Trotter, listed at 6-foot-2 and 237 pounds, has played only two college seasons after redshirting in 2023 due to a torn ACL. He starred at both West Virginia (two seasons) and Missouri, earning All-Big 12 and Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors in 2024, then an All-SEC designation in 2025. He finished 2025 with 84 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and 1 pass deflection, following 92 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 interception, and 2 PD in 2024. Evaluators have lauded his instincts, run-support ability, and explosive playmaking, comparing his style to a speedier, albeit smaller, version of his father, Jeremiah Trotter Sr., with strong football IQ and gap discipline noted by analysts.
The Trotter football lineage includes Jeremiah Trotter Sr., a legendary All-Pro linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who was drafted by the Eagles in 2024. Josiah’s potential alignment with the Broncos arrives amid questions at inside linebacker after 2025 free-agent addition Dre Greenlaw posted uneven health, missed games, and a suspension, prompting speculation about internal plans for the position. Bleacher Report and other outlets have highlighted Greenlaw as a potential salary-cap casualty, which could accelerate Denver’s search for a long-term solution at inside linebacker.
NFL evaluators emphasize Trotter’s dense build, rapid first steps, and ability to engage blocks and shed blockers, along with strong pursuit and coverage potential. If drafted by the Broncos, he would join a rotation seeking durability and contribution from a player with elite downhill instinct and high football IQ, despite limited college exposure. The 2026 projections place Josiah Trotter firmly in the early stages of a pro career that could benefit from his family’s proven linebacker pedigree and his own demonstrated playmaking ability.
