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.