The Bucs’ secondary is way from being settled – and that’s precisely how head coach Todd Bowles desires it heading into OTAs.
Bowles values versatility, transferring items round like a chessboard to maximise matchups. That philosophy is nothing new, however it’s already reshaping the 2026 depth chart. Given Tampa Bay’s offseason method, the secondary is an space the place so much can change earlier than Week 1.
Defensive again JJ Roberts is one participant trying to discover his footing, and he just lately spoke with Pewter Report about his offseason match as he returns from a season-ending knee harm.
JJ Roberts Discusses His Knee Rehab And Positional Versatility
JJ Roberts seemed like a lock for the 53-man roster final season earlier than a joint observe in Pittsburgh in opposition to the Steelers threw a wrench in these plans. Roberts was placing collectively a robust first impression, showcasing his protection abilities and playmaking potential earlier than a knee harm ended his rookie yr.
Now over eight months faraway from that harm, he spoke with Pewter Report about his rehab course of.
Bucs DB J.J. Roberts – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
“Honestly, I overall feel more prepared this year after spending the entirety of the offseason rehabbing and lifting with the staff,” Roberts mentioned. “The knee is in a very strong place.”
After Tampa Bay valued Roberts sufficient to offer him $300,000 assured as an undrafted free agent, there’s nonetheless a path to him changing into a secondary “super sub.” Enjoying time is not going to come straightforward, particularly after the workforce drafted defensive again Keionte Scott within the fourth spherical of the 2026 NFL Draft. Even with an unclear path, Roberts is clearly comfy lining up anyplace.
“As far as roles, I’m very comfortable,” Roberts added. “I take pride in being versatile and doing whatever the team needs. Whether it’s nickel, safety, or anything else they need me to do. I’m locked in on learning it all and being someone they can trust in various situations.”
Bucs Entrance Workplace Discusses How JJ Roberts Will Issue Into The Secondary
Chatting with reporters following the 2026 NFL Draft, Bucs assistant normal supervisor Rob McCartney shared his outlook on the secondary. McCartney pointed to Keionte Scott as the favourite to take over the first nickel position, whereas outlining the larger image.
Bucs assistant GM Rob McCartney – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
“Playing nickel this year [at Miami] was probably the best thing that’s happened to him,” McCartney mentioned about Scott. “That’s the place he’s actually at his greatest… He was a extremely good nickel that may play different spots. I believe one of many issues we’ve all talked about is we have to add one other physique to that cornerback room that we will depend on. Fairly skinny again there, admittedly.
“Adding him now frees us up to bring back the versatility that [Jacob] Parrish can play nickel, Parrish can play outside, B-Mo (Benjamin Morrison) takes another step this year on the outside, and then we kind of feel a lot better about the room adding a guy that can play multiple spots.”
The nickel position is predicted to be dealt with by Scott and Parrish, with Parrish additionally competing with Morrison outdoors.
So, the place does that go away JJ Roberts?
Bucs DB J.J. Roberts – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
“That’s another guy that you just appreciate the positional flex and ability to play [special] teams,” McCartney mentioned. “I think more of a safety.”
Todd Bowles has lengthy cross-trained defensive backs to put on a number of hats. In a scheme constructed on positional flexibility and different seems, Bowles prioritizes placing gamers in place to make performs. That rings most true within the secondary, because it permits him to maneuver nearly anybody round from nickel to cornerback to security to even deploying security Antoine Winfield Jr. as a dynamic roamer.
Roberts initiatives to be the third security behind Winfield and Smith, with free-agent addition Miles Killebrew being the fourth security and designated particular groups ace. He has the expertise to function a hybrid depth piece, having displayed the flexibility to make an impression courting again to his closing two seasons at Marshall. In 2024, he had 94 tackles and was tied for essentially the most passes defensed in all of faculty soccer with 14.
If Bowles leans into that flexibility and creativity, JJ Roberts may carve out a job if he proves he can perform a little little bit of every thing.
“I’m excited for the opportunity that lies ahead,” Roberts mentioned. “I’m more than ready and equipped for the moment.”
