Bucs Draft Trotter, Fortify Run Defense

0:00It's April 25th. This is NFL News Today, AI-powered stories from around the league. I'm Cory with the story. The Buccaneers plug the big gap at middle linebacker on day two of the NFL draft, grabbing Missouri's Josiah Trotter with the 46 overall. Pick. This 21-year-old red shirt soft more steps into team up with new Sinee Alex Anzalone aiming to toughen up a defense that struggled there. For two straight seasons, Trotter comes from NFL royalty. His dad, Jeremiah Trotter, was a multi-time all pro who played 11 years, including a stint with the Buccaneers. After a torn ACL sidelined him early in West Virginia, he exploded at Missouri, starting all 12 games with 84 tackles, 13 for loss, and two sex, earning first team all SEC honors. Fans and analysts are buzzing about his nasty run-stopping style, calling him a hammer hunting for nails. At nearly 6 foot 2 and 240 pounds, he benches 27 reps and brings violent strengths to shed blocks, plus smart instincts.

1:04From his pro dad, that fit Todd Bowles is aggressive front 7. That said, coverage is his weak spot right now, and the Buccaneers track record developing off-ball linebackers raises eyebrows, no real successes since. Bowles arrived. Still, his blitz upside could shine in those creative pressure looks, and they might add another linebacker later for passing downs. With Trotter locking down the run game, the Buccaneers defense looks meaner already. Keep an eye on how Bowles mulls this young beast into a full package.