Clemson will be very well represented in the 2024 NFL draft and could be led by two stud linebackers.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (declared) and Barrett Carter (yet to declare) are his two top-ranked linebackers for the 2024 NFL draft. Trotter earned the No.1 spot, with Carter close behind at No.2. Here is what Yates had to say for his explanation on why Trotter is his No.1 linebacker.
It will sound cliché to say this given his father was an incredible NFL linebacker, but Trotter was born to play the position. His football instincts, reaction speed and tenacity pop off the screen in film study. Trotter is just 6-foot and 230 pounds, but he overcomes his stature with his quickness and clear anticipation skills. He has 93 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions this season.
After a slow start to their season, Trotter and Carter have been arguably the best linebacker duo in the country. Trotter has been the true standout as a
Butkus Award finalist awarded to the nation’s top linebacker.
It will be interesting to see how things play out with these two. Trotter has already declared, and there is a chance he is a first-round pick, but opinions seem split on that right now. Many outlets have Carter ranked as the higher prospect, but his draft stock has taken a hit compared to what it was to start this season. Personally, I think Carter could greatly benefit from returning to Clemson for another season.
Regardless of what happens, these two linebackers have a bright future.