The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued to do major work on Friday in shoring up their defense. With the No. 46 overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bucs selected Missouri LB Josiah Trotter.

If the name Trotter is familiar, that’s because his dad is Philadelphia Eagles great Jeremiah Trotter. And as far as instincts and being a heat-seeking missile from behind the line, the apple did not fall far from the tree at all regarding Josiah.

Josiah Trotter scouting report

Age: 21

Position: LB

Projection: Eventual good starter

Josiah Trotter declared as a redshirt sophomore at just 21 years old, and it’s easy to see why in an era of older prospects. He’s an explosive mover who covers ground with ease, boasting strong range and pursuit speed to close ground in a hurry. Trotter brings some elite power to his game as one of the best linebackers in block deconstruction I have scouted in recent memory. It’s a rare trait in today’s game. He is as sure of a tackler as you’ll find, and he’s smart and instinctive in run defense. Where he’ll need the most growth is in coverage, as Missouri didn’t often ask him to man up tight ends or running backs. However, a creative team can get around that by deploying him as a blitzer and QB spy, much like Nick Bolton with the Kansas City Chiefs. There’s a true three-down quality starter at MIKE for a decade here with Trotter, a rarity in this linebacker class.

Final grade

The Bucs just added one of the best run stopping off-ball linebackers in the draft in Trotter. He diagnoses plays quickly is outstanding at getting off blocks, as Schulte noted, and he is a hard-hitting sure tackler.

I can’t argue with that, and he’ll bring some added toughness and physicality to the middle of the Bucs’ defense. Add in the violent, physical nature that first round pick Rueben Bain, Jr. plays with, and it’s clear that Jason Licht and Todd Bowles have gone all in on getting tougher and more physical on the defensive side of the ball.

My only question mark is coverage. Trotter hasn’t made his hay in coverage, at least to this point, and unfortunately, the NFL is a passing league. Fortunately, Alex Anzalone is one of the better inside linebackers in coverage and can serve as a good veteran for Trotter to follow and learn from in that regard.

I would have preferred landing someone a bit more balanced in run defense and coverage, but Trotter addresses one of the team’s biggest glaring needs and adds some physicality and nastiness.

Grade: B+