The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made multiple moves during the 2026 NFL Draft to bolster their defense, one of which was selecting Missouri Tigers linebacker Josiah Trotter in the second round (pick No. 46).
During a recent appearance on “The Jim Rome Show,” Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles shared a rather bold prediction regarding what Trotter will accomplish as a pro.
Will Josiah Trotter accomplish more than his famous family members?
“I think he’s going to have a better career than his dad had, and his brother had, hopefully,” Bowles said, per the JoeBucsFan website.
Jeremiah Trotter, Josiah’s father, earned four Pro Bowl nods and one first-team All-Pro selection during his NFL career that ran from 1998 through the 2009 season. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Josiah’s brother, has played for the Philadelphia Eagles since the 2024 season and is a one-time Super Bowl champion.
Josiah Trotter didn’t join the Buccaneers as a perfect prospect. Specifically, some have questioned his pass coverage ability compared to others who were available in the second round of this year’s player-selection process.
What Buccaneeers like about Josiah Trotter
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said plenty about his feelings on the state of the Tampa Bay defense when he selected Miami edge-rusher Rueben Bain Jr. with the 15th overall pick of the draft before Licht grabbed Josiah Trotter. Bowles, who has a defensive background and was serving as Tampa Bay’s defensive coordinator when he was promoted to his current role in March 2022, expanded on what the team liked about Josiah Trotter ahead of the draft.
“We think [Josiah Trotter] is very intelligent,” Bowles explained. “He can run. He’s got size. He’s going to strike you. And he’s a modern-day football player, and we think he’s very physical. I think from a physical standpoint, he’s a lot like Bain.”
That last line is noteworthy, as outlets such as DraftKings Sportsbook have routinely listed Bain as a co-favorite to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award for the 2026 season. If Josiah Trotter proves to have a little Bain in him, the Tampa Bay defense could be an improved unit from what it was this past January.