Josiah Trotter

NFL Draft Profile: Josiah Trotter

Position: Inside Linebacker (MIKE) | School: Missouri (via West Virginia) | Class: Redshirt Sophomore

Height: 6'2" | Weight: 237 lbs | Archetype: Run Stopper

College Career Summary

Josiah Trotter carries one of the most prestigious names in linebacker history, being the son of former All-Pro Jeremiah Trotter. His college career began at West Virginia, where a torn ACL in the spring of 2023 forced a redshirt year. He returned in 2024 to win Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, recording 92 tackles and displaying the "thumping" physicality synonymous with his family name. Seeking a bigger stage, Trotter transferred to Missouri for the 2025 season. He immediately became the vocal leader of the Tigers' defense, earning First-Team All-SEC honors. Trotter led Missouri with 84 tackles and finished 6th nationally in PFF run-defense grade (90.7), proving he is one of the most polished traditional linebackers in the country despite his youth.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 24

• Total Tackles: 176 (84 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 17.0 (13.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 2.5 (2.0 in 2025)

• Interceptions: 2 (1 in 2024; 1 in 2025)

• Pass Deflections: 5 (3 in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Central Ark.	8 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	B+	Immediate impact; established the "A-gap" presence.
vs. Kansas	5 Tkl, 2.0 TFL	A-	IQ. Diagnosed pullers and blew up power runs.
vs. Louisiana	2 Tkl, 2.0 TFL	B	Penetrated the backfield consistently in a blowout.
vs. S. Carolina	11 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	A	Career high in tackles; held opponent to -9 rushing yards.
@ UMass	2 Tkl	B	Limited snaps as Mizzou rolled; played clean.
@ Alabama	8 Tkl, 2 QBH	A-	Mental Toughness. Stood tall against an elite SEC line.
vs. Auburn	8 Tkl, 2.0 TFL, 1.0 Sk	A+	Season Best. Total game wrecking performance.
vs. Vanderbilt	9 Tkl	B+	Reliable "Green Dot" signal-calling in a tight win.
@ Texas A&M	6 Tkl, 0.5 TFL, 1 PD	B	First PBU of the season; sound in underneath zone.
@ Miss. State	2 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	C-	Worst Game. Disqualified for targeting in the 1st half.
vs. Oklahoma	13 Tkl, 1.5 TFL	A	High-volume production; recovered from the DQ game.
@ Arkansas	10 Tkl, 2.0 TFL, 1.0 Sk	A	Sealed All-SEC honors with 3 total pressures.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Run Diagnosis: Much like his father, Josiah is a "throwback" thumper. He possesses top-tier Play Recognition, meeting running backs in the hole before they can find a lane.

• Heavy Hands: Trotter plays with "knockback" power. When he strikes a pulling guard, he has the frame and strength to hold his ground and condense the gap.

• Tackling Technique: He is arguably the most secure tackler in the class (84.6 PFF tackling grade). He strikes low and drives through his target.

• Pro Pedigree: His IQ and Leadership are advanced for a redshirt sophomore. He functioned as the defensive quarterback for a top-20 unit in the SEC.

Weaknesses

• Lateral Fluidity: He has "choppy" feet when forced to move sideline-to-sideline. He is a north-south defender who can struggle with elite Agility when tracking twitchy RBs in space.

• Speed Concerns: He lacks the "recovery speed" seen in prospects like Whit Weeks. If he misreads a play, he doesn't always have the Acceleration to make up the ground.

• Coverage Range: While sound in spot-drop zones, he is a liability if asked to "man up" against a 4.5-speed tight end on a seam route.

Scheme Fit: Ideal MIKE in a 4-3 or a Downhill ILB in a 3-4 "Heavy" front.

NFL Comparison: Jeremiah Trotter Jr. / Denzel Perryman

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 20/20 | Physical Tools: 18/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 15/20 | IQ: 19/20

Final Grade: 90/100

Josiah Trotter is a "pro's pro" before even hitting the league. His 90.7 run-defense grade is a testament to his Technique and Competitor drive. While he won't be the fastest tester at the Combine, his tape is a clinic on how to play middle linebacker. NFL teams running defensive systems that prioritize gap integrity and physical "thumping" will value him highly. The ACL injury in 2023 is in the rearview mirror, but medicals will still be checked to ensure long-term Durability.

Draft Projection: 3rd Round (Top 100 Lock)