Bucs LB Trotter Graded Top 5 Rookie in NFL

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have not gotten the production out of Rueben Bain Jr. that was projected prior to the start of the season, with the team's top pick playing in only two games to this point.

But, second-round linebacker Josiah Trotter has been a bright spot, anchoring Tampa's defense and making franchise history seemingly every week.

On Thursday, Pro Football Focus (PFF) released their grades for the top-10 rookies in the NFL, with Trotter coming in at No. 5 (79.2).

On Sunday, Trotter returned to the lineup after missing Week 3 due to injury, recording nine tackles and 1.5 stuffs at the line of scrimmage against the Green Bay Packers.

His 34 takedowns through three games set a franchise record, breaking star safety Antoine Winfield Jr.'s mark of 23 in 2020.

Making Bucs history has been a weekly theme for Trotter, who burst onto the scene in his professional debut, notching 11 total tackles, a sack, and a pick-six.

This made him the lone player to record double-digit tackles, a pick-six, and a sack in their debut, and put the league on notice.

Unfortunately, his missed week lessened his current chances of winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, but his continued production will thrust him right back in the discussion.

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

But, his strongest attribute is his pursuit, as Trotter displayed the ability to track down ball carriers from anywhere on the field on Sunday.

Throughout the offseason, Trotter turned heads at minicamp and in joint practices, eventually earning the starting job alongside Alex Anzalone.

Inside linebackers coach Mike Caldwell gave Trotter the upmost praise, when talking about his potential following rookie camp.

"When you understand the talent that he has, the ceiling is high," Caldwell said. "There is no ceiling for him right now."

With the added struggles from Anzalone, who is head coach Todd Bowles' green-dot linebacker, Trotter has been a saving grace.

Heading into a very difficult matchup on Thursday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys, the Bucs will need a big day from Trotter to stay within striking distance.

Star Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb is coming off a monster day against the Houston Texans, where he recorded a career-high 17 receptions for 189 yards and a touchdown.

Lamb did a lot of his damage in the middle of Houston's defense, which Trotter will have a big part in making sure doesn't happen again.