2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Josiah Trotter (LB – Missouri)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Josiah Trotter

Josiah Trotter (LB – Missouri)

6-foot-2 | 237 Pounds

Background

Josiah Trotter’s father is legendary linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. The younger Trotter was a four-star recruit who originally attended West Virginia, where he redshirted in 2023 after sustaining a knee injury before taking over as the starting middle linebacker the following year. Finished 2024 with a line of 92-4.0-0.5 and an interception. Transferred to Missouri and posted an 84-13.0-2.0 line this past season.

Positives

Trotter was a highly productive two-year starter for two different programs. Thickly-built player with an old-school, throwback temperament that coaches will absolutely love. Explosive downhill mover who plays the run very physically and effectively. Diagnoses quickly and aggressively steps into the hole to blow up opposing play designs, making good decisions and taking sound angles, especially for a redshirt sophomore.

The Missouri product has powerful, heavy hands to play off of blocks when thumping between the tackles; likes to initiate contact and can jolt opposing blockers on impact. Bends his knees and uses his impressive lower-body strength to hold the point of attack very well, with excellent contact balance. Plays off of blocks well and can make tackles while engaged. Shows a good motor in pursuit and works through the whistle.

Can shed/slip by blockers on the move. Has been a highly reliable tackler throughout his collegiate career, with explosive power to set the tone defensively; looks like a freight train closing in. High effort pass-rusher. Heavy hands allow him to disrupt opposing receivers near the line of scrimmage when working in coverage.

Negatives

Trotter’s length looks like it might be a bit below that of some of his peers. Predominantly a between-the-tackles run stuffer; works to pursue to the sidelines, but isn’t the rangiest linebacker, being more explosive in a short area than he is fast in space.

Lack of ideal range also carries over into coverage; it can execute some hook curls or spy/contain the quarterback, but it isn’t an ideal option to shade over the slot or work in man coverage. As a lateral mover, Trotter can appear a bit clunky and uncoordinated. His 2023 knee injury required surgery and will be investigated further at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Summary

A feared run defender with a thick build, strong diagnostic skills and outstanding strength to hold the point of attack. Has explosive power on contact. Trotter’s intense style of play should endear him to teams that like their linebackers in the old-school style.

While Trotter doesn’t have the most range or fluidity in coverage, his early-down value should be enough to get him consideration early in the class. Would probably be best as the strong inside Mike linebacker on an odd front, where his talent in a phone booth would be accentuated.

Projection: Round 2