Could Trotter Start Early for Eagles?

There’s an early opportunity available for a former Clemson Tiger.

Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the No. 155 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Howie Roseman traded up to take him and it could lead to early playing time. It was a match made in heaven as Trotter’s father is an Eagles Hall of Famer.

CBS Sports discussed potential overreactions to Day 3, and the possibility of Trotter starting Week 1 was among the possibilities. While it was declared an overreaction, the opportunity is still open.

The Eagles didn’t address linebacker high in this draft, waiting until the fifth round to trade up and land Trotter at No. 155. Philadelphia just doesn’t value the linebacker position like other teams, which is why Trotter does have a chance to start Week 1.

Nakobe Dean and Devin White will get the first shot at starting jobs in training camp, while Oren Burks is the projected No. 3. Ben VanSumeren and Zack Baun are also in the mix.

If Trotter has a good camp and stands out the preseason, he has a shot. However, this all comes down to Dean’s health.

Trotter is built for the NFL’s mike linebacker slot and that’s where he will compete for the Eagles. Nakobe Dean is coming off a second season where he played just five games.

Devin White on the other hand is a seasoned veteran in the NFL. A mainstay for the Tampa Buccaneers, he’s now set to be a key piece in Philadelphia. It’s two tough competitors for Trotter, but a battle that will be watched closely as the 2024 season approaches.