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 are gearing up for the 2025 NFL Draft with a strategic focus on their immediate and long-term roster needs. With key players potentially entering free agency, the Bucs are prioritizing depth in critical positions such as inside linebacker and safety. Lavonte David's eventual replacement is crucial, and Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell stands out as an ideal prospect.

Additionally, bolstering the secondary through the selection of players like Georgia's Malaki Starks or Kansas State's Jacob Parrish is on the agenda. The team also aims to enhance its pass rush and is eyeing first-round talents like Mike Green. Planning for the future, especially concerning Jamel Dean’s uncertain contract, will guide their draft decisions.

Tykee Smith, the former Georgia Bulldog safety and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers player, humorously reacted to the impressive 40-yard dash times recorded by Bulldog prospects at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. He took to social media to reminisce about how practices at Georgia resembled track meets, showcasing the athletic ability that has propelled many Bulldogs into the NFL. Smith himself had a standout college career, leading Georgia in tackles and interceptions during the 2023 season, which earned him a third-round draft pick from Tampa Bay.

With several Bulldogs set to participate in the upcoming 2025 NFL Combine, including notable names like quarterback Matthew Stafford and safety Malaki Starks, excitement is brewing among fans. The Combine continues to be a critical event for prospects aiming to boost their draft stock, as they showcase their skills in front of NFL teams. This year's performances have certainly captured attention, further solidifying Georgia's reputation as an athletic powerhouse.

Malaki Starks, a standout defensive back from the Georgia Bulldogs, enters the NFL draft as one of the most highly regarded players in his position. Despite what some might view as a quiet junior year, Starks' established track record showcases his impressive versatility and explosive athleticism over three years as a starter. His intelligence and adaptability have garnered praise, particularly from his former teammate, Tykee Smith, now with the Buccaneers. As the draft approaches, the Buccaneers, with a pressing need in the secondary and a 19th overall pick, might take the opportunity to reunite Starks with Smith in Tampa Bay.

Starks' performance in the 2023 season, culminating in a championship victory over TCU, positioned him favorably despite the lack of a dramatic increase in draft stock. His ability to absorb knowledge from veteran teammates, notably Smith, has been crucial to his development. Given his potential to impact the Buccaneers' defensive lineup, Starks remains a key name to watch as the draft unfolds.

Buccaneers GM Jason Licht has successfully transitioned the roster from aging veterans to a youthful core, showing remarkable talent in recent drafts. His 2024 draft yielded starting players like Graham Barton, Jalen McMillan, Tykee Smith, and Bucky Irving, all of whom contributed significantly last season. Notably, Barton earned an All-Pro vote, and Irving topped rookie rushing yards. However, in a redraft scenario, only Irving remained on the board for Tampa Bay, highlighting the challenges of maintaining top talent.

The analysis of the redraft revealed that other teams quickly snatched up key players, with the Bucs missing out on Barton and McMillan. The Bucs opted for offensive linemen, addressing critical needs but leaving their original selections behind. Their 2024 draft choices proved valuable, but the looming draft will be crucial for Tampa Bay to fill gaps and prepare for a Super Bowl run.