Trotter has a few traits that the Steelers will like. For one, the NFL bloodlines and winning program boxes are checked. Pittsburgh likes having that in their locker room, and Trotter is a leader for the Clemson defense. As a result, Trotter is one of the smarter linebacker prospects, if not the smartest, coming out in this next class. His processing is all there, and he has enough athleticism to be a plus in coverage. There is real three-down potential with Trotter’s game.
The one holdup I have with the first-round linebacker idea for Pittsburgh is their intended strategy at the position. After the Devin Bush trade and its subsequent failure, it seems they have moved towards a committee approach at that spot. That seems to be an intelligent strategy if you do not have stars in that position. The Steelers know what they are looking for now, and they are using their inside linebackers to complement one another’s strengths. So, from a long view the Steelers would pass on a first-round inside linebacker. But it’s September, and a lot can change.
