Josiah Trotter would upgrade Rams' LB unit for foreseeable future

The Los Angeles Rams could enter the 2026 season with Nate Landman and Omar Speights set to lead the defense for another year, barring an offseason addition at linebacker. Both players are in a unique position as the team's starting linebackers, as they look to be the link between a revamped secondary and a promising pass rush.

With the addition of Grant Stuard and the potential of Shaun Dolac, there's a lot to be excited about from the unit. However, in the 2026 NFL Draft, one player could be the thumper that completes the unit.

How Missouri's Josiah Trotter bridges the LB room from the present to the future

Based on the financial situation of the Rams, both Landman and Speights likely only have two more seasons with the team. On top of that, we don't actually know how well Stuard and Dolac would play if given snaps. Missouri's Josiah Trotter is a young, accomplished downhill player whose father, Jeremiah, and brother, Jeremiah Jr., both have NFL experience.

Trotter turned 21 on Wednesday and at such a young age, he already earned First-Team All-SEC honors and was named Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2024 while playing for West Virginia. He attacks blocks with physicality, he's a strong tackler, and his ability as a blitzer could turn the tide when playing mobile quarterbacks.

He's a space dominator who closes the gap quickly enough to force opponents to engineer long drives. He's exactly who the Rams need now as depth and who they'll need moving forward to maintain the defense.

But the real reason the Rams should draft him comes down to one simple fact. Trotter is a genetic freak who isn't remotely close to the prime of his career. Trotter will be an All-Pro one day. This is the Rams' shot to close the linebacker talent game in the NFC West, and they should take it.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL draft: Rams should target Missouri LB Josiah Trotter on Day 2