NFL Draft Profile: Josiah Trotter Brings Legacy, Power, and Old-School MIKE Linebacker Energy
There’s something special about a second-generation NFL prospect entering the draft. In Josiah Trotter’s case, the name alone carries weight-especially for fans of the New York Giants, who remember his father, Jeremiah Trotter, as a long-time thorn in their side during his days with the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, the younger Trotter is carving his own path to the pros, and he brings with him a skill set that’s both familiar and uniquely his own.
The Profile
Name: Josiah Trotter
Position: Linebacker
College: Missouri
Height: 6'2" (unofficial)
Weight: 240 lbs (unofficial)
Games Watched: vs.
South Carolina (2025), vs. Alabama (2025), vs.
Oklahoma (2025)
Red Flags: None
Let’s break down what makes Trotter tick as a prospect-and where he’ll need to grow if he wants to become more than just a legacy name on an NFL roster.
What He Does Best
Run Defense | Instincts | Explosiveness | Tackling | Twitch | Power
Josiah Trotter is built like a classic downhill linebacker-thick through the frame, explosive through contact, and sharp with his reads. He’s got that twitchy athleticism that jumps off the tape, especially when he’s attacking the line of scrimmage. Whether he’s diagnosing a run play or shooting a gap, Trotter plays with a burst that makes him a problem for opposing offenses.
His instincts are a clear strength. He reads blocking schemes like a seasoned vet and rarely hesitates when it’s time to fill a gap.
Trotter doesn’t just attack the run-he dissects it. The way he approaches the line is almost running back-like in terms of vision and decisiveness.
That kind of short-area quickness, combined with his natural power, allows him to shed blocks-even from offensive linemen-and stay active in pursuit.
Another area where Trotter quietly shines is in the leadership department. He’s shown the ability to communicate pre-snap and get his teammates aligned, which is a must-have trait for any true MIKE linebacker. That mental command of the defense is something NFL coaches will value.
And while he wasn’t used much as a blitzer in college, the tools are there. His burst, timing, and physicality suggest there’s untapped potential in that area-something a creative defensive coordinator could unlock at the next level.
Where He Struggles
Pass Defense | Long Speed | Coverage Awareness
As much as Trotter thrives against the run, the passing game is where things get murky.
In coverage, he looks far less comfortable. He tends to hesitate when dropping into zone, often reacting to the play rather than anticipating it.
That delay can be all it takes for a tight end or slot receiver to slip past him in today’s fast-paced NFL offenses. And while his short-area quickness helps him close on ball carriers, it can also work against him when he bites on misdirection or gets caught out of position.
Long speed is another concern. He doesn’t have the kind of range to cover sideline-to-sideline or chase down faster skill players in space. That limits his effectiveness in coverage and could make him a liability on passing downs early in his career.
The good news? His football IQ and athletic profile suggest there’s room to grow. If he can improve his feel for route concepts and clean up his footwork in coverage, he could eventually become a more complete linebacker.
NFL Projection
Right now, Trotter projects as an early-down linebacker who makes his money stuffing the run and bringing physicality to short-yardage situations. He’s also a strong candidate for special teams contributions out of the gate.
Long-term, there’s starter potential here-particularly as a MIKE in a base defense. But for him to become a true three-down linebacker, he’ll need to take big strides in coverage. That development curve could impact his draft stock, but strong interviews and chalkboard sessions might help teams see the upside.
Fit With the Giants?
There’s definitely a potential fit in New York. The Giants have been looking to shore up their linebacker corps, and Trotter brings the kind of physicality and football IQ that would mesh well with a defense built around toughness and discipline. If they’re willing to be patient with his development in coverage, he could grow into a valuable piece of their defensive puzzle.
Final Word
Josiah Trotter isn’t just riding his father’s coattails into the NFL. He’s a legitimate prospect in his own right-a throwback linebacker with modern athleticism and a nose for the football.
There’s work to be done, especially in the passing game, but the foundation is there. If he lands with the right coaching staff and system, don’t be surprised if he becomes a tone-setting presence in the middle of an NFL defense.