With free company proper across the nook and draft season absolutely underway, the Bucs have numerous intriguing selections and choices for how you can assemble their group. Most of those modifications on the roster that we’ll see are coming from the defensive facet. It’s very probably that we may see new gamers in beginning roles or key backup spots at virtually each place.
Throughout his press convention up on the podium on the NFL Mix in Indianapolis, head coach Todd Bowles informed everybody what teams he’s particularly taking a look at this yr.
Bucs HC Todd Bowles – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
“For me I’ll be very interested in looking at a lot of guys on defense, obviously,” Bowles mentioned. “The edge rushers, the corners, and the inside linebackers for me. But I’m really interested in the wide receivers, as well.”
Todd Bowles talked about three of 5 defensive positions and simply huge receiver on offense. Since Tampa Bay has Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey and Logan Corridor at defensive sort out, it makes since why that place wasn’t introduced up, however what about security? Why wasn’t that place talked about?
That’s as a result of there’s an opportunity the Bucs have already got their subsequent beginning security on the roster.
Everyone is aware of Antoine Winfield Jr. is without doubt one of the finest within the recreation when he’s wholesome, however who’s beginning subsequent to him continues to be up within the air. Robust security Jordan Whitehead was having a down yr and a automotive accident he had late within the season fractured his vertebrae and his availability for subsequent season is in query if the Bucs maintain onto him.
Todd Bowles Contemplating Transferring Tykee Smith To Security
Bucs NCB Tykee Smith – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
So, the piece inserted into this puzzle can be final yr’s rookie slot nook however pure security Tykee Smith. Final season, Smith performed within the slot and tied the group lead with three compelled fumbles and two interceptions in 13 video games.
When requested if the Bucs are contemplating placing Smith again at security, Todd Bowles very a lot opened the door to this risk. And it’s one thing that Smith needs as properly.
“Yeah, that’s definitely something we’ve talked about,” Bowles mentioned. “Going into the spring that’s something we’re going to look at as well. Tykee wants to play safety, so we’re definitely going to be looking to be looking at it. It’s an option for us.”
Transferring Smith to security subsequent to Winfield would open up the prospect for the Bucs to place Christian Izien again at nickel, the place he began throughout the 2023 season. This additionally offers Tampa Bay extra flexibility to draft a nook who may compete with Izien within the slot whereas additionally creating as a future beginning nook. Primarily, they’d kill two birds with one stone.
The Benefit Of Transferring Smith On Protection
Bucs FS Antoine Winfield Jr. and NCB Tykee Smith – Picture by: USA In the present day
However most significantly, this could be a transfer that will get Smith on the sector for extra of the sport. Starters at security for the Bucs often play 100% of the snaps. Nickels play typically, however someplace to twenty to 30% much less relying on the sport.
“He’s very comfortable for us at nickel,” Todd Bowles mentioned of Smith. “He was our best nickel. Safety, obviously stays on the field 100% of the time where the nickel is probably 75% of the time. He wants to be on the field 100% of the time. That doesn’t mean he’s not going to play from the nickel, but he can play more from the base defense. So we’re going to look at that.”
Protecting Smith wholesome can also be vital for the upcoming season as it’s with each participant on the group. Bucs followers had been robbed of seeing Smith and Winfield play collectively typically because of accidents to every participant. Contemplating the potential of Smith and the excessive rating Winfield has on this league, the Bucs may have an improve and a fast repair to a part of their secondary in the event that they determine to maneuver Smith to a place he already needs to be enjoying anyway.
