Browns NFL Draft Insight: LB Jeremiah Trotter, Jr. as a big name, good game

Round 3: The linebacker room would have a new starter from Day 1

It is a certainty that Cleveland Browns’ linebacker room will be different this year. MLB Anthony Walker and OLB Sione Takitaki are gone, while Jacob Phillips probably won’t be re-signed.

New blood has already arrived when GM Andrew Berry signed Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush, Jr. were signed in the free agency period. Hicks is expected to start in the middle and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will start once again on the outside.

What this means is there will be stiff competition from the other linebackers on the roster including Tony Fields, Mohamoud Diabate, and Charlie Thomas. Other linebackers not re-signed so far include special teamer Jordan Kunaszyk.

With the Browns usually keeping five linebackers, there is room for a young buck through the draft.

Let’s look at one prospect who would instantly solidify this group.

LB Jeremiah Trotter, Jr.

Draft projection: Round 3

Browns pick: #85

Specifics:

College: Clemson Tigers

Height: 6’-0”

Weight: 230 pounds

40-time: 4.6

Career Tackles: 192

Career Forced Fumbles: 3

Career Sacks: 13

Career Tackles for Loss: 29.5

Career Pass Defenses: 10

Career starts: 31

Positives:

1. Competitive
2. Top-tier motor
3. Leader
4. Very athletic and quick to read
5. Great range
6. Good speed and closing burst
7. Shows great recognition of screen plays
8. Natural instincts
9. First Team All-ACC 2023
10. Second Team All-American 2022

Negatives:

1. Overall physical strength, not elite
2. Struggles with decisions on occasion
3. Will mistime tackles
4. May become a two-down player
5. Tends to begin to slow off the snap which gets him sealed
6. Will struggle against larger offensive tackles
7. Is his height an issue?

Expert Draft Site Analysis

SportsKeeda.com

The NFL bloodlines are apparent when you watch Jeremiah Trotter, Jr. He will key on run concepts and has the instincts as a zone-defender or how he gets through/around back in protection. He will need to bulk up at the next level. He will do well in a defensive scheme that will ask him to follow pass catchers out into the slot and play man coverage. Trotter will get his opportunities for play development and will pack a punch when he arrives. Will have some limitations but is an outstanding tackler.