The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have invested heavily in their secondary over the past two offseasons.
Between established veterans and promising young talent, Todd Bowles has assembled a defensive backfield capable of creating turnovers and disrupting opposing passing attacks.
As training camp approaches, several players stand out as candidates to lead the Buccaneers in interceptions and passes defended during the 2026 season.
Here are the predictions.
Interception Leader: Benjamin Morrison
Few players on Tampa Bay’s roster enter the season with more intrigue than Benjamin Morrison.
Now entering his second NFL season, Morrison brings a developing skill set defined by ball awareness, route anticipation, and coverage competitiveness. The Buccaneers are banking on continued growth as he adjusts into a larger role within the secondary.
Those traits can translate into turnover production at the NFL level, especially for cornerbacks who are trusted in coverage situations and tested by opposing quarterbacks.
Morrison is expected to see meaningful opportunities in Tampa Bay’s defensive system. When corners are targeted consistently, they are often placed in position to create splash plays on the football.
If his role expands as expected, Morrison has the tools to become one of the more productive playmakers in the Buccaneers’ secondary.
Prediction: 5 interceptions
Runner-Up: Antoine Winfield Jr.
Antoine Winfield Jr. remains one of the NFL’s most complete defensive backs.
His versatility allows him to line up virtually anywhere in the secondary, and his instincts consistently put him around the football.
The challenge for Winfield is opportunity.
Quarterbacks know exactly who he is.
Offenses often go out of their way to avoid putting the ball in harm’s way when Winfield is nearby. That’s one reason a young cornerback like Morrison may ultimately generate more interception opportunities.
Still, it would be surprising if Winfield didn’t finish near the top of the team leaderboard.
Prediction: 4 interceptions
Third Place: Tykee Smith
Tykee Smith quietly has the potential to become one of Tampa Bay’s most productive defensive backs.
His physical style and football intelligence make him a natural fit in Bowles’ defense. As offenses focus their attention on Morrison, Winfield, and Zyon McCollum, Smith could find himself in position to capitalize.
Don’t be surprised if he comes away with a few timely takeaways.
Prediction: 3 interceptions
Passes Defensed Leader: Zyon McCollum
When it comes to pass breakups, Zyon McCollum is the obvious choice.
The veteran cornerback possesses the size, speed, and athletic traits necessary to challenge receivers all over the field. He has steadily developed into one of Tampa Bay’s most reliable coverage defenders and should once again draw significant assignments.
Unlike some elite corners who rarely see targets, McCollum is likely to be challenged throughout the season.
That’s exactly what creates opportunities for passes defended.
His combination of length and closing speed makes him the favorite to lead the category.
Prediction: 16 passes defensed
Runner-Up: Benjamin Morrison
Morrison’s ball skills should translate into production beyond just the interception column.
Now entering his second NFL season, he brings developing coverage traits that include strong awareness at the catch point and the ability to stay competitive through the length of routes. Those qualities give him a chance to consistently challenge throws in coverage.
If opposing quarterbacks test him regularly, Morrison should have opportunities to generate pass breakups as he continues adjusting to a larger role in Tampa Bay’s secondary.
A strong second-year season could place him among the Buccaneers’ more productive defensive backs in multiple coverage categories.
Prediction: 13 passes defensed
Third Place: Jacob Parrish
Jacob Parrish may not generate the same headlines as some of Tampa Bay’s other young defensive backs, but he has the skill set to become a productive coverage player.
Parrish plays aggressively and competes at the catch point. Defenders with that mentality often accumulate passes defended because they are constantly challenging receivers.
As he settles into his role, Parrish could emerge as one of the more underrated contributors in the secondary.
Prediction: 11 passes defensed
Don’t Overlook Keionte Scott
One player who could outperform expectations is Keionte Scott.
The rookie defensive back brings versatility and athleticism that could help him carve out a meaningful role in Tampa Bay’s secondary. If Scott earns additional snaps during training camp, he has the ability to contribute in both interception and pass breakup opportunities.
The competition for playing time will be strong, but Scott remains a player worth watching as he develops early in his NFL career.
Final Predictions
- Interception Leader: Benjamin Morrison (5)
- Second in Interceptions: Antoine Winfield Jr. (4)
- Third in Interceptions: Tykee Smith (3)
- Passes Defensed Leader: Zyon McCollum (16)
- Second in Passes Defensed: Benjamin Morrison (13)
- Third in Passes Defensed: Jacob Parrish (11)
The Buccaneers have assembled one of the youngest and most athletic secondaries in recent memory. If the pass rush takes a step forward behind Rueben Bain Jr. and the revamped front seven, opportunities for turnovers should increase across the board.
And if that happens, don’t be surprised if Benjamin Morrison quickly establishes himself as one of Tampa Bay’s premier playmakers.
For more from JR click here!
Follow, Like and Subscribe to Bucs Report
BucsReport.com
For more on this and everything Buccaneers check back here hourly at BucsReport.com.
