With the selection of Keionte Scott, the Bucs are bringing in a defensive back who can wear multiple hats, and in Todd Bowles’ defense, that’s about as valuable as it gets. Scott isn’t locked into one role as he’s the kind of piece that allows the entire secondary to shift and adjust around him.
With the addition of Scott, Jacob Parrish is now likely to compete with Benjamin Morrison for the starting outside corner. Scott’s path to early playing time becomes pretty clear. He can slide right into the nickel role, where his skill set arguably fits best. That inside position in a Bowles defense is about being involved in everything the defense does. And Scott checks those boxes.
What stands out immediately is how comfortable he is playing downhill. In 2025, he racked up 13 tackles for loss, which is a wild number for a defensive back. That speaks to his instincts, his willingness to be physical, and his ability to diagnose plays quickly. He’s not hesitant. He triggers fast and finishes, which is exactly what you want from a nickel defender who’s going to be involved in run support.
Scott also brings real value as a blitzer, totaling five sacks in 2025.
In Bowles’ scheme, where pressure can come from literally anywhere, Scott has the potential to become a key chess piece. Whether he’s coming off the edge, disguising pressure pre-snap, or capitalizing on mismatches, he adds another layer to what the Bucs can do defensively. Scott doesn’t have to be forced into a role. He gives Tampa Bay a true nickel option who can cover, tackle, and blitz at a high level. More importantly, he gives Bowles the freedom to get creative without sacrificing structure on the back end.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Keionte Scott is bringing a unique skillset to the Bucs secondary
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
