After selecting Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. with their first selection, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued to address the defense, drafting Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter with the No. 46 overall pick.

Entering the draft, linebacker and defensive end were major needs for the Buccaneers, and they’ve quickly strengthened both positions through their early selections.

Last season, Trotter led the Tigers with 84 tackles, adding 13 tackles for loss and two sacks en route to a first-team All-SEC nod.

Trotter began his college career at West Virginia, redshirting his freshman season due to a season-ending leg injury.

However, the following season, Trotter burst onto the scene for the Mountaineers, earning Freshman All-American honors.

Trotter also captured Big 12 Conference Defensive Newcomer of the Year, being named an Honorable Mention All-Big 12.

He joins the Bucs after playing just two seasons in college, but brings an NFL legacy with him. Trotter's father, Jeremiah, was a four-time Pro Bowler, playing 11 seasons in the league.

"He moves way better than most high-cut linebackers. He’s crafty for being a two-year player but he had a dad that played, so that makes sense," an NFC national scout said.

As a pass rusher, Trotter attacks lineman with a variety of power and finesse moves, using quick hands to penetrate the line of scrimmage. 

The 6-foot-2 Philadelphia native excels against the rush, posting a stellar run-defense grade of 89.2, according to Pro Football Focus.

Trotter is a solid defender in zone coverage, but will need to continue to improve in man-to-man responsibilities. 

Following the retirement of Bucs legend Lavonte David, addressing linebacker early in the draft became a likely result. 

Trotter will step into a linebacking room filled with veteran presences, including Alex Anzalone, who came over from the Detroit Lions. The Bucs also added Christian Rozeboom from the division rival Carolina Panthers after he recorded a team-high 122 tackles last season.

Early indications point towards Trotter being a good fit in Tampa's defensive scheme, as Pro Football Writers' JC Allen highlighted after the pick.

"Trotter was my best fit in the third round and my third round selection in my final mock," Allen wrote on X.

CBS Sports reporter Mike Renner seconded these positive remarks, giving the Bucs an A-grade for drafting Trotter.

"I love the Bucs draft so far," Renner said. "To me, he's built to play for Todd Bowles' defense."

Trotter's ability to play run defense and attack downhill as a pass rusher will fit in seamlessly with Bowles' blitz/pressure-heavy scheme.

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