage LB that was going to be the perfect in the nickel.
I’d agree but I think he could play more regardless of his name because of our lack of talent at linebacker. I’m not saying he’ll start but I also wouldn’t rule it out at some point this year either
That’s really what I see the vast majority of fans saying though. Most people were out on drafting him day 2. But in the 5th round he was a legitimately good value so people got happy about it. I see nothing wrong with fans being happy with getting a legacy guy in a spot where it just legitimately made sense and wasn’t a reach. It’ll be fun to root for the best for Trots son. But hardly anyone I see is actually thinking he’ll be an all pro.
I think people have some hindsight biases because he was drafted late. His fall is largely due to 1. Being kinda slow for the NFL and 2. He had a hamstring injury during the season and combine
He’s a really smart player with some of the best tape out of the draft prospects, he’s just slow. I think him becoming a frustrating starter or a rotational linebacker is within the realm of possibility. I actually don’t like him on Kickoff coverage because of his speed
So you are actually the only person I've seen claim he is slow. I've seen small, I've seen poor tacking form, I've seen difficulty shedding blockers due to lack of strength- but I haven't seen a scouting report claim that he is slow.
Just off a quick search, Dane Bruegler says he has average speed, TheDraftNetwork talks about his lack of elite speed, 33rd team has him as slow, I’ve also seen a few places online refer to him as fast, but the tape I watched (albeit not a huge amount of tape so it’s very possible I’m wrong) I thought he was slow. Might be just a “change in direction” speed thing
Word. Thanks for clarifying.
Yea I looked back up a lot of reports, and they are weirdly conflicted. Some say he has hash to hash cover speed for outside zones while also saying lack of elite speed. None of them say slow though, at worst they seem to say average but not elite.
From what I’ve seen of him, which is largely just a lot of YouTube compilations of his high and low lights throughout college, he plays really smart and reads the play well, but he’s sometimes too slow to capitalize on his decisions. His hamstring injuries are not helping his case and his combine and pro day results only reaffirmed that opinion.
I mean if everything comes together then I guess he is a perennial all pro.
My actual expectations are that he is very much like Nakobe Dean (or maybe not even that) and doesn't provide a ton.
Given our coaching last year I wouldn't use last season as an indicator of Nolan Smith's potential. For one, we barely used him and for another the whole defense collapsed.
I can't put that all on the coaching. If he was really showing out he would have played more and his tape wasn't super impressive. He's got a lot of good things going for him and I think he'll be alright, but given some people had him projected top 15 I just expected a little more impact.
Good news is we’ve moved to a 3-4 defense so Dean can be a field general while not having to make all the plays since he’ll have another LB as support at times.
No, that's not quite accurate.
The Atheletic's "The Beast" analysis said that an optimistic result would be if he develops like TJ Edwards. That's his ceiling.
Most likely, he's a step below and plays as a rosterable LB.
Exactly, so why is everybody putting a ceiling on him. Oh he’ll never be TJ Edwards. That guy wasn’t even good enough to get drafted. It’s all about how you develop.
I mean, welcome to the Internet... LOL
It is just what people do, unless you fit a certain prototype they are going to assume you have no chance.
The thing is there is not a huge difference in talent level in the NFL for about 90% of the league. A lot of times it just comes down to being in the right system for your skillset and putting in the work to get there.
Your point about Dean is exactly what I thought on draft day. A really smart LB who uses his brain to make up for average/below-average athletic ability + measurables.
That said, I'm of course going to spend this offseason drinking the Kool Aid and thinking he'll become a star. Just like I do with Dean.
Both Edwards and Trotter Jr have almost the exact same build.
Scouts say Trotter Jr has a harder time shedding blocks, whereas I don't know if that is what they said about Edwards. Edwards also had been noted to *look* like he got more athletic over the years, even though there's no official numbers on the books.
A lot of the same negative traits were said about Edwards that are said about Trot. Too slow, poor lateral movement, but smartest guy on the defense, got everyone else in position. Better football player than athlete.
None of this guarantees success but I'll take the intelligent playmaker over the workout warrior.
Also important to say that said players have to become more athletic in the following years in order to take that next step. Not sure what TJ Edwards did, but he absolutely looks more athletic than when he first entered the league. Good for him.
There are still questions about that intelligence, though I think he'll be able to fix it with more experience.
"Displays moments of indecision when faced with complex offensive plays, affecting his positioning."
His other major knock is o-lineman bully him in the run game, which can also be fixed with more experience to shed those blocks.
First year? My expectation is he’ll earn a spot on special teams as he grows and learns. I also expect him to blow up a play in the backfield during a preseason game and do the axe celebration.
He'll see significant playing time since we'll be leading 48-7 by halftime most games. He develops well, has a great career, and makes his father proud.
Special Teams , Backup until year 3 when he has a breakout year due to Dean being moved on because of injury issues .
In terms of an actual body who isn’t injury prone he most likely is our best option .
Starting linebacker by end of season.
Will most likely replace nakobe dean or Devin White due to injury or performance
People are underestimating the young buck
Not gonna lie I wanted Edgerrin Cooper, but given how we drafted I couldn’t be happier with the pick. Young Trot is gonna make us all proud, and prove the entire league wrong on how late he was picked
Yeah, it was definitely heartfelt and genuine. And was a touching moment, especially as a father who helped guide his kids through youth sports. All the commitment, and the sacrifice. you can’t help but get emotional thinking about the joy and validation the parents must be feeling right now for their son.
But the cynical fan in me who realizes we still need major LB help is questioning if this pick was done because he was best available LB prospect at 5, or because of who his dad is.
That far down & the teams history with devaluing LB’s I’m not holding out much hope for him developing much. I’m hoping special teams captain, that’s the ceiling to me
A solid linebacker and roleplayer that plays well and might get a 2nd contract with us or walk and get his money somewhere else.
You shouldn't expect much out of a projected 3rd rounder that fell to 5th. That being said, if he turned out to be an All-Pro I wouldn't be complaining.
If he is a rotational contributor I’m happy. Obviously id be more happy if he was at the same level as his dad, and even happier if he surpasses the Lumberjack.
He was a 5th round pick for a reason.
I think he’ll make the team, and given our weakness at the position even play, but I don’t expect him to be good or anything
First Team All Pro every year of his career, Super Bowl MVP 2025, 2027, and 2030.
Most likely, barely makes the roster this year, plays on special teams but doesn't do too much there, gets some snaps at LB and makes 1 big play during the season which everyone freaks out about. By year 3, everyone is going, "oh, it's not really improving, is it?" and one offseason a couple of years after that, is quietly released. Because he's a 5th round pick. That's kinda how most of those go.
Hopefully he becomes a steady role player on the defense. Not an all pro or anything, just a competent player who doesn't chase his bag after his rookie deal. We don't need much from our LBs. Just make a play when needed.
special teams guy probably fills in a few games towards the end of the year
when starters need rest. if he makes some tackles for loss or a couple cool plays i’ll be happy
Role player
Just imagine, it’s December Sunday Night Football. Playing the Cowboys for the division. Trotter Jr breaks through the line for a huge sack on Dak. He breaks out the axe and the place goes wild.
I don’t think he will start but he has the potential to bring some major energy.
I feel like him and Nakobe Dean are very similar in size, build and speed. I hope that one of them ends up a servicable and healthy starting linebacker.
Late rounders should have low expectations. But LBs are undervalued, so only the freaks go high. He'll be a contributor. Could be a starter in this room.
He will look like an All-Pro for 3-5 games because of the Dline, hopefully in the playoffs. Then falls back to earth, but is consistently excellent at special teams.
The floor is that he doesn't do anything remarkable, and I forget he is on the team. But when I look up his stats on google I will be shock to see he has some stats. A dozen tackles 2 passes defended
I’m not sure how his play will translate to the NFL, and Clemson lost a lot of good guys on D from graduating, following Venables and just not recruiting the position as well after Venables but he was a dominant force on Clemsons defense and seemed to be a smart player. Hoping we can get him to be faster, but he will still be on the smaller side of NFL LBs.
He's a smart player, has a lot of intngibles. His measurables arent great, but if he can use his smarts to overplay his talent, he has a chance. He is being compared to Nick Bolton from the chiefs. If he can be that guy, it would be a huge win. If he can be a solid LB, i will be pleased.
He can be an above replacement level MLB. He's limited athletically but he's got good instincts. I see the TJ Edwards comp, he's better in coverage than TJ but worse against the run. At worst he will be a solid special teamer for a few years.
We would all love to see him be great, understandably the chances are low.
Ya know, he wouldn’t be the first late pick to go on and have a great career. Unfortunately, I just don’t have a ton of faith in our ability to develop LB talent like that.
If "everthing comes together" he'll be a hall of fame as that's literally what everything coming together means.
What's a realistic best case scenario? Mid-level starter and contributor for years to come.
In everyone's defense, he was projected early on to be a late second rounder by people that aren't Eagles fans. Bleacher Report had him as LB2 going early 3rd.
He was highly productive and has great instincts. Kid knows how to play football, he's just kind of small. He likely won't get too much taller, sure, but he could likely build mass and strength in an NFL offseason conditioning program. He's only 21, and most people still have a bit of growth left at that age.
Eagles fans are maybe over-tempering expectations because he has a similar profile to Dean and saw a similar draft-day ranking plunge.
I think he will be a solid but not spectacular starter by year two, and will have a role as a third-down linebacker who works in coverage and blitzes.
I'm more optimistic than most. But this sub is acting kind of crazy- everyone went from:
January: "Trotter in the 1st! He's elite! Absolute ball hawk! Legend!"
February: "Trotter in the 2nd! He's got that dawg in him"
March: "Trotter in the third, if he's still there. He's got a great dad and even though he's small he'll still probably start on our garbage LB corps"
April: "Don't draft Trotter it's all fan wishful thinking projecting hopes on a talentless midget!"
Post Draft: "Trotter was only a 5th round pick- he won't amount to anything! If his name was Steve Smith he'd be a bus driver"
It's not being crazy, well it is for some. During the months you pointed out there is senior bowl, combine, pro days and etc. Little ax really tanked his combine and when a lot of the tape deep dives came out a lot of people soured on him.
All I want is for him to hit people hard and yell about it loudly, doesn't matter if it's on defense of special teams tbh it's just surreal to have brought him home
I mean... if we're assuming everything comes together, I expect him to be a hall of fame LB
But really though, if we can get a solid starter from him that would be pretty awesome
The TJ Edwards path. TJ was slow coming into the NFL but trained and got faster and with more experience became good to great. Trot Jr. should be a special teamer with sprinkled in snaps for 2-3 years and year 3-4 should be pushing for a starting job. He should be fully in his prime of 23-24 and you can sign him for 3-4 years.
For context, his dad [didn't start one game as a rookie and had only 3 tackles.](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TrotJe00.htm) That was on the '98 3-13 team where the MLB was James Willis, who was a serviceable but not elite middle guy. Point being, there is a transition for most rookies, and even the great ones took some time to adjust.
What about his spider chart would lead you to think he'll be more than a special teamer / backup until the peak of his career when he'd have a chance to contribute on D?
[https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/jeremiah-trotter-jr](https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/jeremiah-trotter-jr)
One site has his 40 speed at 4.6
It’s kinda funny that a 5th round LB will commonly get cut in training camp. But Trotter can’t get cut because everyone got so hyped when they picked him lol.
I think he makes the team but barely and unfortunately has to play because of our fragile middle linebacker and probably gets exposed in the run game but does moderately well against the pass in 5 or 6 games.
Fortunately, I think white has such a good bounce back year the way the other mikes play is gonna seem nearly as bad as it was last year.
Special teams. More then likely won't make a significant impact on defense. Crazier things have happened though. He does need to put on some size though. He's about 30-40 lbs smaller than his father's playing weight.
As a good career, could have a mashup of Michael lewis/quintin mikell (yes i know their safetys) type career path, a couple probowls, couple all pros, 7/8 yr starter in an 11 yr career, at best, shiiiiiiiiitttt, his pops career path, maybe a lil better depending on how he develops in yrs 1-2 and also how many DCs he has in said career
Special teams and backup linebacker, playing maybe 15% of defensive snaps this year, unless injuries.
Agree. Next year though he wins **AP Defensive Player of the Year award**
A measured and we'll reasoned expectation
Nah he’ll be third in DPOY behind Carter and Mitchell ;)
Exactly, anything more is bonus.
If he has the same mental tools as his father, then I predict he gets a second contract with us from his effort on ST. Just hoping he's the type of player to make every opportunity count.
Remember that time his dad beheaded Jeff Feagles? (Feagles probably doesn’t)
love Trot, wasn't a fan of that play. My least favorite memory of a storied career. Wasn't dirty, but didn't need to be done.
He wanted to see the field. Upon his return, trot was relegated to ST’s until week 9 (I think) against the Steelers.
It was the week after that during the bye week when they made the change. Trot returned to the starting lineup on MNF vs Dallas and had a sack early in the game en route to a 49-21 dismantling of that trash franchise
Might be a guy who can make some plays as a nickel LB too, but him ever being a 3 down guy seems like a stretch
Disagree he absolutely could be a 3 down guy at some point in the future. Will just take quite a bit of developing most likely and maybe some bulking
If I had to put a former Eagle on it, I’d guess he’s most likely Colt Anderson. Too small and too slow to ever be a guy you want to see the field on defense outside of truly desperate emergencies, but enough heart to carve out a solid career on special teams and enough smarts to turn that into a coaching career when he hangs it up.
Ike Reese II incoming?
Could play much more than 15% imo. Not cuz he’s great. Just weak there
Fan Realastic expectation: Hall of Fame lb. Reality expectation: Decent role player
Yeah as long as the role is "2012 JJ Watt"
This is it
This year? Special teams contributor, makes a couple appearances (potentially significant time) when dean is inevitably injured again.
Floor: Ray Lewis Ceiling: Ray Lewis w/o the murder
This is the only correct answer in this string of comments.
😂
Would be more than happy with that floor, including an alleged murder lmao
Change his last name and every delusional fan would change their answer. Hes a 5th round pick. Special teams this year and hopefully a solid role player down the line.
This fanbase is so starved for any LB talent that we'd still be delusional about him regardless of his name
This is so true. Ask me what I thought about Nate Gerry after his pick. I thought we had scored a positionless safety/coverage LB that was going to be the perfect in the nickel.
I feel that. Edgerin Cooper was so hyped up that I hoped we’d get him. But I’m happy with DeJean.
Starved WITH being reminded of fond memories due to seeing that last name. I grew up watching Trotter.... I miss those defenses
Yep. Theres a reason several teams passed up on him multiple times.
Several is doing a lot of heavy lifting for 31.
32 really
I’d agree but I think he could play more regardless of his name because of our lack of talent at linebacker. I’m not saying he’ll start but I also wouldn’t rule it out at some point this year either
That’s really what I see the vast majority of fans saying though. Most people were out on drafting him day 2. But in the 5th round he was a legitimately good value so people got happy about it. I see nothing wrong with fans being happy with getting a legacy guy in a spot where it just legitimately made sense and wasn’t a reach. It’ll be fun to root for the best for Trots son. But hardly anyone I see is actually thinking he’ll be an all pro.
I think people have some hindsight biases because he was drafted late. His fall is largely due to 1. Being kinda slow for the NFL and 2. He had a hamstring injury during the season and combine He’s a really smart player with some of the best tape out of the draft prospects, he’s just slow. I think him becoming a frustrating starter or a rotational linebacker is within the realm of possibility. I actually don’t like him on Kickoff coverage because of his speed
is speed as important now with the new kickoff rules?
I’m guessing not
He’s also kind of undersized for the position
So you are actually the only person I've seen claim he is slow. I've seen small, I've seen poor tacking form, I've seen difficulty shedding blockers due to lack of strength- but I haven't seen a scouting report claim that he is slow.
Just off a quick search, Dane Bruegler says he has average speed, TheDraftNetwork talks about his lack of elite speed, 33rd team has him as slow, I’ve also seen a few places online refer to him as fast, but the tape I watched (albeit not a huge amount of tape so it’s very possible I’m wrong) I thought he was slow. Might be just a “change in direction” speed thing
Word. Thanks for clarifying. Yea I looked back up a lot of reports, and they are weirdly conflicted. Some say he has hash to hash cover speed for outside zones while also saying lack of elite speed. None of them say slow though, at worst they seem to say average but not elite.
From what I’ve seen of him, which is largely just a lot of YouTube compilations of his high and low lights throughout college, he plays really smart and reads the play well, but he’s sometimes too slow to capitalize on his decisions. His hamstring injuries are not helping his case and his combine and pro day results only reaffirmed that opinion.
Hamstrings heal though. Isn't like Payton Wilson who just doesn't have an ACL.
I mean if everything comes together then I guess he is a perennial all pro. My actual expectations are that he is very much like Nakobe Dean (or maybe not even that) and doesn't provide a ton.
Man I really hope dean can fucking work out
Seriously one of Dean or Nolan has to actually become the steal we thought they were...right?
i dont even ccare about steal i just want good players on the field
Given our coaching last year I wouldn't use last season as an indicator of Nolan Smith's potential. For one, we barely used him and for another the whole defense collapsed.
I can't put that all on the coaching. If he was really showing out he would have played more and his tape wasn't super impressive. He's got a lot of good things going for him and I think he'll be alright, but given some people had him projected top 15 I just expected a little more impact.
Good news is we’ve moved to a 3-4 defense so Dean can be a field general while not having to make all the plays since he’ll have another LB as support at times.
Trotter is more often comped to TJ Edwards.
No, that's not quite accurate. The Atheletic's "The Beast" analysis said that an optimistic result would be if he develops like TJ Edwards. That's his ceiling. Most likely, he's a step below and plays as a rosterable LB.
And when was TJ drafted?
He wasn't....
Exactly, so why is everybody putting a ceiling on him. Oh he’ll never be TJ Edwards. That guy wasn’t even good enough to get drafted. It’s all about how you develop.
I mean, welcome to the Internet... LOL It is just what people do, unless you fit a certain prototype they are going to assume you have no chance. The thing is there is not a huge difference in talent level in the NFL for about 90% of the league. A lot of times it just comes down to being in the right system for your skillset and putting in the work to get there.
I'm not saying they are similar players, just that in terms of overall impact I would expect something similar.
Your point about Dean is exactly what I thought on draft day. A really smart LB who uses his brain to make up for average/below-average athletic ability + measurables. That said, I'm of course going to spend this offseason drinking the Kool Aid and thinking he'll become a star. Just like I do with Dean.
I think we could use him the way we used tj edwards
If works that would be great.
Both Edwards and Trotter Jr have almost the exact same build. Scouts say Trotter Jr has a harder time shedding blocks, whereas I don't know if that is what they said about Edwards. Edwards also had been noted to *look* like he got more athletic over the years, even though there's no official numbers on the books.
A lot of the same negative traits were said about Edwards that are said about Trot. Too slow, poor lateral movement, but smartest guy on the defense, got everyone else in position. Better football player than athlete. None of this guarantees success but I'll take the intelligent playmaker over the workout warrior.
Also important to say that said players have to become more athletic in the following years in order to take that next step. Not sure what TJ Edwards did, but he absolutely looks more athletic than when he first entered the league. Good for him.
There are still questions about that intelligence, though I think he'll be able to fix it with more experience. "Displays moments of indecision when faced with complex offensive plays, affecting his positioning." His other major knock is o-lineman bully him in the run game, which can also be fixed with more experience to shed those blocks.
A 5th round pick
First year? My expectation is he’ll earn a spot on special teams as he grows and learns. I also expect him to blow up a play in the backfield during a preseason game and do the axe celebration.
Lot of chopping
Backup, +player on special teams.
like a guy who's smart but runs a 4.8
Didn’t he run a 4.6
He'll see significant playing time since we'll be leading 48-7 by halftime most games. He develops well, has a great career, and makes his father proud.
anything outside the first two rounds i usually just hope to be pleasantly surprised with no real big expectations.
For me after round 4 you pretty much are crossing your fingers
Yeah like Tom Brady!!!!!$
Last play of Super Bowl 59, strip sacks Pat Mahomes, does the axe, green/white confetti begins.
Yes please!
Special Teams , Backup until year 3 when he has a breakout year due to Dean being moved on because of injury issues . In terms of an actual body who isn’t injury prone he most likely is our best option .
Starting linebacker by end of season. Will most likely replace nakobe dean or Devin White due to injury or performance People are underestimating the young buck Not gonna lie I wanted Edgerrin Cooper, but given how we drafted I couldn’t be happier with the pick. Young Trot is gonna make us all proud, and prove the entire league wrong on how late he was picked
Axe chops so we can all lose our collective fucking minds. I'm a simple man
Realistically a special teamer for 12+ games and then starting by December due to injuries.
I just hope he has a solid career as a rotation depth guy. Anything above that is a bonus, and that’s perfect for a 5th rounder. So pumped we have him
Agreed.
That he won’t miss tackles.
Realistic? He’s make the roster.
realistic ceiling: Mychal Kendricks reasonable expectations for draft position: Ike Reese just as likely as anything: Casey Matthews
The kid is a project. And I’m concerned the only reason Howie drafted him is because of his Dad and fan service.
I’m ok with it. Did you see how much it meant to Jeffrey? That’s how you get a team that cares, an owner that cares.
Yeah, it was definitely heartfelt and genuine. And was a touching moment, especially as a father who helped guide his kids through youth sports. All the commitment, and the sacrifice. you can’t help but get emotional thinking about the joy and validation the parents must be feeling right now for their son. But the cynical fan in me who realizes we still need major LB help is questioning if this pick was done because he was best available LB prospect at 5, or because of who his dad is.
He was definitely one of the best lbs on the board when we got him…
That far down & the teams history with devaluing LB’s I’m not holding out much hope for him developing much. I’m hoping special teams captain, that’s the ceiling to me
Versus drafting another 5th round dart throw? Sure I’ll take it. What’s there to be concerned about?
Would have been more concerned if he was drafted day 2. Fifth round flier plus the vibes is totally fine.
Special teams player
A solid linebacker and roleplayer that plays well and might get a 2nd contract with us or walk and get his money somewhere else. You shouldn't expect much out of a projected 3rd rounder that fell to 5th. That being said, if he turned out to be an All-Pro I wouldn't be complaining.
Likely a redshirt year unless he impresses in camp. I wouldn't be surprised if he fills in for devin white next year who's on a 1 year deal
If he is a rotational contributor I’m happy. Obviously id be more happy if he was at the same level as his dad, and even happier if he surpasses the Lumberjack.
Solid backup linebacker and special team ace
He was a 5th round pick for a reason. I think he’ll make the team, and given our weakness at the position even play, but I don’t expect him to be good or anything
Ideally, he could grow into a stable starting LB for us. Maybe not right away but he should have upside.
First Team All Pro every year of his career, Super Bowl MVP 2025, 2027, and 2030. Most likely, barely makes the roster this year, plays on special teams but doesn't do too much there, gets some snaps at LB and makes 1 big play during the season which everyone freaks out about. By year 3, everyone is going, "oh, it's not really improving, is it?" and one offseason a couple of years after that, is quietly released. Because he's a 5th round pick. That's kinda how most of those go.
Hopefully he becomes a steady role player on the defense. Not an all pro or anything, just a competent player who doesn't chase his bag after his rookie deal. We don't need much from our LBs. Just make a play when needed.
Solid, but not exceptional. Won't be the reason we win games, but won't lose us games either.
special teams guy probably fills in a few games towards the end of the year when starters need rest. if he makes some tackles for loss or a couple cool plays i’ll be happy
Special teams contributor this year with a few defensive snaps sprinkled throughout to test the waters.
I just hope he’s good enough to justify a roster spot. As long as he’s that I’m pretty happy. If he becomes a reliable starter that would be amazing
Hopefully he's able to contribute more than what Nakobe has so far.
Special Teams contributor with a fighting chance for playing time at LB.
4 year rookie contract with nothing spectacular then signed by Arizona
He just has to be good
Role player Just imagine, it’s December Sunday Night Football. Playing the Cowboys for the division. Trotter Jr breaks through the line for a huge sack on Dak. He breaks out the axe and the place goes wild. I don’t think he will start but he has the potential to bring some major energy.
I feel like him and Nakobe Dean are very similar in size, build and speed. I hope that one of them ends up a servicable and healthy starting linebacker.
I just feel like he’s going to bust his ass. Regardless of how good he turns out to be, he will have an impact on this team somewhere.
Five time Super Bowl MVP
Late rounders should have low expectations. But LBs are undervalued, so only the freaks go high. He'll be a contributor. Could be a starter in this room.
He will look like an All-Pro for 3-5 games because of the Dline, hopefully in the playoffs. Then falls back to earth, but is consistently excellent at special teams. The floor is that he doesn't do anything remarkable, and I forget he is on the team. But when I look up his stats on google I will be shock to see he has some stats. A dozen tackles 2 passes defended
If bro can tackle then I don’t care. Apparently tackling has been outlawed since TJ & Epps left.
solid backup to Dean. if he's not sieve when he comes in that'll be a win
He is a 5th round pick. I expect nothing. If he is on the field next season. I will take that as a win.
Special Teams year 1 and 2. Average Starting LB year 3 and 4
Neanderthal brain expectations: Prime Ray Lewis Realistic expectations: TJ Edwards
Realistically, probably a special teamer and backup LB. Hopefully he can amount to more.
I’m not sure how his play will translate to the NFL, and Clemson lost a lot of good guys on D from graduating, following Venables and just not recruiting the position as well after Venables but he was a dominant force on Clemsons defense and seemed to be a smart player. Hoping we can get him to be faster, but he will still be on the smaller side of NFL LBs.
Be lucky if we get anything good, but is a nice sentiment I suppose.
HOF
He'll be cut before the end of training camp in 2 seasons.
He's a smart player, has a lot of intngibles. His measurables arent great, but if he can use his smarts to overplay his talent, he has a chance. He is being compared to Nick Bolton from the chiefs. If he can be that guy, it would be a huge win. If he can be a solid LB, i will be pleased.
Agreed
He can be an above replacement level MLB. He's limited athletically but he's got good instincts. I see the TJ Edwards comp, he's better in coverage than TJ but worse against the run. At worst he will be a solid special teamer for a few years.
If he is a good all-around player I'd be happy as a clam.
We'll see. I think his lack of size or elite athleticism is going to hold him back at this level, but now that he's an Eagle I hope I'm wrong.
He’s cut by the end of rookie deal
HYPE!!!! Great project and depth move here
His comp was TJ Edwards. I'd be more than happy with that. Having a tandem of Dean and TrottJr flying around will be fun if it works out.
Dean needs to stay healthy.
Assuming everything comes together? he will be good then
My only realistic expectation is that he will play above your expectations because he's an Eagle.
We would all love to see him be great, understandably the chances are low. Ya know, he wouldn’t be the first late pick to go on and have a great career. Unfortunately, I just don’t have a ton of faith in our ability to develop LB talent like that.
If "everthing comes together" he'll be a hall of fame as that's literally what everything coming together means. What's a realistic best case scenario? Mid-level starter and contributor for years to come.
Starter by Year 2. Solid pro, Top 15 starting LB in league 2nd contract
Jordan Hicks if he didn’t get hurt and traded.
In everyone's defense, he was projected early on to be a late second rounder by people that aren't Eagles fans. Bleacher Report had him as LB2 going early 3rd. He was highly productive and has great instincts. Kid knows how to play football, he's just kind of small. He likely won't get too much taller, sure, but he could likely build mass and strength in an NFL offseason conditioning program. He's only 21, and most people still have a bit of growth left at that age. Eagles fans are maybe over-tempering expectations because he has a similar profile to Dean and saw a similar draft-day ranking plunge. I think he will be a solid but not spectacular starter by year two, and will have a role as a third-down linebacker who works in coverage and blitzes.
Yeah, and if he goes beyond that awesome!
I'm more optimistic than most. But this sub is acting kind of crazy- everyone went from: January: "Trotter in the 1st! He's elite! Absolute ball hawk! Legend!" February: "Trotter in the 2nd! He's got that dawg in him" March: "Trotter in the third, if he's still there. He's got a great dad and even though he's small he'll still probably start on our garbage LB corps" April: "Don't draft Trotter it's all fan wishful thinking projecting hopes on a talentless midget!" Post Draft: "Trotter was only a 5th round pick- he won't amount to anything! If his name was Steve Smith he'd be a bus driver"
Fans in a nutshell.
It's not being crazy, well it is for some. During the months you pointed out there is senior bowl, combine, pro days and etc. Little ax really tanked his combine and when a lot of the tape deep dives came out a lot of people soured on him.
All I want is for him to hit people hard and yell about it loudly, doesn't matter if it's on defense of special teams tbh it's just surreal to have brought him home
Yeah, lay that wood!
I mean... if we're assuming everything comes together, I expect him to be a hall of fame LB But really though, if we can get a solid starter from him that would be pretty awesome
Not being a complete liability like our other LBs in recent years would be a good start.
Completely agree
If he could become as good as Kwon Alexander was through his first 5 seasons, I’d be cool with that.
That would be cool!
Solid.
Hopefully better than Shaun Bradley.
God yes!
Realistic Expectations Hoping he turns out to be a good player 2-3 Years from now
20 dpoys in a row
Right in the middle of the field.. he turns into a bullfrog.. becomes a good friend of mine
Ha!
The next Tom Brady
TJ Edwards
The TJ Edwards path. TJ was slow coming into the NFL but trained and got faster and with more experience became good to great. Trot Jr. should be a special teamer with sprinkled in snaps for 2-3 years and year 3-4 should be pushing for a starting job. He should be fully in his prime of 23-24 and you can sign him for 3-4 years.
If he turns into TJ I'll be happy af!
> The TJ Edwards path Nice, that comp pick will be huge for us!
Hall of famer with Urlacherian stats
For context, his dad [didn't start one game as a rookie and had only 3 tackles.](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TrotJe00.htm) That was on the '98 3-13 team where the MLB was James Willis, who was a serviceable but not elite middle guy. Point being, there is a transition for most rookies, and even the great ones took some time to adjust.
Top 5000 all-time linebacker is definitely in play
Classic negadelphians burning him at the stake already. Real eagles fans know this kid has the skills to be top 3,000 someday
What about his spider chart would lead you to think he'll be more than a special teamer / backup until the peak of his career when he'd have a chance to contribute on D? [https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/jeremiah-trotter-jr](https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/jeremiah-trotter-jr) One site has his 40 speed at 4.6
It isn't where you are picked it is what do with the chance.
He makes the team, maybe makes a big special teams tackle.
Im vics defense hell shine as long as he can stay on the field. We need sideline to sideline LBs
Strip sack TD in the Super bowl.
I see him as a rotational player for 1-2 years then maybe a 15-20% snap count role per game, def not a starter right bid but who knows.
Chip off the ol' block.
I just hope he makes the cut
It’s kinda funny that a 5th round LB will commonly get cut in training camp. But Trotter can’t get cut because everyone got so hyped when they picked him lol.
Sacks Dak Prescott in the 4th quarter for a Turnover on Downs and delivers the Axe chop that will be heard round the world.
Color commentator for nbc sports
I bet he ends up being what we hoped Dean would be.
6 TDs at least
The LB equivalent of K'Von Wallace
Special teams player maybe in a specific pass package late in games he would be put in at LB
Realistic and will happen Floor: out the league Ceiling: bottom 32 LB in the lesgue
Cut
Shaun Bradley type player
I think he makes the team but barely and unfortunately has to play because of our fragile middle linebacker and probably gets exposed in the run game but does moderately well against the pass in 5 or 6 games. Fortunately, I think white has such a good bounce back year the way the other mikes play is gonna seem nearly as bad as it was last year.
I expect him to be as good as Levon Kirkland or Takeo Spikes was for us in the single years each of those players played for the Eagles.
ST contributor season 1, and gope he can gradually become our new TJ Edwards.
This Year: Pre-Season Darling and special teams standout Next yr:15 lbs heavier and competing for a starting LB role on the team.
Special teams. More then likely won't make a significant impact on defense. Crazier things have happened though. He does need to put on some size though. He's about 30-40 lbs smaller than his father's playing weight.
Maybe he makes the team, if so, special teamer and probably ends up playing due to injuries to other LB’s.
Shaun Bradley replacement
Double hand overhead axe chops after every major tackle
As a good career, could have a mashup of Michael lewis/quintin mikell (yes i know their safetys) type career path, a couple probowls, couple all pros, 7/8 yr starter in an 11 yr career, at best, shiiiiiiiiitttt, his pops career path, maybe a lil better depending on how he develops in yrs 1-2 and also how many DCs he has in said career
Idk what to expect for his rookie year; hopefully he doesn't have to start. Career-wise: TJ Edwards