The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are exploring new defensive possibilities after selecting University of Miami defensive back Keionte Scott in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, according to a May 9 announcement. Head Coach Todd Bowles said that Scott’s versatility could provide the team with several options in their secondary.
The addition of Scott matters as it could change how the Buccaneers use their defensive backs this season. The team is considering using both Scott and second-year player Jacob Parrish in various roles, potentially increasing flexibility on defense.
Scott did not participate in the team’s first rookie minicamp practice due to a wrist injury but expects his cast to be removed soon. Bowles said, “Yeah, we’re going to look at him [at outside cornerback]. We’ve got to move our guys around, because when you make cuts, you don’t have that many. We’ve got to be able to have some versatile pieces.” He added that Parrish would continue playing inside but may also see more time at outside cornerback.
Bowles explained that while Parrish held the starting nickel job for most of his rookie season and filled in at outside cornerback when needed, there are now multiple ways both players might contribute. “[Scott]’s very instinctive, and Parrish was All-Rookie and he’s still going to play in there as well, but we’re going to get him some more outside reps,” Bowles said. “We’re going to start Keionte out as nickel and we’ll see if he evolves to where that becomes a safety or a corner from that standpoint and go from there. He’s really a guy that can play all over the place.”
Bowles also discussed using six defensive backs on certain plays: “He allows us to play with six defensive backs some, and keep him and Parrish inside, so he gives us a lot of options.” Last season, Tampa Bay used dime packages on just 1.2% of their snaps but may consider expanding this approach if Scott adapts well.
It remains early in preparations for the upcoming season, but Bowles indicated interest in experimenting with different alignments based on how quickly newcomers like Scott develop.
