In the 2024 NFL season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced significant injuries on defense, prompting them to shuffle their roster, notably with rookie Tykee Smith. Smith has demonstrated versatility, stepping in at cornerback and excelling in coverage while filling gaps due to injuries in the secondary, including Antoine Winfield Jr. The Buccaneers' management, led by Jason Licht, is now contemplating a permanent position switch for Smith to safety in light of his strong performance and the possibilities surrounding their draft strategy.

If the Buccaneers decide to draft a safety early, Smith may remain at cornerback, yet if they opt for a cornerback, the likelihood of Smith transitioning to safety increases. This decision will heavily depend on the team’s draft approach and their need to bolster the secondary further.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced significant challenges in their secondary during the 2024 season due to injuries, most notably losing cornerback Bryce Hall for the year in the season opener. Star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. also dealt with ongoing injury issues. As a result, the Buccaneers ranked poorly in passing defense, allowing 243.9 yards per game, fourth-most in the league. Recognizing the need for improvement, the Bucs made strategic moves in free agency, including signing linebacker Haason Reddick to bolster their pass rush.

Moreover, the Bucs are focusing on building a solid foundation for their defense, retaining key players like Hall, Kaevon Merriweather, and Lavonte David. With the No. 19 pick in the upcoming draft, there are expectations that they could select Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron, a versatile player adept at various defensive roles. Barron’s impressive college career, highlighted by the Jim Thorpe Award, makes him a promising addition to a secondary in need of depth and performance improvements.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, boasting a solid defensive unit, look to enhance their strength in the upcoming draft. With key players like Antoine Winfield Jr., Lavonte David, and Vita Vea leading the charge, they aim to add depth and talent. The latest mock draft suggests they will select Scouting Combine standout Nick Emmanwori at pick 19. Known for his athleticism and ability to read plays, Emmanwori is projected to complement Winfield Jr. well, creating a formidable pairing in the secondary.

Under the guidance of Todd Bowles, the Bucs hope to maximize Emmanwori's potential. His impressive Combine performance has caught the attention of analysts, who see him as a game-changer for the Buccaneers defense. The combination of Emmanwori's skills and the existing talents on the team could significantly elevate their defensive capabilities.

The Baltimore Ravens are considering extending defensive back Kyle Hamilton, who has two years left on his current contract. Hamilton, drafted 14th overall in 2022, has quickly become a pivotal part of the Ravens' defense. ESPN's Dan Graziano speculates that talks for a new long-term deal could commence this offseason, potentially involving a four-year contract valued at $88 million with $50 million guaranteed. The Ravens have historically preferred not to utilize franchise tags on cornerstone players like Hamilton and are likely to seek a resolution soon to avoid complications down the line.

Antoine Winfield Jr.'s recent extension has set a new benchmark for safeties, leading to expectations that Hamilton could command a higher annual salary if negotiations are delayed. The Ravens' general manager, Eric DeCosta, has hinted at the team's intention to retain key young players from the 2022 draft class, and Hamilton is a clear priority.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued their dominance in the NFC South by clinching the division title for the fourth straight season, but their performance in pass defense raised significant concerns. Ranking 30th in the NFL for passing yards allowed, the Buccaneers also struggled with interceptions and completion percentage, with opponents completing 66.4% of their passes. Injuries played a significant role, sidelining key defensive backs throughout the season. However, rookie Tykee Smith emerged as a promising player, earning recognition as a potential breakout star for 2025.

Despite the underwhelming performance of the Buccaneers' defense, there are reasons for optimism going into next season, particularly with the development of young talent like Smith. His impressive run-defense grade and ability to contribute significantly highlight the organization’s strength in drafting and talent development.