Axe Grinding

PHILADELPHIA — Whenever a team moves on from a player, the transition is typically accompanied by a ripple effect.

In the case of veteran linebacker Devin White, whom the Eagles released on Tuesday due to his inability to contribute defensively or on special teams, his removal inevitably elevates a deep reserve into a more critical role. And it appears to be rookie linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. who becomes the immediate beneficiary.

When asked whether Trotter Jr. was ready to become the backup MIKE linebacker Wednesday during his availability, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni convincingly said yes and offered reasoning.

“These aren’t just things we make decisions on as far as no evidence,” said Sirianni. “We practice every day, we walkthrough every day, we meet every day, obviously, and come to those conclusions in that aspect.”

GETTY IMAGES: Rookie LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is staying ready in case his number is called on defense.

While there were many factors at play with regards to White finding himself on the outs in Philadelphia, Sirianni also expressed his contentment in terms of the steady progression throughout the linebacker room, the improving fundamentals and depth. Sirianni also noted the impact linebackers coach Bobby King has had on the room, specifically as it pertains to block deconstruction, an area in which Trotter Jr. believes he’s improved most.

“I feel like he’s a great linebacker coach,” Trotter Jr. said. “Block deconstruction is a big part of something that they’re very passionate in this coaching style. Coming into the league, I feel like that really helped me out and really improved my game in that area.”

Apart from his three defensive snaps against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the bye week, Trotter Jr. has been relegated to special teams duties on game day, though he’s able to get the reps and work through sticking points behind the scenes, even if the snaps haven’t been live.

“I’m still able to improve and get better because I still do get reps out there,” he said. “They try to work me in there. I get reps after practice and also, the Eagles, they take care of guys that are getting less reps. There’s developmental periods that we have in place to make sure we’re getting our work in, too. But it’s making sure, if I’m not getting as many, that after practice I’m getting that extra work in, I get those reps I need.”

Though the White news proved to be a sobering reminder for the first-year linebacker, Trotter Jr. doesn’t have time to dwell on losing his locker mate. Rather, his focused quickly diverted back to the task at hand, fixating on steadily improving and positioning himself to be prepared when his number is called.

“When things like that happen, it’s kind of like, ‘Dang,’ because you’ve been connected with those guys,” he said. “In this case, Devin, he’s been a great player, great leader. But you know, decisions were made and we gotta keep working and keep getting better. And I wish him the best, just because I know the type of player and person he is.”

The depth behind starters Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean now vaults rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and second-year pro Ben VanSumeren into a more prominent light. And veteran Oren Burks, the Eagles’ most experienced linebacker, remains in the fold. They all get reps and offer positional versatility.

As for Trotter Jr., his immediate future now changes, as he’s presumably a play away from being thrust into the spotlight. But for now, the Clemson standout was able to reflect on his inital defensive sample size, though not without offering a peer into his team-first mindset.

“It was great,” Trotter Jr. said. “I love just any opportunity I get to go out there and get snaps on defense. But I gotta just keep improving, keep making sure I’m ready. Maybe I get more plays, I gotta make sure I make the most out of them. Just trying to make plays and help the defense and help the team.”

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