Bucs' Josiah Trotter could be the team's breakout rookie in camp
· Yahoo Sports
Every training camp produces at least one rookie who exceeds expectations, and for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, that player could be linebacker Josiah Trotter Jr. While first-round pick Rueben Bain Jr. will naturally receive much of the attention, Trotter enters camp in a position where he could quietly earn a significant role much sooner than expected.
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Following Lavonte David's retirement, the Buccaneers brought in veteran Alex Anzalone to help anchor the linebacker room, but there are still snaps available alongside him. Trotter will compete with SirVocea Dennis and Christian Rozeboom as Tampa Bay looks to solidify its future at the position.
At Clemson, Trotter developed a reputation for his instincts, physicality, and ability to diagnose plays quickly. Rather than relying solely on athleticism, Trotter consistently put himself in a position to make tackles by reading offenses before the play fully developed. Those instincts could help him earn Todd Bowles' trust early in his career. He can contribute in multiple phases of the game. Whether it was stopping the run, dropping into coverage, or blitzing, Trotter displayed the versatility that Bowles covets in his linebackers.
That versatility could allow the coaching staff to move him around the defense as he continues to adjust to the speed of the NFL, and training camp practices will be his first opportunity to prove he belongs.
Going against Baker Mayfield and one of the NFC's better offenses every day should accelerate Trotter's development, while preseason games will give him a chance to show he can consistently make plays against NFL competition. The Buccaneers have made it clear they want to become faster and more physical on defense, and Trotter fits that vision. He plays with an aggressive mentality and rarely shies away from contact, qualities that tend to stand out once the pads come on.
Bain may generate the headlines throughout camp, but don't be surprised if Trotter is the rookie drawing praise from coaches by the end of the summer. With an opportunity to compete for meaningful snaps and a skill set that fits Tampa Bay's defensive identity, Trotter has all the ingredients to become the Buccaneers' breakout rookie during training camp.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs' Josiah Trotter could be the team's breakout rookie in camp