Photo via Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles put smiles on faces throughout the Delaware Valley when they selected Jeremiah Trotter Jr. in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The elder Jeremiah Trotter, after all, was an absolute monster in many of Jim Johnson’s ferocious defenses in the early aughts.
The Axeman Sr. was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2000, 2001, 2004, and 2005.
Jeremiah Trotter Sr. Photo via @sportingnews on XWhether the Axeman Jr. can come close to playing at the level his father did in the NFL remains to be seen. The rookie played just 51 total defensive snaps this season before getting extended playing time (all 53 defensive snaps) in Week 17 against the Giants. He racked up 11 tackles in that game.
First half Jeremiah Trotter Jr cut up:
Just elite play recognition all around. Still a developing player, but a great showing on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/jSs0hsMUt5
It was Oren Burks, not Trotter Jr., who stepped in when Nakobe Dean suffered a season-ending injury during Sunday’s game against the Packers.
On special teams, Burks forced a fumble on the opening kickoff. But Eagles fans and other observers were largely unimpressed by Burks’ performance at linebacker.
That's what we call a disaster of open-field tackling. Oren Burks takes a poor initial angle to the receiver and not only misses the tackle, but also prevents Zack Baun from making it. Then it is a shifty WR in the open field making guys miss. pic.twitter.com/gJRnS83FMT
I’ve seen enough of Oren Burks… Jeremiah Trotter Jr. wya.
And on Tuesday, Vic Fangio hinted that “the future may be now” for Trotter Jr.:
"I think Trot's got a good future, and that future may be now!"
-Vic Fangio on Jeremiah Trotter Jr. stepping into the lineup... pic.twitter.com/jNA14AiWDc
The most likely scenario is a mix of Burks and Axeman Jr. this Sunday against the Rams.
Vic Fangio says the Eagles could use a mix of Oren Burks and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to replace Nakobe Dean.
Fellow linebacker Zack Baun has expressed faith in both players.
Zack Baun on Jeremiah Trotter Jr.'s potential opportunity to rotate with Oren Burks in the absence of Nakobe Dean: "He's been ready for a long time now. He's really excited and I'm excited for him and Oren." pic.twitter.com/HfQPCc3qQJ
Would Birds fans be as excited about Trotter Jr. if his father wasn’t a beloved member of the Eagles Hall of Fame? No.
But that doesn’t mean the kid can’t play. Trotter the second was a highly productive player at Clemson and earned a reputation as a smart, tough linebacker. He slipped in the draft due to his size (6’0”, 225 lbs.) and concerns about his other measurables (bench press, 20-yard shuttle time, etc.).
Burks may very well be the better choice for the most snaps on Sunday. Fangio knows better than anyone what his two top options are capable of.
It sure will be a hell of a story, however, if Axeman Jr. balls out against LA about 23 years after the Rams defeated his father’s Birds in the NFC Championship game.
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