Mike Biehl Defends Selection Of Josiah Trotter
April 25th, 2026
Bucs VP of Player Personnel Mike Biehl spoke about Bucs draft picks this weekend.
Already, there is a disconnect between football people and Bucs fans.
With the selection of Josiah Trotter in the second round, many Bucs fans on social media and in the comments on this here corner of the interwebs were incensed.
Why didn’t the Bucs trade up for Jacob Rodriguez? Why didn’t they draft CJ Allen or Jake Golday? Why didn’t the Bucs draft beastly defensive tackle Lee Hunter? Why did the Bucs choose to draft a run-stuffing only linebacker with bad knees? Why?
Football people on social media seem to think Trotter was great value for the Bucs.
Bucs vice president of player personnel Mike Biehl, who spoke for Bucs management Friday night, defended Trotter.
Trotter, Biehl said, is a downhill linebacker, no doubt. He said that is rare in college football these days because of the way spread offenses dominate the college game; most college linebackers are speed-first, bruisers second.
The Bucs were looking for physical linebackers and Trotter is a rare breed in college. Biehl also added the notion that Trotter cannot defend the pass is a “misnomer.”
Biehl added he and the team are confident Trotter can defend the pass.
As for Trotter’s knees, Biehl said, “Of course,” the Bucs were comfortable with his medicals.
“If we weren’t comfortable, we wouldn’t have drafted him,” Biehl said.
When it came to third-round pick Ted Hurst, an athletic freak receiver from Georgia State, Biehl said the Bucs were very impressed by how Hurst hung with players from the SEC and the B1G in the week of Senior Bowl practices. Biehl said Hurst’s performance that week reminded him of Ali Marpet at the Senior Bowl.
“First day [Marpet] struggled,” Biehl said. “By the end of the week, he was kicking everybody’s ass.”
Biehl added don’t be shocked if the Bucs have Hurst go between the hashmarks because, as Biehl said, ‘We’re looking for matchups.”
As for drafting Rueben Bain, Biehl said Bain has rare strength. “He has unmatched power.”
That, Biehl said, is what you want.
“It takes time to get around Tristan Wirfs.”
April 25th, 2026 at 12:06 am
Folks should look for Brian Baldinger assessment on Josiah Trotter before the draft. He really was not putting him behind any of those guys in his book and like always — his film assessments are worth a watch.
April 25th, 2026 at 12:11 am
It’s the pick that should bring every fan back to earth and realize we now have Bowles running the whole asylum. He’s smarter than everyone, let’s reach for dudes who could be traded down for and had much later.
Naa.
It is what sober objective fans know it to be. Poos Rueben Bains.
April 25th, 2026 at 12:14 am
I love Trotter Pick seriously Dude can play some ball Ppl think they know more then Scouts an
GMs which is nuts this kid will be a Stud for the Bucs for years to come M what I love he just turned 21 he is still Learning has t even hit his prime an he’s already a stud LFG Bucs are killing this Draft Let’s be honest anyway Anything after Bain. Is just icing on the cake but the Bucs are still getting Stud Luke 32 other teams didn’t jump on Allen or Hill either so what does that tell y’all lol Bucs prolly like JRod an Trotter an didn’t want to trade up M lose out on picks they stayed an got trotter someone who’s father was all pro am brother is an NFL LB as well like it’s in his family I think the kid can play ball so what it’s not who y’ou wanted he’s a damn good LB an Is Smart Fast can Thump.No one will care when he starts making plays on the Field but just remember Alot of y’all are hating on this kid before he even practices a snap for this team like He has the Attitude I want him an Bain have tht Gritty tough easy tht I’m smack u in the mouth toughness this defense needs Dude will be the Green dot for Tampa just watch I got faith if he is anything like his Dad Watch out we got a steal
April 25th, 2026 at 12:15 am
Straight Facts Geno
April 25th, 2026 at 12:18 am
I know for me and likely many Bucs fans, I am concerned that the Bucs are adding another LB who can’t cover. Unforunately , the Bucs must own this. For the last 2 years we have seem ILB that could not cover anything resembling a football player. Yes they were good run stuffers. Let’s hope that the Bucs are correct and he can cover. We shall soon see. No Buc fan wants to see another year where receivers and running backs in the flat are running free. Also please Bucs Staff currently we have 2 starting corners who can’t cover either. Unforunately, presently it looks like another year where receivers are running free all over the field. So if fans are upset the Bucs can only blame themselves for what they have put on the field. If you want them to stop complaining then add people who can cover receivers. Please remember this is a passing league, so yes you must stop the run but stopping the pass is even a bigger priority and as of late the Bucs can’t do that period.
Yes definately hope the fans and critics are misinformed about Trotter. However, the pudding is being served very soon.
April 25th, 2026 at 12:19 am
I’m not down on Trotter as a player, but the fit makes no sense to me.
If the team hadn’t done this act with KJ Britt, who clearly was too slow to be starter, then they’d have some more credibility. With that said, Trotter is not KJ Britt slow, but being physical, able to tackle, run first defender, those were all things the Bucs said they liked about Britt – but literally all you had to do was watch Britt in games to know he was too slow to start. I do not think Trotter is too slow, but I don’t think he’s a good fit for what the Bucs want, which is a LB that can also cover. If the Bucs didn’t, with a straight face, try to tell us Britt was their guy a couple of years ago, I’d feel better about this.
Still, I think Trotter will be a good NFL LB, but I just don’t know about this system fit, and if they want Trotter out there trying to cover TEs, or drop into coverage, everyone is going to be whining and complaining about him the same way they whined and complained about White, Britt and Dennis.
April 25th, 2026 at 12:19 am
Jason Licht told this fanbase they are going to get bigger and more physical
They started with the new additions during free agency
And now it’s carrying over into the draft
They want bigger, smarter players with high physicality
They are making the right moves, drafting the right players
They want defensive players that can tackle, hit hard
I’m on board with what they are doing
It’s long overdue
April 25th, 2026 at 12:19 am
How does the guy keep a straight face and say the medical team is good with a kid who’s had 3! injuries to his knees by 20 years old. He has chronic knee problems that are only going to get worse. No way is any sane person at all comfortable with that.
April 25th, 2026 at 12:22 am
A new maroon emerges from the sewer of shame. Good night nurse. Is this the idea of replacing Spytek?
Hammer….skull…..done
April 25th, 2026 at 12:26 am
I’m more concerned about punishing a RB, physically punishing him
Instead of covering him, I’m tired of covering, l wanna see some bone crushing hits
April 25th, 2026 at 12:31 am
Those sissy Bucs days are in the past, no more Choir Boys
This team is heading into a new direction, a more physical direction
If Bucs fans ain’t with it, they can always jump ship
Last season was a disgrace, a sad, pathetic embarrassment
We need to bring in players that want to HIT, not just play
April 25th, 2026 at 12:35 am
do you think picks 2 and 3 would have been spytek approved…?
i don’t know……….but the thought popped into my head
April 25th, 2026 at 12:37 am
Trotter may be a run stopper, but we need a LB that can cover. His scouting report says he is weak in coverage. His highlights back that up. Dont understand the pick. Trotter could have been picked up in the 4th or 5th. The Dl or OL should have been addressed.
April 25th, 2026 at 12:41 am
Let’s see, these guys scout players for a living, they are professionals
So, who should I listen to, the professionals, or the amateurs on here
That’s a no brainer,
April 25th, 2026 at 12:47 am
KJ Britt is a 4.7 guy. Trotter is in the 4.5s. He will do just fine adjusting to coverage. The main thing is he doesn’t miss tackles and brings another physical presence to our defense. Of course I wanted JRod, but I’m just fine with this pick.
April 25th, 2026 at 12:48 am
Trotter is what this defense needs a true thumper. This ain’t flag football trotter will knock you out. We havnt had a thumper since Jordan whitehead. Lakeland you said it perfect. Keyboard worriers not warriors haha. They think cause they watch a couple YouTube highlights that they know who to draft. 🤡.
April 25th, 2026 at 12:50 am
Funny whenever the draft comes around and the poster children of the dunning-Kruger effect stop picking their noses and eating tv dinners long enough to explain to Bucs fans why they would do a much better job at drafting than the people being paid millions who study this game as a full time job all year long. Of course, GMs get things wrong. And occasionally bad GMs are hired… but do I trust Jason Licht or Joe Schmo in the comments on joebucsfan? I don’t think there are any diamond in the rough NFL GMs hidden here.
April 25th, 2026 at 12:53 am
I’m fine with the pick. We need some more tackles. Hate to watch players miss.
April 25th, 2026 at 12:54 am
Start crafting your excuses now, choirboys.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:02 am
Good call on the Baldinger video. I feel better.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:07 am
My first mock had Trotter….then i got into Hill and Jrod…its all good, still like him. Was it a little bit of a reach, maybe? Nobody offering a trade to us? He’s a MIKE, not ILB so that was a need. Im glad we got him.
BTW, (CB) Will Lee III is still there…..man, if we can get him…..
April 25th, 2026 at 1:14 am
LOL what a joke of a draft….F-
April 25th, 2026 at 1:15 am
Biehl kind of looks like the dude who convinced hundreds of people that comet Hale Bopp was an alien spaceship.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:21 am
It’s funny people think that being employed by an NFL team somehow gives them some deep insights that aren’t readily available to the public. I promise you that they don’t have that much more information than us now and I can tell you from first hand experience they have people like every company who are just there to collect a check and don’t really care about the outcome.
Some of you call the passionate fans who have posted on this website for a decade plus clowns but you have no idea how much time and research some of our long time posters put into their love of the Bucs and the NFL.
If you don’t like hearing peoples opinions then leave. The site will be better off without you. We used to actually have intelligent, fact based discussions here but the people wanting to shout down the opinions of others have slowly worn down the quality of the discourse.
Also just to point out that there are “professional” analysts who are saying the same things about Trotter that many Bucs fans are saying. His coverage skills are weak which everyone agreed was a core issue for the Bucs defense. Trotter also wasn’t the biggest LB either which is a core goal the Bucs leadership identified not the fans.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:22 am
“A new maroon emerges from the sewer of shame” Thats poetry. And hilarious. Thanks for that.
Oh, so this is the Biehl? He can actually cover. Real good, too. And not just one but both knees check out?
Where and when have I heard stuff like this before?
Trotter is a mostly welcome addition who besides all stuff that has been cited in his defense is an excellent communicator. He combines that with his recognition skills pre snap like a seasoned vet and I love it. Young as he is, he sets up teammates to make plays presnap better than any other ILB this year so I’m seeing the appeal.
It’s not like the LBs who can turn and run and know their depth in zone can’t play the run already. They might not have the James Harrison type “pop” but coverage skills are indeed an important thing and way more important than an occasional “oooh” from the crowd. Trotter does not have them. That’s going to matter.
The Bucs need a money backer to platoon him with and it’s looking more like pterosaur Eric Gentry is that guy. He has major pop, too. Kyle Louis feels too dreamy but Harold Perkins Jr is still available and he can line up outside at CB.
The run defense has been slipping and that has been addressed but that great big open middle of the defense hasn’t had a dent put in it yet.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:23 am
Saban said they won’t be able to have him in there on 3rd-Downs. We better LOOK-OUT then, if the ‘other team’ decides to throw-it on 1st or 2nd Downs. Lmao. Hell, Bowles will have him out there dropping him back in coverage before you know it! LoL It’s only a matter of time. You KNOW it’s reeeeal baddddd when JL goes in hiding and they send some clown out there to the podium to explain away! Lmfao.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:31 am
Watch out Melvin the big brains crew might take offense to you citing one of the greatest coaches of all time who agrees with the comments some have made about Trotter’s coverage skills.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:31 am
I’m still saying it was an excellent draft pick
And I’m entitled to my opinion, just like the next person
April 25th, 2026 at 1:31 am
Just…..wow. Get me on Hale Bopp, it’s where all the good drugs are.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:34 am
Yeah and I have defended you before Lakeland, don’t be insulting other people because their opinions differ from yours.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:34 am
And Usfbucs – kudos and cheers. Thank you for cutting through the congealing syrup.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:36 am
I didn’t insult anyone
April 25th, 2026 at 1:38 am
I just said I trust the Bucs scouting department more than the amateurs here
April 25th, 2026 at 1:43 am
From your earlier post – Let’s see, these guys scout players for a living, they are professionals So, who should I listen to, the professionals, or the amateurs on here That’s a no brainer,
If somebody attacks you directly and insults you go for it but don’t be knocking people like this. Clearly we are both passionate about the team because it’s the middle of the night and we are posting still. Post your thoughts and analysis of the picks and decisions and leave it at that. If you want to push back do it in a way that doesn’t denigrate the other posters. You might find you are chatting with somebody who’s been an analyst longer than some of these professionals have even had jobs.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:46 am
Alright
April 25th, 2026 at 2:03 am
The cover for Licht and Bowles is never ending.
These guys were gift wrapped Bain Jr because the rest of the NFL was scared off by poor decisions and possible character issues.
Better hope that doesn’t come back to bite us or the house of cards will crash.
But they could have built off of that luck and traded up for a true #1 LB in J-Rod.
Instead Bowles demands another system guy because his defense is the best in the NFL.
Them they go get a nobody WR from a second rate school.
No wonder Mike Evans left the sinking ship.
April 25th, 2026 at 2:18 am
@ #1bucsfan – Ohhh, no, no, nooooo… That is what YOU DO. I’ve never watched a “YouTube” video EVEN ONCE, on ANY football player’s highlights. EVER. Don’t need to when you actually WATCH the games (unlike our GM). I’ve watched a few HS Basketball Recruits mixtapes through the years, but NEVER of any football players. It’s why I’m usually RIGHT. And, you same kool-aid drinkin’ Lickt-Lickin” status quo humpin’ HOMERS just empty and blindly, continue to celebrate EVERY freaking MOVE this FO ever makes. No matter WHAT and at ALL costs. They could’ve drafted a D2 guy from a school you’ve NEVER even heard of before, and YOU would be ‘clapping’ and saying, “Great Move, Great Move… I absolutely LOVE IT… JL is THE MAN… He’s SPECIAL. LoL It’s PATHETIC. You’re EMPTY and just living in a Fantasyland. You don’t even know HOW it works. You’ve never been around, or even close to ANY ‘inner-workings’ of ANY major sport’s program(s), coaches, or professional athletes before. So, it’s just NOT reality. You’re living in a made up ‘ADULT’ Fantasy-world stuck inside of your own head, while looking through a child’s eyes, of what you only THINK or wish it to be. How you ‘thought’ it all was when YOU were a child. It doesn’t make YOU any more of a “FAN,” either. It makes you a MORON. A Loser. 💯
April 25th, 2026 at 2:22 am
Almost EVERY. Single-ONE. Of these Kids. I’VE been watching THEM PLAY and following them SINCE “High School.” Almost EVERY one of them. So, don’t tell ME.
April 25th, 2026 at 2:47 am
Some of these people think this is like some type of focking “rocket science” these guys sitting in these FO’s are doing LoL. Well, NEWSFLASH… It is NOT. It’s farrrrrr from it! Most of these guys don’t know THEIR ASSES from a hole in the ground, and are HUGE IDIOTS. I know. I’ve been around MANY. Very Close. Hell, all you’ve got to do is JUST LOOK AT JL hahahah Now, tell me… Does THAT look-like some “jenus” Rocket Scientist TO YOU!? Be REAL. You people are ‘DELUSIONAL’ and have a false sense of reality, while living inside a pure FANTASY.
April 25th, 2026 at 2:56 am
What a dumb selection!
I get that trading up for Rodriguez was anathema to Licht. But, there was still a better choice than Trotter on the board.
ILB coverage failures have been killing the Bucs for years!
Two years ago, the Bucs said that Britt would do a great job – pfft!
Last year, SVD was the cure Bucs fans had been waiting for – pfft!
So, what do the Bucs do differently this year? Nothing new!
The Bucs burned a second round pick on Josiah Trotter who seems to be more of the same failure when it comes to pass coverage.
PFF reportedly ranked Trotter 710 out of 809 eligible linebackers with a coverage grade of 47.9. And, to make you feel better about the pick, Trotter skipped combine performance testing. One site says that he runs a 4.61 forty. Another site says that he ran a 4.70 and a 4.84 at his Pro Day for a 4.76 net forty.
Anthony Hill is essentially the same height and weight as Trotter, participated in Combine athletic testing, ran a 4.51 forty, had a PFF coverage grade of 63.6, and was on the board available for the Bucs to pick instead of Trotter.
I am not suggesting that PFF grades are the guiding light of my NFL universe. But, a 47.9 coverage grade vs a 63.6 coverage grade? Can that be completely baseless?
Trotter and Hill are both solid against the run, and both are blitz well. But, in addition to his superior coverage ability, Hill has one more thing that Trotter does not – a history of production in 2025:
Hill vs Trotter
Tackles – 69 vs 81
TFL’s – 7 vs 13
Sacks – 4 vs 2
Interceptions – 2 vs 0
Forced Fumbles – 3 vs 0
Licht and Bowles are seemingly having a 1950’s gridiron flashback.
Maybe Anzalone can cover for Trotter in coverage. Maybe the Bucs will pick up a coverage linebacker later in the draft. Maybe the Bucs will waste another season in denial about their need for coverage ILBs.
Is anyone giving odds?
April 25th, 2026 at 2:59 am
@ Usfbucs Says: “Watch out Melvin the big brains crew might take offense to you citing one of the greatest coaches of all time who agrees with the comments some have made about Trotter’s coverage skills.”
I believe he is THE greatest of all-time, when you factor in all of the context. It’s probably not even really that close either.