Cowboys could target this rival’s son
The Dallas Cowboys are currently in the middle of a massive renovation project at the linebacker position, and it is long overdue. This unit has felt like a revolving door of disappointing veterans partnered with young draft picks who, for one reason or another, haven’t delivered the results they were expecting. The lack of a true identity in the middle of the defense has been a recurring headache. To finally stop the bleeding, the Cowboys need to target a linebacker with the right combination of savvy and punch, and there is one name in particular that should have the front office’s attention as they prepare their draft board.
LB, Josiah Trotter, Missouri
Height: 6’2” | Weight: 237 pounds | Speed: 4.61 forty time
Background
Football is clearly in the blood for this young man, as he is the son of All-Pro linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. His college journey began at West Virginia, where he immediately looked like a man among boys, earning freshman accolades that suggested he was destined for stardom. However, the universe threw him a bit of a curveball during his sophomore year when a significant leg injury forced him to the sidelines. Rather than letting that setback define him, he worked his way back to health and transferred to Missouri, where he absolutely dominated the competition. During his final collegiate season, he was a tackling machine who racked up 84 tackles, 13.5 for a loss, and earned All-SEC honors, proving that the family business is in very capable hands.
Strengths
When you watch him play, it is obvious that his brain processes the game quickly. He rarely gets fooled by eye candy or misdirection because his diagnostic skills are elite. Once he identifies the ball carrier, he uses a quick first step to beat blockers to the spot and disrupt the offensive rhythm. When he does meet an unlucky offensive lineman at the point of attack, he uses his heavy hands to shed the block with startling authority. It is not just about being in the right place. It is about arriving at his location with the physical intent of being disruptive.
His value extends beyond just plugging gaps in the run game. He is a phenomenal tackler who secures the ball carrier with textbook technique, ensuring that short gains do not turn into long touchdowns. Additionally, he offers legitimate pass-rush value when sent on a blitz. He understands how to time his rushes to slip through narrow windows, creating a chaotic environment for opposing quarterbacks. Having a linebacker who can consistently finish plays and add wrinkles to the pressure package is a luxury that any defensive coordinator would love to have.
Weaknesses
There are areas where he will need to adjust to the speed of the professional game. His sideline-to-sideline range is not quite at an elite level, as he is more of a north and south thumper than a track star. In passing situations, his coverage processing can occasionally lag behind his run defense instincts, making him a target for crafty offensive coordinators in the short to intermediate zones. Some scouts also point to his size being slightly on the smaller side for a traditional middle linebacker, which might lead to him getting swallowed up by massive NFL offensive linemen.
The Fit
Despite those minor concerns, he fits the Cowboys’ defensive scheme very well. Defensive coordinator Christian Parker loves linebackers who can play downhill with aggression and high intelligence, and those are exactly the traits that define this prospect. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and play with a mean streak aligns perfectly with the physical and competitive culture the new staff is trying to build in Dallas. Whether he is asked to shore up the run defense or act as a versatile piece in pressure looks, his skill set complements the speed of the existing defensive line stars beautifully.
The Final Word
Projected to be a Day 2 selection, the Cowboys would likely have to finagle a trade for him to be in the mix, but that is not out of the question as the team has the draft stock to pull it off. He would immediately step into a starting role or, at the very least, significant rotational snaps. He’s a young prospect at just 20 years old, and he’s already shown amazing resiliency. Adding him to the roster would immediately strengthen the defense and keep the Trotter family in the NFC East.
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