Might Bucs Reunite Former Georgia Teammates?

We’ve come to study in latest NFL seasons that fairly probably the easiest way to construct a profitable roster is by merely simply drafting Georgia Bulldog gamers. It labored for the Philadelphia Eagles to assist them win the Tremendous Bowl this 12 months as they’ve gamers resembling Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Nolan Smith, Nakobee Dean and Kelee Ringo that every one performed for Georgia.

The Bucs dipped into that pool final season by drafting former Bulldogs defensive again Tykee Smith, who wound up being tied for the lead in Tampa Bay in compelled fumbles (three) and interceptions (two) regardless of lacking 4 video games on account of accidents.

Smith is already seen as one of many smartest gamers on the protection and Todd Bowles has been quoted many instances saying that you simply nearly overlook that he was a rookie with how properly he understands every thing and the way good he was as a participant. The Bucs additionally belief him sufficient to probably transfer to a different place even simply after one season.

Bucs Security Tykee Smith Will get Praise From Former Teammate

So if the Bucs discovered success with one Georgia Bulldog, why not return to the properly with one other? It seems that Tampa Bay is perhaps doing so once more with a participant that was teammates with Tykee Smith at Georgia and even performed along with him within the secondary.

Defensive again Malakai Starks met formally with the Bucs on the NFL Scouting Mix and is a possible first-round choose. Tampa Bay definitely has him on the thoughts and sure with the thought of placing him within the secondary once more with Smith. Starks revealed what stands out to him about Smith and what it could be prefer to play with him once more.

Bucs NCB Tykee Smith – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

“His mind,” Starks stated.  “Tykee is one of the smartest people I’ve ever played with. Just kind of learning under him and the things that he taught me and just the way he went about his business. He’s really a pro. Tykee being one of my good friends, it’d great to team up with him. I’ll be blessed to play anywhere.”

Smith was one in every of three Georgia defensive backs to get drafted final season together with Javon Bullard and Kamari Lassiter. With Starks making an attempt to turn into the following Bulldog to get drafted from the secondary, he leaned on all three for recommendation.

“I was on the phone with Javon Bullard, Tykee Smith and Kamari Lassiter and they were just saying just go be you,” he stated. “The rest will take care of itself.”

The Bucs have wants everywhere in the protection together with the secondary. They undoubtedly have to construct out depth at nook behind Zyon McCollum and may also want a beginning nook in the event that they determine to let go of Jamel Dean. Tampa Bay has already made the choice to chop Jordan Whitehead, opening the door for Smith to play at security subsequent to Antoine Winfield Jr.

What Malaki Starks Might Convey To The Bucs

Georgia S Malaki Starks – Picture by: USA Right now

Malaki Starks would slot in as a result of he may play security and hold Smith on the slot, however given has a season of NFL expertise underneath his belt, there’s extra of a likelihood that it could be Starks that performs within the nickel. In 847 defensive snaps final season, Starks performed 216 of them in slot, 176 within the field, and 426 in free security. He can just about play anyplace.

At Georgia, Starks additionally constructed up a status as one of many few folks that might really decelerate Brock Bowers in protection after they had been teammates going up towards one another in follow. Starks had six interceptions and 17 move breakups in three seasons, displaying his versatility and soccer IQ to be put in any position on a protection.

Possibly the Bucs and Todd Bowles would be the ones drafting Starks.

“It’s my athletic ability but also just my knowledge,” Starks stated. “Just really falling in love with the process of learning how to cover, learning how to be a safety, be a slot, be a corner, be a money linebacker. Just learning my assignment and the best way to do it. I watch a lot of tape, being able to see guys how they move, what’s their tendencies, it’s things like that you pick up on especially with the knowledge that you get specifically at the University of Georgia.”