Writing The Ship: Buccaneers Should Be Looking At This Legacy Linebacker In The 2026 NFL Draft

We are a week into free agency and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have sent a clear message with the players they have brought in. That message is that they are getting meaner, tougher and more physical. Additions such as A’Shawn Robinson and Alex Anzalone embody those characteristics and I would expect future additions to do the same.

That will likely include the players they target in the draft as well. Head Coach Todd Bowles had said that he wants the team to get bigger and there’s no reason that he was just referring to free agency. Expect big, physical players to be higher up on the Bucs draft board.

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In the early rounds we are all expecting the team to target edge rushers and linebackers. These are the two clear needs left on the roster that have an open starting position. With the idea of being big and physical as an emphasis, that gives us some insight to who they might like. 

There are a few linebackers who would fit into this mold. Of that group, I believe that there is one in particular that brings more physicality than the rest. It’s also someone who brings an excellent pedigree and someone who the Bucs have already met with. 

All of these are little indicators that the Buccaneers are looking at this legacy linebacker.

That of course is Missouri’s Josiah Trotter. His father, Jeremiah Trotter, played 11 seasons in the NFL (including one in Tampa Bay) and was a multi time pro bowler and all pro. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (Josiah’s brother) was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 5th round two years ago.

Needless to say that this is a football family. Much like we have seen from Antione Winfield Jr. (son of former NFL star Antione Winfield Sr.) a young man can learn a lot about what it takes to play at the highest level from parents who were former players. Trotter has taken all of that knowledge and used it to help him become a very interesting prospect in this year’s draft.

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Three things really stand out to me when watching Trotter play. The first thing is that he is a very in control player. This is not someone who runs himself out of position. He flows with the play and is ready for contact when he is in position to make a hit.

And when this guy hits, oh baby does he hit.

Trotter has battering rams for arms. When a guard comes up to engage him in a block, there is a good chance that the guard is going to get the worst of that exchange. Not many linebackers can blow up blocks like this kid can. 

If Anzalone is going to be more of the coverage linebacker, Trotter profiles as more of the attack linebacker. Someone you can play on the strong side and trust to blow things up. In terms of size, physicality and toughness Trotter checks all the boxes.

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Those are the two big positives I see in his game. Unfortunately the third thing I notice about Trotter isn’t so positive. The reason that this player will likely be drafted in the third round.

Trotter lacks overall speed. He can be beaten in a foot race to the edge and you see it in his coverage ability as well. This could make Trotter’s overall role and usage a bit limited. 

With that said, the Buccaneers need his niche. It’s important to have linebackers who are athletic and good in coverage, but there will always be a place in the game for the “smack you in the mouth, kick ass and take names” type of linebacker as well. It’s an element that this team does need.

There is a place for Trotter in the Bucs defense. He’d be an asset in the run defense and he’d help set the tone in the front seven. The fit makes sense for what the team has said that they are looking for.

Can I sit here and tell you that this is a perfect fit or a perfect player? Absolutely not. If Trotter was drafted by the Bucs then I would expect that they target another linebacker at some point in the draft who is more of a coverage player. But that doesn’t mean that Trotter can’t write his own legacy with the Buccaneers.