Tykee Smith Can Be Even Better
July 17th, 2026
Underrated dawg.
A player growing on Joe is Bucs safety Tykee Smith.
He showed flashes as a rookie in 2024 but last year Smith demonstrated he can hang in the NFL. And Joe believes Smith hasn’t hit his ceiling.
As a rookie Smith was banged up and only played in 13 games. He missed only one game last year. However, Joe was told over the summer Smith was hurt a whole lot worse than he was letting on or that the team ever acknowledged.
In fact, Joe had heard there was at least a three-game period last season where Smith couldn’t raise an arm above his shoulder, yet he started and gutted his way through games.
Man, it’s awfully hard to play defense in the NFL, much less guard receivers downfield, when you can’t raise an arm above your shoulder.
Last year Smith led all NFL safeties with 13 passes defended. How many more would he have had if he didn’t have a busted wing?
If Smith can stay healthy, Joe wouldn’t be shocked if Smith has a Pro Bowl-level season this fall.