The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a major need going into the 2026 offseason. A disastrous second-half collapse had plenty of reasons for happening. Principal among them was a defense that couldn’t get off the field, and a linebacker group that couldn’t cover worth a lick was a driving force. The hole in the middle of the defense was further magnified when Lavonte David announced his retirement.

Fortunately, Jason Licht addressed the inside linebacker position with some significant moves this offseason. Ex-Detroit LB Alex Anzalone was signed to a two-year deal, who should immediately provide a big boost in coverage. The depth add some experience with former Panthers and Rams LB Christian Rozeboom also signing with the team.

Licht also pulled the trigger on Missouri LB Josiah Trotter in the second round (No. 46 overall) of last month’s NFL Draft. Trotter is a sideline-to-sideline heat-seeking missile in run support and should provide another source of pressure when asked to blitz.

But how well can he hold up in coverage? That question was mused by draft pundits ahead of the draft. And it was brought up to Trotter on Friday at his first press conference ahead of the start of the Bucs’ rookie minicamp.

Trotter was asked if there was a misconception about his coverage skills based upon how good he was as a downhill run stopper and blitzer, as well as making the transition to cover the league’s elite players. Trotter reiterated the faith in his abilities by himself and Tampa Bay’s coaching staff.

Josiah Trotter says he and the Bucs coaches believe he can handle coverage responsibilities

“Making that transition, and you’re gonna go against a lot of great athletes,” Trotter said. “A lot of people have a lot of things they have to say about me. Everyone has their own things they’ve got to work on, but I know I can do it. I’m going to show the coaching staff, and they believe I can do it.

“So, not really worried about whether people say I can and cannot do because I know what I can do. So, just going out there on Sundays and showing on game day. That’s the number one thing is just putting on tape and being about it, not talking about it.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Trotter was targeted 33 times for 28 completions for 252 receiving yards, one touchdown, and a 108.6 opposing passer rating. He earned a 47.9 coverage mark for the season from PFF.

However, Trotter will have one of the better coverage linebackers in the league to work with and learn from in Anzalone. Licht and Todd Bowles also must have felt comfortable enough with his abilities to believe he can handle all the responsibilities of the position in Bowles’ defense.

The Bucs need far better from the inside next season, and if Trotter lives up to what he believes he can do, the Bucs could be just fine in the middle in 2026 and beyond.