CBS Sports: Pittsburgh Steelers should watch Clemson's Jeremiah Trotter

If there’s one weakness on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense, it’s the linebacker position, which is missing the presence of a star playmaker.

That, however, could change in the 2024 NFL Draft, according to Josh Edwards of CBS Sports. While the 2023 college football season is barely underway, the top prospects have already started to take shape. One of those is Clemson junior linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., the son of former Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Trotter.

Edwards believe the Steelers should take a look at Trotter, the 6-foot-0, 230-pounder.

“Pittsburgh is not afraid to take a linebacker in the first round, position value be darn,” Edwards wrote. “The son of former the Eagles linebacker is a disciplined, hard-working linebacker who brings accountability to that unit. He embodies the rugged aura for which the franchise has been known throughout its history. Trotter is one of the top linebacker prospects eligible for the draft.”

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. enters 2023 season as NFL first-round hopeful

Trotter, 20, is entering his third season with the Tigers, coming off a campaign which earned him second-team All-America honors from the Associated Press, third-team All-America and second-team All-ACC selection by Pro Football Focus. He paced the Tigers with 92 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss, tied for the team lead in sacks with 6.5 and forced one fumble and recorded one interception. Trotter starred in coverage, earning an 89.2 coverage grade in 2022, per Pro Football Focus.

“It feels good. I just give all glory to God,” Trotter said. “I wouldn’t have this opportunity without him and I just try to keep my head down and grind. I’m really grateful for this award. Being second-team All-American, and I’m just gonna try to keep my head down and get back to grinding… Just keep working towards the main goal.”

A playmaking force in the middle of Clemson’s defense, Trotter projects as arguably the best linebacker in the Class of 2024, should he declare. Speaking of Trotter late last season, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney praised his football IQ.

“Trotter, his football instincts, his football savvy, his football IQ, through the roof from the moment he got here,” Swinney said. “He’s really settled in down the stretch here and has played some elite football.”