Cornerback Keionte Scott Goes To Buccaneers In Round 4
April 25th, 2026
Hey, Joe kind of nailed it this morning.
Joe suspected Todd Bowles would be looking for a starting nickel cornerback in today’s fourth-round, and Joe suggested Keionte Scott out of the University of Miami, who previously played at Auburn and in junior college.
Last year it was rookie Jacob Parrish at nickel, who succeeded then-rookie Tykee Smith, who took over for Christian Izien, who replaced Antoine Winfield, Jr. Yes, Bowles once thought Winfield best fit at nickel. Remember, Sean Murphy-Bunting? He primarily was the Bucs’ nickel in 2020 and 2021.
When the Bowles-Bruce Arians regime arrived, they thought M.J. Stewart would be their nickel and play like Tyrann Mathieu.
So is it time now for the third Bucs rookie nickel in three years? It seems so.
Scott is 5-11, 193 pounds and is known for playing well in tight spaces and he’s a bit of a ballhawk and a blitzer with two pick-6’s last season, in addition to 13 tackles for loss and 5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Joe has seen some suggest Scott is a second-round talent, as well as him being labeled a fourth-round guy.
Scott should be rather NFL-ready.
As NFL Network scouting guru Daniel Jeremiah said moments after the pick. “He plays with ridiculous energy.”
April 25th, 2026 at 12:56 pm
very nice
April 25th, 2026 at 12:57 pm
Scott just like I said! Finally.
April 25th, 2026 at 12:58 pm
on a good site, says this: “Keionte Scott was a defensive leader for Miami in 2025 after transferring from Auburn, earning Second Team All-ACC honors. During the 2025 regular season, he recorded 44 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three sacks, and an interception returned for a touchdown, while also being named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. His career is highlighted by his versatility, having previously served as an elite punt returner at Auburn where he averaged 14.8 yards per return and scored a touchdown in 2023. Scott is recognized by scouts for his quick feet and competitive nature, particularly excelling as a nickelback who can fight through blockers in run support.” he has a RAS of 9.7 as well
April 25th, 2026 at 12:58 pm
Nice call Joe
April 25th, 2026 at 12:59 pm
Good pick. He is a good tackler, and is used to the weather. He should develop well.
April 25th, 2026 at 12:59 pm
Awesome needed depth or a starter at nickel to bolster the backend
April 25th, 2026 at 1:00 pm
This is shaping up to be one of JL’s top drafts, and still 5 more picks to go! Keep up the good work Licht!
April 25th, 2026 at 1:01 pm
This was the guy I wanted us to get today as well. At least we addressed the corner position. Hopefully Morrison gives us something more this year.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:01 pm
Another tackler with ball skills. Love the kind of players we’ve added this off-season.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:01 pm
Now go get Kyle Louis
April 25th, 2026 at 1:02 pm
Needs being filled. How about depth? LFG!!!
April 25th, 2026 at 1:08 pm
Love this pick!
Some projections had this kid going round.
Competition. Morrison and Zyon better step it up.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:08 pm
I’ve had this guy on my wishlist from first tape. Looks like Parrish is gonna get his shot outside too (great idea).
But Scott is old school, isn’t allergic to contact and in fact the opposite, ain’t afraid of tackling. Tenacious. Brings the juice and intensity. I love this pick. .
Love the Bain, Trotter, Hurst (even if I preferred a DT before taking a WR) and Scott picks. Smitten with this Draft thus far and can’t wait to see this attitude adjustment on D take shape over the near future.
Never thought Bain would fall to us and is a football Christmas present to a Bucs fan. I didn’t know too much on Hurst although he has a super interesting X & slot WR skillset and intriguing traits,. BUT I’ve been preaching Trotter at ILB & Scott at NCB for this Draft and thrilled to add both.
This new look D is gonna be a fun journey to watch at worst!
April 25th, 2026 at 1:11 pm
Great call and pick
April 25th, 2026 at 1:12 pm
Loving this U connection finally
April 25th, 2026 at 1:13 pm
This Scott kid is pretty well retarded. It appears he is a very good values for a mid 4th rounder. Google has him pegged for the 2nd round. 4.33 40. Not bad at all.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:13 pm
Regarded, not retarded.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:15 pm
How A this draft would B had if we landed Rodriguez or TN Hill Jr. or even Golday, bcuz they can cover. So basically Anzalone is our Brooks/David bridge, and Trotter what we wanted White to be.
Itll work needs on D next year will be ILB, DT
April 25th, 2026 at 1:16 pm
Fred! Obviously you meant regarded…. But hey, you made me laugh.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:16 pm
Had thought he’d go higher and was already gone until I saw article in this here world head quarters
April 25th, 2026 at 1:21 pm
At least he sucks in coverage. He’ll fit right in.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:25 pm
Incredible production and very fast. Parrish can play outside if Morrison or Zyon suck eggs again. Maybe he could play outside, too.
April 25th, 2026 at 1:42 pm
Rock solid pick
April 25th, 2026 at 2:34 pm
Is this the guy with the pick 6 and stared down the sidline while running the TD in the college playoff? That was a heck of a play and it changed the game. It may have been against Ohio State.
April 25th, 2026 at 2:37 pm
I do like this pick in round 4. We needed another CB.
Still perplexed as to why we passed on CJ Allen or Hill at LB.
And the nobody WR was just stupid.
Licht and Bowles can only stick to their script.
We’ve seen the results. It sucks.
April 25th, 2026 at 3:18 pm
Watching the sun set over the gulf waters will be quite relaxing. Welcome to the west coast.