Josiah Trotter

The Player

Trotter is an aggressive downhill run-stopper who recorded 13 tackles for loss in 2025. He quickly reads his keys and fills gaps. He has a powerful punch and the explosive power to knock blockers to the ground. His reaction time, active hands, and ability to change speeds make it difficult for blockers to square him up and latch onto his frame. He moves well laterally scraping down the line and there’s a lot to like about his motor. He’s a polished pass rusher who wins with his hands. He can overpower backs and keeps working when he doesn’t get to the quarterback with his first move.

His gap discipline is a touch inconsistent and he gets manipulated by the quarterback’s eyes. Running backs can get behind him on wheel routes. He wraps low and he has good stopping power, but he misses some tackles. He takes some poor angles and comes in too hot, leaving his feet and lunging at ballcarriers.

He didn’t run at the combine and his closing speed appears average on tape. He’s on the younger side, turning 21 about a week before the draft. He missed the entire 2023 season (at West Virginia) with a lower leg injury. His father, Jeremiah Trotter Sr., was an 11-year NFL linebacker, and his brother Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is a linebacker for the Eagles. 

The Draft

Trotter is a top-100 prospect and one of seven off-ball linebackers we’ve given a day two grade. A Missouri off-ball linebacker has been drafted on day two in two of the past five drafts.

The Projection

Trotter needs to be protected in coverage, and he may not start as a rookie, but he’s an effective run defender with enough natural ability to develop into a starter. His game has shades of another Missouri linebacker, Nick Bolton. Trotter isn’t as instinctive as Bolton in coverage, but they are aggressive run defenders who show flashes rushing the passer.