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Tykee Smith

Tykee Smith Player Profile

Summary

Tykee Smith was selected in the 3rd round (89th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Inquirer.com He played college football at Georgia (after transferring from West Virginia), where in his final season (2023) he totaled 70 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 4 interceptions, earning Second‑Team All‑SEC honors. Inquirer.com During his college career, he was used in a hybrid “STAR” role — a nickel/safety-type defender who played near the box and in coverage. Inquirer.com He signed his rookie contract with Tampa Bay in May 2024. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Known for his versatility, physicality, and instincts, Smith brings a strong football IQ, leadership, and a willingness to mix in the run game. SI

Strengths

  • Versatility in the Secondary: Smith has experience playing both safety and the nickel (STAR) role, giving him value as a multi-positional defender. The Draft Network

  • Run Support / Physicality: He’s a willing and effective tackler, capable of coming down into the box and making plays against the run. SI

  • Ball Skills / Playmaking: Smith has shown he can get his hands on the football — he intercepted four passes in 2023. Inquirer.com

  • Instincts & Football IQ: He diagnoses routes quickly, reads the quarterback well, and has good awareness and anticipation. SI

  • Competitive & High Motor: Smith plays with urgency and intensity; his background reflects strong leadership and a competitive spirit. SI

  • Reliable Tackling Technique: Known for sound tackling form; he can strike low and wrap up effectively. SI

  • Special Teams Upside: Given his speed, tackling ability, and versatility, he projects as a contributor on special teams.

Weaknesses

  • Size / Length Limitations: At ~5′10″, Smith is on the shorter side for some defensive back roles, and his arm length is modest. The Draft Network

  • Press Release Risk: He may struggle to win consistently at the line of scrimmage against bigger, physical receivers due to lack of dominant release. SI

  • Top‑End Range Concerns: Though fast and quick, his long‑range recovery speed and deep-coverage range aren’t seen as elite by all analysts. SI

  • Tendency to Over-Pursue: His aggressive playstyle can lead to him biting on fakes or taking risky angles in coverage. (Noted in draft reports) The Draft Network

  • Durability Questions: He missed time earlier in his career (at Georgia), and his compact frame could draw concern about staying healthy long-term. On3

Fit & Outlook

Tykee Smith is a strong fit for a defense that values hybrid defensive backs — specifically in a role that mixes nickel coverage and in-the-box safety responsibilities. His physicality, intelligence, and comfort in multiple alignments make him ideal for schemes that deploy “STAR” or “big nickel” defenders who help against both the pass and the run. In Tampa Bay’s system, he could be rotated between safety and slot/corner duties, giving the coaching staff flexibility and schematic options.

Looking ahead, Smith’s outlook is optimistic but realistic. He has the traits to develop into a key rotational defensive back or even a full-time starter, especially if he continues refining his coverage technique and leverages his tackling strength. His floor is as a reliable sub-package defender and special teams contributor; his ceiling is as a multi-phase playmaker who can match up inside, make plays on the ball, and contribute in run support. With continued development and good health, he could become a core piece of Tampa Bay’s secondary for years to come.