Bucs Rookie LB Trotter Continues to Anchor Defense

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 0-4 start can be attributed to multiple different things, but rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter is not one of them.

Trotter, Tampa's second-round selection, has had a stellar start to his NFL career, leading the Bucs in tackles with 34 and continuing to look dynamic in the middle of head coach Todd Bowles' defense.

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.

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.

Following his historic performance, Trotter led all players with 13 tackles against the Cleveland Browns, representing the only Tampa defender on the team with double-digit takedowns.

Unfortunately, the should injury suffered against Cleveland held Trotter out of Tampa's Week 3 defeat against the Minnesota Vikings, but having him back and healthy going forward is pivotal.

Tampa's first round pick Rueben Bain Jr. will need to show improvements when healthy, but Trotter has been the biggest bright spot on head coach Todd Bowles' defense.

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.

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.

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

Despite playing just two full seasons of college football, Trotter seems mature for his age, and has been the most impressive player in Bowles' front seven.

Some of these football smarts are likely attributed to Trotter's father, Jeremiah, who was a four-time Pro Bowler, playing 11 seasons in the NFL.

Entering Tampa's first primetime matchup of the season, a Thursday Night Football showdown with the Dallas Cowboys, Trotter will need to have a big day against Dallas' potent offensive weapons.