The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing a complex conundrum with one of their up-and-coming defenders. However, a position switch to better maximize the obvious skills at his disposal is being considered.
Tykee Smith flashed enormous promise during his rookie campaign. The 2024 third-round selection brought the physicality and energy that were sorely lacking in the Buccaneers' secondary aside from Antoine Winfield Jr. Moving him to the cornerback position had the desired effect. But plans change quickly in the NFL.
Smith gained a formidable reputation as a safety in college. He was a tone-setting presence on the backend during his prolific career with the Georgia Bulldogs. That hasn't gone unnoticed by those in power, who are contemplating the idea of switching him back after turning him out as the team's nickel corner in Year 1 of his professional career.
Buccaneers need to draft another cornerback if Tykee Smith makes position switch
Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed as much during the annual league meetings. General manager Jason Licht seconded this motion, although he acknowledged this was likely dependent on what happens during the 2025 NFL Draft before a formal outcome is determined.
"Definitely something Todd's talked about and you don't want to load up a rookie with too much. And I think Tykee, having a year under his belt can handle a lot more and it just kind of depends on how the structure of the roster continues after the draft but it's a possibility."Jason Licht via SI
Smith was exceptional against the run last season. He coped with unusual responsibilities in the nickel extremely well, securing two interceptions and three forced fumbles. There were some growing pains, but there were far more good moments than bad.
Putting him next to Winfield on the backend represents an intriguing tandem. Both are fast, physical, and instinctive. They have a competitive fire that forces opposing offenses to think differently. Providing they get a clear run of luck on the health front, there's a lot of merit to moving Smith to his college position in 2025.
The Buccaneers still have Jordan Whitehead, but there's no doubt Smith has more upside and better production attached. The transition should be seamless, given that is where he starred on the Bulldogs. However, finding another productive cornerback or two when the draft rolls around is the only way this move will bear fruit.
Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum are solid if not spectacular. For this plan to work, the Buccaneers must address the cornerback room with one of their early draft selections. Nothing else will do.
Smith looks capable of carving out a productive career for himself. Whether that'll be at cornerback or safety remains to be seen, but all signs point to the latter.