Is Jeremiah Trotter, Jr. ready to man the middle of the Commanders’ defense?

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2024 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

Jeremiah Trotter, Jr., LB
School: Clemson | Conference: ACC
College Experience: Junior | Age: 21
Height / Weight: 6’0” / 228 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Rounds 2-3

Player Comparison: Patrick Queen

Player Overview

It is obvious that football pumps through Jeremiah Trotter, Jr.’s veins. His father was a standout linebacker in Philadelphia…and for two years in Washington. Jeremiah Trotter, Jr. has lived up to the standard set by his father. He was one of the top linebackers in the nation in high school that chose Clemson.

It didn’t take long before Trotter, Jr. saw the field, making an impact with 22 tackles in just 59 snaps. Becoming a starter in his second year, he stuffed the stat sheet, leading the team in tackles, tackles for loss, and tied the team lead for sacks. Even though he earned All-American honors for his play, Trotter, Jr. wasn’t satisfied. In his third year, he led the team in tackles and tackles for loss again and earned All-American honors for a second-straight season.

Strengths

• Instinctual, quickly diagnosing plays
• Navigates the trash to find his way to the ball
• An effective blitzer with good closing burst
• Picks up coverage assignments in man well
• Excellent ball production for the position
• High motor and will chase down plays

Weaknesses

• Quick, but lacks sideline-to-sideline speed
• Can have trouble disengaging from blocks
• Lack of length shows up when runners slip through grasp
• Looks to avoid taking on blockers, sometimes moving out of position
• Can lose track of zone coverage assignments

Let’s See His Work

How He Fits on the Commanders

Linebacker has been a position that has perplexed the Commanders since before they were the Commanders. While Jamin Davis has taken strides with each season, next season is likely to be his last before he is a free agent. Frankie Luvu looks like he can step into whatever role is needed of him. Bobby Wagner raises the floor of the unit, but cannot be considered a long-term option. Washington would be wise to add a linebacker to this group that will rotate into this group and eventually start.

Jeremiah Trotter, Jr. is a good candidate in this scenario. There are some size concerns that he can’t change, like his lack of length, but he can get stronger to mitigate some of his weaknesses. The quickness, ability to navigate to the ball, and production in the passing game make him a prospect to target on Day 2, ideally with one of the third round picks. Following Bobby Wagner around for a year could help him become a starter a middle linebacker by next season.