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Tykee Smith Is A Safety

May 27th, 2025

So then-rookie Tykee Smith was the Bucs’ nickel cornerback last season and led the club in takeaways, a combination of interceptions and forced fumbles.

In Todd Bowles tradition, the head coach/defensive coordinator said right after the season that he’s considering a change at nickel. The thought, per Bowles, was to possibly move Smith to safety.

Joe asked Bowles today how he views Smith and if he’s now all-in at safety.

“He’s a safety but he’s always a nickel,” Bowles replied. “So depending on the game, he gives us a variety to do different things. And, you know, we’ll see how it goes. He’s playing safety now but he’s taking reps at nickel, as well.”

Asked who is competing for a nickel job, Bowles did not mention rookie outside cornerback Benjamin Morrison. He went with Smith, rookie Jacob Parrish, undrafted rookie J.J. Roberts out of Marshall, Zyon McCollum and Christian Izien.

“They’re different types of players,” Bowles said. “You got a bunch of nickels right now.”

Joe asked McCollum about Bowles throwing him in the mix at nickel. McCollum said he’ll do whatever it takes to help the team and he can even play linebacker or safety if asked.

Joe will note, however, McCollum said last year that he benefited greatly in his development from having only one position: outside cornerback.