Alex Anzalone: Josiah Trotter Has The Talent
June 14th, 2026
Rookie learning.
After the final OTA wrapped up on Thursday, Bucs linebacker Alex Anzalone had encouraging words about a rookie teammate.
The Bucs selected Josiah Trotter in the second round. He’s tentatively slated to be on the second level of the defense starting alongside Anzalone.
The former Florida Gators star linebacker, Anazalone, was asked about Trotter. He really admires Trotter’s talents. But like all rookies, Trotter is an unfinished product, he said.
“He’s a great player, obviously, has the pedigree,” Anzalone said. “I remember watching [Trotter’s dad, Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter]. I grew up an Eagles fan, so I watched his dad growing up.”
In Anzalone’s eyes, Trotter’s first training camp will go a long way to determine if he’s ready to start on an NFL defense or needs additional seasoning.
“You know he has some learning to do, and some growth to do,” Anzalone said. “[Practice] is really good for him.
“I know he’s getting some team reps now, and you know, training camp will be really big for him and his development. So, as soon as he can pick up the playbook, just see the different concepts and routes and things you need to do as a linebacker, he’ll be even better and ready when the season comes.”
Joe hopes Trotter’s aggressive nature and physical tackling rubs off on the defense. Last year’s defense was just soft. And that’s a big reason the Bucs dropped seven of their final nine games and missed the playoffs.
Hopefully, Trotter’s juice and energy will be a signature feature of this new Bucs defense.
June 14th, 2026 at 8:03 am
Yes, important to remember he has growing to do. It will take some time more than likely. I don’t think people shoud expect him or other rookies in this defense to be all pro just yet.
June 14th, 2026 at 8:04 am
Fingers crossed that he can develop into a starter
June 14th, 2026 at 8:38 am
Wait for the pads to come on, then people will see Trotter’s talent, he’s such a physical player.
June 14th, 2026 at 9:27 am
There is no doubt about it, Anzalone is dead right. Playing linebacker in the NFL is a hard job. Not just the physicality, but the mental part of recognizing offensive formations, and blocking schemes, and avoid being sucked into the eye candy of offensive coordinators.
Trotter is a rookie and has a ways to go. There is no reason why this group can’t develop into a good unit by mid-season with the hard work of the coaching staff. Their job is to get these guys ready every week..Fans want to see a fast and physical defense this year….and it is the coaches who have to make these young guys into that defense…
June 14th, 2026 at 9:27 am
Bowles’ third attempt at developing a linebacker will make or break his coaching career at the Bucs. Another KJ Britt or Vos and he’s surely done.
June 14th, 2026 at 10:05 am
Will to be fair, both those guys were 5th round picks
June 14th, 2026 at 10:26 am
Judging from his interviews, Anzalone seems like he’s going to be a good Captain for this defense. Seems intelligent and forthcoming with his observations. That’s a breath of fresh air IMO.
June 14th, 2026 at 11:35 am
I like what Anzalone said about Josiah, but I’m not convinced at all that Bowles will have him start Game 1. He missed his first college year (2023) at West Virginia due to a lower leg injury, but then played 12 games (11 starts) his next year there (2024) and did quite well. Transferred to Missouri for the 2025 season and started 12 games there, missing the Gator Bowl vs. Virginia after knee surgery.
June 14th, 2026 at 11:35 am
BTW, Trotter obviously has lots of talent, but he’s very young (just turned 21 this past April) and only had 2 years of college ball under his belt. The worst thing that could happen to this young man is to start before he’s really ready & have his confidence get undermined. MLB is a critical position in Todd’s defense.
June 14th, 2026 at 11:39 am
Like that trotter is getting to learn from Alex.
June 14th, 2026 at 12:03 pm
The more talent a player has, the more of a challenge it is for Todd to confuse and regress them. But let’s have confidence, Todd is up to the challenge.
June 14th, 2026 at 12:06 pm
Play the most talented players.
They will learn from their mistakes.
They’re not learn anything sitting on the bench.
June 14th, 2026 at 12:28 pm
Right on Bonan!