Josiah Trotter's lineage makes him feel like a natural Chiefs draft fit

If there's one thing that we underrate in NFL coverage, it's that relationships and connections matter. Sure, we get into the metrics, arm lengths, and all that other garbage, but at the end of the day, you know what really matters? Knowing people. If there's something that we've seen over the years, it's that familiarity really is overemphasized. Andy Reid arrived just after Josiah Trotter was drafted to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1998. Will Reid reunite with the Trotter family?

Beyond the Philly connection, the Chiefs might have a sneaky need at linebacker that could greatly impact the future at the position. Linebacker play is like car trouble: nobody really appreciates it until it goes totally wrong. Poor linebacker play can absolutely destroy a defense. The Chiefs are at a crossroads at linebacker, with Leo Chenal moving on, Drue Tranquill likely in his final year, and Nick Bolton aging. The Chiefs might have a sneaky need at linebackers.

To keep close tabs on the 2026 NFL Draft and the top prospects for the Kansas City Chiefs, make sure to bookmark our Arrowhead Addict Big Board. Our custom big board is tailored toward the Chiefs’ needs and thresholds..

NFL Draft Profile: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri

1. Josiah Trotter's background
2. Josiah Trotter's strengths
3. Josiah Trotter's weaknesses
4. Jeremiah Trotter's fit with the Chiefs

Josiah Trotter's background

Age: 21(on draft day)

Height: 6-2

Weight: 237 LBS.

Hands: 10 1/4

Arms: 32 1/4

Tape Exposure: Alabama (2025), South Carolina (2025), Oklahoma (2025)

Trotter attended St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Trotter is the son of NFL All-Pro Jeremiah Trotter and the brother of Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who is currently on the Eagles roster and played for Clemson. Coming out of high school, he was ranked as a 3-star recruit via 247Sports.

After receiving several high-level offers, he committed to West Virginia, where he redshirted as a freshman. In 2024, he broke out by earning Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors. He then entered the transfer portal and committed to Missouri, earning First-Team All-SEC honors. Despite only playing two college seasons, he declared for the NFL Draft.

Josiah Trotter's strengths

Football IQ

You can tell on tape that his dad and brother are both NFL linebackers—the instincts are natural. He's easily one of the smartest backers in the class and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Strong play recognition.

Run Defense

Strong ability to stack and shed blocks. Very solid moving downhill. Very good on a run blitz as well.

Range in Coverage

Moves very well sideline to sideline, and the closing speed is very impressive. Relentless QB spy, too. Has a strong knowledge of coverage in zone and sits naturally in them.

Josiah Trotter's weaknesses

Stiffness

Athleticism is mostly downhill and linear. He struggles to move in the horizontal plane. Not overly explosive moving side to side.

Man Coverage

While reliable in zone coverage, asking him to cover a tight end or a running back in man coverage is an issue.

Draft Profile

Still very young, with only two seasons of production. Limited testing data available on him. Tape is very solid, but he's not the cleanest eval for sure.

Jeremiah Trotter's fit with the Chiefs

Between the Missouri and Philly connections, Trotter is a high-level fit for the Chiefs. His ability to crash downhill makes him an instant impact on run downs and a potential replacement for Leo Chenal in 2025 and Drue Tranquill in 2026. His physicality against the run would be a great fit in the Chiefs defense. His youth and development make him a long-term play with plenty of upside.

Trotter is an instinctive, physical run defender with strong tackling ability, good downhill burst, and the speed to diagnose plays quickly and close on ball carriers or screens. He shows effectiveness as a blitzer and can defeat blocks with leverage, timing, and a mix of power and finesse, though his size and strength limitations can show against bigger linemen. However, his stiffness, inconsistent awareness in coverage, and struggles in space suggest he may be best suited as a two-down linebacker with limitations on passing downs.

Round Grade: Red Chip (3rd round grade)

Shades of: Jordyn Brooks