The Buccaneers travel to Seattle with 19 players on the week’s injury report and a suddenly vulnerable secondary. Jamel Dean, Benjamin Morrison and Christian Izien are unlikely to practice, leaving depth options thin and forcing a rethink of Sunday’s coverage plan.

Coaches could shift Jacob Parrish to the perimeter and drop Tykee Smith to nickel, or lean on Kindle Vildor across from Zyon McCollum with Bryce Hall as insurance. Either path raises risk for fantasy receivers facing a patched Bucs secondary.

Health will determine Tampa’s approach, and Seattle’s quick-pass attack could test the reshaped back end. If Dean and company sit, early targets could swing toward Seattle’s short-hands and create upside for volume-driven fantasy plays on the Seahawks side.

Defensive struggles have plagued the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with last season's interception count dropping to an alarming low of seven. Coach Todd Bowles emphasized the need to bolster cornerback depth, especially after trading Carlton Davis and facing injuries to players like Jamel Dean and Bryce Hall. The Bucs are poised to address their defensive needs in the upcoming draft, targeting standout cornerbacks such as Michigan's Will Johnson and Texas' Jahdae Barron.

Dean's underwhelming performance and injury history have raised concerns, leading to discussions about necessary improvements. The Bucs have limited depth in their secondary, relying heavily on inexperienced players. With promising prospects available, including Barron—who excelled in interceptions during his collegiate career—the Bucs must capitalize on this draft to revitalize their defense and return to playoff contention.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced significant challenges in their secondary during the 2024 season due to injuries, most notably losing cornerback Bryce Hall for the year in the season opener. Star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. also dealt with ongoing injury issues. As a result, the Buccaneers ranked poorly in passing defense, allowing 243.9 yards per game, fourth-most in the league. Recognizing the need for improvement, the Bucs made strategic moves in free agency, including signing linebacker Haason Reddick to bolster their pass rush.

Moreover, the Bucs are focusing on building a solid foundation for their defense, retaining key players like Hall, Kaevon Merriweather, and Lavonte David. With the No. 19 pick in the upcoming draft, there are expectations that they could select Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron, a versatile player adept at various defensive roles. Barron’s impressive college career, highlighted by the Jim Thorpe Award, makes him a promising addition to a secondary in need of depth and performance improvements.