Tykee Smith at safety is no longer an experiment. It’s the plan. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles made the roadmap clear: the young defensive back’s future lies at safety.
Smith was drafted in the third-round in 2024 with a reputation as a versatile player. In his rookie year, he played mostly in the slot and responded with immediate production: 54 tackles, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles. He even received votes for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
In 2025, the situation changed. With the opening alongside Antoine Winfield Jr., Smith made the definitive leap to the back of the secondary. The result was resounding: 100 tackles (second on the team), 2.0 sacks, and 13 passes defended, leading the roster.
Bowles was direct:
“It’s definitely his long-term position. He was probably our best player until he injured his shoulder.”
The franchise no longer sees him as a moving piece. They see him as a defensive anchor.
Morrison and Parrish: Open Competition
The immediate future also hinges on the development of young cornerbacks. The 2025 age group winners, Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish, will face stiff competition in the spring and summer.
Parrish displayed versatility. He played outside, inside, and even filled hybrid roles like a dynamic nickel. He finished with 68 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and two interceptions. Morrison, limited by injuries, showed flashes of brilliance down the stretch.
With Jamel Dean potentially leaving in free agency and Zyon McCollum’s injuries expected in 2025, snaps will be available on the perimeter. Bowles confirmed that both he and Parrish will compete for the outside spot, although Parrish will return to the nickel in specific packages.
The defense is getting younger. And the competition is just beginning.
Dennis and Braswell: Need To Make A Leap
At the second level, SirVocea Dennis is coming off his first full year as a starter. He tied Smith with 100 tackles and added 3.0 sacks. The coaching staff wants more consistency in coverage. He’ll have competition.
On the edge, Chris Braswell faces a pivotal year. He has only 2.5 career sacks so far. Bowles was clear: he needs to break out now. Flashes of brilliance aren’t enough.
Additionally, David Walker’s return from his ACL injury can feel like an extra addition to the rotation.
The Hidden Message: Get Bigger In 2026
Bowles also dropped a strategic hint. Tampa wants to be bigger. Literally.
“I think we need to be bigger as a team.”
He didn’t mention a specific position (or maybe he did). He talked about a physical identity. Free agency and the Draft will move in that direction.
What Does It All Mean For 2026?
- Tykee Smith safety is the core of the defensive future.
- The secondary school will have real competition.
- Dennis and Braswell are in a year of consolidation.
- The front office will look for size and physical presence.
Tampa’s defense isn’t being rebuilt. It’s being fine-tuned.
And the center of that adjustment already has a name.
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This article was translated from it’s original form in Spanish to English via META AI.
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