
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will open the 2026 season Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
Keionte Scott enters his first NFL season after Tampa Bay selected him 116th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The rookie defensive back brings experience playing the nickel position to Tampa Bay’s secondary.
Scott could have an important role against Cincinnati’s explosive passing attack. His versatility gives Tampa Bay another defensive back capable of making plays around the football.
– Tackles: 4-7
– Interceptions: 0-1
– Pass Deflections: 1-2
– Forced Fumbles: 0-1
– Scott enters the season as a rookie who already has experience playing nickel.
– Cincinnati’s passing attack should create opportunities for Tampa Bay’s defensive backs.
– Scott’s quickness and versatility could help him compete against Cincinnati’s smaller receiving threats.
– His ability to make plays on the football could give Tampa Bay an unexpected source of production.
– Tackles: 5
– Interceptions: 0
– Pass Deflections: 2
– Forced Fumbles: 1
Scott has an opportunity to make an immediate impression during his first NFL game.
The Bengals will test Tampa Bay’s secondary throughout the afternoon. For Scott, that challenge could provide several opportunities to make plays around the football.
Prediction: Five tackles, zero interceptions, two pass deflections and one forced fumble.
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