Tackling Machine Tykee Smith
October 28th, 2025
Among the NFL’s top 10 leading tacklers this season, there is only one safety.
Heck, extend that out to the top-16 and there’s still only one safety on the board.
That’s Bucs safety Tykee Smith, a third-round pick last season. Smith will stick his face in the fire, hit and wrap up. He could teach a couple of Bucs defensive backs a thing or two.
Antoine Winfield, the Bucs 2022 nickel cornerback, was moved back to safety in 2023 and thrived all the way to the All-Pro team. Smith was probably a better nickel then Winfield and he’s also thriving with a move back to safety, where he played in college.
This year, Smith ranks 10th in the NFL in total tackles with 66 through eight games, and he’s tied for No. 7 in the league in solo tackles (39) with Raiders linebacker Devin White.
Smith also is tied for 10th in the NFL in passes defensed with eight, the second-most for a safety.
It’s safe to say Smith and Winfield have a very bright future as a safties tandem.
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