One of the biggest questions surrounding Josiah Trotter Jr. coming out of college was whether he could hold up consistently in pass coverage. Less than a month into his first NFL training camp, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles is already becoming more confident in the answer.
Bowles was asked Wednesday about Trotter's ability to contribute in coverage and didn't hesitate when discussing the rookie's potential. "He can definitely play all three downs," Bowles said, adding that he believes Trotter can be a coverage linebacker based on what he has seen throughout training camp. That matters, since coverage was one of the primary concerns attached to Trotter during the pre-draft process. Trotter built his reputation in college as an aggressive
downhill linebacker who could diagnose plays quickly, attack the line of scrimmage, and make an impact against the run. PFF recently highlighted that ability while ranking Tampa Bay's linebacker unit, but also noted that Trotter earned coverage grades below 50.0 in each of his final two collegiate seasons.
His interception of Trevor Lawrence during Tampa Bay's second joint practice with Jacksonville was a perfect example. Trotter recognized a wheel route in red zone work, stayed in position, and came away with the interception. It was exactly the type of play that can start changing perceptions of his coverage ability. Trotter has also begun receiving first-team work next to Alex Anzalone, putting him firmly in the conversation for a starting role when Tampa Bay opens the regular season. If Bowles truly trusts the rookie on all three downs, the Buccaneers wouldn't have to regularly remove him in obvious passing situations or protect him through personnel packages. The rookie still has plenty to prove once regular season offenses begin testing him. But Bowles publicly expressing confidence in an area that was considered Trotter's biggest weakness coming out of college is noteworthy. If Trotter's coverage development continues, Tampa Bay may have drafted more than an early-down run defender.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Todd Bowles believes Josiah Trotter can be a three down linebacker
