The Denver Broncos' pre-draft process is entering its most critical phase, and the team's focus on fortifying the middle of their defense is becoming increasingly clear. According to a recent report from Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette, the Broncos have conducted a follow-up interview with Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter, a prospect widely projected to be a target on the second day of the 2026 NFL Draft.
This second meeting signifies more than casual interest; it is a telltale sign of serious evaluation. In the high-stakes environment of the NFL Draft, where every interaction is scrutinized, a follow-up interview suggests the Broncos' personnel department, led by General Manager George Paton, has identified Trotter as a player who could fill a specific and immediate need on their roster. It moves him from a name on a long list to a contender for one of Denver's precious selections.
The inside linebacker position has been a point of discussion and, at times, consternation for the Broncos in recent seasons. The modern NFL demands linebackers who are more than just thumpers between the tackles. The prototype is now a three-down defender: stout enough to shed blocks and stop the run, fluid enough to drop into coverage against tight ends and running backs, and fast enough to chase down plays from sideline to sideline. Finding a player who checks all those boxes is a challenge, and it's a challenge the Broncos appear determined to meet head-on in this draft.
Josiah Trotter's profile at Missouri suggests he has the toolkit to develop into that kind of player. While full collegiate stats for the 2026 draft class are still being compiled, scouting reports on Trotter consistently highlight his football intelligence, physicality at the point of attack, and improving coverage skills. He is described as a leader on the field, with a high football IQ that allows him to diagnose plays quickly and put himself in position to make a stop. His bloodlines are notable, as he is the son of former NFL linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, giving him an innate understanding of the professional game's demands from a young age.
For the Broncos, a player like Trotter could represent the cornerstone of the defensive front seven for years to come. Under Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph, Denver's defense has prided itself on being aggressive and disciplined. A middle linebacker who can command the huddle, make the correct pre-snap adjustments, and consistently be in the right gap is invaluable to that system. Trotter's reported high character and work ethic would also align with the culture Head Coach Sean Payton and GM George Paton have worked to establish.
The reported timing of this second interview is crucial. With the draft just days away, teams are finalizing their boards and honing in on the handful of players they believe will be available when they are on the clock. The Broncos hold their own draft capital, and using a second-round pick on an inside linebacker is a significant investment. A follow-up meeting allows the team's decision-makers to ask deeper, more nuanced questions. They can delve into schematic fit, clarify any medical or background information, and get a final, comprehensive feel for the person behind the helmet.
This due diligence is especially important for a potential Day 2 pick. First-round selections often receive immense scrutiny, but second- and third-round picks are the lifeblood of a roster, expected to become starters and key contributors. The Broncos' history is filled with impactful second-round choices, and the front office understands the weight of getting those decisions right. By bringing Trotter back for another conversation, they are doing everything possible to ensure they have a complete picture before potentially calling his name.
It also sends a signal about the team's draft strategy. While the allure of a flashy offensive skill player or a top-tier edge rusher is always present, this reported interest underscores a commitment to building a sound, physical defense from the inside out. In the AFC West, facing dynamic offenses and versatile running attacks, having a reliable and disruptive force at the second level is not a luxury--it is a necessity.
Of course, this report does not guarantee the Broncos will select Josiah Trotter. The draft is an unpredictable endeavor, with player availability changing by the minute as other teams make their picks. Denver could have multiple linebackers with similar grades, or a highly rated player at another position of need could fall into their lap, prompting a shift in strategy. Furthermore, other teams are undoubtedly interested in Trotter's services, making his actual draft slot a mystery until the moment arrives.
However, the action itself--the decision to allocate precious pre-draft time to a second meeting with a specific prospect--speaks volumes. It tells us the Denver Broncos have done their homework on Josiah Trotter. They have identified a need, identified a player who fits that need, and are now in the final stages of their evaluation to determine if he is the right man for the job. In the quiet before the storm of draft weekend, this reported interview is a loud and clear indicator of where the Broncos' priorities may lie as they look to construct a roster capable of returning to contention.
