“He’s Been Great The Last Three Days”
July 25th, 2025
Defensive back Tykee Smith
Todd Bowles threw out the “G” word today.”
And no, there was no update on Chris Godwin, who was watching Day 3 of training camp in street clothes like he was yesterday.
Bowles described safety Tykee Smith as having a “great” first stretch of training camp. That’s not a common take for Bowles. But as a former NFL safety himself, Bowles sometimes gets a little more excited talking about his defensive backfield.
“He’s been great the last three days,” Bowles said of Smith.
Smith, 24, is transitioning to a starting safety gig alongside Antoine Winfield, Jr. A third-round draft pick last year, Smith made several plays as a rookie nickel back, but as is Bowles’ annual custom, his goal is to have a new nickel this season.
Per Bowles, safety isn’t much of a transition for Smith, who played there some before coming to the NFL. And just about everyone at One Buc Palace says Smith is a highly intelligent Xs and Os guy who learns quickly.
Smith led the Bucs with five takeaways last season — two interceptions and three forced fumbles.
July 25th, 2025 at 12:10 pm
I’m not worried about Tykee Smith. He looks and plays the part. I think he’s going to excel at safety.
July 25th, 2025 at 12:12 pm
Kid is a good player. Hopefully Morrison or parish can step you to lock that back end down
July 25th, 2025 at 12:22 pm
I’m banking on Harrison. That kid brings a great attitude and “want to” spirit. I’m hopeful he’s going to pleasantly surprise a lot of folks.
July 25th, 2025 at 12:26 pm
Licht/Bowles are on the same page. I gotta say it: I will listening to what the 1st-round WR brings to the game.
July 25th, 2025 at 12:40 pm
Did pretty well playing in space at nickel, so this move imo is just giving him more space to cover. Solid and consistent tackler as well.
Now we’ve got two of our smartest defenders pretty much overseeing the D at safety as is and it’s going to make it hard for QBs to figure who’s free and who’s strong pre-snap.
Should be a good season for he & Winfield.
July 25th, 2025 at 12:54 pm
I have ‘no worries’ about HIM. Other than, health/injuries/staying on the field. HE will step-UP. 💯 Zero worries.
July 25th, 2025 at 1:18 pm
Let’s give him the Kenny Bell Award
The Most Outstanding Player in Underwear Football
I’m waiting a few more weeks before l praise these players
July 25th, 2025 at 1:22 pm
With Smith and Winfeudl JR back there out Saftey’s should be an upgrade over last year. I also think Jacob Parrish in the nickle will be an upgrade over smith. That’s not a knock on Smith, but Parrish had the speed and skill to cover anyone. Then you had Morrision pushing the 2 starting CB also have Bryce Hall. Pass defense should be improved greatly, especially if Reddick and Yaya can apply some pressure. With all the Braswell gonna be my breakout team player. 8.5 sacks and 1 int. Think Yaya will have better numbers but thar type of production for a 2nd year player and our 3/4th pass rusher would be solid.
July 25th, 2025 at 2:10 pm
Moving Tykee to safety may be the biggest defensive improvement of the year.
Winfield @ anywhere near peak Antoine + Tykee at safety changes what we can do coverage -wise.
Safety could go from being possibly our weakest position last year to a strength. I’m a little concerned about depth but Tykee should be fine.
July 25th, 2025 at 2:38 pm
Forced fumbles isn’t a takeaway. Not sure if we recovered the 3 forced fumbles.
July 25th, 2025 at 3:13 pm
A friend of mine insists that Shilo Sanders will displace Tykee Smith as our strong safety. This report would make me think otherwise. If he makes the cut I would expect him to be a backup/practice squad guy.
July 25th, 2025 at 3:13 pm
LakelandBuc Says:
July 25th, 2025 at 1:18 pm
And you get the Turd in the Punchbowl award.
July 25th, 2025 at 4:20 pm
“Forced fumbles isn’t a takeaway. Not sure if we recovered the 3 forced fumbles.“
2 of 3 recovered, and the fumbles not being recovered aren’t a slight to Tykee. They’re still turnover worthy plays
1 forced on RayRay Mcloud not recovered in the first Falcons game
1 forced on Olave picked up by Winfield for a score against The Saints (also had an INT this game)
1 forced against Travis Kelce recovered by Josh Hayes @ KC
Forced fumbles are good. How the ball bounces is dependent on who sees ball and who gets ball first/fastest.
I bet he forces just as much if not more this season.
July 25th, 2025 at 4:34 pm
Where is Izien gonna play? Is it an open competition between him and Tykee? We have so much depth at DB, it’s crazy. Most we’ve had in a long time
July 25th, 2025 at 4:35 pm
Of all the players on defense new & returning, I have the most confidence in Tykee Smith……this kid can play.
July 25th, 2025 at 4:52 pm
Shiloh Sanders and JJ Roberts is competing with Tykee for SS
I would never, ever play Izien as a SS again
He was out of place as a SS, no way l would even consider him
Bowles want players who can play multiple positions
But, I’m playing the best at that specific position
July 25th, 2025 at 5:44 pm
I see the secondary shaking out like this:
FS: Winfield Jr, Merriweather, Izzy
SS: Smith, JJ Roberts, Izzy
CB1: Zyon, Morrison
CB2: Dean, Morrison, Hall
Nickle: Parrish, Izzy
Practice Squad: Shilo, (loser of JJ Roberts/Merriweather)
Thoughts ???
July 25th, 2025 at 10:28 pm
“Where is Izien gonna play?“
Sub packages, maybe dime back, but he’s cross trained at both safety spots, nickel and has snaps at outside CB. 1416 defensive snaps in 2 years as a UDFA and another 261 snaps on special teams. Whatever he’s making in his contract has been well worth it, considering it’s been on the cheap. You keep guys like Izien, he’s like Keith Tandy was in our dark era.
July 26th, 2025 at 1:34 am
So much to anticipate I forgot about him.
Can’t wait to see how he, SirV, and the D-Line do
July 26th, 2025 at 3:38 am
If Bowles is being straight up with this it is great news to this fan. I was against putting him at safety. He did well in the slot. Who is manning the slot I wonder, and how do they look?
Go Bucs!
July 26th, 2025 at 3:39 am
Tandy is on the bucs staff as an assistant special teams coach.
July 26th, 2025 at 8:03 am
@G.G.
“Winfield @ anywhere near peak Antoine + Tykee at safety changes what we can do coverage -wise.”
I agree. I’ve always believed AW was the largest loss last year. Paired with Tykee and healthy the Bucs have repaired their weakest link.
They’ve also upgraded the DL a bit and improved the LB’s IF SVD stays healthy.
It’s like Timbuk3 sang back in the 80’s. I think I heard Gruden quote these guys once as well. “The future’s so bright I gotta wear shades!”
July 26th, 2025 at 11:33 am
Yep. Mmmm hmmmm. Pass defense .
July 26th, 2025 at 1:23 pm
NCbucfan 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
The old Mike Tyson quote still applies.