Turnovers have been the primary focal point for Todd Bowles' defense during training camp. In multiple meetings, the defensive staff has stressed interceptions, punching the ball out, being physical and staying mentally focused. That instructional period, along with the club's emphasis, has led to production for the defensive side of the ball. In the secondary, both second-year safety Tykee Smith and rookie cornerback Banjamin Morrison have impressed on the grass with jaw-dropping plays in coverage.
In a one-on-one with tight end Tanner Taula during the first week of camp, Smith showcased his vertical leap. The ball was thrown as the pair cut to the sideline. Smith leapt into the air and plucked the ball out of the sky with one hand to prevent Taula from securing the catch. The Georgia product tracked the ball perfectly and made the challenging play look effortless.
Smith has the position flexibility to line up at both strong safety and nickel. He stays in the hip pocket of receivers underneath and possesses short-area burst and a quick trigger downhill. Smith plays with outstanding awareness in coverage and elevates Bowles' defense.
For Morrison, he blanketed receiver Rakim Jarrett off the line of scrimmage in a practice during the second week of camp. Jarrett made a quick fake to the right, then continued vertically and accelerated into his route. Morrison did not take the bait and matched Jarrett stride-for-stride down the boundary. With inside leverage, Morrison snagged the ball as it arrived, keeping it away from Jarrett's impending grasp.
Morrison missed the majority of the Bucs' offseason workout program recovering from a 2024 hip injury that required surgery, but the young cornerback has shown no signs of inexperience in the pros. He is patient in reading routes and letting them develop, while maintaining proper positioning on deep shots downfield. Morrison has an innate feel at the catch point, evidenced by nine interceptions in 31 games during his collegiate tenure. He now brings that zeal to Tampa Bay's defense, bolstering the secondary.
