The second-round pick officially joins Rueben Bain Jr. as a rookie who has earned a starting job for Tampa's defense.
As expected, rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter has earned a starting job to open the season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Even though all signs were pointing to Trotter starting next to Alex Anzalone in Week 1, head coach Todd Bowles would not publicly say whether he had won the job or not.
On Tuesday, Tampa released its depth chart for Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, with Trotter and Anzalone listed as the two starters at inside linebacker. Bucs legend Ronde Barber talked about the organization's high expectations for Trotter, including viewing him as an immediate starter.
Pair Of Rookies Starting On Defense
Trotter, who was the Bucs' second-round pick in April, will be joining Rueben Bain Jr. as rookies who have earned starting spots on defense. While Bain has dominated headlines since his arrival in Tampa, Trotter really started to make a name for himself once training camp began.
With the pads on, Trotter was finally able to showcase his full array of talents. It wasn't long before he established himself as the Bucs' best option next to Anzalone. Over the next few weeks, Trotter and Anzalone would develop plenty of chemistry playing together, which was a great sign for the rookie's chances of earning the job.
When the Bucs released their first unofficial depth chart during the preseason, Trotter was listed as a backup to incumbent SirVocea Dennis. However, Dennis struggled last season, and there was even a time when his roster spot was thought to be in jeopardy.
Dennis was able to hold on to his roster spot, but couldn't fend off the talented rookie Trotter for the starting job.
Like Father, Like Son
Trotter is the son of Jeremiah Trotter, who was a four-time Pro Bowl linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Earlier this offseason, Anzalone spoke about growing up an Eagles fan and watching the elder Trotter. He believes his new teammate has the talent and the pedigree to be a great player, like his father.
“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.”
Final Thoughts
Trotter winning the starting job wasn't exactly surprising. His play throughout camp proved that he is Tampa's best option for the job next to Anzalone, who has been named one of the Bucs' team captains in his first year with the team.
Now it is official. Bain and Trotter are not only the future of Tampa's defense, but are also a huge part of the present.
Both will play huge roles this season as the Bucs try to return to the players and regain their reputation for having a fearsome defense.
