Josiah Trotter's first comments as a Buccaneer made him an instant fan favorite

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter with the No. 46 overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The linebacker position was the biggest remaining need after the team addressed edge rusher by drafting Ruben Bain Jr. in the first round. 

Tampa Bay addressed their linebacker need by selecting Trotter, continuing the overhaul of the defensive unit. 

What separates Trotter as a linebacker is his physical downhill playstyle. He’s one of the best at his position against the run and as a blitzer. He needs to improve his coverage skills, but the hope is that at just 21 years old, there’s plenty of time to develop that part of his game. 

“When it comes to my strengths, it’s obviously going to be my physicality,” said Trotter in his press conference. “My instincts to be able to play by brain, trying to put myself ahead of plays, and then just being a leader. Being able to communicate, be a tone-setter.”

Trotter’s comments are part of a common theme in Tampa Bay this offseason — the desire to become more physical and set the tone on defense. 

In hindsight, with all of the clues the front office has given in what they want to add to the defense this offseason, Trotter always fit the bill.  

In just two seasons, he recorded 176 combined tackles including 17 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and an interception. 

He earned an elite 89.2 PFF grade for his run defense, ranking as one of the best run defenders of any linebacker. 

Trotter is a perfect fit for the dimension the Buccaneers are hoping to add to their defense this offseason, and his introductory press conference made that perfectly clear. 

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