The Tampa Bay Buccaneers like to have defensive backs on their roster who can play both the safety and cornerback positions. Christian Izien and Zyon McCollum are perfect examples, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com.
“However, the Buccaneers believe they are actually deep at the position, and are anticipating a fierce battle for playing time in training camp.
“Part of the disconnect between those two perceptions is the continued blurring of the line between position groups. Players listed as safeties on the roster are taking snaps in the slot, a la Christian Izien. Players listed as cornerbacks are pitching in at safety, a la Zyon McCollum. Some players are so positionally malleable they are simply listed as “defensive backs,” a la Dee Delaney in recent years.”
The Buccaneers drafted a defensive back in the 3rd round who can play both positions.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted a defensive back in the 3rd round
![REPORT: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Signed Their 3rd-Round Pick to a Rookie Contract 1 Georgia Bulldogs, Tykee Smith](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_21646912.webp)
The Buccaneers drafted Tykee Smith 89th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
He signed his rookie contract.
Tykee Smith signed his rookie contract
![REPORT: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Signed Their 3rd-Round Pick to a Rookie Contract 2 Georgia Bulldogs, Tykee Smith](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_21817487-e1716482672275.webp)
Smith signed a 4-year rookie contract worth $5.687 million with a $956,066 signing bonus.
He spent the last three seasons of his collegiate career in Georgia.
Tykee Smith spent the last three seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs
![REPORT: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Signed Their 3rd-Round Pick to a Rookie Contract 3 Georgia Bulldogs, Tykee Smith](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_19708171.webp)
After spending the first two seasons of his college career with the Mountaineers, Smith transferred to the Bulldogs for the 2021 season. He played 29 games and started 18 with the team, playing the majority of his snaps in the slot but also playing safety as well.
Smith broke out during the 2023 season, playing 14 games and starting 14, with 70 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, two sacks, four interceptions, two pass deflections, and an 84.0 PFF Grade. He allowed 28 receptions on 51 targets for 187 yards, three touchdowns, and a 50.0 pass rating. He also posted an 85.8 coverage grade and a 73.3 run defense grade per PFF.
The SEC named him to their All-SEC Second Team.
Lance Zierlein did a scouting report on Tykee Smith
![REPORT: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Signed Their 3rd-Round Pick to a Rookie Contract 4 Lance Zierlein, NFL Network](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/0164164-smph-1280x720-1-e1716157062493.jpg)
Lance Zierlein of NFL Network did a scouting report on Smith.
“It doesn’t take long to see why Kirby Smart and Georgia welcomed Smith over from West Virginia when he was in the transfer portal. Smith plays the “Star” position and is like an additional linebacker in a much smaller frame.
“He’s at his best playing forward and has the strength to take on blockers and disrupt pass catchers underneath. Smith is compact and strong but lacks the functional height and length for downfield coverage. He plays with an NFL demeanor but will likely be typecast in a very narrow role as a sub-package safety with coverage limitations.”