The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2024 NFL Draft class comprises several building blocks for the team. On offense, they grabbed three bonafide starters, while on defense, one starter emerged right away and could be poised for a big 2025.
Rookie cornerback Tykee Smith had some growing pains in 2024, but they may have him ready for a big 2025.
Pro Football Focus named their breakout candidates for 2025, and Smith was the site choice for the Bucs. It makes sense to predict a big upcoming season from the rookie cornerback. We always see some growth from this position in a second season.
“General manager Jason Licht’s 2024 draft class already has a proven star in Bucky Irving, and Smith is another candidate to flourish. In his first NFL regular season, Smith collected an 88.1 PFF run-defense grade, the seventh-best mark among cornerbacks with 100 or more run-defense snaps. His 21 stops tied for the 13th most among rookies. . .”
Smith made plays in 2024 but the Bucs secondary being hurt hindered his development. Another full offseason alongside Antoine Winfield Jr. and Zyon McCollum should help.
The team may also bring in some competition for him to get the best out of him.