joebucsfan.com

Bucs Want Tykee Smith “More Conditioned”

April 3rd, 2025

Not every rookie is truly NFL-ready.

There’s a lot to learn and a lot to endure. And some rookies overtrain to prepare for the NFL Scouting Combine and end up partially gassed during the rigors of the long — and longer than college — NFL season.

Was 2024 Bucs rookie Tykee Smith in that boat? It seems that way after listening to head coach Todd Bowles this week.

Joe’s not knocking Smith. The young nickel cornerback/safety led the Bucs in forced turnovers last season — 3 fumbles and 2 interceptions — despite missing four games due to injuries and sickness. He’s a playmaker on a defense that needs more of them.

But Smith did appear to hit a rookie wall, through Joe’s lens, and Bowles wants to see his treasured 2024 third-round draft pick dive deeper into his physical preparation. That’s what the head coach said this week at the annual NFC Coaches breakfast, where Joe went heavy on the scrambled eggs and fruit.

“Coming back, just being a rookie it’s kind of tough to go through a year like that, and go through 17 games plus playoff game and preseason,” Bowles said of Smith. “That’s a lot of games. So hopefully he comes back more conditioned for the NFL season and I think he’ll be fine. From a confidence standpoint, we feel like we can put him anywhere.”

Smith’s sophomore season could represent a nice lift for the embattled Bucs secondary. But there’s no greater X factor back there than Antoine Winfield, Jr.

If he can return to his All-Pro form, then the Bucs are going to be a much better team.