For the two seasons of the Nick Sirianni era, the Philadelphia Eagles housed a respectable defense, highlighted by a top-ten unit in 2022. However, the defensive production flipped on its head last year, with the NFC East squad surrendering 25.2 points per game, the third-highest average in the NFL. Opposing passers lit up the Philadelphia secondary, tossing 35 touchdowns against nine interceptions for 4,296 passing yards. Rushers also had their way against the Eagles, averaging a healthy 4.3 yards per rush attempt.
Philadelphia emphasized defense in the 2024 NFL Draft, using four of their first six picks on a collection of defensive backs, an edge rusher, and an off-ball linebacker. Of the four defensive rookies, fifth-round selection Jeremiah Trotter Jr. has made arguably the best impression on the coaching staff in the early going.
Philadelphia Eagles LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.: Earns First-Team Reps
The Philadelphia Eagles hit the field again on Thursday as team training camp is officially in full swing. Quarterback Jalen Hurts was impressive for the second straight day, completing nearly all his passes while looking comfortable with the new array of pre-snap motions. Defensively, rookie linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. earned first-team reps, a rarity for a late-round selection this early into training camp.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr getting some 1st team reps today
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) July 25, 2024
According to Eagles reporter Brandon Lee Gowton, Trotter Jr. received first-team reps during the team’s 11-on-11 session. He worked alongside fellow linebacker Devin White. White, a clear starter and former Pro-Bowler, signed a one-year, $7.5 million deal with Philadelphia this offseason. Trotter Jr. also worked with the first team during the 7-on-7 portion of Thursday’s training camp session. However, Trotter Jr. suffered an injury late in practice, requiring immediate attention from the training staff. Trotter Jr. eventually left via the cart, but initial reports indicate cramps.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.: Star College Career
With the 155th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., the son of former NFL standout and first-team All-Pro Jeremiah Trotter. The younger Trotter projects to slot behind fellow outside linebackers Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean, although his participation level on Thursday could indicate a movement in the pecking order.
Trotter Jr., a four-star prospect in the class of 2021, played sparingly as a true freshman before posting 89 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, and two interceptions in 2022. The six-foot-one, 210-pound second-level defender registered 88 tackles, 15 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, and two interceptions last season, earning first-team All-ACC honors.
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