The Bucs suffered from disappointing linebacker play in 2025, despite the presence of franchise legend Lavonte David in the middle of their defense. General manager Jason Licht recognized that and made changes during the offseason to improve the unit.
First, they signed veteran Alez Anzalone to be the new leader of the group. His time in New Orleans prior to being with Detroit has made him familiar with the Bucs, but so has his being from the state of Florida. In the NFL Draft, they brought another player from Missouri, linebacker Josiah Trotter. While all eyes were on the veteran addition, it is the rookie who is getting a lot of attention from this coaching staff.
Recently, head coach Todd Bowles was singing the praises of his rookie linebacker based on what he had seen so far in training camp.
Fox Sports’ Greg Auman shared the comments, saying, “He’s almost like a new-school linebacker in an old-school body, and he really knows how to play the game, and he really plays with intent to do serious harm.”
It makes sense to see Trotter playing with an old-school mentality. His dad, Jeremiah Trotter, played in the NFL for 12 seasons, with one being in Tampa Bay. His dad was also a two-time All-Pro selection, was picked to be a part of four Pro Bowls, and is in the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame.
The Bucs hope he can follow in his dad’s footsteps and earn some of those same accolades in a red and pewter uniform.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs HC offers high praise of rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter
Reporting by Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
