Shilo Sanders faces an uphill climb as an undrafted free agent with Tampa Bay, as a discerning depth chart at safety could leave him out of the final 53. The Buccaneers’ roster projection lists J.J. Roberts, Kaevon Merriweather, Christian Izien, Tykee Smith, and Antoine Winfield Jr. as the safeties likely to make the team, leaving Sanders off the cut line. Sanders has impressed teammates and fans with his work ethic, and a recent preseason stint against the Titans yielded a tackle and a quarterback hit that drew praise from Todd Bowles for his readiness to step up. With two preseason games remaining against AFC contenders Pittsburgh and Buffalo, Sanders has a final window to prove he belongs, including value on special teams. The August 27 deadline looms, and the Sanders family history of defying odds adds a narrative edge to his odds-of-roster storyline.

Tykee Smith is poised for a breakout as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aim for a stronger defense in 2025. After a promising rookie season, where he recorded two interceptions and 54 tackles, Smith is expected to take on a more significant role following a productive first year as a nickel corner. Coach Todd Bowles is considering utilizing him more extensively, recognizing his potential to disrupt opposing offenses with his skills.

Smith's versatility, having played safety in college, gives the Buccaneers a strategic advantage. His impressive stats, including seven pass breakups and three forced fumbles, showcase his playmaking ability. As Smith continues to develop, he could emerge as a key defensive asset for Tampa Bay, enhancing their secondary and making him a target for fantasy football enthusiasts in upcoming drafts.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for the 2025 season with Lavonte David and Antoine Winfield Jr. anchoring key defensive positions. However, uncertainty looms over who will fill the linebacker and safety spots alongside them. As head coach Todd Bowles and his staff prepare for key decisions, it's expected that players like SirVocea Dennis and Tykee Smith will get the first crack at these roles. The linebacker position could see a committee approach reminiscent of last season, depending on Dennis's health, while a single standout is likely to be chosen for the safety role, assuming no injuries hinder the decision-making process.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Georgia safety Tykee Smith with the 89th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, banking on his impressive college credentials to bolster their struggling defense. Smith's collegiate career saw him contribute significantly to two national championships, wrapping up his final season with 70 tackles, four interceptions, and two sacks.

In his rookie year with the Buccaneers, Smith quickly established himself as a key player in the secondary, starting six out of 13 games. His performance included two interceptions, seven defended passes, and three forced fumbles, showcasing his ability to impact games. His stats were even more pronounced during Tampa Bay's Wild Card playoff game, where he recorded seven tackles, solidifying his role as a reliable defensive back for the team.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made significant moves in the offseason following a lackluster 2024 season, where they ranked 29th in defense. To enhance their pass defense, they signed linebacker Haason Reddick and drafted rookie cornerbacks Jacob Parrish and David Walker. Parrish has emerged as a standout athlete, impressing during the Senior Bowl and the Scouting Combine. Pro Football Focus believes he could compete for a starting role as the Buccaneers prepare for the upcoming season.

With adjustments in their secondary, including moving Tykee Smith to safety and adding draft picks Benjamin Morrison and Elijah Roberts, the Buccaneers aim to bolster their defensive lineup. If Parrish can maintain his momentum into training camp, he could play a crucial role as they head into Week 1.