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Buccaneers' Rookie Linebacker Offers One Bright Spot in Disappointing 2026 Season for Tampa Bay
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- Buccaneers' Rookie Linebacker Offers One Bright Spot in Disappointing 2026 Season for Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven't had much to be excited about during the 2026 season.
Star quarterback Baker Mayfield has missed time with injury, Todd Bowles looks to be on his way out, and the team is sitting at 2-5, even while playing in the weak NFC South. This was supposed to be a bounce back season, but instead, it looks like another lost campaign.
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The good news is, one of the team's 2026 draft picks already looks well on his way to becoming a new star for the franchise. Now, ahead of Week 8, that rookie is getting some national recognition.
Josiah Trotter Makes Top Rookie List
Oct 25, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Anthony Tyus III (34) runs against Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Josiah Trotter (45) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
ESPN's NFL analysts recently published a piece all about the 2026 rookie class . The analysts chose the top 10 rookies of the season so far and also voted on some superlatives.
Trotter was slotted in as the fourth-best rookie. The linebacker has racked up a team-high 62 tackles to go with three pass breakups, one sack, and one interception.
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"Trotter's play recognition stands out on the tape. He is quick to diagnose against the run, getting eyes on formation keys and pulling guards to make tackles," Matt Bowen said of Trotter. "His 43% run stop win rate ranks 10th among all linebackers, and he has the physical play style to drop the hammer on contact."
As Bowen mentioned, Trotter already looks like one of the best run-stopping linebackers in the league. Pro Football Focus gives the rookie a solid 71.5 overall grade, which ranks 19th out of 75 linebackers. Trotter shows some real ability as a pass rusher too, earning the 16th-highest pass rush grade among all linebackers.
In a year where not much else has gone right, it's at least nice to see Trotter come along so quickly. The rookie appears set to be the next great off-ball linebacker in Tampa Bay, and he's another piece the team can build around going forward.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
