The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have quickly found their top linebacker of the future in Josiah Trotter, who has arguably been the best player on the team through two weeks.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to show signs of last year's inconsistency on both sides of the ball early on this season.
Turnovers and failures to get off the field on third down led to another loss on Sunday, with the Bucs falling to 0-2 against the Cleveland Browns.
But, this doesn't take away from the very strong start rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter has had to his NFL career.
After becoming the first player in NFL history to record 10 or more tackles, a sack, and a pick-six in his debut, Trotter had another big day against Cleveland.
The former Missouri standout led all players with 13 tackles, representing the only Tampa defender on the team with double-digit takedowns.
Trotter did suffer some discomfort during Sunday's game, temporarily leaving while holding his shoulder.
Luckily, he was able to return, and remained effective.
Going forward, Tampa's first round pick Rueben Bain Jr. will need to show improvements, but Trotter has been the biggest bright spot on head coach Todd Bowles' defense.
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."
Last season, Trotter was a First-Team All-SEC performer with the Tigers, securing 84 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and two sacks.
CBS Sports reporter Mike Renner loved Trotter's fit in Tampa, 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."
This has been the case so far, as Trotter has been utilized in many different ways and continues to look like a second-round steal.
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.
As the Bucs look to turn things around against the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday, Trotter's development as a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate continues to rise.
Bain was the Bucs' rookie thought to be one of the favorites for the award heading into the year, but Trotter has to be one of the odds leaders following another strong showing.
