Bucs defensive back Tykee Smith looks to already be way ahead of schedule in adjusting to the NFL and fitting in Tampa Bay’s defense. He has done such a good job that he could be the defense’s next star.
As Smith looks to carve out a role as the team’s starting nickelback, he has not only received praise from head coach Todd Bowles but a handful of the team’s defensive backs who have worked alongside him.
While it has been a tough week for the Bucs’ secondary during their joint practices with the Jaguars in Jacksonville, Smith has been one of the few to contain rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. one-on-one, which has been a tough task. He did get beat on one rep on Thursday, but on this one, he got the better of him by breaking up this pass in the end zone.
He’s still learning the ropes and will go through his growing pains, but his teammates already see his progress and talent on display.
Antoine Winfield Jr. Believes Tykee Smith Is “Doing A Great Job”
When star Bucs safety Antoine Winfield Jr. talks, people listen.
That’s why when the All-Pro and team captain speaks highly of third-round pick Tykee Smith making strides in training camp, one should heed it as Smith being able to quickly develop into a key starter and cog on defense.
“He’s been doing a phenomenal job, especially picking up our defense,” Winfield said. “You know, it’s loaded. He’s doing a great job. He’s running with the ones, and getting things like that, so, he’s picking up fast.”
Versatile defensive back Tavierre Thomas is learning Todd Bowles’ loaded defense himself after signing with the Bucs as a free agent this offseason. Thomas views Smith’s college experience as being invaluable in that he has already competed with the best of the best.
“Tykee, he’s a rookie but it seems like he has played in the NFL before,” Thomas said last week. “He knows the defense, he played in the defense at Georgia. I know there’s a difference, everybody says the NFL is different from college or whatever, but when you go to a big school like that, you’re going against all the top guys.
“You’re going to go against the same people you’ve been going up against … the majority of guys you’ve been playing your whole life. Once you get in here, you just have to do what you have been doing, learn from the vets, and then just go from there.”
Safety Kaevon Merriweather also chimed in this week and sees a bright future ahead for Smith.
“[He’s] a very smart football player,” Smith said. “I remember from Georgia, he played at a very high level. I think he played in two or three national championships, so he’s been on the big stage, so I think coming to this level is no difference or change for him. [He’s] just a very smart football player, very talented, and he’s going to definitely have a very bright future ahead of him.”
After playing well in the preseason opener against the Bengals finishing second on the Bucs with five total tackles, Tykee Smith will be looking to carry over his physical style of play and playmaking ability on Saturday night. If he can, it will only solidify his status in a secondary that is filled with tough roster choices.
