Missouri standout Josiah Trotter is proving he belongs in Todd Bowles' aggressive system, leveraging elite football IQ and a hard-hitting pedigree to anchor the Buccaneers' defensive future.
This offseason, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers allocated a lot of resources and focus on rebuilding the defensive side of the ball, adding multiple players through free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft.
After selecting Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. in the first round, Tampa addressed the linebacking room, adding Missouri's Josiah Trotter with the No. 46 overall pick.
Through the preseason, Trotter has been hailed as an instant difference maker for head coach Todd Bowles and his defense, with multiple players and staff singing his praises.
On Friday, we heard from Trotter himself, who said he is feeling both "confident" and "comfortable" within Bowles' system.
Trotter talked about balancing playing fast with knowing his personnel around him and said that he feels he has put the work in to understand what is needed from him.
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.
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.
Trotter admitted that he can already tell some of the differences from college to the pros, with the speed of the game being one of them.
However, Trotter's intelligence, which Bowles' highlighted earlier this week, is what will help him adjust.
Some of these game smarts are likely because of his father, Jeremiah, who was a four-time Pro Bowler, playing 11 seasons in the league.
Despite playing just two full seasons of college football, Trotter seems ready for this next challenge, and will help supplement the next generation of Bucs defensive greats.
As a pass rusher, Trotter attacks lineman with a variety of power and finesse moves, using quick hands to penetrate the line of scrimmage.
The 6-foot-2 Philadelphia native excels against the rush, posting a stellar run-defense grade of 89.2, according to Pro Football Focus.
Trotter is a solid defender in zone coverage, but will need to continue to improve in man-to-man responsibilities.
Linebackers coach Mike Caldwell is extremely high on his new man in the middle, saying Trotter has no limit for how good he can become.
"When you understand the talent that he has, the ceiling is high," Caldwell said. "There is no ceiling for him right now."
Of course, no one is expecting Trotter to replicate the success Bucs legend linebacker Lavonte David had in the middle of the Bucs' defense, but these early showings display his immense potential.
Trotter's ability to play run defense and attack downhill as a pass rusher will fit in seamlessly with Bowles' blitz/pressure-heavy scheme.
