JD Bertrand, LB, Notre Dame
Size:
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 235 pounds
Arm Length: 30 5/8"
Hand Size: 9 3/4"
Accomplishments:
Wuerffel Trophy Semifinalist (2023) • William V. Campbell Trophy finalist (2023) • Team captain
“JD Bertrand is an extremely cerebral athlete whose leadership and versatility will boost the depth of a defense.”
Strengths:
Zone coverage
Extremely smart
Leadership
Concerns:
Open-field tackling
Transitions in space
Athletic profile
Strength
Film Analysis:
Primarily aligned within the lungs of the Notre Dame defense, JD Bertrand is a quick processor to ID and pursue offensive concepts. His athletic profile remains limited but his cerebral ability often puts him in spots to make plays.
Against the run, Bertrand showcases a quick trigger downhill and good form tackling in one-on-one opportunities in the alley. He has above-average lateral agility and patience. Won’t blow anyone off their feet but drives legs through contact to bring down ball-carriers. Instincts flash to beat linemen to the spot yet remain inconsistent at this point in his evaluation. When met by free guards and tackles, Bertrand struggles to stack and shed and can be relocated by bigger bodies. Overall strength and hand usage have room for improvement.
In coverage, Bertrand is best in zone, where his communication and awareness shine. He is a constant communicator at the position, often pointing teammates to the correct pre-snap alignment against high-tempo offenses. Has the speed to carry less athletic TEs and RBs in space, yet can struggle with higher levels of burst and suddenness. In man, Bertrand is comfortable working inside the contact window to re-route opposing pass-catchers. Good technique to remain in phase at a variety of depths. Here are his yards allowed as the primary man in coverage dropped each season from 2021 to 2023: 378, 175, 123.
Concerns remain about his overall athletic profile and fundamental strength. Will often dip his head to initiate contact with offensive linemen against the run, losing vision of the play. Can quickly be displaced yards away from an alley as he often attacks linemen square in the chest, rather than ‘half-manning’ and targeting one side of the body. Tight hips and elongated transitions could cause issues in man coverage.
Overall, Bertrand is a cerebral athlete whose leadership and years of experience within the lungs of a major program will boost the depth of a defense.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific
Exposures: Ohio State (2023), USC (2023), Clemson (2023)
