The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have sent a clear message with their first two selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. They're establishing a physical defense by any means necessary.
After selecting Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. with the 15th overall pick, they doubled down on defense, making Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter their second selection. The former Tiger may have some holes in his game, but he's about as physical as they come in this class.
The pick puts veteran linebacker SirVocea Dennis in a precarious position. With Trotter on the roster, Dennis may be relegated to the bench.
Buccaneers' Josiah Trotter draft pick sends a clear message to SirVocea Dennis
Trotter is a downhill, physical defender who thrives against the run. He fits the traditional mold of a linebacker, pinning his ears back and delivering big hits on ball carriers. The Missouri product ranked 61st on the consensus big board.
FanSided's draft expert Mike Luciano said, "The son of ex-Eagles great Jeremiah Trotter, he is a throwback player, for better or worse. On one hand, he is a premier run-defender that can bowl through blockers, tackle in the open field as well as anyone in this class, and get to the quarterback as a pass rusher. However, coverage is a liability, the athleticism is average, and he has a season-ending leg injury in 2023 on his resume."
Trotter plays a style of football that the Bucs were missing at the second level last season. Dennis, at just 230 pounds, is more of a coverage-based linebacker. He often struggled against the run, especially when he had to take on offensive linemen in the hole.
After spending a second-round pick on the former Missouri linebacker, head coach Todd Bowles likely plans to start him in his rookie season. With Alex Anzalone filling one of the starting linebacker spots, that likely pushes Dennis to the bench.
The veteran will still have a role in the defense, especially on clear passing downs. Trotter may struggle in coverage, especially early in his career. Bowles may elect to keep him on the field for early downs and let Dennis slot in on third and long.
But it's clear that the Buccaneers weren't satisfied with what they had at linebacker entering the offseason. After signing Anzalone and drafting Trotter, they've completely rebuilt the position group. Unfortunately for Dennis, he may only be a small part of that picture.
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