The Tampa Bay Buccaneers desperately needed to improve one of the NFL’s worst pass defenses this offseason, and they may have found one of the biggest steals of the draft in the process.
While first-round pick Rueben Bain Jr. has received most of the attention, fourth-round cornerback Keionte Scott is beginning to generate plenty of excitement heading into training camp.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently named Scott one of the NFL’s most overlooked rookies, believing the former Miami standout could quickly emerge as an impact player for Tampa Bay’s defense.
National Attention Is Starting to Build
Knox believes Scott has all the tools to contribute immediately despite being selected on Day 3.
“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hoping to revitalize a pass defense that ranked 27th overall and 26th in net yards per pass attempt allowed last season,” Knox wrote. “Naturally, first-round pick and pass-rusher Rueben Bain Jr. is expected to play a huge role in their efforts. However, fourth-round cornerback Keionte Scott can play a part this season, too.”
Knox also highlighted Scott’s versatility, physicality, and relentless playing style.
“The Miami product is a fast (4.33-second 40-yard dash), physical defender with inside-outside versatility and a truly relentless motor.”
Those traits are exactly what Todd Bowles values in defensive backs.
Scott’s willingness to tackle, blitz, and play multiple positions could earn him playing time much sooner than most fourth-round picks.
The Buccaneers Have Seen This Story Before
Tampa Bay doesn’t have to look far for an example of a rookie defensive back exceeding expectations.
Last season, Jacob Parrish entered training camp with modest expectations before forcing his way into a significant role. By the end of the year, he had become one of the Buccaneers’ most consistent defenders while earning NFL All-Rookie honors.
No one is suggesting Scott will follow the exact same path.
However, Bowles has never been afraid to play young defensive backs who prove they belong.
If Scott flashes during training camp, he’ll have every opportunity to carve out a role in the secondary.
There May Be a Reason Scott Fell
Scott’s draft position surprised many observers after an outstanding final college season.
According to Knox, Scott finished 2025 with 110 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, and two interceptions while showcasing the versatility that made him such an intriguing prospect.
After the draft, it was revealed that Scott underwent wrist surgery before the NFL Scouting Combine. Tampa Bay Times reporter Rick Stroud reported that Scott arrived at rookie minicamp wearing a cast after having a plate removed from his wrist.
That procedure likely explains why he didn’t participate in the 40-yard dash at the Combine.
There were also questions surrounding his age, as Scott enters the NFL as a 25-year-old rookie after six collegiate seasons.
Those factors may have contributed to his slide into the fourth round.
Scott Fits Exactly What Todd Bowles Wants
NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein praised Scott’s physical style of play before the draft, comparing his mentality to that of a weakside linebacker.
Scott thrives near the line of scrimmage, attacks ball carriers, and has shown value as a blitzer while limiting yards after contact.
Those qualities make him an ideal fit in Bowles’ aggressive defensive system, where versatility is often just as valuable as pure coverage ability.
The Buccaneers entered the offseason searching for defenders capable of changing the identity of a unit that struggled throughout 2025.
Rueben Bain Jr. will certainly be a major part of that effort.
Don’t be surprised if Keionte Scott becomes one of the biggest reasons Tampa Bay’s secondary looks dramatically different by the end of his rookie season.
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