The rookies are in the building for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Their highly regarded rookie class reported for training camp today. Soon we will finally be getting our first real look of this group on the field.
—
There has been so much hype built around this rookie class and rightfully so. First round pick Reuben Bain fell to the 15th overall pick despite being viewed as a top three prospect by some (namely me). Second round pick Josiah Trotter, son of former NFL All Pro Jeremiah Trotter, will be competing to be the starting middle linebacker on this revamped defense. Third round pick Ted Hurst is the only big body outside receiver on the roster and naturally profiles as a Mike Evans replacement.
So many exciting young players to keep an eye on this year. Don’t be surprised if one of them is in the conversation for rookie of the year. However, it might not be the player you think.
Right now, it’s Bain who is tied for the best betting odds in the NFL to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. But there is a player with longer odds that I like every bit as much to be in that conversation.Â
Here’s who I think is the Buccaneers dark horse to win Defensive Rookie of the Year
Keionte Scott was drafted with the 116th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. The defensive back out of Miami was a key piece in their run to the National Championship game last season. At the time he was drafted, most agreed that it was a great value pick for the Bucs.
His physical tools are excellent. It was reported that Scott ran a 4.33 40 yard dash at his pro day which is an outstanding time. You see this speed on the field when he breaks on the ball or when he attacks down hill against the run.
The only issue with his game is that many people felt that he was a scheme specific nickel who wouldn’t do well in every style of defense. He would have to be used in an aggressive blitzing defense to maximize his skillset. A defense exactly like what Todd Bowles runs.
—
Bowles is known for attacking with his nickel defender, so it’s easy to see why he’d be drawn to a player like Scott who had 13.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks last season. This man is a heat seeking missile who loves to lay hits on ball carriers. It’s easy to see how that kind of success can be replicated at the NFL level.Â
Scott also has a nose for the ball. He had two interceptions last season (both returned for touchdowns) and two fumbles recovered. There is game changing, big play potential here if opposing quarterbacks aren’t careful.Â
All this is great, but can it really translate into being the defensive rookie of the year? History tells us no with only three winners of the award being defensive backs in the last 25 years. However, all of those came in the last 11 years, so maybe recent history tells us that there’s a chance.Â
Most recently, Sauce Gardner won the award in 2022 with 75 tackles, 2 interceptions and a whopping 20 passes defended. Before that it was Marshon Lattimore in 2017 with 52 tackles and 5 interceptions. Then before that it was Marcus Peters in 2015 with 60 tackles, 8 interceptions, 2 pick sixes and 26 passes defended (a truly brilliant season).Â
—
These seasons all looked a bit different. Some included great splash plays, but others were just consistent excellence. I believe that Scott can provide both.
One thing that he will bring to the table is splash plays in the backfield (whereas the other three had a total of 6 tackles for loss and 0.0 sacks combined in their rookie years). In a world where it is typically edge rushers who win this award because they get to the quarterback, you would have to think that this holds some value. However, it needs to be packaged with consistent coverage skills and big plays that force turnovers as well.Â
That’s a lot to ask of any rookie, especially a fourth round pick. With that said, Scott has all the talent to do it and is playing in a defense that should maximize his abilities.Â
I won’t sit here and plant my flag that he will certainly win this award, but if you are looking for a long shot be to do it then Scott is as good of a candidate as you’ll find.
JT has been nominated for the “Best Sportswriter” category in Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay! Please take time to vote for him by clicking here!
For more from J.T. click here, then make sure to follow him on Twitter.
Follow, Like and Subscribe to Bucs Report
BucsReport.com
For more on this and everything Buccaneers check back here hourly at BucsReport.com.
