Josiah Trotter earns top-5 rookie grade in NFL Week 1
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 16, 2026, 3:05 PM
Last updated Sep 16, 2026

Josiah Trotter Jr. debuted impressively for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Cincinnati Bengals, earning a top-5 defensive grade among rookies with a score of 72.8. He played 58 of 64 defensive snaps, recorded 10 tackles, a sack, and an interception returned for a touchdown. Trotter's performance marked him as the first player since 1982 to achieve both a sack and a pick-six in his NFL debut. His strong start addresses previous doubts about his coverage ability, establishing him as a key player in the Bucs' defense.
- •Trotter earned a 72.8 defensive grade in Week 1.
- •He recorded 10 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception.
- •The Bucs linebacker played over 90% of defensive snaps.
- •Trotter's interception return for a touchdown was a key play against the Bengals.
- •He became the first player since 1982 with a sack and a pick-six in a debut.
- 3:05 PMYahoo Sports — Josiah Trotter earns top-5 rookie grade week 1
"Josiah Trotter earns top-5 rookie grade week 1
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