Todd Bowles Compares Josiah Trotter To Rueben Bain
April 28th, 2026
As usual Todd Bowles wasn’t heard from after Friday’s Round 2 and 3 of the NFL Draft, and he did not address the media after the final day of the draft.
Why that happens, Joe will never understand.
But Bowles was heard from today via The Rich Eisen Show on ESPN TV.
The head coach was asked by Eisen if the fiery play of first-round pick edge rusher Rueben Bain is something he can stoke.
Bowles is all-in. “Love it to death. Hope it spreads,” he replied.
As for second-round pick linebacker Josiah Trotter out of the University of Missouri, Bowles was very confident and compared Trotter to his new edge rusher.
“He plays with the same demeanor that Bain plays with,” Bowles said of Trotter. “He’s a very thick, physical linebacker that can run. He’s a heck of a blitzer, so we’ll utilize him that way, as well. But people underestimate his coverage skills. Really love where he’s at.”
For those unaware, Trotter is the son of four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. The former Eagles star was a thorn in the Bucs’ side 25 years ago and finished played with the Bucs in 2007.
Bowles said he met Josiah Trotter and his dad at a college day at Clemson about five years ago when their sons were juniors in high school. More important, Bowles said the film shows Josiah Trotter has learned plenty from his pops.
“You can tell by the way he plays, he learned a lot from his father,” Bowles said.
Yes, the Bucs will have two rookie starters with their first two draft picks, barring a disaster. That’s something not seen in Tampa since 2019.
April 28th, 2026 at 4:14 pm
The Bucs met with Josiah Trotter at the combine
Then they brought him in for a Top 30 visit.
They were sold on him from the start, they had no interest in other ILB
He’s big, strong, physical and he plays violently
He has a high football IQ, a high motor, he plays relentless
He’s exactly what Todd Bowles been looking for in a MIKE LB
And he’s only 21
April 28th, 2026 at 4:15 pm
Feel better about the Trotter pick and how they are going to use him than I did initially. Just draft the top coverage ILB next draft so can learn from Alex Anzalone. Bring back LVD as a coach if he’s not going to be a minister.
April 28th, 2026 at 4:49 pm
Fire Bowles now!!!
April 28th, 2026 at 5:05 pm
And there we go. Bowles son’s friend.
April 28th, 2026 at 5:16 pm
Josiah Trotter and Jeremiah Trotter jr played at St Joseph Prep
They are a high school powerhouse in Pennsylvania
They came to Lakeland and beat us in 2023
He has a solid football background, high football IQ
April 28th, 2026 at 5:55 pm
I love this pick.
Trotter physically looks like a legit NFL MLB.
Thank God SVD is not being given a second chance.
Anzalone, Trotter, Rozeboom, SVD (very good on special team)
I can live with this.
The OG doesn’t look very big. I’m not sure about him. He doesn’t really pass the eye test. Like Klein.
April 28th, 2026 at 6:05 pm
Agree with Lakeland on Trotter and he pairs nicely with Angelone.
April 28th, 2026 at 6:13 pm
Hopefully dad can help him with stuff if he does struggle with some things. I just worry about the injury history with him, too! Hopefully he can be just as good as dad.