Josiah Trotter has already impressed the player who will be lining up next to him.

The rookie, who was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' second-round pick in April, has made quite a first impression on fellow linebacker Alex Anzalone, who came to the Bucs in free agency from the Detroit Lions.

After Tampa's final OTA practice, Anzalone took some time to talk about what he thinks about Trotter. Anzalone sees a bright future for the rookie and acknowledges watching his father, Jeremiah, who starred at linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, the team he used to root for growing up.

“He’s a great player, obviously, has the pedigree,” Anzalone said. “I remember watching [Trotter’s dad, Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter]. I grew up an Eagles fan, so I watched his dad growing up.”

While Anzalone already sees the talent and potential that made him a high draft pick, he believes Trotter will look even better once training camp begins next month. 

“I know he’s getting some team reps now, and you know, training camp will be really big for him and his development. So, as soon as he can pick up the playbook, just see the different concepts and routes and things you need to do as a linebacker, he’ll be even better and ready when the season comes.”

One of Trotter's best attributes is his physical style of play as well as his penchant for delivering heavy hits. The rookie has tremendous instincts and can fly downhill to stop the run.  Draft experts gushed over his power and ability to shed blocks, while also being one of the best tackling linebackers in the country at Missouri.

AJ Schulte of A to Z Sports raved about his physical play in his pick grade for Trotter.

"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."

When camp begins, Trotter will be able to showcase those qualities. While OTAs and minicamp are great for the rookie to get his feet wet and start learning the defense, training camp will be a big chance for Trotter to show everything he can do.

Anzalone has been a terrific linebacker over the last few seasons. Compliments for Trotter coming from him should carry a lot of weight. The veteran already sees a lot to like in the rookie, and believes he will only get better the closer we get to the season.

The Bucs have done a terrific job improving their defense this offseason, and Trotter was one of Tampa's prized additions. He and first-round pick Rueben Bain Jr. can become the faces of an outstanding defense over the next decade.

Trotter has already impressed Anzalone and should impress many more once everyone sees him during training camp.

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