This would be great news if it turned out true, but also could mean the coaching staff and FO are NUTZ!
;-)
Forecast: A Bucs Rookie Better Than Rueben Bain Jr.?
Now for the first time in Cover 4 history we are going to talk about a forecast that is not my own. On the most recent episode of the Rondé Barber Show, the Bucs Hall of Famer said something that was quite eye-opening.
To be clear, Barber is not saying he believes Trotter is/will be the best player from this Bucs rookie class. Similarly, it is not my forecast that he will be either. But after watching a whole summer of practices, and a limited slate of preseason games, Barber has been told by people inside the Bucs organization that they believe Trotter will be the best player from this class.
We at Pewter Report get the same sense from the team. And in case you forgot, this is the same rookie class that includes Rueben Bain Jr., who the Bucs were over the moon to select with the 15th overall pick.
This is incredibly high praise for a 21-year-old who had legitimate warts coming out of Missouri. Keep in mind Trotter was the third linebacker taken in the 2026 NFL Draft, following Sonny Styles to Washington in the first round and Jacob Rodriguez to Miami just a few spots before him in the second.
Trotter’s physical skills are impressive. And his early preseason work was encouraging. The Bucs have a long history of developing premier linebackers. Derrick Brooks and Lavonte David were each at or near the top of the league during their respective careers. It would appear general manager Jason Licht, head coach Todd Bowles and the rest of the organization believe they may be on to another one.
Great write up and video on Scott too
https://www.pewterreport.com/keionte-scott-bucs-best-rookie-queipo-cover-4/
A few years ago, our HC, who’s the supposed “defensive guru/genius”, publicly and adamantly stated Devin White was the 2nd best player on the defensive side of the ball.
So, with all due respect, I’ll take any input from Todd with a grain of salt.
A few years ago, our HC, who’s the supposed “defensive guru/genius”, publicly and adamantly stated Devin White was the 2nd best player on the defensive side of the ball.
So, with all due respect, I’ll take any input from Todd with a grain of salt.
as you should, but the report is Bowles and Licht etc.
Thought it was interesting though because of the Devin White parallel so fair point for sure.
A few years ago, our HC, who’s the supposed “defensive guru/genius”, publicly and adamantly stated Devin White was the 2nd best player on the defensive side of the ball.
So, with all due respect, I’ll take any input from Todd with a grain of salt.
as you should, but the report is Bowles and Licht etc.
Thought it was interesting though because of the Devin White parallel so fair point for sure.
Woah woah woah
Licht likes the player he reached to take? That's shocking...
PR: https://www.pewterreport.com/chris-braswell-can-prove-jason-licht-right/
Jason Licht: Chris Braswell “Has All The Traits” To Take Next Step
“Just seeing him at the end of the season playing faster, we knew he was physical,” head coach Todd Bowles said about Braswell on Tuesday afternoon. “It took him a while mentally to get everything down. Knowing he’s got a year under his belt, that he can come in without thinking and play faster, excites me.”
Ahhh the optimism of the preseason! Gotta love it. Enjoy it for another week.
Preseason garbage.
Let's see before crowning him as Ray Lewis.
First of all according to PR K. Scott was one of the best rookies from pre season action. Bain is projected to be right there with him. I have said as much that Bain and Scott are film junkies along with Trotter Jr.
The possibility all three ball out this year as rookies is very high and gives Licht a feather in his cap for being a timid his off season with the rest of his off season moves or lack of moves.
This 2026 rookie defenders need to ball out for this team to move beyond the mediocre state because Bowles isn't going to outcoach McVay all of a sudden.
Everyone appropriately calling "NUTZ" lol
It would be great if K Scott was something special and obviously Trotter and Bain too. Hurst.
Historically speaking, pretty shaky to be relaying on rookies this much.
Everyone appropriately calling "NUTZ" lol
It would be great if K Scott was something special and obviously Trotter and Bain too. Hurst.
Historically speaking, pretty shaky to be relaying on rookies this much.
I think Scott and Bain are hits.
Trotter I hope I'm wrong but at least he's a starter.
Hurst wild card... Rooting for him even tho I didn't love the pick at the time
I have to see more of K. Scott. He’s a good box player, but I think he may lack the abilities to be successful in space in the NFL. I hope that’s not the case. But he doesn’t show the same coverage abilities as Parrish. Parrish was my favorite player last preseason and I said we had to get him on the field.
I wouldn't be calling nutz, lol. I want to see in meaningful competition. I didn't like the pick. I felt like they could have had him in the 3rd and there were greater picks to be had (strictly by scouting measures and college game) when we took him. The fear could have also been they wanted Scott the whole time and knew if they didn't grab Trotter in the 2nd (because he was their guy), they wouldn't get them both......and that is probably 100% correct.Everyone appropriately calling "NUTZ" lol
It would be great if K Scott was something special and obviously Trotter and Bain too. Hurst.
Historically speaking, pretty shaky to be relaying on rookies this much.
Is it time to put toe to leather yet????????
Josh Q
From 2019-2023, the Bucs had the same linebacker pairing of David and Devin White. White was used in a pass rush capacity on 20% of opponents passing snaps while David was used that way about half as much. When the two were deployed in coverage White was asked to play more flats and man coverage where his athleticism could be leaned on more heavily. Meanwhile, David was asked to play more difficult coverage assignments like hook-curls, curl-flats and pole running in Tampa 2.
With Trotter adjusting to the NFL and still developing as a zone defender, Anzalone’s role is extremely important. Anzalone’s coverage skills in zone – his ability to get to his spots on time, feel routes developing around him and limit damage – should allow Trotter to play the White role, leaning into his athleticism and play fast, especially as a blitzer.
Anzalone playing his role means Bowles can utilize Trotter to his strengths. When talking about player evaluation on the Rondé Barber Podcast, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles believes in this core philosophy: “Don’t tell me what he can’t do. Tell me what he can do.”
Anzalone can do the more difficult coverage stuff, which allows Trotter to do the more man-to-man underneath coverage and pass rushing assignments. The defense is better for it.
I have to see more of K. Scott. He’s a good box player, but I think he may lack the abilities to be successful in space in the NFL. I hope that’s not the case. But he doesn’t show the same coverage abilities as Parrish. Parrish was my favorite player last preseason and I said we had to get him on the field.
I wouldn't limit K. Scott to being a box player because that is what many did with T. Smith too. The difference is that K. Scott shows traits to be able to play boundary CB in addition to safety. Garner and Scott are like glue in coverage on that boundary as they can break on a dime. Night and day difference compared to Davis and Dean.
