Legendary linebacker Hardy Nickerson dismisses concerns over the rookie’s coverage skills, betting on the second-round pick’s elite pedigree and physical traits to anchor Tampa Bay’s future defense.
Josiah Trotter just got an endorsement from one of the Bucs' all-time greats.
Hardy Nickerson, who starred for the team from 1993-1999, offered his thoughts on Trotter, who was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' second-round pick in April. The linebacker from Missouri is known as a "heat-seeking missile" on the field. He is an elite run defender and looks to be a building block of the Bucs' defense.
Nickerson would know a thing or two about playing linebacker in Tampa, where he was selected to five Pro Bowls and named to four All-Pro teams (two first-team and two second-team) during his seven seasons with the Bucs. Nickerson would also return as linebackers coach under former head coach Lovie Smith from 2014-2015.
Receiving praise from a player like Nickerson is quite a nod to Trotter's talent and potential.
Questions About Trotter's Coverage Skills
Nickerson's endorsement of Trotter came during an appearance on The Sports Web. When asked about the rookie's perceived lack of coverage skills, Nickerson came to Trotter's defense. While it is true that Trotter wasn't asked to cover much in college, and didn't look particularly good when he was, Nickerson doesn't believe that will be an issue for him in the NFL.
“He’s got the traits, and you can best believe that’s not going to be the issue with him,” Nickerson said of Trotter. “He’s going to be a ballplayer based on his pedigree.”
Trotter, of course, is the son of former Philadelphia Eagles' linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, who made four Pro Bowls during his own terrific career. Nickerson believes that the younger Trotter will be able to improve his coverage ability at the NFL level and that having a father who was a great LB will only help.
Being able to cover opposing running backs and tight ends is something that modern NFL linebackers must be able to do. Hopefully, Trotter will see that part of his game develop with proper coaching. His weakness in coverage can also be masked by new Buc Alex Anzalone, who is one of the better coverage LBs in the league.
Final Thoughts
For Tampa to get the most out of its second-round pick, head coach Todd Bowles must prioritize developing Trotter's coverage skills. While Trotter figures to have a major role on defense as a rookie, the Bucs can try to keep him away from coverage assignments as much as possible, at least until that part of his game improves.
Trotter has the talent, and the pedigree, to become a complete NFL linebacker. A former Bucs" great like Nickerson expressing confidence in the 21-year-old means a great deal and shouldn't be taken lightly.
Nickerson also made his case for being added to the Buccaneers Ring of Honor. As someone who was a key part of the Bucs earning a reputation for having one of the best defenses in football, Nickerson has earned a spot in the Ring of Honor.
If Nickerson gets added, maybe Trotter will be great enough to join him one day.
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