Leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft starting on April 25th, we will be releasing several draft profiles of prospects who could potentially see themselves on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Next up...
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (Linebacker), Clemson, Junior
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. stands in at 6' tall, weighing 230lbs, and is one of the best athletes at the linebacker position in this draft class.
Travis Bell / Sideline Carolina
Steelers might be targeting a linebacker early in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. gives them an athletic option.
Steelers Overview
Trotter is one of the more well known names of the linebackers in this class and had a lot of hype coming into the season. He didn't vault himself into firm round one territory like many expected, but he has a chance to improve his draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine and his eventual pro day. That opportunity gives him a chance to shine both on the field with his athleticism and in interviews, as he is viewed as a very intelligent player who consistently understands his keys and responsibilities without needing to stop and think.
His size is a little less than ideal, but his ability to read and react more than makes up for any shortcomings physically. Trotter does not shy away from taking on blocks or doing the dirty work to blow up a play at the line of scrimmage, which shows his size shouldn't be as much of an issue as it is on paper.
Pros:
- Great first step, able to get downhill in a hurry
- Change of direction
- Good success as a blitzer, able to slip past blocks quickly
- Body control arguably best in the class, rarely off balance or taking a mis-step
- High football IQ
- Strong hitter
- Doesn't hesitate understanding his reads well
- Decent in coverage
Cons:
- Slightly smaller than most would prefer
- Struggles to get off blocks in the run game at times
- Size becomes an issue in coverage against larger tight ends
- More missed tackles than one would like
- Zone coverage could use improving recognizing responsibilities as receivers come into his area
- Takes risks in the run game
The Steelers have struggled to find a permanent solution in the middle of their defense ever since Ryan Shazier's career was cut short due to injury. Whether it be the numerous free agent signings, i.e. Mark Barron, Jon Bostic, etc., or their failed draft picks, i.e. Devin Bush, no one they acquired has been the answer. Not saying Trotter would be an immediate answer in the middle, but he possesses a lot of similar traits to a young Shazier, and has upside to become one of the better linebackers in the NFL.
USA Today Sports
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was the leader and communicator for the Clemson Tigers' defense.
Run Game
Despite a slightly smaller frame, Trotter doesn't have many issues in defending the run. He gets down hill in a hurry and isn't afraid to take on blocks to force a hole to close. He can occasionally get into trouble taking risks to cut off the running back, but overall, he is right more than he is wrong in that instance. Disengaging from blockers in the run game may linger for a while as his lack of length makes it easier for lineman to get into his frame.
Coverage
Speed and instincts are not a problem for Trotter in coverage, as there are few tight ends or running backs that can put a move on him that leave him too far behind. Man coverage is definitely where he feels more comfortable, but does have a decent amount of experience in zone as well. Zone coverage could use some tightening up on closing on his responsibilities faster, but overall, he holds his own in coverage for a player that fills run lanes and rushes the passer as much as he did.
Bart Boatwright
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is expected to go early in the 2024 NFL Draft due to his good athleticism and ability to both play the run and excel in coverage.
Blitzing and Athleticism
Probably Trotter's biggest strength is his abilities to hit small openings quickly when coming downhill on a blitz due to his plus athleticism and quick instincts. He accumulated 12 sacks over the last two seasons, and has a knack for finding the quarterback up the middle when sent on a blitz.
NFL Comparison - Eric Kendricks
Kendricks is a very good comparison for Trotter as they both have some limitations in terms of their length, but yet they both excel with their athleticism and blitzing despite that. Kendricks has 20 sacks throughout his career, and while that doesn't sound like a lot, that is a solid number for an off-ball linebacker.
Draft Projection - Late 1st/2nd Round
Trotter definitely could sneak into the late first round as teams get to talk to him, as most coaches will likely fall in love with his football IQ. If he puts up good numbers at the combine, it could make that decision to take him on the opening day even easier. If not, he still is a solid second round pick that should be a starter early in his career.
Let us know below what you think about Trotter Jr. as a prospect and the potential of seeing him in the middle of the Steelers' defense! What other prospects would you be interested in seeing a profile on? Click to comment below!
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