The Buccaneers entered the 2026 NFL draft with several clear goals: adding athleticism, improving defensive speed, and continuing to build around star quarterback Baker Mayfield. General manager Jason Licht largely accomplished that mission, adding several intriguing prospects who can contribute immediately or develop into long-term pieces.
Among those key contributors are guys picked on Day three or beyond, and namely, former Miami Hurricanes stud cornerback Keionte Scott. The Buccaneers’ athletic fourth-round pick made an ESPN list of impact rookies selected on Day 2 or Day 3 of the draft.
I thought Scott could sneak into Round 2, so the Buccaneers getting him in the middle of Round 4 was extremely good value. The former Miami star should get immediate snaps at nickel, as he is explosive and instinctive. He brings a potent package of vision, ball skills and tackling intensity that translates to the NFL. I loved how Scott showed up during the biggest moments of Miami’s run to the CFP National Championship game, which furthers my confidence that he’s NFL-ready.
The Buccaneers have plenty of options in the slot, but Scott is a hybrid defender who could assume the role immediately. On the outside, things are different. The third outside corner is Josh Hayes, who didn’t play a single defensive snap last season. The fourth outside corner is Damarion Williams, who hasn’t played any regular-season snaps since 2023 with Baltimore. Scott could see snaps on the outside as well. Head coach Todd Bowles told the Tampa Bay Times this about Scott’s versatility.
“We’re going to start Keionte out as a nickel, and we’ll see if he evolves, whether he becomes a safety or a corner from that standpoint and go from there,” Bowles said. “But he’s really a guy who can play all over the place and allow us to play with six DBs some, and keep him and (Jacob) Parrish inside. So, he gives us a lot of options.”
Scott had five sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions last season for the Hurricanes, both of which were returned for touchdowns.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Buccaneers Day 3 draft pick named an ‘instant impact’ defender by ESPN
Reporting by Glenn Erby , Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
