Jan. 17, 2026, 11:38 a.m. ET<\/p>\n
In a recent mock draft from\u00a0Pro Football Network<\/a>, the\u00a0Indianapolis Colts<\/a> addressed the linebacker position.<\/p>\n After trading their 2026 and 2027 first-round draft picks to the Jets for Sauce Gardner, the Colts<\/a> do not have a first-round selection in this year’s draft. So Indianapolis’ first selection will come in the second round at pick 47th overall.<\/p>\n With that selection,\u00a0PFN’s Jacob Infante<\/a>\u00a0had the Colts addressing the linebacker position, taking Missouri’s Josiah Trotter.<\/p>\n “Some may have been initially surprised that Josiah Trotter declared for the 2026 NFL Draft,” Infante wrote. “But when you turn on the tape, it’s clear he’s ready for the next level. He’s an instinctive, physical tackler at the MIKE spot who wraps up with proper form, takes precise angles in pursuit, and doesn’t shy away from taking blocks head-on.”<\/p>\n Trotter is the son<\/a> of former Eagles<\/a>‘ All-Pro linebacker Jeremiah Trotter.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n Trotter has played 1,144 defensive snaps over the last two seasons. This past year, with Missouri, Trotter was one of PFF’s<\/a> highest graded run defenders at the linebacker position.<\/p>\n He also logged 14 pressures and three sacks as a blitzer. In coverage, he allowed 27 completions on 32 targets at 8.8 yards per catch. Trotter did not log any ball production.<\/p>\n During GM Chris Ballard’s end of season press conference, while not mentioning the linebacker position specifically, he said there was a need to get younger and faster on defense. Presumably, the linebacker position falls into that category.<\/p>\n