Feb. 6, 2026, 11:10 a.m. ET
It is never too early to evaluate linebacker depth for the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Jason Licht has consistently invested in the defensive front seven, and while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not in urgent need of a defensive signal caller, Todd Bowles’ system demands depth, versatility, and long-term developmental planning at linebacker.
We are working through each position group this cycle. With that in mind, here is our report on Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter.
InformationSchool: MissouriConference: SECPosition: LinebackerHeight Weight: 6-2, 237 poundsClass: Redshirt SophomoreHometown: Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaPrevious School: West Virginia Mountaineers footballBackground
Trotter arrived at Missouri as an impact transfer after earning Freshman All-America honors at West Virginia. A former four-star recruit out of Saint Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, he was highly regarded for his instincts and aggressive downhill play style.
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At West Virginia, he compiled 92 tackles in 12 games during the 2024 season and earned Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year recognition. After transferring to Missouri, he immediately stepped into a starting role in the SEC, starting all 12 games in 2025 and earning First Team All-SEC honors from league coaches.
Trotter also carries a strong football lineage. His father, Jeremiah Trotter, was a longtime NFL linebacker and former Buccaneer, and his brother, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., was recently drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles after a decorated career at Clemson.
Notable Stats from 2025516 total snaps84 total tackles13.0 tackles for loss3 sacks7 quarterback hurries89.8 run defense grade73.0 overall defensive grade
Trotter ranked among the nation’s best run defenders, finishing with a 90.7 run defense grade per Pro Football Focus and anchoring a Missouri defense that ranked inside the top 20 nationally in multiple major categories.
SkillsPhysical downhill presence with SEC play strengthInstinctive run fits and quick trigger against interior runsHigh motor and consistent pursuit effortReliable tackler with strong finishing techniqueFlashes as a blitzer with timing and acceleration through interior gapsComfortable operating in trafficPatience in pass coverageLateral speed and acceleration help him in coverage
Trotter plays with urgency. His ability to read blocking schemes and attack downhill allows him to close quickly against zone and gap concepts. While not yet a polished coverage linebacker, he has shown functional awareness in underneath zones and has the athletic foundation to improve with coaching.
Player Summary
Josiah Trotter does not project as an immediate answer as a defensive signal caller in Tampa Bay’s system. He shows strong traits across the board, but mastering the communication and coverage responsibilities in Bowles’ scheme takes time.
Early in his career, Trotter would profile best as a special-teams contributor, rotational linebacker, and situational blitzer on pass-rush downs. His motor, aggressiveness, and run defense ability would translate immediately to kickoff and punt coverage units as he develops comfort within the defense’s structure.
Long term, he has the instincts and physical tools to grow into a starting-caliber off-ball linebacker and an efficient inside signal caller. For now, he projects as a Day 2 to early Day 3 selection who offers depth, toughness, and developmental upside within a disciplined defensive system.