Bucs rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter hopes to make opponents scream for mercy.
The Bucs have their new starting linebacker. And he’s an SEC guy.
The Bucs got Josiah Trotter from Missouri. But this guy is raw. He only played two years of college ball. But, if you can hang in the SEC you ought to be able to play ball.
Veteran NFL scribe Bob McGinn, typing for GoLongTD.com, after talking to several of his scouts sources, has Trotter as his sixth-best linebacker in the draft.
6. JOSIAH TROTTER, Missouri (6-2, 239, no 40, 3): Started 12 games at Missouri last year. Began his collegiate career in 2023 at West Virginia but sat out the entire season because of a lower-leg injury. Started 11 games for the Mountaineers in 2024. “A lot of people like him,” one scout said. “They think he’s better than the brother that came out a few years ago. He’s had a couple injuries that could be a hangup so that’s why I think he’ll be a second-round pick.”
His father, Jeremiah, made four Pro Bowls and 914 tackles as a middle linebacker for the Eagles and two other teams from 1998-’09. In 1998, as a third-round pick from Stephen F. Austin, he was 6-0 ½, 261 and ran 4.67. His Josiah’s brother, Jeremiah (6-0, 226, 4.81), was drafted in the fifth round by the Eagles in 2024 from Clemson. In two seasons he has started two of 34 games and made 57 tackles. Josiah, his father and his brother all entered the draft after three years of college. “He’s not as good as his brother, and his brother doesn’t even (start),” said a second scout. “He’s very, very similar to his brother. He’s a tough guy and he’s physical.
Just gets beat up at the point of attack because he’s a smaller guy. Not much range or change of direction or athletic ability. His coverage isn’t good at all. Fifth round.” Three-star recruit from Philadelphia. Arms were 32 ¼, hands (10 ¼) were the largest of the top 10 at the position. “He’s a strong second-round pick,” a third scout said.
The lack of games played is a bit strange. Maybe the Bucs should have been aggressive and traded up and gotten Jacob Rodriguez? Joe’s not ragging on Trotter, but why not CJ Allen coming from a Kirby Smart defense? That strategy sure has paid off for Howie Roseman.
Joe hopes Trotter shows a skill level that belies his lack of college experience.
Missouri LB Josiah Trotter!!!🚨🚨🚨
All-SEC 1st Team LB
– Elite speed
– Great instincts
– Great tackler in space
– Violent in the box
– Great at shedding blocks
– Very intelligent player
NFL legend Jeremiah Trotter Sr. is his dad and NFL Philadelphia Eagles LB Jeremiah Trotter… pic.twitter.com/fhVTAhPK3L
— Linebackers University™ (@Linebackers_U) December 11, 2025