Buccaneers' Defensive Back Tabbed for 'Substantial Role' in 2025

Buccaneers’ Defensive Back Tabbed for ‘Substantial Role’ in 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Going into training camp last year, one of the fiercest battles on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ roster was at cornerback.

Third-rounder Tykee Smith ended up being a big part of that secondary during his rookie season for the Bucs, and he’s got an inside track to do even more in 2025.

Smith posted two interceptions, 54 total tackles with 38 solo and four tackles for loss while adding a pair of QB hits across 13 games and six starts at safety and corner.

Heading into 2025, The Athletic’s Dan Pompei believes Smith could have an even larger role in the defense.

“Smith was too productive as a rookie nickel corner in 2024 not to have a more substantial role in 2025.” Pompei wrote. “He had two interceptions, seven pass breakups, four tackles for loss and three forced fumbles, which led coach Todd Bowles to think about getting him on the field more. Smith, who played safety at Georgia, will have an opportunity to be on the field for all four downs, perhaps as a safety-nickel combination player.

“In addition to production, he also has a pedigree. He was a four-star recruit by Rivals, an All-American (and two-time national champion) at Georgia and a third-round draft pick. Playing next to a healthy Antoine Winfield Jr. could bring out Smith’s best.”

Despite missing four games with a knee injury and concussion, Smith had a dominating performance last season to solidify his role at nickelback.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.

Buccaneers’ Defensive Back Tabbed for ‘Substantial Role’ in 2025

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