Chip Off The Ol’ Chop

INDIANAPOLIS – A little before 9 a.m. Wednesday morning, swarms of reporters – many from Philadelphia – congregated around a podium at the NFL Scouting Combine to hear from Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

Trotter, son of Eagles Hall of Fame linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, fielded questions from the assembled media contingent.

While the first wave of questions frequently pertained to the father-son dynamic in terms of preparation and development, there was another question that revealed a notable nugget.

GETTY IMAGES: Jeremiah Trotter Jr. said he met with Eagles HC Nick Sirianni and EVP Howie Roseman at the Combine.

The former Clemson linebacker said he’d met with the Eagles in a meeting that included both head coach Nick Sirianni and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Howie Roseman.

Trotter Jr. noted that he got “really good vibes” during the meeting.

“I really respect what they’re doing with their club,” he said. “That would be a blessing to play for them if it came down to them picking me.”

Trotter Jr. said his dad has shared stories of his time with the Eagles during the 2000s, when Trotter Sr. made four Pro Bowls in two separate stints with the franchise covering seven season.

“Yeah, he’s told me stories of when he played for the Eagles,” Trotter Jr. said. “I’ve been told different things and the great time he had with that organization. The Eagles are a great team, great club. It would be a blessing to play for them as well.”

The Eagles, who will look to revamp their shoddy linebacking corps from a season ago, are likely to use the draft to secure a future building block at that position to grow alongside third-year pro Nakobe Dean.

A projected third-round selection who sports a frame similar to Dean, Trotter Jr. might be out of the question if the Eagles look to address the need with one of their two second-round picks.

But Trotter Jr. said his his father has helped prepare him for today’s NFL game and for draft preparation – including mock interviews – and overall knowledge of the position.

The game has changed since the 260-pound Trotter Sr., nicknamed “The Axeman” for his signature axe chop after a big hit, patrolled the field

“I’d probably say when he was playing they ran the ball a lot more,” Trotter Jr. said. “The game has definitely involved where you’re put in a lot more space as a linebacker.

“The way he describes my game – and I like to describe as well –  is they say I’m an old-style mindset linebacker in a new-age body. I feel I can play three downs. He says I’m more athletic than him but we had different playing styles, different body types, and play in different ages.”

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.