Josiah Trotter
After a nearly silent free agency, the Denver Broncos made a huge splash in the offseason with a massive trade. They traded for former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, in exchange for the No. 30 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, amongst other picks.
This trade set up the Broncos’ offense tremendously to start the season. However, their defense needs addressing after releasing Dre Greenlaw due to a lackluster 2025 performance.
Their first selection now sits at pick No. 62 in the second round, where ESPN analyst Field Yates projects the Broncos to snag Mizzou Tiger linebacker Josiah Trotter in his most recent mock draft.
“Trotter is one of my favorite fits in this round,” Yates writes. “He’s a tough, hard-nosed and instinctive run defender in traffic who could slide into coordinator Vance Joseph’s defense.”
Josiah Trotter
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Denver Broncos to Target Ex-Missouri Tiger Josiah Trotter in NFL Draft
Missouri held their Pro Day on March 24, where Josiah Trotter showcased his agility in drills and the 40-yard dash.A reporter asked Trotter, “What are trying to show with your personality and who you are?”
“Just my true authentic self,” Trotter replied. “My mindset, what I bring to the table, you know, mentally.”
Trotter had previously opted out of all 2026 NFL Scouting Combine workouts except bench press, but spoke with the media and formally met with 18 teams.
In his meeting with the Denver Broncos, the Colorado Springs Gazette reported that they ‘talked a lot of ball.’
“Just coming in and just watching more film,’’ Josiah Trotter said of his meeting with Denver. “I think that was the first one where I watched a lot more (film). I was able to talk a little more ball (and) see good plays, bad plays and just overall talk ball.”
With the release of veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw, it frees a roster spot for an upcoming linebacker with a similar skillset.
Both Greenlaw and Trotter are considered downhill stack linebackers. While Greenlaw did not live up to his expectation, Trotter would be a great replacement who excels against the run and is quick on the blitz.
The Broncos also lost defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers in free agency to the Tennessee Titans, and are needing someone to help lockdown the run gam.
Tennessee Titans vs. Denver Broncos
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How Will Trotter Fit Into Vance Joseph’s Denver Defensive Scheme?
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein breaks down Josiah Trotter’s scouting profile stating that he’s an “Ascending inside linebacker with NFL bloodlines and alpha energy.”
“Pursuit speed to the flanks is average, but he is quick to cut and accelerate so he stays close to runs bouncing wide,” Zierlein said. “He stacks backfield production with well-timed run blitzes and crafty rush work.”
During Josiah Trotter’s two college seasons–one with West Virginia and one with Missouri–he had 177 total tackle with 2.5 sacks.
The Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph runs an aggressive, hybrid defense that delivers a lethal pash rush. The Broncos finished the regular season no. 1 in sacks, best in red zone defense, and second best on opponent third downs.
Trotter’s speed and agility will add for a seamless transition to Joseph and the Denver Broncos’ defensive scheme.
He is the son of former NFL linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, giving him an edge of what to expect in the locker room.