Have The Rookies Woken Bucs Defense?
August 24th, 2026
Changing of the guard.
The Bucs defense last year, specifically the lot that helped the Bucs choke away a playoff berth by going 2-7 to finish the season, was one of the sorriest Bucs defenses he’s seen since lousy Lovie Smith has been around.
Joe has gone so far as to use the Q-word, a four-letter word in football, to describe that defense. And Joe maintains that’s exactly what happened last year.
But man, the three rookies the Bucs drafted on defense, it seems if you listen to a veteran corner, that’s exactly what the Bucs needed. A blood transfusion on defense.
“They’re going to be so much fun to play with,” Bucs corner Zyon McCollum said of the Bucs’ defensive rookies. “Keionte [Scott], he brings so much energy.
“Bain’s (Rueban Bain) kind of a silent assassin. They just bring a mindset to this team that we’ve been missing and it’s good to have them on our side.
“They are young guys and they’re learning fast, but it’s going to be a lot of fun playing with them.”
McCollum didn’t mention Josiah Trotter. But Joe will. You can just see the electricity and swagger Trotter brings to the defense just walking onto the field. He’s a game-changer that way.
Joe loves the way Scott has a nose for the football and loves physical play. And Bain? What do you want Joe to say? He sort of reminds Joe of a young Warren Sapp with his drive and passion to dominate.
The Bucs may not feel the full impact of these three rookies right away. But by November, Joe expects a different Bucs defense than the kitten-soft outfit we watched last year.
August 24th, 2026 at 9:06 am
Yes!
DB’s will have to make us forget about the quit and “not me , not my fault, not my problem attitude of the Bucs DB’s last year.
The spotlight will be watching for any leftover from last year.
August 24th, 2026 at 9:18 am
The mythology of Trotter is getting to be unbearable. Now media is propping swagger with no production. Non factor in both games and only referenced for making 2 plays during camp. I think you guys may be doing the kid a disservice. Everything talked about is his attitude etc very little about knowledge of scheme or production.
August 24th, 2026 at 9:20 am
Great piece Joe!
The rookies all looked great in limited action Saturday.
The Bucs added at 3 positions of need with guys who bring nastiness, speed and desire to be great.
I hope (but know better) that the idiot fans we have here understand it takes time for rookies. Warren Sapp was very average his rookie year. Ronde Barber was lost and didn’t look very good his rookie year. Shelton Quarles had to grow and develop.
But these guys are all huge upgrades to guys like Reddick and Dennis.
August 24th, 2026 at 9:24 am
I’m on record for the mismanagement of Vea and Mayfield. And it was and is.
But FA — the vet FAs they signed in places of need — and the draft, especially Scott, Bain and Trotter — both make Licht look like he knows what he is doing.
Now, can Bowles take these ingredients and bake the cake?
August 24th, 2026 at 9:31 am
More excited with how deep is the line is – Defense needed help, through FA and the draft think we got it. If Cancey can stay healthy will help both rookies alot.
August 24th, 2026 at 9:37 am
Joe always refers to “worthless” preseason games — so here he is pimping rookies in “worthless” games………I agree with “Dennis Says”!!!