The Bucs didn’t draft Josiah Trotter in the second round expecting him to spend his rookie season watching from the sidelines. They drafted him because they believe he has the instincts, toughness and competitive mentality to become a legitimate difference-maker at inside linebacker.

Tampa Bay entered the season with some questions at linebacker, but Trotter quickly assuaged many of those concerns. Trotter has a very real opportunity to turn that belief into a starting job from the opening game.

Trotter’s path to the lineup has become even more intriguing because Tampa Bay has been searching for the right way to replace veteran linebacker Lavonte David. They knew they had Alex Anzalone at one spot, but needed to find the correct piece for the other.

SirVocea Dennis, a fifth-round pick in 2023, was the incumbent starter from a season ago, but was never promised that starting spot again. Veteran Christian Rozeboom also had a crack at it, but a foot injury has slowed him down in camp and he hasn’t practiced in weeks. Dennis has also missed time, too, but returned last week.

Will Bucs Name Josiah Trotter Week 1 Starter?

Josiah Trotter has continued to make his case as one of the young linebackers capable of taking the next step with the more reps he received. But he’s been earning it in practice as well. He’s extremely vocal, in great shape and makes plays for the defense that looks effortless.

Bucs head coach Todd Bowles acknowledged that Trotter is making a strong push, yet the competition remains open. Here was his reply to if Trotter got the starting gig for the Bucs Week 1 road game against the Bengals.

“We’ll see next week how ‘Voss’ (SirVocea Dennis) goes along,” Bowles said. “But he’s making a hell of a case.”

Bucs ILB Josiah Trotter – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

That’s an important development for Trotter. Dennis has experience in Bowles’ defense and has been in the building for three going on four seasons, but Trotter has the type of physical and mental makeup that could make it difficult for the coaching staff to keep him off the field.

And Bucs general manager Jason Licht certainly believes Trotter possesses something that can’t always be measured at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Bucs GM Has Tons Of Respect For Trotter

“He’s a ‘dawg,” Jason Licht said this week. “He has a switch once he gets out there and everybody sees it, and it’s what the great players have. We’re hoping that he keeps ascending and becomes the great player that we think he can be.”

That “switch” is a big reason why Trotter could have a chance to play early.

Inside linebacker is a position where hesitation can be exposed quickly. The ability to diagnose a play, trust what you see and attack without thinking twice is critical. Trotter has built his reputation on that mentality, and it’s one of the traits that made him an intriguing prospect for Tampa Bay.

Bucs ILB Josiah Trotter – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

There’s also an element of opportunity working in his favor.

The Bucs don’t need Trotter to come in and replace David. He’s stepping into his own role, allowing him to play fast while learning from veteran players all around him.That could be an ideal situation for a rookie.

If Trotter proves he can handle the mental responsibilities of Bowles’ defense, communicate effectively and consistently make plays against the run and in coverage, there’s little reason for the Bucs to prioritize experience over production.

The GM’s description of Trotter as a “dawg” is particularly telling. Teams can teach a rookie the playbook. They can refine his technique. They can put him through countless reps in practice. But they can’t manufacture that competitive switch.

Trotter appears to have it.

Bucs ILB Josiah Trotter – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Trotter has demonstrated that the game isn’t moving too fast for him — and that when the ball is snapped, his natural instincts and physicality can take over. In fact, he’s going faster than the game itself is. 

The Bucs clearly know that potential is there. So what are they waiting for? It’s time to make him the day one starter. 

And if Licht’s assessment proves accurate, Tampa Bay may have found more than a starting inside linebacker.

It may have found another “dawg” for the middle of its defense.