Writing The Ship: The Genesis of a Great Buccaneers Defense

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have needs on the defensive side of the ball. They have free agent starters potentially leaving at linebacker, edge rusher and defensive line. They also need a second starting linebacker because SirVocea Dennis just wasn’t very good last season.

These needs will be getting a lot of focus this offseason and it’s obvious as to why. However, there is another need on defense that isn’t getting as much attention. One that has the potential to open up the entire defense if they bring in the right player.

That would be at the free safety position. To have a player that can cover the deep middle part of the field and provide sideline to sideline support in coverage is extremely valuable for a defense that wants to send pressure. It’s an element that this Buccaneers team has been missing since Mike Edwards and the Super Bowl team in 2020.

Adding a rangy free safety would open up so much. It would allow Todd Bowles to move Antione Winfield Jr and Tykee Smith around more and let this team play more press man coverage knowing that there is a safety net on the back end. 

“In The Beginning…”

Fortunately, this is a very talented safety class. But with so many different styles and system fits, it isn’t always easy to find the perfect player even in a deep class. With that said, I have identified the safety who could be the Genesis of a great Buccaneers defense.

That player is University of Arizona free safety Genesis Smith. At this point there is a wide range of projections for his draft position, but it will be somewhere on day two of the draft. Regardless of other needs, the Bucs would be wise to target him in this range.

Smith has great size at 6’2 and 202 lbs. He combines this with very good speed that allows him to make plays all over the field. This is a beautiful blend of size, speed, fluidity which makes him a ready made NFL athlete.

To be clear, his athletic tools look good, maybe even very good. With that said, Smith’s athletic profile isn’t the impressive part of his game. I’ve come away far more impressed with his mental makeup and overall awareness for the game. 

Right Place, Right Time

Smith flows to the ball very well. He is always in a good position to defend the run (even if he isn’t a great tackler). The same can be said about his coverage; he’s in the right place at the right time basically every play.

These skills have accumulated to impressive production on the field. Over the last two years Smith has had 140 total tackles, 14 passes deflected, 4 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles. That type of production doesn’t happen for a safety unless he is around the ball all the time.

Players who are athletic and intelligent as Smith don’t usually last long in the draft. And even if it isn’t the biggest need, the Bucs should still look this direction if he is on the board in round two. After all, if they can get one of the 32 best players in the draft (which I believe Smith is) in the second or third round then you have to put roster needs aside and bring in that talent. 

Smith could help unlock this defense. He would make the blitz better, allow the corners to play more press man coverage and take pressure off of everyone in front of him. If you are a believer in drafting the best player available then start considering Genesis Smith in your upcoming mock drafts.