Taking over the role of strong safety in 2025, Tykee Smith fortified the Buccaneers' last line of defense. He accumulated 893 defensive snaps and ranked No. 1 among safeties in 2025 with 13 passes defensed and ranked No. 5 with a 26.3 hawk percentage (interceptions plus passes defensed) among safeties with 30-plus defensive targets. Smith became the only player in 2025 with 100-plus tackles, 10-plus passes defensed and three-plus takeaways.
"[Safety] is definitely a position for him long-term," stated Head Coach Todd Bowles at the NFL Scouting Combine. "We thought he was our best player probably until he hurt his shoulder three-quarters of the way through the season. He was our best tackler, he was our tone-setter and I thought he was on his way to a heck of a season."
After carving out a role at nickel during his rookie season, Smith took ownership at strong safety with his short-area burst and effective trigger downhill in 2025. He has the strength to disengage from blockers and blankets receivers on routes underneath. Smith became a physical presence against the run and has a knack for pass breakups and interceptions with awareness in coverage. He closes on ball carriers effectively and delivers a jarring hit at the point of contact. His burst out of breaks, ability to see routes develop and aggression when charging forward helped bolster the Bucs' defense.
Smith and teammate Antoine Winfield Jr. can be used interchangeably, elevating Bowles' system in Tampa Bay. Smith, often praised for his high football IQ, will be a key fixture in 2026 as the Bucs look to reclaim their place atop the NFC South.
