Kindle Vildor Draws Todd Bowles’ Eye, Praise
July 27th, 2025
In a word, Joe would describe the competition in the Bucs secondary as “ridiculous.”
Not only do the Bucs have two quality starters at outside cornerback (assuming you’re not a Jamel Dean hater), they invested second- and third-round draft picks at the position, and veterans Bryce Hall and Kindle Vildor are having good training camps and have drawn praise from head coach/defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.
Bowles’ comments on Vildor came today.
“Lotta versatility back there. Lotta guys that can do a lot of things,” Bowles said. “All of them are very smart. Obviously, Vildor, coming in No. 22, does a lot of things well for us. That’ll surprise.”
Bowes added that defensive backs are being moved around a lot to see what they can handle — and cannot.
The Vildor signing came very early in Week 1 of free agency. He started all three Lions playoff games two seasons ago and last year played all 17 games on a Lions secondary ravaged by injuries. He also was a strong special teams player for Detroit.
Vildor is infamous in Detroit for the NFC Championship throw that went off his face and into the hands of 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk for a monster gain in the 49ers comeback win. Ouch!
Originally a fifth-round draft pick of the Bears in 2020, Vildor was on the Titans roster for six weeks in 2023.
At 5-11, Vildor is shorter than a typical Todd Bowles outside cornerback, but if he’s versatile and can still be a top special teams player, then he’s got a great shot at sticking around.
July 27th, 2025 at 12:03 pm
Depth. Competition. Lot of new faces.
Good job, Licht.
If they win another SB, Licht may start getting some serious and well deserved recognition.
July 27th, 2025 at 12:25 pm
Sounds like Josh Hayes will be on the bubble…
July 27th, 2025 at 12:26 pm
I think Licht has been reading my comments.
As Teacherman said. Draft 2 corners.
And make sure we have SEVEN feisty corners in the roster at all times!
July 27th, 2025 at 12:34 pm
If I remember right we kept 6 outside” corners and 2 nickels last year. There was come overlap, though. This year I see Parrish and Izien as the nickels. I see Dean, McCollum as the starting starters. Obviously Morrison will make it. That leaves plenty of room for Hall and Vildor. Will we keep another? IDK. Izien can play anywhere. Time for the pads to come on.
July 27th, 2025 at 12:55 pm
We have some experienced Cornerbacks,
I don’t see any reason NOT to play Press Man
July 27th, 2025 at 1:08 pm
I can easily see Bucs keeping Dean & McCollum, Bryce Hall & Vildor, plus the 2 rookies Morrison & Parrish as our CBs.
Winfield & Tykee Smith, then Izien & Merriweather back at Safety, with JJ Roberts very likely sticking on the active roster as a 5th Safety.
That’s 11 Secondary. Add 4 ILBs, 5 OLBs plus 6 DLine and that’s 26 … 1 more than the ‘standard’ 25 but after last year I wouldn’t be at all surprised if we kept that many. Means we’d only be able to keep 24 on offense (2 QB, 3 RB, 6 WR, 4 TE, 9 OL) to start the season, but we’ve gone 26-24 before.
July 27th, 2025 at 1:26 pm
DR, where do you get all this information? A lot of research, man! Do you have any other hobbies? I’m not belittling, just impressed.
July 27th, 2025 at 1:53 pm
Maybe they are finally playing at the line of scrimmage instead of ten yards back
July 27th, 2025 at 1:55 pm
This years Tavierre Thomas.
Thomas was doing good things as well… someone tell me if I am forgetting an injury or something but I don’t recall Thomas doing anything for us last year.
July 27th, 2025 at 2:08 pm
Don’t sleep on Shilo
July 27th, 2025 at 2:18 pm
Joint practice with the Titans in a few weeks. Guys’ll get ample opportunity to shine against an opposing team.
Looking to see who can seperate themselves especially guys like Vildor.
Thomas was one of our main gunners on punt team. Wouldn’t see the field in terms of playing CB, but even his departure left that job vacant.
If any of these depth guys were smart, that’d make sure to show they can shine there. I can see aiming for that job, it’s a roster spot no matter how you slice it.
July 27th, 2025 at 2:48 pm
We will play more man than last year but won’t major in it – NO TEAM DOES….because of
1. Mismatch Problems
2. Vulnerability to Rub Routes and Crossing Routes
3. Difficulty with Mobile Quarterbacks
4. Lack of Deep Support
5. Difficulty Defending Motion and Pre-Snap Shifts
July 27th, 2025 at 3:06 pm
PSL Bo … Nah, I love the Bucs and those are just personal opinions. Of course, the only ones that count belong to Todd Bowles & Jason Licht.
July 27th, 2025 at 3:57 pm
I like Vildor.
I think he’s gonna shine in our secondary I.
July 27th, 2025 at 7:03 pm
I hope that some of the guys that don’t make the final roster that are very good players decide to stay here in the Bay area for a variety of reasons. That maybe some of the schtick that’s being laid out there by Licht & CO. cause you never know who may get injured and you get promoted from the practice squad to a very good team. Do the practice squad players get Super Bowl rings too? Nice incentive…
July 27th, 2025 at 10:13 pm
Soft zones, no passes defensed and no ability to cover anyone, anywhere. Lots of guys can excel in this type of defense.
July 28th, 2025 at 3:49 am
I have heard his name alot here and elswhere this week. Good news!
You neve know with Bowles though. He says alot but….
Go Bucs!