Despite losing some talent this offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles still hold one of the deepest rosters in the NFL. This is extremely important for an Eagles team looking to make it back to the Super Bowl in 2025. That said, their roster depth was tested earlier this spring during OTAs and mandatory minicamp.
At linebacker, both rookie Jihaad Campbell and second-year star Nakobe Dean were out due to injuries. This left Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who is entering his second NFL season, to fill in. Though Campbell is expected back for training camp and Dean is expected back at some point during the season, Trotter Jr. could be set to have a decent role on the Eagles' defense in 2025.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Could Be Set for a Breakout 2025 Season
After being selected in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, Trotter Jr. saw minimal snaps as a rookie. The former Clemson Tiger saw most of his playing time in the final two weeks of the season when backups were playing. In those games, he recorded 10 tackles, one sack, and one quarterback pressure, according to PFF.
Therefore, getting reps with the starters during OTAs and minicamp only helped his development. The 22-year-old reflected on what has helped him develop from year one to year two during press conferences after spring practices.
Trotter Jr.said, “I think getting in a routine. I think being (in a) routine as far as game week, and then going into practice. And just my daily routine as far as in the weight room, pre-practice stuff, getting here early in the morning."
He added, “I think just being consistent with that really helps me be consistent when I'm out there on the field. I really believe that it all translates if you're consistent in all areas of your life, and you know it's going to translate to your play on the field."
Trotter Jr.'s comments exude confidence in himself, which should excite Eagles fans. Elder Eagles fans likely remember his father, Jeremiah Trotter Sr., who played for the Eagles eight of his eleven NFL seasons. Trotter Sr. was a third-round pick in 1998 who didn't play his rookie year, but had a breakout year two.
Now, his son has a chance to follow in his footsteps. Though Trotter Jr. will need to really impress during training camp if he's to start over Campbell, he could still have a chance to break out as an impactful rotational player in 2025.